2024 Program Excellence Category Descriptions

The OEM nominee exhibits a major accomplishment in the system design and development stage of a program platform or free-standing capability, and most often integrates an array of systems to achieve a specific objective or capability.
The Supplier nominee designs and develops systems or sub-systems intended to integrate with a larger array of systems.

The OEM nominee establishes a track record for efficient production and delivery of a product or service based on new processes, tools, and capabilities to minimize the learning curve and achieve cost-effectiveness as quickly as possible for a defined program.
The Supplier nominee establishes a track record for efficient production to meet defined quality, delivery, and production requirements in alignment with a program of record. This includes the ability to adapt to new materials and processes adopted by the prime contractor in a way that delivers customer and internal value.

The OEM nominee achieves defined post-delivery goals aligned with customer requirements and operational tempo — including upgrades, modifications, MRO, or other efforts that assure performance in service.
The Supplier nominee achieves defined post-delivery goals aligned with customer requirements and operational tempo — including upgrades, modifications, overhauls, or other efforts that assure the platform’s performance in service and its ongoing value and relevance to the organization.

Special Projects are one-time initiatives or research that would not necessarily lead to a sustained program of record.

OEM System Design & Development

OEM System Production

OEM System Sustainment/Upgrades

Special Projects

Supplier System Design & Development

Supplier System Production

Supplier System Sustainment/Upgrades