The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) today announced its selection of Lockheed Martin as one of two companies that will compete to design a permanent archives system to preserve and manage electronic records created by the Federal government.

The Electronic Records Archives, a major NARA-led initiative to help enable the successful move to government-wide electronic records management, will capture electronic information, regardless of its format, save it permanently, and make it accessible on whatever future hardware or software is currently in use. When operational, ERA will make it easy for the public and government officials to find records they want, and easy for NARA to deliver those records in formats people need.

"We are extremely pleased that our team has been selected to participate in this program that will be so important to preserving the history and heritage of the United States," said Don Antonucci, president, Lockheed Martin Transportation and Security Solutions.

"As we've seen throughout history, the manner of documenting the acts and facts of the government has continuously evolved," said Antonucci. "It is essential that the system be flexible to help NARA manage and preserve electronic records that will need to be accessible generations from now using technology still beyond anyone's imagination. Our team, already working together for over a year, stands ready and committed to support NARA's goals and objectives of conquering this large-scale, systems integration challenge."

At the end of this year-long preliminary design phase, the National Archives will select one team, largely based on the design of its submission, to build the Electronic Records Archives system. The first increment of the system is scheduled to be operational in 2007, with four additional increments to follow.

The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) ensures, for the citizen, the President, the Congress and the Courts, ready access to essential evidence that documents the rights of citizens, the actions of federal officials, and the national experience.

Headquartered in Bethesda, MD, Lockheed Martin employs about 130,000 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 website: http://www.lockheedmartin.com/

SOURCE: Lockheed Martin