Lockheed Martin was number two, with 84 instances of misconduct and alleged misconduct and pay outs of just over $426 million - a 21 percent increase and $194 million in new pay outs. Lockheed Martin made up 9% of government contracts in 2002, the most of any government contractor.
Despite the 50 instances of misconduct, Boeing - number three on POGO's list - is still being considered for a new $16 billion handout to lease 100 converted B-767 tankers to the U.S. Air Force. The Air Force also appears to be ignoring the fact that former Boeing officials are the target of a current federal investigation into allegations that they illegally obtained Lockheed Martin Corp. documents to help Boeing win a huge government contract to launch military satellites.
Although POGO's investigation has documented a large number of instances of misconduct and alleged misconduct, the federal government currently does not possess any sort of database to record such abuse. Federal suspension and debarment officials do not have the necessary information to protect the American taxpayer's interests and account for government purchases.
Misconduct Highlights
Compromising National Security
2000: Lockheed Martin was charged with 30 violations of the Arms Export Control Act and the International Traffic in Arms Regulations. The violations were regarding the transfer of space launch assistance technologies to China. Lockheed Martin paid a civil penalty of $13 million.
1997: Lockheed Martin allegedly exported material to South Korea that can be used in missile delivery/reentry systems. Lockheed did not obtain the export license required for national security and nuclear nonproliferation considerations. The company paid a $45,000 civil penalty.
1995: Lockheed Martin pleaded guilty to violating the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act for paying bribes to officials of the Egyptian Government. The company paid a criminal fine of $24.8 million.
2000: A C-130 Hercules aircraft was on a routine training mission when its four Allison T-56 turboprop engines failed, causing the aircraft to crash into the Pacific Ocean. Lockheed Martin was one of the parties allegedly responsible for the crash that took the lives of ten Air Force Reservists. The sealed case was later settled.
Note: Contractor Misconduct
Stumble It!
It boggles the mind that 1. our government did not do background investigations or 2. they are aware of the misconduct and still chose to deal with L.M. Either way, I am appalled with their choice.
On subject: CBC/National is having Paul Martin on for questions from the masses and I have sent him a question asking him how many companies like his is Canada doing business with? Companies we hire and they just walk away with our money and there\'s no return. And does he consider this good business for the Canadian taxpayer?
What kind of standards do we have for our leaders? Our government just gave up some sovereignty, privacy, and self-respect, by selling-out to a company that has killed millions indirectly with weapons, including mini-nukes and land mines. Aren\'t you embarrassed?
In this era, it\'s a given that government only think in monetary terms. That being said, these Liberals are ruining our sovereignty, and acutally making Canada a less-secure place, but refusing to bring troops home from Afghanistan, and giving in to corporations.
As Tommy Douglas said: \"The Liberals have a wish-bone, where they should have a back-bone.\" hehh.
Do you know when CBC/National will be airing this?
Feb.04. I\'ve posted on the main page the 800# and the www. you can use to pose you question. It\'s Ask the Prime Minister.
The situation is a bit different, although I know there are hostile forces there, but that is usually why we are sent in. The only part of this program that irritates me is that our troops are not equiped as they should be, the military is highly underfunded, we have the best trained troops, of course they have to be to work with what we supply them, but that aside, we need to create a strong military to defend our nation, to keep the peace when we are asked, to assist with humanitarian aid and crisis in the world. That is our role, not bomb and awe grandstanding.
I think it is tragic to loose any soldier or civilian under these circumstances, but that is the reality of creating a world of hostility, and we must be prepared to assist in peacekeeping. Maybe the example our great soldiers set in Afganistan,( as they have historically done inother peacekeeping missions),will lead the world to follow our example. But if the warmongers keep going, we\'ll be peacekeeping for centuries to come, so buckle up your helmet! Those thirsting for blood, will continually ask others to clean up the mess, so unless peaceful people can convert the rest we are in for a long haul! sigh