The Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency has recognized Peerless Technologies Corporation as one of the “best of the best,” awarding the company its highest honor, the James S. Cogswell Outstanding Industrial Security Achievement Award. For 2020, only 61 companies out of more than 12,500 cleared facilities were recognized, less than one-half of one percent, agency officials said.

The Cogswell Award recognizes the top security programs that exemplify best practices for other companies as part of the partnership between industry and government to ensure protection of classified information and programs. Established in 1966, the award honors the legacy of Air Force Col. James S. Cogswell, the first chief of industrial security for the Department of Defense.

“The Cogswell Award is a great honor for our company and our employees,” said Michael Bridges, president of Peerless. “It is a testament to the hard work, dedication and attention to detail on the part of all our employees.”

The award is the culmination of a months-long evaluation and vetting process that includes reviews of nominations by a national review team, vetting nominations with external agencies and developing ranked lists for final approval by DSCA’s top leaders. To even be considered for nomination, a facility must have received two consecutive “Superior” ratings by the DCSA.

Award criteria include establishing and maintaining a security program that far exceeds the basic National Industrial Security Program requirements; and providing leadership to other cleared facilities in establishing best practices while maintaining the highest standards for security.

While the Cogswell Award is given to the company as a whole, Bridges noted that Bob Lilje, Peerless’ Facility Security Officer since 2013, was a key factor in winning the award.

“The best practices and commitment Bob brings to our security program directly resulted in this award,” Bridges said. “Security is everyone’s responsibility, and Bob’s professionalism and experience have been a great asset to the company in executing our responsibilities.”

Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, Peerless has grown into an award-winning professional services, engineering and cybersecurity firm supporting numerous aspects of national security, with almost 500 employees nationwide and operating at $100M annualized sales.

Peerless has supported a wide variety of federal clients, including the Air Force, Army, Navy, NASA, Department of Homeland Security, Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Homeland Security, CENTCOM, STRATCOM, Defense Logistics Agency, Defense Information Systems Agency, Department of Energy and General Services Administration.