General Dynamics Recognized for Small Business Support by Veterans Affairs

FAIRFAX, Va. , July 15 /PRNewswire/ -- General Dynamics Information Technology, a business unit of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), received a Corporate Achievement Award from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs for its dedication to expanding business opportunities for veterans, especially those with service-connected disabilities.

"General Dynamics Information Technology has been an important resource for helping to develop and increase business opportunities for veteran and service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses. Veterans bring outstanding leadership and experience to companies such as General Dynamics on the contracts they have with their government customers and specifically with the Department of Veterans Affairs. We appreciate their support in working with our veterans," said Scott Denniston , director, Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

"This recognition is an outcome of the company's support of small business partners nationwide and our dedication to service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses," said Tom Kirchmaier , senior vice president of Intelligence Solutions for General Dynamics Information Technology. "We want to encourage these entrepreneurs to work with us because they bring great experience and valuable skills to our contracting efforts."

General Dynamics Information Technology has opened doors that allow veterans to continue serving their country by providing comprehensive support and contracting opportunities. In 2007, General Dynamics Information Technology spent over $440 million with small businesses, representing over 50 percent of subcontracted dollars. By the end of 2007, the company's Intelligence Solutions organization alone spent $33 million with service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses (SDVOSBs) on one of its major contracts, a figure that represents 4.8 percent of its subcontracted dollars.

As a trusted systems integrator for more than 50 years, General Dynamics Information Technology provides information technology (IT), systems engineering and professional services to customers in the defense, intelligence, homeland security, federal civilian government and commercial sectors. With 15,000 professionals worldwide, the company manages large-scale, mission-critical IT programs delivering IT services and enterprise solutions. More information about General Dynamics Information Technology is available at http://www.gdit.com.

General Dynamics, headquartered in Falls Church, Va. , employs approximately 84,000 people worldwide and reported 2007 revenues of $27.2 billion. The company has leading market positions in mission-critical information systems and technologies, land and amphibious combat systems, shipbuilding and marine systems, and business aviation. More information about the company is available on the Internet at http://www.generaldynamics.com.

SOURCE General Dynamics Information Technology