Lockheed Martin Starts Paper-Free Contracting

Lockheed Martin Corp. of Bethesda, Md., announced June 11 that its Information Systems unit will undertake a paper-free contracting process with several Department of Defense agencies.


The new process will decrease administrative costs and improve product delivery times by using electronic contract awards and an electronic delivery form, the company said. The Information Systems unit is located in Orlando, Fla.


"Benefits gained through use of e-commerce techniques, such as improved accuracy, efficiency and better forecasting, apply directly to our customers and suppliers," said John Hall, president of Lockheed Martin Information Systems.


Participating agencies include the Army's Simulation, Training and Instrumentation Command; the Navy's Naval Air Warfare Training Center Training Systems Division; and the Defense Contract Management Agency's Lockheed Martin Orlando Office.


"The kind of teamwork envisioned ... will accelerate the day when business transactions between government and industry can be completely paper free," said Capt. Don Gagnon, commanding officer of the Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division.


Lockheed Martin Information Systems was the first defense contractor to initiate a prototype electronic delivery form with the Department of Defense, beginning in 1998. It was also the first company to receive and download prototype electronic contract awards, the company said.