During a recent conference of almost 200 of its major suppliers, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company recognized three companies for their outstanding small business programs -- Harris Corp., Honeywell Guidance & Navigation Operation and TRW Lucas Aerospace.

Lynette Ward, Small Business specialist from the U.S. Air Force Outreach Program Office in San Antonio, Texas, presented the awards on behalf of Lockheed Martin.

"Small business subcontracting is very important to the Air Force and to Lockheed Martin Aeronautics," Ward said. "They are the first prime contractor to honor their subcontractors for their outstanding small business programs. Since Lockheed Martin Aeronautics is unable to include subcontractors' small- business dollars in its own reporting to the government, this clearly demonstrates their commitment to small business."

Criteria for being selected includes senior management commitment and customer satisfaction from the results of proactive small business initiatives such as technical assistance to small, disadvantaged, woman-owned and Native- American firms, tribal industries, historically black colleges and minority institutions.

Lockheed Martin Aeronautics and the U.S. Air Force recently renewed their Memorandum of Understanding to increase subcontracting with small businesses. Under this agreement, Lockheed Martin proactively solicits bids from small business through advertising and supports Air Force outreach events to increase awareness of the opportunities for small businesses.

Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company is a leader in the design, development, systems integration, production and support of advanced military aircraft and related technologies. Its customers include the military services of the United States and allied countries throughout the world. Products include the F-22, F-16, F-117, C-5, C-27J, C-130, P-3, U-2, X-33 and Joint Strike Fighter, among other renowned aircraft. LM Aeronautics is a unit of Lockheed Martin Corp. , headquartered in Bethesda, Md. Lockheed Martin is a global enterprise principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture and integration of advanced-technology systems, products and services. The corporation's core businesses are systems integration, space, aeronautics and technology services.

For information on Lockheed Martin Corporation, visit: http://www.lockheedmartin.com/.

For information on Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company, visit: http://www.lmaeronautics.com/.

SOURCE: Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company