superior security rating in an annual vulnerability assessment by the U.S. Defense Security Service. DSS completed a two-week review at Raytheon Missile Systems headquarters and rated the site's security practices.

"Safeguarding of information essential to the protection of warfighters is of utmost concern to RMS employees," said Dr. Taylor W. Lawrence, president of RMS. "This superior rating is further validation that our security processes and practices are best in class."

A superior rating is reserved for contractors that have consistently and fully implemented the requirements of the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual.

The facility must have documented procedures that heighten the security awareness of employees, a sustained high level of management support for the security program, and the absence of any serious security issues. With more than 10,000 employees in Tucson, RMS headquarters is the largest Raytheon facility to receive a superior rating from DSS.

"Here at Raytheon Missile Systems, we are constantly finding ways to improve our already superior security practices," said Ken White, director of RMS Global Security Services.

"These security programs are part of Raytheon's ongoing commitment to Mission Assurance."

Supporting national security and the warfighter, DSS is responsible for approximately 13,000 cleared contractor facilities.

The agency ensures the security of the nation's technological base and oversees the protection of U.S. and foreign classified information in industry. Fewer than four percent of the facilities DSS oversees receive a superior rating.