Austal USA awarded US government security clearance

摘要

Austal USA has been awarded a security facility clearance by the United States Department of Defense. The company's Australian parent reports that the award "elevates Austal USA to a new level of US defence supplier" and will allow it to be a prime contractor for future US govern ment shipbuilding projects. According to Austal, "The clearance was awarded after Austal USA successfully entered into a Special Security Agreement with the US Government following a process spanning more than three years, in which the company had to satisfy strict criteria surrounding foreign ownership, control or influence. "An integral part of the Special Security Agreement process was the formation of an Austal USA Government Security Committee comprising Austal USA company officers and appointed outside directors. The Government Security Committee meets regularly to oversee the company's compliance with the US Government's Security and Export regulations. "Also, an Austal USA Board, a subsidiary Board of Austal Limited, was established to allow the shipyard greater independence from its publicly owned Australian parent company. Among those appointed to the subsidiary Board were high ranking ex US defence personnel."