Some Interesting Wins
January 30, 2019 | By Christina Winn
Arlington Economic Development works with hundreds of business prospects each year, and over the years, we have been quite successful. Some are routine; others stand out in some way. I thought that I would highlight a few that I am especially proud of.
Arlington recently attracted several innovative, high growth technology companies from New Zealand that wanted to expand work with U.S. federal, state and local government and contractors on some of the most pressing security problems. Three companies have formed the Security Technology Alliance (STA) to deliver security technology for government, contractors and commercial markets. The three founding members, Gallagher, Tait Communications and Wynyard Group together represent more than $350M in global revenues and employ over 2,000 people worldwide. The alliance will give New Zealand tech companies a foothold in the U.S. government market and open the door for U.S. contractors to pursue opportunities in New Zealand and access to the Asia-Pacific market. The alliance selected Rosslyn/Courthouse (1530 Wilson Boulevard) for its offices.
In Crystal City, Decisive Analytics Corporation (DAC) is an employee-owned company providing engineering services, and analytical products to the Department of Defense, Homeland Security and other government agencies and commercial businesses. In October 2013, it will be the first tenant to move into the newly refurbished building by Lowes Enterprise at 1400 Crystal Drive, occupying the top floor at around 25,000 square feet. For the past few years, DAC has consistently won awards such as The Washington Business Journal’s Top 50 Best Places to Work, Diversity Business’ Top 100 Companies in Virginia; the Washingtonian’s Great Places to Work award; the Tibbetts Award for excellence in Small Business Innovative Research programs; Volt Awards Leaders in Technology; Arlington Green Games Silver Award; and Top Contractor according to Federal Times.
Evolent Health and Privia Health, are recent spin-offs from the Advisory Board Corporation that have moved into 800 N. Glebe Road in Ballston. Both are leading edge health care related companies that serve providers through technology and new models of providing lower cost care in a highly competitive industry. Evolent Health has expanded from 8,000 to 38,000 square feet, and Privia Health is all new with 11,000 square feet. These are both young companies in a hot industry with enormous growth potential.
Other significant expansions of existing firms include additions of 31,200 square feet for Rosetta Stone in Rosslyn and14,000 square feet for Raytheon, also in Rosslyn, as well as Italian defense contractor DRS Technologies with 50,000 square feet in Crystal City. New to Arlington is the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International in Shirlington. Two important retentions were 100,000 square feet for CACI and 94,000 square feet headquarters for AES, both headquarters operations in Ballston.
They are an interesting array of companies in a variety of industries spread throughout our urban villages. They will serve us well as we reposition our economy away from a reliance on federal agencies while still recognizing that the federal presence remains important through the contractor community.