National Reconnaissance Office Receives David Packard Excellence in Acquisition Award

May 23, 2000

The National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) was awarded the David Packard Excellence in Acquisition Award for its relay satelite team during ceremonies at the Pentagon Monday.

The Packard Award is a Department of Defense honor that recognizes its organizations that have made highly significant contributions which demonstrated exemplary innovation and best acquisition practices. The NRO's Relay Satellite Team delivered the last of a multiple satellite buy ahead of schedule and under budget. The new relay satellites will have eight times the capability of their predecessors. The relay team integrated commercial practices and new technologies to build the satellites faster, better and cheaper. It was also among the first to use an earned value system of management and became the role model for other NRO programs. The team was made up of various government and industry partners within the NRO.

"These communications services enable future intelligence collection missions that enhance national security and support the warfighter in peace and in war," said Keith Hall, NRO Director.

Hall was presented the award along with 20 other members of the team, by Jacques S. Gansler, Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics.