Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) announced it has signed a U.S. Department of Defense mentor-protege agreement with MVLE, a nonprofit group that provides jobs and job training for persons with disabilities. Northrop Grumman developed the mentor-protege relationship with MVLE to assist in its development of federal contracting opportunities, as well as infrastructure development that will help provide more employment opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities.
MVLE, located in Springfield, Va., was founded in 1971 by parents of young adults with disabilities looking to create opportunities for their children after they finished attending school. MVLE provides daily work opportunities and intensive rehabilitation services to over 450 adults with disabilities. It is an internationally accredited agency and a qualified AbilityOne service provider. MVLE provides custodial, document management and scanning, food service, outbound mail, digital mail, and secure facility services. MVLE recently announced plans for a work and rehabilitation program to help Wounded Warriors become part of the workforce.
“This mentor-protege agreement allows Northrop Grumman the opportunity to assist an AbilityOne agency in transitioning into the realm of federal contracting. This program goes beyond the development of contracting activities by allowing people with severe disabilities the opportunity to become gainfully employed.” said Susan Cote, Northrop Grumman corporate vice president of contracts, pricing and supply chain.
Northrop Grumman will provide engineering and technical training to MVLE. This includes formal training at Northrop Grumman facilities and in partnership with the George Mason Procurement Technical Assistance Center.
“MVLE is excited to work with Northrop Grumman to make it possible to provide more training and jobs for persons with disabilities. MVLE appreciates that Northrop Grumman is willing to share its expertise and knowledge to help create a better life for people with intellectual challenges who often are unable to find employment,” said MVLE President April Pinch-Keeler.
Since 1992, Northrop Grumman has mentored approximately 100 small businesses, and currently has 20 active mentor-protege agreements. The MVLE agreement is the first of its kind where an AbilityOne firm has entered into the mentor-protege program. Northrop Grumman has received 20 Nunn-Perry Awards from the Defense Department since 1995 for its work with protege companies.
Northrop Grumman Corporation is a leading global security company whose 120,000 employees provide innovative systems, products, and solutions in aerospace, electronics, information systems, shipbuilding and technical services to government and commercial customers worldwide.
