A business of Lockheed Martin has achieved another first in the independent assessment of its technical and managerial credentials.

Lockheed Martin System Integration-Owego has achieved a Maturity Level 5 rating -- the highest possible -- to the Capability Maturity Model(R) Integration (CMMI(R)) for Systems Engineering, Software Engineering, Integrated Product and Process Development, and Supplier Sourcing. The CMMI(R) appraisal process is managed by the Software Engineering Institute (SEI) at Carnegie Mellon University.

Based on the most recent published report on CMMI appraisal results from the SEI, Lockheed Martin Systems Integration -- Owego is the first company in the world known to have attained a Level 5 rating using the Standard CMMI Appraisal Method for Process Improvement against the full scope of the CMMI(R) model. The Level 5 rating was determined by an independent team led by the Software Productivity Consortium, headquartered in Herndon, VA.

At Level 5, the focus is on process performance through both incremental and innovative technological improvements. The result is improved quality, greater productivity and predictable program performance.

"This achievement is the culmination of many years of continuous process improvement at Lockheed Martin Systems Integration -- Owego and demonstrates to our customers that Lockheed Martin uses the highest level of processes that enable us to deliver world-class products and services with efficiency and competence," said Lockheed Martin Systems Integration -- Owego President Frank Meyer. In 1997, Lockheed Martin Systems Integration -- Owego was one of the first companies in the world to attain Level 5 to the Software Capability Maturity Model, Meyer explained.

The SEI is a federally funded research and development center sponsored by the U.S. Department of Defense and operated by Carnegie Mellon University. The CMMI(R) product suite was developed to integrate multiple capability maturity models into a single improvement framework for use by organizations pursuing enterprisewide process improvement.

"By applying our world-class processes to the US101 helicopter program, we will ensure a low risk path to achieving an initial operational capability in 2007 for the new presidential helicopter,' said Meyer.

Lockheed Martin Systems Integration -- Owego is a leader in providing advanced technology products, services and systems integration solutions for defense and civil customers worldwide. Based in Owego, NY, the Lockheed Martin business segment operates key facilities in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom.

Headquartered in Bethesda, MD, Lockheed Martin employs about 125,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture and integration of advanced technology systems, products and services.

For additional information, visit our Web site:

http://www.lockheedmartin.com/

SOURCE: Lockheed Martin