Supplier Award
The award consists of:
- Congratulatory letter signed by the highest level of management from the nominating NASA Center and/or contractor organization
- Trophy
- Pins (optional)
Award Presentation Process
A member of executive management, the Quality representative who visits the subcontractor on a monthly or annual basis (if available), and other key members of management from the nominating contractor or Center will present the Supplier Award trophy and letter (and pins if included) in a ceremony at the supplier's facility. If appropriate, an astronaut will be invited to attend the presentation and may also present Snoopy awards, if applicable.
Selection Process
Select candidates using a documented system that shows valid data that rates their performance. Criteria must include contract performance in the areas of quality, schedule, and cost. There may be exceptions to the above process. A supplier may still deserve special recognition because an extraordinary amount of effort was expended to produce a product to meet an abnormal schedule that enhanced flight capability. Also, the supplier may not have been under contract for a full year, which may affect the supplier's rating. The evaluation team should include Material/Purchasing, Engineering, Manufacturing, Product Quality, Program Management, and the SFA Program representative. A representative from the committee will brief the highest level at the site for concurrence. As a general rule, there should be no more than three awards per year per Panel member. No more than one award can be presented in a Supplier category (Large, Small, Small Disadvantaged Business, Woman-Owned Business, Veteran-Owned Business, Hub Zone, Historically Black College, and Minority Institutions). Coordinate exceptions with the SFA Program Manager.
Eligibility and Nomination
This annual award honors outstanding performance by hardware, software, and service suppliers, contractors, vendors, and subcontractors who support NASA human spaceflight programs. Eligibility criteria should include consideration of high-quality products, excellent technical and cost performance, and adherence to schedules.