Original Date: 04/07/1997
Revision Date: 04/14/2003

Originated in 1987 by the Commanding Officer at Rock Island Arsenal (RIA), the Commander’s Quality Excellence Award is given to recognize and reward employee achievements in the area of quality improvement. All RIA employees and offices are eligible for the award. Initially conceived as a group award, the recognition has been expanded to include individual achievement. A nomination questionnaire is submitted to the Award Committee for review. The questionnaire was designed to allow each nominated individual’s actions to be compared side-by-side rather than the more interpretive method of using a free-form nomination letter. Unique as a non-monetary award for quality improvement, the Award Committee has chosen 38 groups and eight individuals as recipients.

The Commander’s Quality Excellence Award consists of two plaques. One plaque, inscribed with the name of the recipient, is displayed in the entryway of Building 211; a second plaque is displayed in the recipient’s work area until the next quarter’s recipient is chosen. Additionally, a photo of the Commander and the recipient is taken at the time of the award presentation, a certificate is placed in the recipient’s personnel file, an article noting the award appears in the Target, and the recipient receives a lapel pin imprinted with “Rock Island Arsenal” and “Commander’s Quality Excellence Award.”

Besides the obvious benefit of a cost savings in production through the accomplishments of nominees, there is an important additional benefit as nominees are recognized for their contribution. This encourages others to contribute. RIA is aware of group and individual effort and is willing to recognize it.

For more information see the Point of Contact for this survey.