Processes

CMMI Level 5

Our industry's highest rating for systems and software engineering
Northrop Grumman Corporation has achieved the highest possible rating for commercial and defense industry best practices for software and systems. To date, Northrop Grumman has earned more Capability Maturity Model® Integration (CMMI ®) Level 5 ratings than any other company in the defense and information technology industries.  Fewer than 10 companies within the United States and 80 worldwide have achieved even a single Software Engineering Institute CMMI® Level 5 rating. 

This accomplishment further validates our No. 1 ranking as a federal systems integrator. We achieved the ratings by successfully establishing a continuous and optimizing process improvement infrastructure. This infrastructure enables the efficient integration of our company's systems and software engineering processes. It also streamlines core and common processes across multiple programs. As a result, we are better able to meet business objectives and serve our customers.

In addition, Defense Enterprise Solutions, part of Northrop Grumman’s Information Technology sector, was the first organization in the world to be re-appraised at the CMMI-SE/SW Level 5 maturity rating against the Software Engineering Institute standard, as recommended by industry guidelines.  As the second organization in the United States to be appraised at CMMI-SE/SW Level 5 and the third organization in the world to be appraised at that level, this group exemplifies the Northrop Grumman commitment to continuous improvement through its use of industry-leading process improvement practices.

What is CMMI?
CMMI is the recognized standard developed by a coalition of industry, government and the SEI to objectively assess the full range of an organization's engineering capability. SEI is a federally funded research and development center sponsored by the U.S. Department of Defense and operated by Carnegie Mellon University. There are five levels of CMMI maturity. Level 5, the highest maturity level, indicates the lowest risk - resulting from the improved processes and practices that an organization employs.

How you benefit
The CMMI Level 5 rating translates directly into increased value for our customers.

• Reduced rework. Defect levels are continuously targeted during the requirements and design phases of programs to reduce the need for rework later.
• Predictable engineering milestones. Quantitative control brings predictability to cost, schedule and quality performance.
• Measurable improvement of products and services. Applying the CMMI common framework has led to documented savings for our customers.
• Continuous improvement of process performance. On-going process optimization accommodates changing customer needs.
• Greater customer satisfaction. Enhanced performance and cost control have generated top customer satisfaction ratings.

JEDMICS
Joint Engineering Data Management Information and Control System

AIT
Automatic Identification Technology

FSAS
Fuel Savings Advisory System

DD(X)
Naval 21st century survase combatant program

JPATS-TIMS
Joint Primary Aircraft Training System -Training Integrated Management System

The appraisal was conducted in accordance with the industry Standard CMMI Appraisal Method for Process Improvement (SCAMPI). Led by an independent authorized and licensed lead evaluator from Integrated Systems Diagnostics, Inc., the appraisal documented our optimizing process improvement infrastructure - which continuously enhances engineering and program performance for our customers.

The journey continues
Northrop Grumman IT's CMMI Level 5 ratings mark a major milestone in a continuing journey of process improvement. We're working closely with our customers to migrate these mature processes out to every government IT program and project where they can make a difference.

Capability Maturity Model, CMM, and CMMI are registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office by Carnegie Mellon University.