Relay Satellite Team Receives Packard Award

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. (6/19/00) -- The Department of Defense kicked off Acquisition and Logistics Reform Week 2000 in Washington, D.C., May 22 with the presentation of the David Packard Excellence in Acquisition Award.

The award went to three teams, including one from The Aerospace Corporation, for superior accomplishment in the defense acquisition reform field.

President Pete Aldridge accepted the award for Aerospace from Under Secretary of Defense Jacques Gansler at the Pentagon. Aerospace was part of the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) Relay Satellite Team which delivered a multiple-satellite acquisition under cost and ahead of schedule.

The Packard Award recognizes DOD civilian and military organizations, groups, or teams that have made "highly significant contributions" demonstrating exemplary innovation and "best acquisition practices."

The NRO Relay Satellite citation for the government-industry team that included The Aerospace Corporation cited excellent program management and streamlined processes as well as outstanding teamwork which resulted in a new communications satellite that improved space reconnaissance for national and military users.

The same team received a Gold Medal award from the NRO in June 1999.