Use of Information

  1. May I discuss our chances for receiving a contract award with other bidders at a trade association meeting I'm attending next month?
    1. No. You should not discuss bids, terms of contracts, or similar proprietary business information with employees of competing firms. This might give others an unfair advantage and violate anti-trust laws.
  2. May I discuss Northrop Grumman projects with an engineer from another company with whom I'm working closely under a teaming agreement?
    1. As a general rule, do not discuss any company programs other than those on which you are working. Such conversations can compromise the programs involved and create other legal issues. You are required to protect Northrop Grumman's proprietary information regardless of what the other engineer chooses to discuss.
  3. I'm handling a competitive bid to award a Northrop Grumman contract. I know what one of the suppliers will bid, and I want to use that information to get one of the higher bidders to lower his price. Is this okay?
    1. Buyers are expected to use competitive bid information as part of procurement negotiation planning. However, such supplier information generally may not be divulged to any other suppliers. The matter requires a written determination from the Materiel department.
  4. Can I present a technical paper at a scientific meeting?
    1. Yes, but technical presentations must be approved by a technical paper coordinator at your sector prior to submission to the Corporate Office for review and approval. In situations like this, we must all be attentive to security requirements and to protecting advanced technologies.
  5. I have received a copy of part of a competitor's proposal in the mail. What should I do?
    1. Do not read or use it. Seal the document, give it to legal counsel at your location, and notify your manager.
  6. My work leads me to believe that a supplier will soon be awarded a large contract. May I invest in this supplier's stock?
    1. Not unless your information is available to the general public. If it is not, the Securities and Exchange Commission would consider that you are investing based on "inside information." You also must not buy or sell Northrop Grumman stock based on "inside information." This could lead to civil or criminal penalties.
  7. A friend of mine owns a computer store. May I give him the names of the employees in my division for a special discount?
    1. No. Information about Northrop Grumman employees, such as who they are and where they work, is private and not for release outside the company.

Questions to Ask Yourself