EODT Ethics Program Honored by Ethisphere Institute
Mar 21, 2008
Lenoir City, TN – The ethics and compliance initiatives of EOD Technology, Inc. (EODT) are being honored for being among the best of more than 1,000 federal contracting companies studied by an independent institute that encourages sound business practices, it was announced today.
EODT is a recipient of a top rating in the category of, “Best Overall Government Contractor Ethics Program,” following a study by the Ethisphere Institute. The rankings will be published in the first quarter issue of Ethisphere Magazine, available nationally March 15th.
Researchers from the Ethisphere Institute analyzed more than 1,000 Federal Government contractors as part of the 2008 ratings. The ratings take into account new Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) rules regarding U.S. government contractors’ ethics programs, key Federal Sentencing Guidelines “hallmarks” for effective compliance programs and industry best practices.
The Institute scored companies based on their ethics programs, which were reviewed through an online questionnaire, along with information voluntarily provided by the participants. Quality assurance of responses were verified through random audit and review.
EODT was rated as #27 in Best Ethics Program Overall. In related rankings the firm was ranked #7 in Best Private Company Ethics Programs, #4 in Best Small Company Ethics Programs, and #5 in Internal Control Systems.
“We are delighted by the recognition of EODT for its ethics and compliance program” said Lt. Gen. USMC (Ret.) Jan Huly, an EODT Advisory Board member. “But our journey is just beginning as we continue to focus on fully integrating business ethics and conduct into everything we do as a company. We believe the Government will recognize this commitment and the improvements that result from it as indicative of the type of company it prefers to do business with.”
The Institute’s rankings were based on an objective analysis of four categories:
r Code of ethics and business conduct
r Leadership and tone from the top
r Internal control systems
r Ethics training and communication programs
“Oftentimes, government contractors are portrayed in a negative light in the news because of a few bad apples’ actions,” said Alex Brigham, executive director of the Ethisphere Institute. “While there are some contractors to whom ethics means little, we have found that there are many more who rightfully pride themselves on their ethical business practices.” Mr. Brigham added: “In undertaking this exhaustive research and ranking we have found the opportunity to highlighted companies that have taken proactive measures to implement the proper controls, culture and programs to communicate company values and prevent unethical behavior. They should be a shining example to others in the industry.””
Ethisphere Magazine is a national publication dedicated to illuminating the important correlation between ethics and profit. For a complete listing of the Government Contractors ratings, go to www.ethisphere.com.
About EODT
EOD Technology, Inc. is headquartered in Lenoir City, Tenn., with offices in Baghdad; Kabul; Kuwait City; Washington, D.C.; Huntsville, Ala.; and San Jose, Costa Rica. Employing approximately 400 people worldwide with more than $200 million in revenues for 2007, the employee-owned company is an industry leader for providing integrated munitions response, security, and critical mission support services.
About The Ethisphere Institute
The Ethisphere Institute with the support of its keystone partners LexisNexis, the Practising Law Institute, Red Flag Group, the National Association of Corporate Directors, Trace International, the Global Reporting Initiative, Corpedia, and associated membership group, the Ethisphere Council, was founded in 2006. Dedicated to the research, creation, and sharing of best practices in business ethics, compliance, sustainability, and corporate governance and citizenship, the Council is comprised of over 200 institutions and corporations, including Deutsche Telekom, Time Warner, Avaya and Kraft. Ethisphere Magazine is the quarterly publication of the Institute, created to illuminate the important correlation between ethics and profits.
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For further information about EODT, contact Tina Sampson (865) 988-6063.
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