FALLS CHURCH, Va., Dec. 9, 2011 -- Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) recognized 26 suppliers and 22 employees at its annual Socio-Economic Business Programs (SEBP) awards luncheon held yesterday in Arlington, Va. The award recipients were acknowledged for their outstanding performance and support of SEBP, which expands subcontracting opportunities for all classes of small business concerns, including small disadvantaged, women-owned, historically underutilized business zones, veteran, service-disabled veteran-owned, historically black colleges, universities and minority institutions.

World Class Team awards recognize suppliers and employees who have demonstrated exceptional support and commitment to the SEBP goals and objectives, utilizing such criteria as product/service/quality/record; demonstrated delivery performance; outstanding program support; superior technical achievement; cost performance/competitiveness and/or continuous process improvement, among others.

"Diversity in our supplier base is critical to our company's strategy for winning new business. The importance of diversity and inclusion in the supply chain cannot be overstated, contributing to the development of innovative technology, the company's ability to be flexible and agile, and a stronger supply chain," said Wes Bush, chairman, chief executive officer and president of Northrop Grumman. "For these reasons we are focusing more attention on this critical element of our operations, going forward. The inclusion of small and minority business partners is in line with our business objectives, and those being honored today represent the best."

"These corporate awards recognize suppliers and employees for their outstanding efforts and continued contributions in support to the many corporate initiatives including the service-disabled veterans program, Mentor-Protege, Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Ability One programs," said Susan Cote, vice president, corporate contracts, pricing and supply chain. "It's a win-win situation where the innovation and creativity of our suppliers allow Northrop Grumman to deliver the highest quality products and services to our customers."

Northrop Grumman's SEBPs play a key role in diversifying the company's supply chain and technical capabilities by connecting small businesses capabilities with its government programs, leading to significant business opportunities. In fiscal year 2011, Northrop Grumman awarded more than $3.4 billion in subcontracts to small businesses, 37 percent of its $9.3 billion in total subcontracts.

The suppliers recognized with World Class Supplier awards consistently demonstrated responsiveness and flexibility to help meet Northrop Grumman production needs. Suppliers honored with recognition awards were Aerobotix, Inc.; AF Brown Electrical Contractors; Assured Space Access Technologies, Inc.; BerrieHill Research Corporation; Burchfield Electric, Inc.; Castillo & Associates; Certified Crane Services; Craft Equipment Company; Decisive-Point, LLC; Directed Manufacturing; DQSI, LLC; Gaff Group, Inc.; Hurlen Corporation; Integral Products, Inc.; ISR Group, Inc.; Loyola Enterprises, Inc.; Native American Management Services; New Source Corporation; Precision Optical; Roc-Aire Corporation; Saracino Construction Corporation; Silicon Turnkey Solutions; Techni-Tool, Inc.; Tampa Bay Machining; and Westech International, Inc.

One supplier, Wallace Johnson of George Mason University, was singled out for special recognition due to his outstanding efforts this year.

Northrop Grumman is a leading global security company providing innovative systems, products and solutions in aerospace, electronics, information systems, and technical services to government and commercial customers worldwide. Please visit www.northropgrumman.com for more information. 

  CONTACT: Margaret Mitchell-Jones
         Office: (703) 280-2739
         Cell: (202) 550-8746
         m.mitchell-jones@ngc.com