Raytheon BBN Technologies

Company Recognized for Exceptional Small Business Subcontracting Commitment

CAMBRIDGE, Mass., July 2, 2003 — BBN Technologies has earned the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Award of Distinction for the company's commitment to working with small and minority-owned businesses.

At a recent ceremony held at BBN headquarters here, SBA New England Regional Administrator Jeffrey H. Butland presented the award to BBN President Tad Elmer.

"Access to government contracts by small businesses is one of President Bush's priorities and a key part of his small business agenda," Butland said. "It is rewarding to work with a company like BBN that places a high priority on helping small businesses succeed and thrive."

Elmer expressed BBN's commitment to working with small and minority-owned business, saying, "Working with small businesses is the right thing to do, and it's good business; we get excellent responsiveness and service from our small business subcontractors."

The SBA Award of Distinction was initiated in 1985 to recognize federal contractors that have exceptional small business subcontracting programs. The SBA's commercial market representatives review companies to ensure compliance with subcontracting laws and regulations and rate each company, from unsatisfactory to outstanding. Only companies rated outstanding can be nominated for the Award of Distinction.

Prior to the presentation, Janette Fasano, SBA area director for government contracting, noted, "Less than two percent of the SBA's portfolio of 2,500 large federal contractors have earned this award."

In a letter notifying BBN Technologies of the award, Linda G. Williams, associate administrator for government contracting at SBA, commended BBN's Small Business Liaison Officer, John Forcucci, saying: "He shows exceptionally strong support of the company's small business program and plays a significant role in promoting opportunities for small business at your company. His efforts have produced significant results."

BBN Technologies is often recognized for its commitment to helping small and minority-owned businesses develop opportunities to participate in government contracts. In 2001, BBN earned two awards from the federal Defense Contract Management (DCM) Command in Boston for its use of minority-owned suppliers. The DCM award is given to organizations that meet or exceed their goals for placing work with small, minority-owned businesses. BBN Technologies has also been recognized by NASA for small business advocacy in the Northeast.