From the beginning of the COVID-19 crisis, Lockheed Martin has been working closely with the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) to identify ways to provide critical financial and operational support to the most vulnerable elements of the U.S. defense industrial base. Since March, the corporation has accelerated payments to more than 7,900 suppliers, including more than 4,800 small businesses across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and 39 nations. In the month of August, Lockheed Martin accelerated between $300 million and $500 million per week with a focus on small businesses and at-risk suppliers.
Lockheed Martin has 15,800 active suppliers. Today, the corporation is recognizing the best of the best as it continues to promote a healthy defense industrial base during these uncertain times. 77 small and large businesses are being recognized for exemplary performances in 2019. This honor is based on a variety of factors from reliable deliveries, to the alignment of the business’ values with Lockheed Martin values. Most importantly, the businesses mentioned average 99% on time deliveries and zero quality defects. These small and large businesses represent the top one percent of suppliers supporting the corporation’s mission.
“Our suppliers are an invaluable part of our team, and critical to ensuring that we continue to deliver mission success for our customers,” said Dr. Keoki Jackson, Lockheed Martin vice president of supply chain and program performance. “Every one of the Elite Suppliers has a proven commitment to quality and accountability. As a leader in development, production and sustainment of systems that must perform flawlessly across all domains from the deep ocean to the far reaches of space, operational excellence and supplier performance are key tenets of Lockheed Martin’s business model.”
AERO:
Aeronautics is committed to the design, production and sustainment of high performance aircraft, including the world’s only 5th generation fighters, the F-35 Lightning II and F-22 Raptor, the most advanced 4th generation fighter, the F-16 Fighting Falcon, and battle-proven airlift with the C-130 Hercules. And the future of aviation is being developed today at its world-renowned Skunk Works®. The business area is recognizing 20 small and large businesses as elite suppliers, representing the top performers of more than 1,400 suppliers that support its mission.
“Lockheed Martin’s supply chain is a vital part of building and delivering aircraft on time, with zero quality defects,” said Janet Duffey, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics vice president for supply chain management. “Through our strong partnership with suppliers we are collectively able to operate effectively in a resilient environment and perform with excellence to meet our customer’s needs. This award recognized and honors the commitment and performance from our top suppliers.”
RMS:
Rotary and Mission Systems delivers mission first innovation across its portfolio of rotorcraft technology, sensors, radar systems, command and control, integrated air and missile defense, simulation and training, advanced cyber solutions, electronic warfare, and undersea systems. The business area is honoring 27 businesses all together.
“Suppliers are critical members of our industry team, enabling production of the most advanced technologies for our customers,” Abby Lilly, Vice President of Global Supply Chain at Lockheed Martin Rotary and Mission Systems told suppliers recently. “You achieved this award because you have shown your dedication to delivering on our customers expectation of perfect quality and delivery.”
MFC:
Missiles and Fire Control is celebrating 20 small business suppliers for their partnership and for their ongoing commitment to excellence. The business area produces electrooptic and smart munitions systems and is a pioneer of high-performance missiles, missile defense, advanced sensors, threat detection and rocket technology, delivering these capabilities to military forces globally. These small business suppliers were selected for their outstanding service, willingness to go above and beyond and for their responsiveness and quick-turnaround time.
“We are pleased to recognize our small business supplier honorees for their dedication to performing with excellence. Our partnerships with each of these small business suppliers is essential for Missiles and Fire Control to meet our commitments to our customers,” Brian Kubik, Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control vice president of global supply chain.
SPACE:
Lockheed Martin Space creates technologies that power exploration, connectivity and security from space. Major programs include GPS III and secure communications, human and robotic exploration of deep space, strategic deterrence and missile defense, weather and remote sensing, and commercial communications. The business area is recognizing the top 10 small businesses suppliers for 99% on-time deliveries and zero defects in 2019.
“The products we make at Lockheed Martin Space don’t get to orbit or beyond on their own –it takes an innovative, affordable and agile supply chain,” said Rick Smith, Space vice president of global supply chain. “These suppliers exhibit the breadth, diversity and excellence of the Lockheed Martin global supply chain and each plays a key role in helping us meet mission requirements for our customers.”