SPIE DCS 2021: Lockheed Martin holds the line during pandemic 15 Apr 2021 Military-aerospace supplier reveals how it maintains supply chains and recruits new blood while facing past yearâs biggest challenge. Rita Flaherty focused on cultivating relationships with suppliers, community support, and recruitment.Pandemic and budget-related impacts to the global supply chain have driven change in multinationalsâ and larger companiesâ approach to partnerships with small businesses and the resources they provide. A presentation at SPIE DCS on Tuesday by defense and aerospace giant Lockheed Martin (LM) focused on the importance of cultivating productive and mutually beneficial relationships with suppliers while simultaneously driving economic development in local communities.