ABC Virtual Communications, Inc. was established in 1995 and has become the Internet software development and consulting company of choice focusing its expertise, skill, and knowledge on Internet-base d e-Business products and services. Dedicated to excellence and committed to innovation, ABC Virtual Communications, Inc. has attracted and retained highly skilled employees in an extremely competiti ve market, enabling the company to help its customers extend the reach of their enterprises using the power of Internet technologies.

The Anniston Army Depot performs depot level maintenance for combat tanks, tracked combat vehicles, small arms weapons, mortars, recoilless rifles, and optical and electronic fire control systems. Th e Depot also provides ammunition storage, renovation, modification and disposal. Additionally, the maintenance and storage of conventional ammunition and missiles, as well as the storage of chemical munitions, are significant parts of the Depot's overall mission and capabilities.

The Applied Research Laboratory at The Pennsylvania State University serves as a center of research excellence in undersea science and technology. To fulfill this mission, the Applied Research Lab at Penn State conducts basic and applied research, exploratory activities, and advanced development in support of the U.S. Navy’s undersea technology base and related mission areas; contributes to the e ducational objectives, research goals, and scholarly reputation of the University; and promotes the transfer of advanced technology, technology extension, and training to the government and industrial sectors.

Auto-Valve, Inc. manufactures quality valves and components for fuel systems used by aircraft manufacturers. Auto- Valve, Inc. is ISO 9001 and AS 9100 certified, and its facilities include a complete machining, assembly, testing, engineering, and research and development center.

Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc. (BHTI), Fort Worth, Texas, is one of the leading producers of helicopters and spare parts for the U.S. Government, foreign governments, and civilian markets. More than h alf of all the helicopters operating in the free world are Bell Helicopters. A wholly owned subsidiary of Textron Inc., BHTI is an integrated builder of rotary aircraft with the capabilities to produ ce virtually every component with the exception of engines and avionics. BHTI is a $1.1 billion (1987 revenues) company consisting of nine plants in Texas and one in Canada for a total of 3 million s quare feet of facilities and 9,300 employees.

Bender Shipbuilding and Repair Company, Inc. first established its reputation as a major shipbuilder by establishing itself as the dominant supplier of fishing vessels to the Pacific Northwest, and a major supplier to foreign fishing fleets. Today, Bender is also a major supplier of vessels for the offshore oil and gas industry. The company has also built drill rigs for spill recovery vessels fo r a national oil spill response fleet. The company is committed, through continuous improvement, to providing quality marine products that meet or exceed customers’ requirements.

CACI International Inc. is an industry leader in providing IT services, communications, and solutions primarily to the U.S. Government. With headquarters in Arlington, Virginia and London, England, C ACI employs more than 11,000 highly skilled employees in more than 120 offices throughout North America and Western Europe. Approximately 2,700 CACI employees work in the company’s Engineering and Lo gistics Business sector, and of those, more than 200 are involved in Reliability-Centered Maintenance (RCM) work. The BMP Survey of CACI’s RCM program was conducted the week of November 6, 2007 at th e company’s Fairfax, Virginia facility.

The Center for Advanced Life-Cycle Engineering (CALCE) at the University of Maryland in College Park was established in 1986 and is recognized internationally as a founder, driving force, and leader i n the development and implementation of physics-of-failure analysis and approaches to reliability and life-cycle prediction. CALCE is a world leader in accelerated testing and electronic parts select ion and management and provides a knowledge and resource base to support the development and sustainment of competitive electronic products and systems.

Based in St. Petersburg, Florida, CONAX Florida Corporation is a leader in electro-explosive technology. This corporation maintains a product line in electro-explosive mechanical release systems (lat ch pin, nut, bolt release or cable cutting), flow control (one-way or combination valving), and stored energy release (liquid or gas) devices.

In 1884, Cincinnati Milacron, Inc. began as a small shop, known as the Cincinnati Screw and Tap Company, which served local industry. Five years later, the company saw the future in milling machines, and changed its name to the Cincinnati Milling Machine Company to reflect its new direction. Over the years, the company grew and expanded its product line (e.g., precision grinding machines, numeric al controls, machine tools, plastics injection molding machines) and, in 1970, adopted its present name. Today, Cincinnati Milacron is a global leader in industrial processes, products, and services i ncluding plastics processing machinery, moldmaking equipment, composites processing systems, flexible manufacturing cells, metalworking fluids, carbide wear parts, and industrial magnets.

With its corporate headquarters located in Cincinnati, Ohio, Cincinnati Milacron maintains numerous U.S. and international operations, employs 12,500 personnel worldwide, and achieved $1.7 billion in revenues for 1996. The BMP survey focused on the company's Cincinnati-based Machine Tool Group which serves a broad range of markets such as job shops, and the automotive and aerospace industries. Am ong the best practices documented were Cincinnati Milacron's metrology services; building a culture of leaders; machine tool product development process; carburizing process inspection; automatic test system; and spindle carrier runoff.

Over the last 27 years, Chattanooga has undergone substantial changes with strong support from public/private campaigns. Government, business, and civic leaders provided the basis for new community-e nhancement programs through the Chattanooga Venture, a not-for-profit organization designed to facilitate the community’s involvement in the City’s future. This tool has not only helped citizens addr ess the important strategic issues for the community’s vitality, but also acted as a catalyst for change. The Chattanooga Venture served as an incubator for major improvement programs such as Vision 2 000, the Chattanooga Neighborhood Enterprise, and the River City Company before they migrated to the community.

Corpus Christi Army Depot is the Army's only organic facility for the repair and overhaul of rotary wing aircraft. The Depot is a major contributor of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force readi ness through repair, overhaul, and maintenance of a wide variety of helicopters as well as related engines and components. Corpus Christi Army Depot seeks and meets the challenges of global military demands through three major areas: overhaul, repair, modification, retrofit, and modernization (the Depot performs overhaul, repair, modification, retrofit, and modernization for Army and numerous Dep artment of Defense rotary wing aircraft); training (the Depot provides hands-on training for Reserve, National Guard, active duty, and friendly foreign military personnel); and additional depot mainte nance support (the Depot provides additional depot maintenance support including on-site maintenance teams, crash damage analysis, and chemical, metallurgical, and technical support).

Crane Army Ammunition Activity is an installation within the U.S. Army Industrial Operations Command (now Operational Support Command), a major subordinate command of the U.S. Army Materiel Command. The Activity is one of three government owned/government operated ammunition production facilities within the Department of Defense and was activated on October 1, 1977 in response to the Department o f Defense’s implementation of the Single Manager for Conventional Ammunition concept, which gave the Army the task of providing conventional ammunition/production/storage services to all branches of t he military. The Activity’s mission is to produce and renovate conventional ammunition and ammunition-related components; perform manufacturing, engineering, and product assurance in support of produ ction; and store, ship, and/or demilitarize and dispose of conventional ammunition and related items.

Dayton Parts, Inc. (DPI), located in Harrisburg, PA, was originally founded as Stanley Springs in 1921, and its original product line of heavy-duty leaf springs used on tractors, trailers and other he avy equipment has remained central to the company’s business. The company became Dayton Parts in 1988 and kept the Stanley Springs name for its spring line and its repair facility. Acquired by JPE, Inc. in 1992, DPI manufactures and/or distributes truck and automotive components for the original equipment market and aftermarket and sells to heavy-, medium-, and light-duty truck and trailer indep endent companies. Its primary customers are independent warehouse distributors, mega distributors, wheel and rim distributors, and spring service outlets for heavy duty and medium duty commercial veh icles and related equipment. DPI has expanded on its original spring line to include the suspension, steering, and wheel end products to encompass a “one-stop” shopping concept. Products other than the springs are purchased for distribution.

In the 1940s, Oak Ridge Operations was established as one of the primary sites for World War II’s Manhattan Project. Today, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) complex has expanded far beyond its ori ginal mission and supports various activities such as major energy research and development programs; dismantlement and storage of nuclear weapon components; emergency manufacturing; design, fabricati on, and certification of precision prototype hardware and assemblies; environmental management; educational training; and manufacturing technology transfer programs. Located in the city of Oak Ridge, Tennessee, Oak Ridge Operations encompasses 35,252 acres of land and embraces three primary research and technology facilities (Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge Y-12 Plant, and East Tennessee Technology Park) as well as supportive organizations.

In the 1940s, Oak Ridge Operations was established as one of the primary sites for World War II’s Manhattan Project. Today, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) complex has expanded far beyond its ori ginal mission and supports various activities such as major energy research and development programs; dismantlement and storage of nuclear weapon components; emergency manufacturing; design, fabricati on, and certification of precision prototype hardware and assemblies; environmental management; educational training; and manufacturing technology transfer programs. Located in the city of Oak Ridge, Tennessee, Oak Ridge Operations encompasses 35,252 acres of land and embraces three primary research and technology facilities (Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge Y-12 Plant, and East Tennessee Technology Park) as well as supportive organizations.

The Department of the Navy’s Directorate for Missiles and Surface Launchers PEO IWS 3.0, formerly the STANDARD Missile Program Office (PMS 422), is responsible for the “cradle-to-grave” management of the STANDARD Missile and Vertical Launcher Programs. PEO IWS 3.0 oversees all variants of both programs inclusive of concept formulation, design, development, integration, acquisition, test and evalu ation, fleet introduction, modernization, and life-cycle maintenance.

Operating as part of General Dynamics, Electric Boat Corporation, Quonset Point Facility is recognized throughout the country as an innovator in submarine technology and development. With more than a century of experience, Electric Boat has established a standard of excellence in the design and construction of submarines for the U.S. Navy with the implementation of a continuous improvement progra m that integrates Six Sigma, Lean workplace practices, employee involvement, and a cost-of-quality program.

From its modest beginnings with three teachers and six students, Elizabethtown College grew in size and stature to become one of the most highly regarded, private, liberal arts colleges. Since 1994, the College has been consecutively ranked in the top five for Regional Liberal Arts Colleges (North) by U.S. News & World Report. Situated on a 185-acre campus in Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania, Eli zabethtown College accommodates a student body of 1,550 full-time undergraduate students with 152 full-time and part-time professors. The College offers a comprehensive curriculum in liberal arts wit h major studies in the arts and sciences; pre-professional programs; and interdisciplinary programs. Its fiscal budget for 1997 was $38.5 million.

Achieving world-class gear quality and total customer satisfaction are the direct result of Forest City Gear’s investment in machines, employees, and management systems. The company manufactures both aerospace and commercial gears cut to American Gear Manufacturers Association quality 12 and higher, and helps customers worldwide resolve gear related problems.

Frontier Electronic Systems is a multimillion dollar, high technology engineering and manufacturing leader located in Stillwater, Oklahoma. The corporation specializes in the design, qualification, a nd production of innovative aircraft avionics, maritime signal distribution systems, satellite electronics, and commercial-off-the-shelf based test systems for government and industry customers throug hout the world.

General Dynamics Armament Systems (GDAS) (now General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products) is a world-class solution integrator of armament and munitions products and services. Its Burlington, V ermont headquarters is home to the functional staff of the business including the engineering and supply chain management organizations. The company also operates the Ethan Allen Firing Range in Jeri cho, Vermont, which is used for system development, qualification, and testing of armament and ammunition. GDAS is a Boeing Aerospace Silver Preferred Supplier, and the recipient of numerous governme nt, industry, and environmental awards.

General Tool Company (GTC) is one of the few job shops in the United States that can perform a full range of metal- working to the exact standards of aerospace and defense customers, and continues to remain competitive within commercial markets. GTC’s policy is to manufacture, fabricate, assemble, and deliver products and services that meet the customers’ specifications, drawings, and contractual requirements. GTC’s top priority is customer success and satisfaction, which has allowed the company to grow internally and nationally. Through this, GTC has become one of the largest and best equi pped manufacturers of engineered systems in the country.

The Hamilton Standard (now Hamilton Sundstrand) Electronic Manufacturing Center (HSEMC) in Farmington, Connecticut is a functional unit of the Hamilton Standard division of United Technologies Corpora tion. Operations include production of electronic systems for flight controls (e.g., Black Hawk, CH53/MH53, Seahawk helicopters) and for the data systems (e.g., F/A-18, C-17, and F-15 aircraft; Apach e and Comanche helicopters). HSEMC also produces electronic systems in the missile engine controls for the Harpoon missile, and precision sensors for military aircraft, helicopters, and missiles.

Harris Semiconductor (now Intersil Corporation) is one of four business sectors of the Harris Corporation. This Harris sector produces standard, custom, and semi-custom integrated circuits and discre te products for analog, mixed-signal and power-control uses in commercial, military, and space-based operations. In addition to being a major semiconductor supplier for military and aerospace applica tions where signal processing and power control are pervasive, Harris’s worldwide strategic goal is to become the preferred supplier for these processing and control products in automotive, communicat ion, computer, and industrial applications.

ITT Industries Aerospace/Communications Division is a world leader in Tactical Communications (e.g., combat net radio systems, routers, network security systems) and Space Navigation/Meteorological Sy stems (e.g., geostationary and polar orbiting imagers and sounders). ITT Aerospace/Communications Division gained its world-class reputation by providing reliable, high quality products and services. The company continues to support this effort through engineering excellence and innovation, and thrives today as a high-technology leader with real-world impact.

In Tolerance has been recognized as one of Iowa’s leading precision contract manufacturers. A small machining company with 30 employees, the company has received numerous awards and is certified ISO 9001:2000, ISO 9002, and meets the requirements of MIL-I-45208.

The Inpro/Seal Company is the nation’s leading producer of bearing isolators that provide permanent bearing protection to rotating equipment. Inpro/Seal’s bearing isolators are standard components on scores of heavy-duty industrial rotating equipment in the U.S. and abroad, with more than 400,000 bearing isolators produced annually and 2.5 million installed to date. Inpro/Seal’s commitment to sa me-day shipment and its unconditional performance guarantee policy are industry-unique. The BMP Survey was conducted at the Inpro/Seal Company headquarters in Rock Island, Illinois, the week of July 9, 2007.

JLG Industries, Inc. is a leading manufacturer, distributor, and international marketer of mobile elevating work platforms and truck-mounted material handling equipment. Principal customers include i ndependent distributors who market JLG products to a wider customer base in the industrial, commercial, institutional and construction markets. As the world’s largest manufacturer of aerial work plat forms, JLG continues to pursue innovation in equipment design and excellence in manufacturing and service.

Comprised of nine divisions, Kurt Manufacturing Company produces precision machine parts and assemblies for the computer, automotive, aircraft, compressor, fluid power, and defense industries. The pro duct lines include rotary transfer machines; machine tool accessories; industrial vises; electronic machine controllers; electronically controlled modular gaging and statistical analyzers; shop hard c omputers; tube bending powder coat painting; and durable medical equipment. Kurt also provides contract services to manufacturers in areas such as prototype development, special machine tool construc tion, and precision die castings.

The Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) focuses on global security to reduce nuclear danger; global ecology to harmonize the economy with the environment; and bioscience to advance the under standing of life and health. Beyond these primary focuses, LLNL facilitates the sharing of its expertise through industrial and academic partnerships; champions the building of scientific foundations through innovative science and technology research; and encourages future generations of scientists and engineers through community outreach programs.

Letterkenny Army Depot (LEAD), located in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, is a depot installation reporting to the U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Life Cycle Command at Huntsville, Alabama. LEAD operates a maintenance and ammunition depot for the receipt, storage, issue, maintenance, and disposal of assigned commodities. LEAD also provides administrative, logistic, and facilities support to tenants an d attached organizations.

Litton Guidance and Control Systems Division (GCSD) (Now Northrop Grumman Navigation Systems Division) is part of Litton Industries' Advanced Electronic Systems Group. With headquarters in Woodland H ills, California, Litton GCSD maintains two additional facilities in Salt Lake City, Utah and Grant's Pass, Oregon. Litton GCSD is a leading worldwide producer of inertial navigation systems for mili tary applications. Although they pioneered inertial navigation systems for high performance aircraft, today Litton GCSD's products are precise, miniaturized, reliable platforms and high speed airborn e computers that perform many missions tasks in navigation and weapon delivery. Litton GCSD systems have been applied in other fields such as aircraft, helicopter, and ship navigation; missile, Multip le Re-entry Vehicle, and torpedo guidance; weapon delivery; fire control; and air and land survey. Over one million square feet in the three facilities house 4100 employees, with 65,000 square feet devoted to super clean rooms for development and quality production of precision components.

Lockheed Martin Electronics and Missiles is headquartered in Orlando, Florida and maintains three primary product mission areas: Missile Systems, Fire Control Systems, and Advanced Systems. The key t o these missions are Electronics and Missiles’ varied technologies, which include electro-optics, millimeter wave radar, image and signal processing, miniaturized and large scale ICs, and multi-sensor fusion.

Lockheed Martin Naval Electronics & Surveillance Systems-Surface Systems (NE&SS-SS), located in Moorestown, New Jersey, is the prime contractor for manufacturing and integration of the Aegis Weapons S ystem and Aegis Depot Operations for the Navy. Its successful history in large-scale systems integration, radar technology, software development, microelectronics, lifetime support, vertical launchin g systems, and fire control systems enabled the company to establish a solid foundation for creating future innovative solutions.

Lockheed Martin Tactical Aircraft Systems is a government-owned, contractor-operated facility that supports several major programs including the Air Force’s F-16 Fighting Falcon, FS-X, and F-22 Air Su periority Fighter aircraft. Lockheed Martin Tactical Aircraft Systems is also leading Lockheed Martin’s effort in the Joint Advanced Strike Technology program to develop future tactical aircraft for the Navy, Marines, and Air Force.

MagneTek Defense Systems (MDS) (now Power Paragon, Inc.) is located in Anaheim, California. With over 200,000 square feet, MDS employs 600 personnel in the design, manufacture, and marketing of elect rical and electronic power equipment and technology for the defense industry. Manufacturing capabilities include fabrication, assembly, and test of magnetic components and systems, welding and sheet m etal, and PWAs. In addition, MDS has extensive capabilities and facilities for engineering and production testing to meet military specification requirements.

Mason & Hanger (M&H)-Silas Mason Co., Inc. (now American Ordnance LLC) is the country's longest-existing engineering and construction company. Among its accomplishments are the Grand Coulee Dam; the Lincoln, Boston, and Brooklyn-Battery automotive tunnels; and New York City subway tunnels. M&H is also the operating contractor of the Iowa Army Ammunition Plant (IAAAP). This Plant is recognized a s a leader in the high-, medium- and low-volume production of pressed or melt-poured warheads, and provides munitions and high explosives development, processing, production, testing, and demilitariza tion.

With the merger of Boeing and McDonnell Douglas, McDonnell Douglas Aerospace (MDA)-St. Louis has become Boeing Aircraft and Missiles (A&M). A&M is a leading producer of tactical and training aircraft , military transport aircraft, strike missiles, military helicopters, and related services. In addition, the A&M complex houses management and support functions; fabrication/assembly facilities; rese arch and testing facilities; test and flight simulation laboratories; a manufacturing technology development center; and a prototype airframe manufacturing facility.

McDonnell Douglas Aerospace-West (now Boeing Space Systems) is comprised of three main business units: transport aircraft, space systems, and defense and electronic systems. McDonnell Douglas Aerospa ce-West’s products and services include laser systems; surveillance and detection; launch vehicle business; and avionics and ground support electronics.

Midwest Metal Products (MMP) fabricates and manufactures sheet metal products that adhere to strict customer and ISO 9001:2000 standards. A sense of “family” is an important influence in maintaining the company’s productivity. MMP’s emphasis on quality of life and a good working environment positively affect the quality of its products. MMP employees possess a strong sense of ownership with the products they produce and an unparalleled commitment to customer service. This 90,000-square-foot facility is home to 125 employees who are committed to quality, service, and on-time delivery of pro ducts to the company’s U.S. and international customer base.

The NASA Marshall Space Flight Center has a legacy of extraordinary advancements that help make the impossible become a reality. The Center specializes in three mission areas: (1) Space Transportatio n Systems Development, (2) Microgravity, and (3) Optics Manufacturing Technology. With its unique blend of knowledge and capabilities, Marshall Space Flight Center continues to be an innovative force behind many of NASA’s breakthroughs.

Nascote Industries, Inc. is one of three plants run by the Conix Corporation, a joint venture between Magna International and the Ford Motor Company. Nascote is a major supplier of exterior trim prod ucts to the automotive industry. The company maintains a strong commitment to the quality of its products and its employees’ lives, as evidenced by a less than 1% employee turnover rate.

The Naval Air Engineering Station is home to the Naval Air Warfare Center, Lakehurst. As the largest occupant of the base, Naval Air Warfare Center, Lakehurst operates as the Aircraft Platform Interf ace Group for technical mission support. This specialized niche of Naval Aviation pertains to the equipment, services, and processes needed to assure that fixed and rotary wing aircraft can operate f rom aircraft carriers, other air capable ships, and Marine Corps expeditionary sites.

The Naval Aviation Depot, Jacksonville is an industrial facility that performs rework, repair, and modification of aircraft, engines, and aeronautical components. Naval Aviation Depot, Jacksonville co vers over 100 acres of land on the St. John's River in Jacksonville, Florida and maintains a work force of over 2,500 personnel. Depot maintenance is performed on the P-3 Orion, T-2 Buckeye, F/A-18 H ornet, S-3 Viking and A-7 Corsair. Naval Aviation Depot, Jacksonville is the Navy's premier engine facility and reworks jet engines and over 36,000 components and avionics.

The Naval Sea Logistics Center (NSLC), Detachment Portsmouth is a full-service office that develops and manages logistics tools, enabling government activities to utilize contractor performance inform ation for improving product acquisitions and best value contract award decisions. The Detachment specializes in collecting, compiling, and providing data for use by the acquisition and technical comm unities in assessing supplier product and services past performance.

The Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC), Crane Division operates as a Defense Business Operations Fund Command and depends on its ability to efficiently and effectively provide essential services and products to customers. The Crane Division is one of five divisions of NSWC that maintains a full spectrum research, development, acquisition, test and evaluation and support capability for surface wa rfare combat and weapon systems and hull, mechanical, and electrical systems.

The Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division Keyport provides repair and maintenance for torpedoes and undersea mobile targets. In this capacity, Keyport - with remote sites in Hawaii, Southern Californ ia and Hawthorne, Nevada - provides test and evaluation, depot maintenance and repair, in-service engineering and fleet industrial support for torpedoes and other undersea warfare systems including mo bile mines, unmanned underwater vehicles, and countermeasures.

Norden Systems, Inc. (now Northrop Grumman Norden Systems) is a division of Northrop Grumman and is headquartered in Norwalk, Connecticut. Over 700 employees are housed at the Norwalk facility. The N orwalk facility contains manufacturing and engineering operations as well as research and development laboratories. The company operates hybrid microelectronics development, environmental testing, rad ar system integration, and indoor and outdoor radar test ranges.

The Northrop Grumman Corporation is a leading designer, systems integrator, and manufacturer of military surveillance and combat aircraft; defense electronics and systems; airspace management systems; information systems, marine systems; precision weapons; space systems; and commercial and military aerostructures. Although Northrop Grumman was recently surveyed by BMP in October 1997, this survey focused on the environmental practices of the corporation’s Military Aircraft Systems Division (MASD) in El Segundo, California.

Northrop Grumman Corporation is comprised of seven business sectors that include Electronic Systems (ES), Information Technology, Integrated Systems, Mission Systems, Newport News, Ship Systems, and S pace Technology. The BMP Survey was conducted at the ES headquarters in Baltimore, Maryland, a world leader in the design, development and manufacture of advanced electronics for military, civil and commercial use. The ES Sector provides a variety of defense electronics and systems, airspace management systems, navigation systems, precision weapons, communications systems, marine systems, space systems, oceanic and naval systems, government systems and logistics services.

With its corporate headquarters in Los Angeles, California, Northrop Grumman is organized into three business sectors, employs 45,000 employees, and achieved $9 billion in sales for 1999. The BMP sur vey focused on the Defensive Systems Division (DSD) of the Electronic Sensors and Systems Sector. Located in Rolling Meadows, Illinois, Northrop Grumman DSD employs 2,200 personnel, encompasses 50 ac res, and achieved $536 million in sales for 1999. The company covers the full spectrum of electronic warfare systems, from precision strike to self- protection to readiness and support. In addition, Northrop Grumman DSD is a vertically integrated facility which houses all major disciplines under one roof. This approach promotes multi-disciplinary teamwork and allows for intelligent tradeoffs in all phases of program development.

With its corporate headquarters in Los Angeles, California, Northrop Grumman is organized into five divisions, employs 52,000 employees, and achieved $8.1 billion in sales for 1996. The BMP survey foc used on Northrop Grumman’s Military Aircraft Systems Division which employs 14,000 personnel, encompasses 320 acres, and achieved $3.1 billion in sales for 1996. This Division, located in El Segundo, California, is a world-class leader in the manufacture of military aircraft and unmanned airborne vehicles; systems integration and engineering research and development; aerostructure modifications; a nd upgrades to military air vehicles. Among the best practices documented were Northrop Grumman’s design-to-cost and affordability process; action item board; factory process modeling and simulation; foreign object elimination; integrated management, planning, and control for assembly system; process variability reduction; and new directions training program.

Orenda Turbines is an established leader in power and propulsion technologies, and has more than 50 years of experience in developing, certifying, and manufacturing gas turbines. All field units are fully supported by the company with complete repair and overhaul services; spare parts supply; engine life extension upgrades and modifications; and engineering services. Located in Mississauga, Onta rio, Orenda Turbines has created a legacy of excellence and innovation through its pioneering efforts.

Dr. Edwin Land founded the Polaroid Corporation in 1937. Although best known as the inventor of the instant photography process and the Polaroid Land camera, Dr. Land was a strong social advocate. For example, he started a family practice health clinic for his employees and their families; established a safety program in the 1950s; and initiated environmental efforts in preparation for the first E arth Day in 1970. Originally, Polaroid produced light polarizing filters. Today, the company designs, manufactures, and markets instant imaging products worldwide, such as instant photographic camera s and films; electronic imaging recording devices; and light polarizing filters and lenses. With its corporate headquarters located in Waltham, Massachusetts, Polaroid maintains three U.S. sites, empl oys 1,500 personnel worldwide, and achieved $1 billion in revenues for 2005.

RB Tool & Manufacturing Company designs, builds, and markets specialized packaging machines, spare parts, fixtures and tooling for a wide variety of customers, including the packaging, food, automotiv e, consumer products, medical, semi-conductor, material handling, and industrial products industries.

Raytheon Company is comprised of seven major business areas that include Integrated Defense Systems, Missile Systems, Space & Airborne Systems, Network Centric Systems, Intelligence & Information Syst ems, Raytheon Technical Services Company, and Homeland Security. The BMP Survey was conducted at the IDS Integrated Air Defense Center (IADC) in Andover, Massachusetts, a major missile and surface ra dar manufacturing, operations and systems integration center. Integrated Defense Systems (IDS) is Raytheon’s leader in mission systems integration, providing integrated air and missile defense and nav al and maritime war fighting solutions to customers in 34 countries, with a strong international and domestic customer base.

The Raytheon Missile Systems Company (RMSC) is located in Tucson, Arizona, and operates as part of the corporation’s Defense Systems Segment. RMSC is the world’s premier producer and developer of tac tical missile systems, including the Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile, Phalanx, Stinger, Rolling Airframe Missile, and Tomahawk. The Tucson plant is the only facility in the country that can produce fully-assembled missiles from start to finish for all U.S. and allied military customers.

Raytheon Company is comprised of six major businesses that include Network Centric Systems (NCS), Missile Systems, Integrated Defense Systems, Space & Airborne Systems, Intelligence & Information Syst ems, and Raytheon Technical Services Company. Raytheon’s integrated businesses assure mission success with a broad range of products and services in defense, homeland security, and other government m arkets throughout the world. The BMP Survey was conducted at Raytheon’s NCS Manufacturing Center in Largo, Florida, the week of February 19, 2007.

Raytheon Company is comprised of seven major business areas that include Missile Systems, Integrated Defense Systems, Space & Airborne Systems, Network Centric Systems, Intelligence & Information Syst ems, Raytheon Technical Services Company, and Homeland Security. The BMP Survey was conducted at Raytheon Missile Systems’ Louisville facility in Louisville, Kentucky -- the company’s only facility t hat overhauls and repairs the Phalanx Close-In Weapon System (CIWS). Raytheon Missile Systems designs, develops, and produces missile systems for critical requirements that include air-to-air, strike, surface Navy air defense, land combat missiles, guided projectiles, exo-atmospheric kill vehicles, and directed energy weapons. The Phalanx CIWS’ advanced radar-controlled gun system provides superi or defense against close-in air and surface threats. Phalanx is currently installed on nearly all U.S. combat ships and those of 22 allied navies

Located on a 946-acre island in the upper Mississippi River, Rock Island Arsenal (RIA) is one of the largest employers in the area with an estimated economic impact of $1,000,000 daily. As the larges t government-owned weapons manufacturing arsenal in the western world, the Arsenal provides manufacturing, logistics, and base support services for the Armed Forces.

RIA has evolved over the years into a center of technical excellence for weaponry, tool sets, and base support services supported by a highly educated and motivated workforce of 1,900 civil servants w ho are represented by five local unions, nine military personnel, and 500 contract personnel. Its annual budget is $185 million.

Rockwell Collins is regarded as an industry leader in communications, navigation, automated flight control, displays/surveillance, aviation services, in-flight entertainment, integrated aviation solut ions, and information management systems. With headquarters in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, the company’s 74 service locations and 14 factory locations worldwide serve a domestic and international customer ba se of government and commercial clients. Rockwell Collins’ $3.9 billion in sales revenue in FY2006 is a testimony to the success of the forward-thinking and aggressive business strategies that have m aintained the company’s position as a recognized industry leader for more than 70 years.

The Sandia National Laboratories have facilities for manufacturing process development testing, renewable energy, radiation research, combustion research, computing, and microelectronics research and production.

Sharretts Plating Company, Inc., a privately-owned company, has been in business in the Harrisburg, Pennsylvania area since 1925. Currently located in Emigsville, Pennsylvania, Sharretts employs 45 pe rsonnel, and encompasses 68,000 square feet. Maintaining its operations in the 95th percentile of U.S. platers, the company performs diversified, functional industrial electroplating (e.g., zinc, tin, palladium-nickel, gold) and some decorative plating. In 1993, Sharretts won the Pennsylvania Industrial Excellence Award for Environmental Achievements. Sharretts represents the first plating company to be surveyed by the Best Manufacturing Practices program.

Sierra Army Depot (SIAD) is a government owned, government operated installation, functioning as part of the U. S. Army Industrial Operations Command, Rock Island, Illinois. SIAD’s mission is to provi de customers with high quality, cost effective operations in receipt, storage, repair, and issue of equipment and components for Operational Project Stock. SIAD also receives, stores, issues, maintai ns, and demilitarizes conventional ammunition.

The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) International functions as the major source of technical information and expertise for the design, manufacture, operation, maintenance, and recycling of self- propelled vehicles (land, sea, air, and space) around the world. Its 72,000 membership represents a network of engineers, business executives, educators, and students from more than 80 countries who c ome together to share information and exchange ideas for advancing the engineering of mobility systems. Originally founded as the Society of Automobile Engineers in 1905, SAE changed to its present na me in 1917. SAE is located in Warrendale, Pennsylvania and employs 400 personnel.

Stafford County is considered one of the fastest growing counties in the State of Virginia. Located 35 miles south of Washington, DC, the county covers over 277 square miles. Stafford County Public Sc hools have experienced tremendous growth since the early 1980s.

Standard Industries manufactures electronic components for the aerospace industry, and provides design engineering and quality production of electromagnetics and power supply products. The business w as established in 1953 and has grown to occupy an 80,000 square foot facility in LaMirada, employing approximately 65 people. Standard Industries offers technical capabilities to a wide range of aero space and industrial customers. These capabilities include design, development, qualification testing, and production of military power supplies, as well as electromagnetic interference filters and m agnetic components such as transformers and coils. Manufacturing capabilities also incorporate metalforming, machining, and fabrication operations.

Strite Industries Limited specializes in machining small and medium-sized, close tolerance precision components and subassemblies for the aerospace, defense, electro-optical, nuclear, scientific, and other high technology industries. In addition, the company provides engineering and prototyping services, and can usually find solutions to difficult manufacturing, mechanical, and metallurgical prob lems which few others will attempt.

Stryker Howmedica Osteonics (now Stryker Orthopaedics) is an innovative leader in orthopaedics, providing creative engineering solutions to the most critical clinical problems. Located in Allendale, New Jersey, the company was named as one of America’s Best Plants by IndustryWeek in 1998. Its success has been built on the commitment, dedication, and focus of its talented team of employees.

TOMAK Precision is a major supplier of hydraulic valve components and precision ball pistons to the aerospace industry. By using technologically advanced equipment and in-house developed proprietary processes, TOMAK manufactures component parts requiring surface finishes of 2 micro inches and 50 millionths of sphericity and is ISO 9001:2000 and AS 9100:2004 certified.

Texas Instruments Semiconductor Group, Military Products’ (TI/SG/MP) 280 employees are located in the Sherman, Texas facility. The Military Products division was changed to the HiRel Defense and Aero spaace division in 1998. This facility is headquarters for TI's Military Products Division that manufactures semiconductors for military applications in platforms such as the Patriot missile and HARM missile system, as well as other high technology systems. TI/SG/MP also generates software for customers to custom design their own integrated circuits.

Thermacore, Inc. began as an engineering development company in 1970. Its founders pursued new developments in heat pipe technology by addressing various temperature regimes, envelope materials, and fluid media. During the 1980s, grants and contracts enabled Thermacore to commercialize its technology. By the end of the decade, the company began developing designs using copper tubes and sintered c opper powder wicks that provided thermal power dissipation characteristics an order of magnitude beyond those achieved by earlier designs. In the early 1990s, Thermacore developed a manufacturing base , but continued to maintain a strong research and development emphasis. Today, the company is a world leader in heat pipe technology.

Tobyhanna Army Depot (TYAD) is the largest, full-service electronics maintenance facility in the Department of Defense (DoD) with a total mission to “Sustain and Integrate Command, Control, Communicat ions, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (C4ISR) Systems for the Joint Warfighter.” TYAD is the DoD’s recognized leader in the areas of automated test equipment, systems integr ation, and downsizing of electronics systems. TYAD is the DoD’s only Joint C4ISR Depot and its designated Center of Industrial and Technical Excellence for “C4ISR and Electronics, Avionics, and Missi le Guidance and Control.” The Air Force has designated TYAD as its Technology Repair Center for “Command, Control, Communications, and Intelligence.” The BMP Survey was conducted at TYAD in Tobyhann a, Pennsylvania, the week of July 10, 2006.

Tooele Army Depot, located in Tooele, Utah, is a subordinate installation of the Headquarters, U.S. Army Industrial Operations Command, Rock Island, Illinois. TEAD’s three main missions include Ammun ition Operations; Ammunition Equipment Design and Development; and Rail Shop Maintenance and on-site support. TEAD also provides base operations support for tenant activities.

The Tri-Cities Tennessee/Virginia Region consists of 14 counties and over 60 local governments in northeastern Tennessee and southwestern Virginia. In 1999, the Tri-Cities Tennessee/Virginia Region b ecame the first region ever to win the All-America City Award from the National Civic League. The Region continues to set new, more aggressive goals and metrics to ensure the continued success and in novation of its region.

The Headquarters of the U.S. Army Industrial Operations Command (IOC), located at the Rock Island Arsenal, Rock Island, Illinois is the largest major subordinate command of the Army Materiel Command ( AMC). The IOC is a worldwide organization with installations and activities in 25 states and overseas. The IOC's viable industrial infrastructure is second to none in producing quality munitions and l arge caliber weapons as well as providing a full range of maintenance service for modern weapons. The IOC manufactures, delivers, and supports materiel throughout the world for America's service membe rs.

The U.S. Army Aviation & Missile Command Integrated Materiel Management Center’s (IMMC’s) Automation Division developed information technology solutions to improve IMMC business processes to support t he Army Materiel Command’s vision to foster the logistics requirements of the soldier in the field. These automated solutions have enabled the Army to accomplish its mission by saving time and money.

The U.S. Army Combat Systems Test Activity (CSTA), located at Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland, provides a premier range and test facility for the Department of Defense. Chartered in 1917 to provi de testing of field artillery, weapons and ammunition, CSTA now operates under the Army's Test and Evaluation Command (TECOM) and has become a world-class, all-purpose testing center. CSTA encompasse s state-of-the-art facilities and equipment, advanced instrumentation, and comprehensive support capabilities to test a wide range of military weapons systems, equipment, and materiel. Testing covers the full range of life cycle support from concept evaluation and research prototypes through advanced development to quality assurance testing of production items. Testing is primarily performed for the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines, but CSTA also offers its services to other government agencies and private industry as well.

The United States Coast Guard Maintenance and Logistics Command - Atlantic, located in Norfolk, Virginia, provides maintenance and logistics support to Coast Guard commands in 40 states east of the Ro cky Mountains, as well as commands in Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, and Europe.

The U.S. Coast Guard, Maintenance and Logistics Command-Pacific (MLCPAC) is located in Alameda, California. In June 2005, the Naval Engineering Division moved from Coast Guard Island in Alameda to th e Oakland Federal Building in downtown Oakland, California. MLCPAC’s responsibilities include availabilities, casualty responses, preventive maintenance, and technical and logistics support. The Com mand’s Naval Engineering Support Units are located in Seattle, Washington; Alameda and San Diego, California; and Honolulu, Hawaii where it serves area and district cutters, boats, groups, and program managers.

United Defense, L.P. Armament Systems Division, Aberdeen, South Dakota is a leader in machining, welding, finishing, mechanical and electrical assembly, and product service necessary for the support o f the Advanced Gun System for the Navy's future surface combatant, the Mk 45 Mod 4 Naval Gun System and missile launch canisters, and the mechanical components for the Navy's Vertical Launching System , Mk 41. The Aberdeen facility continues to be a leader in the system integration and support of the Vertical Launching System by establishing standards of excellence in complex fabrication.

United Defense, L.P. Ground Systems Division, Aiken, South Carolina is a leader in the research, design, and development of technologies necessary for the manufacture of advanced armored combat vehicl es, artillery, naval guns, missile launchers, and precision munitions. The Aiken facility continues to be a leader in manufactured components for multiple military tracked vehicles by establishing st andards of excellence in advanced fabrication, welding, machining, laser cutting, and subassembly of aluminum, steel, titanium, copper alloy, and stainless steel components.

United Electric (UE) Controls is a privately-owned company that began its conversion from large batch to lean manufacturing in 1987. By the early 1990s, the company was already using such methods as KanBan, Kaizen, Single Minute Exchange of Dies, and Poka-yoke in its production operation before most companies had ever heard of them. Today, UE is an international manufacturer of durable, reliable pressure and temperature switches, controls, and sensors which range from simple, low technology units to highly specialized custom designs.

The University of New Orleans, College of Engineering (UNO COE) has an ongoing record of excellence in performance through its partnerships and programs with federal government agencies, the state of Louisiana, the maritime industry, and other countries and universities. Through these partnerships, the UNO COE has developed many innovative technologies, continues to improve its quality of instruc tion, and is making steady progress in all its research endeavors. The COE offers four undergraduate and six graduate programs as well as many societies and career-advancing programs for students. T he UNO COE primarily focuses on research and development and has developed many technologies through these efforts that address the challenges and demands of today’s changing world. The BMP resurvey of the UNO COE was conducted during the week of April 23, 2007.

Wainwright Industries, Inc. is a family-owned business that manufactures stamped and machined parts for automotive, aerospace, home security, and information processing industries, as well as providin g technical services.

Watervliet Arsenal’s (WVA’s) impressive capabilities allow it to employ the latest manufacturing technologies to support rapid design, development, and testing of new products. It has extensive capabi lities in metalworking as well as specialized processes.

Overcoming challenge is a tradition at Weirton Steel Corporation. Past accomplishments include settling its only union strike within two weeks in 1993; rallying to become employee-owned in 1982; fulfi lling its promise to become a world class facility in 1988; and rebuilding its fire-destroyed tandem mill within six months in 1994. The company has always shown courage, strength, and a strong commit ment to the community of Weirton. In keeping with that spirit, WSC elected to become the first steel company to be surveyed by the Best Manufacturing Practices program. The BMP survey team was impress ed and intrigued by what they saw from an industrial leader. Among the best examples were WSC's accomplishments in MIS customer service, worker's compensation, safety, predictive maintenance, employee training, vessel assembly and changeout, and the rebuilding of the tandem and hot strip mills.