Lobbyists and executives for Northrop Grumman are quietly pressing General Assembly investigators to soften a report that was sharply critical of the company for failing to deliver computer services to the state on time. Northrop Grumman representatives met privately yesterday for more than two hours with staff members of the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission to discuss possible revisions in JLARC’s findings.

Despite turmoil within its information-technology program and the potential for more, Virginia may not have the money to dump Northrop Grumman as its computer contractor and fashion an alternative, General Assembly investigators warn. In a sweeping examination of Virginia’s troubled contract with Northrop Grumman, the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission also proposes turning over control of the state’s IT agency to the governor by allowing him to choose its chief. That would end the current structure of shared oversight by the chief executive and lawmakers.

The state now is accusing Northrop Grumman of failing to deliver computer services and hinting at unspecified action against the giant company. In a shift yesterday, the state—which has been defending its disputed 10-year, $2.3 billion deal with Northrop Grumman—said the Chantilly-based firm is in breach of contract. Further, the state is demanding a plan from Northrop Grumman within 60 days for ending delays—some that have continued two years—and for completing an inventory of computer equipment that was supposed to be finished yesterday.