Torch Receives 2021 James S. Cogswell Outstanding Industrial Security Achievement Award

Torch Technologies (Torch), a 100% employee-owned technology services and solutions company headquartered in Huntsville, Alabama, is proud to have been awarded the 2021 James S. Cogswell Outstanding Industrial Security Achievement Award by the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA). The Cogswell Award is the most prestigious honor the Department of Defense can bestow to cleared contractors who consistently, and at the highest level, demonstrate a commitment to excellence and leadership in the Industrial Security community.

Of the more than 12,500 cleared contractors in the National Industrial Security Program (NISP), only 40 facilities received this honor this year, which is 0.3% of those eligible. Of the 300 Huntsville-based cleared Defense contractors, Torch was one of only two Huntsville recipients of the Cogswell Award.

The Cogswell Award criterion focuses on the principles of industrial security excellence, and the selection process is rigorous. A DCSA Industrial Security Representative may only nominate facilities that have at a minimum two consecutive superior industrial security review ratings and which show a sustained degree of excellence and innovation in their overall security program management, implementation, and oversight. DCSA makes the final selections based upon the following criteria: overall security program; senior management support; security vulnerability assessments; security education and awareness; facility security officer and security staff level of experience; and classified material controls.

Traditionally, the awards are presented at the annual NCMS training seminar; however, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the NCMS seminar was cancelled, and the award winners were recognized in a virtual ceremony.

"We are honored to have been selected by DCSA as a recipient of the Cogswell Award," Torch President and CEO John Watson stated. "Our selection for this prestigious award reflects Torch's commitment to a strong security program to protect our nation and the Warfighter, and this recognition for our security personnel is well-deserved."

See the complete list of the 2021 Cogswell Award recipients.