Quality Assurance Program

Northrop Grumman has a corporate culture that is committed to continuous improvement, innovation and proven quality methods. In 2003, this commitment was recognized when we achieved the Software Engineering Institute’s (SEI) Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI) Level 5 rating. Northrop Grumman Corporation now has 10 organizations that have achieved CMMI Level 5. These 10 account for approximately 50% of all U.S.-based organizations and more than 25% of the organizations worldwide that have publicly announced a Level 5 maturity rating. In attaining CMMI Level 5, our company has embraced a quality management practice that enables us to manage rapid change, continually improve processes and introduce innovative solutions that lead to cost savings. Our deployment of innovative solutions is also structured within Six Sigma, a low risk quality methodology to define, measure, analyze, improve and control our core business practices. We will apply the rigor of CMMI Level 5 and Six Sigma practices in our management of this contract and in our plan to maximize cost reductions. We will flow down our quality standards to all of our teammates and will, where applicable, mentor them in these practices.

Using the CMMI Level 5 construct, Northrop Grumman will apply its proven Quality Management System (QMS) to monitor and maximize quality under this contract. The QMS fully implements CMMI Level 5 and consists of instructions for applying the process to individual projects, quality procedures for various process areas, standard contract metrics and reporting procedures, and templates for the creation of comprehensive project plans. Quality Assurance (QA) is embedded in each of these procedures including monitoring procedure application and monitoring product quality via peer review.

Northrop Grumman’s quality focused management culture and values dictates that all of our employees are responsible for quality. As a result, quality is achieved through top-level management commitment, well-defined processes and procedures, clearly identified roles and responsibilities, and systematic monitoring and reporting mechanisms. Complete customer satisfaction is the ultimate goal of our Team’s quality system. We envision and welcome the opportunity to participate in the continual assessment of our performance through day-to-day interaction, regular monthly reporting and the Government’s CPAR process.