LOCATIONS
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17 Jan 13. General Dynamics Information Technology achieved a Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI) Level 4 rating for its work under several high-maturity programs at the U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services’ Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), under the Enterprise Systems Development contract. The company attained the CMMI Level 4 rating ahead of CMS’ required schedule of September 2013. General Dynamics’ CMMI Level 4 rating signifies the companyquantitatively manages projects, which improves work quality and efficiency and ensures projects align with the organization’s business objectives. Demonstrating CMMI Level 4 processes, the company develops quantitative project objectives based on customer and end-user needs and uses those objectives to manage project performance and measure program effectiveness. General Dynamics also uses statistical tools and techniques to predict the benefits or consequences of anticipated project changes and minimize performance variances. By implementing highly mature CMMI Level 4 practices, General Dynamics has institutionalized a culture of continuous improvement and performs high-quality work efficiently, meeting project objectives on budget and on schedule.
11 Jan 13. Rolls-Royce, the global power systems company, has opened its first Service Delivery Centre to support military engines at the Royal Air Force base at Marham in Norfolk, UK. The facility was officially opened by the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Dalton, and Rolls-Royce Chief Executive Officer, John Rishton. A team of around 15 specialist Rolls-Royce engineers will work alongside their RAF counterparts at the new centre to deliver tailored support services for the Tornado combat aircraft’s RB199 engines at the customer’s operating base. The Service Delivery Centre also features live video links to the Rolls-Royce Operations Centre in Bristol, which will enable real-time decision making on engine issues helping to further increase aircraft availability for missions. Service Delivery Centres form part of a suite of innovative support solutions that Rolls-Royce is implementing across a global network of over 100 military customers. The centres are aimed at improving engine availability and reducing costs for customers.
MARITIME
14 Jan 13. Somerset leaves Devon. HMS Somerset leaves Devonport after first refit under full Type 23 COM implementation. Type 23 frigate HMS Somerset has left Devonport Royal Dockyard for sea trials with significantly increased sustainability and fighting capability, following a successful nine-month docking period undertaken by Babcock; the first major maintenance period conducted under the full implementation of the Surface Ship Support (SSS) Alliance Class Output Management (COM) arrangements. The project has been successfully undertaken by a joint SSS Alliance team (MoD, Babcock, and BAE Systems) under the co-ordination of the Type 23 COM. HMS Somerset has received a number of upgrades and improvements during the upkeep period, including the new DNA(2) Command System, central to the ship’s capability against air, surface and underwater threats; a SeaWolf mid-life upgrade comprising tracking, guidance and weapon management upgrades to counter evolving anti-ship missile threats; installation of the Defence Information Infrastructure (Future) (DII(F)) enabling information sharing and collaborative working across the Armed Forces and MOD; and NATO Radial Filters to protect fresh air supplies from contamination in the event of an incident; as well as a galley equipment upgrade ensuring the service areas are in optimum condition to support the ship. A programme of maintenance and minor upgrades on the radar, sonar, and weapons systems including the 4.5 inch gun has also been carried out. Additionally, a number of mechanical upgrades, and full programme of deep maintenance has been undertaken, including a large paint preservation p