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Federal Transit Administrator James Simpson has set a pretty lofty goal for the FTA: to become the best federal agency.

“I am calling on every employee at FTA to add value, excellence and shine to the work we do, in everything from answering the telephone to analyzing and recommending funding for transit projects,” he said in a prepared statement.

The agency will compete for the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, which is awarded every November by the U.S. Department of Commerce to recognize organizations that demonstrate a customer-focused change that enhances quality and productivity.

Simpson plans to serve as FTA’s “chief complaint officer” and has encouraged all employees to provide suggestions on ways to improve the agency. FTA officials also are seeking feedback from grant recipients and other agencies to help identify the department’s strengths and weaknesses.

This is the first year that federal agencies can compete for the quality award with private and non-profit organizations.