BAE Systems is a global leader in the supply of electronic systems for the aerospace and defense markets.

Premier Business Partners:

Morris Building Constructors Newman Industrial Supply CMC Specialty Metals

With global capabilities, customers in more than 100 countries, 97,500 employees and more than $31 billion in revenues last year, BAE Systems says it is the third-largest global defense company and the sixth-largest global defense company. The operation explains it maintains these leadership positions by spending more than $2.2 billion annually on R&D, allowing it to introduce approximately 100 new products each year.

“The BAE Systems brand is much more than just a name and a logo,” the company says. “It’s a promise. A promise of a certain type of experience that people will have whenever and wherever they come into contact with the company. A strong brand also makes us stand out in an increasingly competitive marketplace. The BAE Systems brand has its foundations in our vision, our values and our strategy to build BAE Systems as the premier global defense and aerospace company. It is expressed through our identity, which uses design, imagery and language that is clear, consistent and compelling.”

BAE Systems Inc. is the U.S. subsidiary of BAE Systems plc of the United Kingdom. The company delivers a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, information technology systems and customer support services.

Headquartered in Rockville, Md., BAE Systems Inc. consists of three operating groups, which, it says, provide support and service solutions for current and future defense, intelligence and civilian systems; design, develop and manufacture a wide range of electronic systems and subsystems for both military and commercial applications; and design, develop, produce and provide service support of armored combat vehicles, artillery systems and intelligent munitions.

BAE Systems says it has strong positions in each of its six home markets – Australia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Sweden, UK, US – and has organized its business to reflect this. The business throughout the rest of the world, it says, is responsible for delivering and growing its home markets, as well as optimizing its ability to deliver through-life military capability to the front line.

“Our organization is designed to enable us to deliver the cost, capability and overall financial performance to meet customers’ needs,” the company says.

A ‘Vital’ Capability
BAE Systems attributes much of its strength to its devotion to project management. The company defines this as “the integration of the outputs from other functions, suppliers and stakeholders to deliver attainable project goals.” It explains this is one of its “vital capabilities.”

In an effort to meet the basic requirement of delivering to its customers the products, services and capabilities they specify and expect, on time and on budget, the company relies on strict processes and procedures.

Within the defense sector, the firm explains, customers are demanding greater capability at more affordable cost. This drives up the complexity and required inter-operability of defense systems and increases the emphasis on upgradeability and serviceability of products. As a result, BAE Systems takes a lifecycle approach to its projects.

To ensure BAE Systems possesses the capability to execute its projects and programs successfully, the company has developed a set of project management processes, it says. The company’s capabilities also support the delivery of repeatable and predictable project outcomes.

“These processes are so important that the core – lifecycle management – is mandated throughout BAE Systems,” it says. “However, process alone is not enough; we require people with the knowledge, skills and experience to successfully tailor and apply processes in the diverse range of project environments that exist across the business. “The application of lifecycle management is critical to our capability to deliver projects on time, within projected cost and according to contract, enabling them to meet customer commitments. Lifecycle management promotes the application of best practices and facilitates continuous improvement across the company.”

Protecting U.S. Forces
In November, the company’s U.S. operations received a $6.6 million contract from the Defense Logistics Agency for approximately 30,000 Advanced Combat Helmets (ACH). The firm says the ACH is the most advanced ballistic helmet being worn by U.S. forces today.

BAE Systems explains its design offers “the highest level of protection and flexibility available,” and incorporates the latest technology in ballistic composite construction. ACH-compatible technologies include the Headborne Energy Analysis and Diagnostic System, the Corona System, Night Vision Goggles, communication devices and Global Positioning System sensors.

“This delivery order assures that the readiness and sustainment levels of this critical piece of protective equipment are being maintained,” said Sean Martin, director, business development of the Individual Equipment sector. “The ACH not only protects our men and women in uniform from threats, but also provides a platform onto which other technologies essential to our service men and women can be integrated.”

Issued under a multi-year contract received in August 2005, this order brings the total accumulated amount awarded to $95.5 million. Production will be completed at BAE Systems’ facilities in Jessup, Pa., with deliveries scheduled for completion in February 2009.