. . . Including a New Specialist

Meanwhile, one major defense contractor has created a specialized position to deal with this increasingly antagonistic environment.

Rockwell International told its employees last Monday that it has created the post of special ombudsman whose role will be to hear employee reports of irregularities in the conduct of government business. The firm, which has major facilities all over the Southland, sent a letter to all its employees detailing how they can contact the ombudsman and reminding them of the need for ethical performance.

Rockwell’s new emphasis on ethics follows the firm’s guilty plea to federal charges in Texas that it submitted false time cards on a government contract. In addition to a stiff court fine and restitution charges, the Air Force has suspended awarding new contracts to Rockwell, a penalty that the company says it considers a serious threat to its business.