New initiatives for ethicks committe.

AuthorHarris, Anne R.
PositionEthics Corner

* The National Defense Industrial Association is proud to have long been a proponent of ethics in the defense industry.

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In 2004, NDIA launched its members' "Statement of Defense Industry Ethics," which appears on the NDIA Ethics Source webpage (www.ndia.org/resources/pages/theethicssource.aspx). The statement, including a list of NDIA "Common Ethical Principles and Practices," articulates ethical business standards to which member companies aspire. It also recommends key practices that contractors should implement to adhere to those principles.

Much has changed in the business environment and in the defense industry ethics arena since 2004. Ethics programs are no longer optional for contractors. Since 2008, the Federal Acquisition Regulation has contained specific requirements for ethics and compliance programs. We have seen a proliferation of other new regulations requiring greater effort by contractors to remain current and compliant. Enforcement efforts by the government have also intensified. There are many new laws affecting those of us whose operations extend beyond U.S. borders. All these developments contribute to a complex and demanding business ethics and compliance environment. What has not changed is that ethical business conduct is essential to the relationship of trust between the defense industry and our government customers.

In March, Bill Birkhofer of Jacobs Engineering assumed the role of chair of the Ethics Committee. Other Committee members include: Glenn D. Baer, ARINC; J. Kelly Brown, Template Software Inc.; Dale W. Church, Ventures and Solutions LLC; Vincent J. Ciccone, Rasco Inc.; Margaret DiVirgilio, Concurrent Technologies Corp.; R. Andrew Hove, AM General; John D. Illgen, Northrop Grumman; Stephen E. Kelly, Battelle; James McAleese, McAleese & Associates; Richard D. McConn, M International; Brig. Gen. Graham E. Shirley, USAF (Ret), The Pegasus Group Inc.; and Capt. Debra A. Thurman, USAF (Ret), DT Business Solutions LLC.

Under Birkhofer's leadership, the Ethics Committee is working to identify opportunities to expand NDIA's role as a leader of ethics advocacy in the defense industry. In its first meeting in June, the group agreed to undertake a variety of initiatives to benefit the NDIA membership. The committee intends to create a forum for education, information and best practice sharing. It also plans to serve as an advocate when needed and enhance NDIA's visibility as a force for ethics...

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