WASHINGTON, June 26, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has awarded Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) the 2013 Dwight D. Eisenhower Award for Excellence- Manufacturing. The awards ceremony was held as part of the SBA's recognition of National Small Business Week.

The Dwight D. Eisenhower Award recognizes large prime contractors that have excelled in the utilization of small businesses as suppliers and subcontractors. Lockheed Martin committed $6.4 billion to supplier partnerships with small businesses in 2012.

"This award is a validation of our continued commitment to small businesses and their importance in helping deliver value for our customers," said Dr. Ray O. Johnson, Lockheed Martin senior vice president and chief technology officer. "We are humbled that the SBA has chosen to recognize our supplier community for its innovative ideas, hard work, and dedication over the past year."

"The industry leaders who contract with small businesses help boost the nation's economy. They are stellar models of how to successfully navigate the federal contracting arena," said SBA Administrator Karen Mills. "When federal contracts get into the hands of small businesses, it is a win-win for the federal government, small businesses, the economy and the job market."

Each year since 1963, the President has issued a proclamation calling for the celebration of Small Business Week. This year marked the 50^th anniversary of National Small Business Week.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs about 118,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The corporation's net sales for 2012 were $47.2 billion.

For additional information, visit our website:
www.lockheedmartin.com

SOURCE Lockheed Martin