The Quality Texas Foundation (QTF) is a NFP 501(c)3 corporation registered in the State of Texas. In 1990 the concept of a state quality award was introduced to and supported by the Governor of Texas and followed the model set by the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award. Collaborative efforts between the Governor's office, the Texas Department of Commerce, and Texas businesses made it possible to create QTF. A committee of representatives from Texas organizations created the Quality Texas Foundation [now the Texas Award for Performance Excellence (TAPE)]. Throughout its lifespan, QTF has recognized all types of organizations in manufacturing, service, small business, for profits, government, military, education, healthcare, communities, and nonprofit sectors for excellence by using the Malcolm Baldrige Framework for Performance Excellence. QTF has had 20 national recipients of the Baldrige Award and fifty-seven state Award recipients in its 25 year history.