Companies participating in the award application process must submit comprehensive information on the quality-improvement programs they have implemented. The seven categories on which applicants are evaluated are leadership, information analysis, strategic quality planning, human-resource development and management, quality assurance, quality operating results, and customer satisfaction. Applications are graded on a 1,000-point scale, and companies with the highest scores are visited by a team of quality examiners. The examiners submit their findings to a board of nine judges, who then provide feedback reports to applicants and select award recipients. Two awards may be granted yearly to companies in each of three categories: manufacturing, service, and small business. While award recipients are allowed to publicize and advertise their awards, they are also expected to share information about their successful quality strategies with other U.S. companies.