OREANDA-NEWS. Ball Aerospace has been named a new Tier 1 supplier in the 2016 U.S. Air Force Superior Supplier Incentive Program ranking. This is the first time Ball has been eligible for the service's third annual ranking and the company debuted at the Tier 1 level. In reporting the 2016 results, the Air Force refined its methodology to better represent the scope of work being assessed in each evaluation.

"This recognition is a perfect example of how Ball goes beyond to enable our customers to perform beyond expectation and protect what matters most," said Rob Strain, president, Ball Aerospace. "We greatly value the collaborative relationship we have with the Air Force and we are honored to work with them to support the men and women who serve our country."

The criteria for the award included suppliers who contributed at the prime contractor level. Ball's National Defense and Systems Engineering Solutions Strategic Business Units are providing key support to the Air Force for various spacecraft and defense programs.

The Air Force rates contractors through the Contractor Performance Assessment Reports created by airmen and women who acquire the materiel and services provided by rated companies. The Superior Supplier ranking compiles three years of this data and categorizes suppliers at Tier I, Tier II or Tier III. This provides feedback at a higher level than an individual contract and serves as an incentive to improve. Individual business units within a company are rated, not the entire company. For more information visit the U.S. Air Force website.

Ball Aerospace pioneers discoveries that enable our customers to perform beyond expectation and protect what matters most. We create innovative space solutions, enable more accurate weather forecasts, drive insightful observations of our planet, deliver actionable data and intelligence, and ensure those who defend our freedom go forward bravely and return home safely. 

Ball Corporation supplies innovative, sustainable packaging solutions for beverage, food and household products customers, as well as aerospace and other technologies and services primarily for the U.S. government. Ball Corporation and its subsidiaries employ 18,700 people worldwide and pro forma 2015 net sales were $11.0 billion.