NGC-Led JV NSTec Awarded One-Year Contract Extension

• Company Recognized for 'Outstanding' Program Performance

(Herndon, Va., December 22, 2009) -- The U.S. Department of Energy/National Nuclear Security Agency (NNSA) has awarded Northrop Grumman Corporation-led (NYSE:NOC) joint venture National Security Technologies, LLC (NSTec) a one-year, cost-reimbursement and operating type contract extension valued at approximately $450 million to manage and operate the Nevada Test Site (NTS) through 2013. Northrop Grumman earned the contract extension through its continued exceptional performance, which led to a customer performance assessment of "outstanding" for its performance at the site in 2009.

"This is the second year in a row NSTec has earned an 'outstanding' performance rating, and again we exceeded all key metrics for being awarded an additional term year, extending our contract through 2013," said Dr. Steve Younger, president of NSTec.

Under the terms of the contract, NSTec manages and operates the NTS facility and provides infrastructure support. NSTec's primary mission includes stockpile stewardship as well as management of the nuclear explosives safety team that supports the Department of Energy's efforts to prevent or slow the spread of nuclear weapons, while bolstering its counter-terrorism mission. The contract also supports hazardous chemical spill testing and emergency response training. NSTec also operates facilities for the NNSA in California, New Mexico and Maryland.

"Without question, NSTec's world class leadership team, proactive program management and a commitment to excellence are what allow this program to continue its superior performance," said James Cameron, corporate vice president and president of Northrop Grumman's Technical Services sector. "This award is reflective of our strong partnership with our customer and our steadfast support to NNSA's initiatives to evolve the complex to meet future requirements."

Northrop Grumman is the managing partner of the joint venture that includes team members AECOM, Los Angeles; CH2M Hill, Englewood, Colo.; and Nuclear Fuel Services, Erwin, Tenn.

"Since taking over this program in 2006, NSTec has been clearly focused on accomplishing the diverse mission at the Nevada Test Site, while driving process improvements into all facets of the operation, resulting in best value solutions for NNSA," said Bill Carty, vice president and general manager of Northrop Grumman Technical Services' Systems Support Group. "Our team continues to provide for the safest, most secure and cost-effective testing and experimentation."

Source : Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC)