MCLEAN, Va., Sept. 29, 2008 -- The Virginia Information Technologies Agency (VITA), in partnership with Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC), was rated first in the nation for Enterprise Information Technology (IT) Management Initiatives by the National Association of Chief Information Officers (NASCIO).

The partnership was chosen based on their solution employing policies, best practices and process for enterprise change management, workforce development, governance and transformation in support of the commonwealth's initiative to plan, organize and execute enterprise-wide technology initiatives.

"The Northrop Grumman/VITA partnership's selection for this award represents the continued strong relationship that the company has with the commonwealth and its commitment to delivering top-quality information technology services to Virginia's citizens," said Doug McVicar, vice president and Northrop Grumman program manager for the VITA project.

Northrop Grumman's Information Technology sector supports VITA in its IT infrastructure transformation of executive branch agencies.

Under the 10-year, $1.9 billion contract, Northrop Grumman and VITA partner to transform the IT infrastructure, which is critical to the operations of state government. Additionally, this IT transformation helps improve services for Virginia's citizens by providing them with advanced technology.

"Virginia leads the nation in its efforts to utilize IT to improve citizen services through this unique public-private partnership," said Virginia CIO Lem Stewart. "Our work has been challenging and this national recognition from such a prestigious organization as NASCIO confirms that we are on the right track."

IT services provided by the infrastructure partnership include network services, desktop services and e-mail, data-center consolidation and management, customer-care services, call centers, and other infrastructure projects and services.

The recognition was one of 10 awards for outstanding achievement in the field of information technology in state government and was presented at the 20th annual NASCIO Recognition Awards program in Milwaukee, Wis. on Sept. 24, 2008.

The IT Infrastructure Partnership between Northrop Grumman and the Commonwealth of Virginia, which is overseen by the Virginia Information Technologies Agency, is a landmark public-private venture that is yielding real results for the Commonwealth by modernizing and updating its IT infrastructure for today and the future, and creating jobs in Southwest Virginia.

Northrop Grumman Corporation is a global defense and technology company whose 120,000 employees provide innovative systems, products, and solutions in information and services, electronics, aerospace and shipbuilding to government and commercial customers worldwide. 

  CONTACT:  Juli Ballesteros, APR
          Northrop Grumman Information Technology
          (703) 556-2736
          juli.ballesteros@ngc.com

          Marcella Williamson
          VITA
          (804) 416-6002
          marcella.williamson@vita.va.gov