Matthew Page Poised to Help AITC Grow and Expand Services
AITC, a leading systems integration firm providing information technology (IT), training, simulation and professional services and solutions to defense and federal agencies, recently named Matthew Page as the company’s Chief of Cyber and Technology Programs. Page is responsible for the successful implementation of all Cyber and Technology related programs, the development and enactment of cyber security growth strategy for future cyber program expansion opportunities and leading the Cyber Security Community of Interest (COI).
Prior to joining AITC, Page previously served our nation as an Army Chief Warrant Officer and a Department of the Army Civilian. His most recent Federal Government role was in Civilian Service serving as NETCOM’s Southeast Region Network Division Chief (GS-14). Page has earned numerous awards in both the military and civilian communities, including the prestigious Legion of Merit and the 93rd Signal Brigade’s Senior Civilian of the Year. Additionally, he has acquired several technical certifications including: ISC2 Certified Information Systems Security Professional, Juniper Networks Certified Internet Associate, VMware Certified Professional, Cisco Certified Network Associate, Security+, GAIC Security Essentials, and GAIC Certified Incident Handler.
“Matthew brings a wealth of knowledge, skills, and expertise to help AITC deliver the next generation of services and support to the valued clients we serve throughout the world,” says David E. Gardner AITC’s CEO. “We look forward to the positive impact he will make towards accomplishing our rising goals and ambitious objectives.”
AITC has been recognized for its fast growth, recently earning a spot on the Washington Technology Fast 50 list of the fastest growing government contractors nationwide, Inc. 5000 list (ranking No. 2054) and also on the Inc. Regionals Southeast list (ranking at No. 66). The company also graduated from the SBA’s 8(a) program in May 2022, as it continues its upward growth trajectory.
Leading IT Systems Integrator Opens Southwest Regional Headquarters to Better Serve Clients
AITC opened its new Southwest Regional Headquarters in August. The company, whose main office is in Winter Springs, Florida, makes this expansion on the heels of securing a major United States Army contract: Total Engineering and Integration Services (TEIS IV) and more in development.
AITC made the $3.5M investment to expand additional office space located just outside of Fort Huachuca in Sierra Vista, AZ.
“We are very deliberate about our growth strategy, keeping the needs of our clients on the forefront of every decision,” says David E. Gardner, AITC’s CEO. “Expanding our reach to Arizona and specifically the Sierra Vista area allows us to better support our Fort Huachuca contracts while serving existing and future clients throughout the region.”
Previously, the Department of Army, Army Materiel Command (AMC), Communications-Electronics Command (CECOM), and U.S. Army Information Systems Engineering Command (USAISEC), awarded AITC a contract for information systems engineering and information technology support services. The Total Engineering and Integration Services (TEIS IV) contract is an $800M five-year duration IDIQ contract.
“Our new Southwest Regional Headquarters is a win-win for Government customers current and future and provides AITC with the flexibility to better serve our customer requirements worldwide,” says Larry Singer, AITC’s Chief of Business Development.
“In addition to providing expanded and modern office space for our Sierra Vista employees and several team members, our new facilities will also serve as a technology hub to showcase the latest technology and solutions AITC offers its customers,” says Gabriel Ruiz, AITC’s President.
Local officials Matt McLachlan, AICP, Community Development Director, City of Sierra Vista and Mignonne Hollis, Executive Director, Arizona Regional Economic Development Foundation worked with AITC to make this expansion possible.
AITC has been recognized for its fast growth, recently it earned a spot on the Inc. 5000 list (ranking No. 2054) and also on the Inc. Regionals Southeast list (ranking at No. 66). The company also graduated from the SBA’s 8(a) program in May as it continues its growth trajectory.
Program Has Helped Propel Company into Next Phase of Growth
Building upon successful years of rapid growth, AITC has officially “graduated” from the United States Small Business Administration’s (SBA) 8(a) program at the end of May 2022.
The 8(a) program is geared to help entrepreneurs launch, grow, and graduate their companies into a successful small business firm. The program provides the tools and knowledge needed to compete for contracts in the open market.
Since its inception in 2006, AITC has evolved from its humble beginnings. The company was founded by former military veteran, Gabriel Ruiz, a retired Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army. He and his wife Sandra Ruiz have spearheaded AITC to grow from a small family-owned business to a well-respected, major international enterprise. The 8(a) graduation is a celebration of Gabriel Ruiz and Sandra Ruiz’ hard work and commitment to establish, maintain, and grow AITC as an exemplary small business.
In the past 24 months, AITC has been awarded approximately $2B in DoD contracts. The company has expanded its success by moving into international markets including South Korea, Belgium, Germany, Uruguay, and Fiji. AITC also supports the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) 2030 Transformation program in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
“Being part of the SBA’s 8(a) program has assisted AITC with growing and succeeding as a small business. As we transitioned through the years of working outside of the federal government, it prepared our company for the next sphere of success and helped to solidify our core strengths to attract large-scale contracts that have a global reach and impact,” says Gabe Ruiz, AITC President.
Company Milestones:
In 2012 AITC was accepted into the 8(a) Program. Since then, these were some of the successful 8(a) efforts achieved during the 10-year program period:
1. AITC received its first 8(a) contract to support the U.S. Army and VA Medical Simulation Logistics efforts operating a 33,000-sf facility to support more than 100 VA Medical Clinics
2. The U.S. Army Information Systems Engineering Command (ISEC) awarded AITC an 8(a) Top Secret contract to provide Audio Visual Engineering support in South Korea.
3. The U.S. Navy awarded AITC a Global Peace Operations Initiative (GPOI) contract for worldwide logistics and technology support.
4. AITC received a Defense Health Agency (DHA) contract to provide Medical Simulation engineering and support to the NATO Allied Centre for Medical Education (ACME), Belgium.
5. FT Buchanan, P.R. awarded AITC an Engineering Support contract to support the Department of Public Work (DPW).
6. FT Jackson, S.C. awarded AITC a contract to provide Information Technology Engineering and Cyber Security support.
7. PEO STRI awarded AITC a Medical Simulation contract for IT, Cyber Security and engineering support at Joint Base San Antonio’s Medical School’ Transport Medical Training Lab.
8. U.S. Forest Services awarded AITC three contracts over three years to provide close to $8M in IT equipment.
9. The U.S. Department of State awarded AITC a contract for the procurement and delivery of IT equipment to Honduras.
10. AITC received a contract from the U.S. Army Intelligence Center of Excellence (ICoE) at FT Huachuca, AZ, to provide Military Intelligence personnel for critical mission support.
“These are just a few of the countless efforts AITC received during the program. We leveraged the opportunities afforded under the SBA’s 8(a) program by pursuing and receiving countless contracts. These contracts provided critical lessons learned, past performance, and the financial platform for the implementation of systems, processes, and personnel to allow AITC to effectively compete and succeed outside of the 8(a) program. AITC is forever grateful to the countless advisors, mentors, customers, partners, and employees who made this journey a success. Words of advice, if we could do it, others can too!” says Ruiz.
The successful program graduation also signifies AITC’s effective implementation of processes and systems, the development of critical skills, capabilities and past performance, as well as the hiring of committed and focused employees to take the company to the next level in a competitive environment.
Leading IT Systems Integrator Adds Southwest Regional Headquarters to Better Serve Clients
AITC has expanded with the addition of its new Southwest Regional Headquarters. This expansion comes on the heels of securing a major United States Army contract: Total Engineering and Integration Services (TEIS IV).
AITC made the $3.5M investment to purchase additional office space located just outside of Fort Huachuca in Sierra Vista, AZ.
“We are very deliberate about our growth strategy, keeping the needs of our clients on the forefront of every decision,” says David E. Gardner, AITC’s CEO. “Expanding our reach to Arizona and specifically the Sierra Vista area allows us to better support our Fort Huachuca contracts while serving existing and future clients throughout the region.”
Previously, the Department of Army, Army Materiel Command (AMC), Communications-Electronics Command (CECOM), and U.S. Army Information Systems Engineering Command (USAISEC), awarded AITC a contract for information systems engineering and information technology support services. The Total Engineering and Integration Services (TEIS IV) contract is an $800M five-year duration IDIQ contract.
“Our new Southwest Regional Headquarters is a win-win for Government customers current and future and provides AITC with the flexibility to better serve our customer requirements worldwide,” says Larry Singer, AITC’s Chief of Business Development.
“In addition to providing expanded and modern office space for our Sierra Vista employees and several team members, our new facilities will also serve as a technology hub to showcase the latest technology and solutions AITC offers its customers,” says Gabriel Ruiz, AITC’s President.
Local officials Matt McLachlan, AICP, Community Development Director, City of Sierra Vista and Mignonne Hollis, Executive Director, Arizona Regional Economic Development Foundation worked with AITC to make this expansion possible.
Promotion Adds Diversity to Executive Management Team
Anne-Marie Negrón
AITC announced the promotion of Anne-Marie Negrón to the company’s Executive Team. She now serves as Chief of Human Resources and Employee Benefits/Recruitment, a leadership position which plays a significant role in shaping the company’s direction and furthering AITC’s mission to deliver cost-effective, innovative solutions designed to keep the company’s clients on the forefront of emerging technology and trends.
Negrón says she also plans to focus on employee engagement and automating many of the company’s human resources processes.
“I enjoy the team environment and I’m energized by AITC’s ongoing success,” explains Negrón. “I sincerely appreciate this opportunity and I’m thankful that my contributions have been recognized. I look forward to working with the recruiting department and HR to establish a high functioning team and assisting our Program Managers with all their hiring needs and taking care of our employees.”
Negrón previously served as AITC’s Sr. Human Resources Manager where she excelled in the areas of management, recruiting, benefits, payroll, and training. She also has a demonstrated history of Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) Compliance. As Chief of Human Resources and Employee Benefits/Recruitment efforts, Negrón will merge AITC’s human resources and recruitment efforts, spearhead future business development plans and objectives, corporate benefits and oversee budget management.
“Anne-Marie has been a long-time great contributor to AITC’s success with her many innovations within AITC’s HR and Employee Benefits organization,” says David E. Gardner, CEO of AITC. “It gives me great pleasure to promote Anne-Marie Negrón, thus consolidating HR and Recruitment functions and responsibilities.”
The vibe was electric as hundreds of corporate executives and professional advisors gathered to celebrate 18 of the highest performing companies in Central Florida at the 14th Annual Association of Corporate Growth (ACG) SMART Awards on May 17 at the Alfond Inn in Winter Park, FL.
AITC was proud to be among the finalists selected this year for its accomplishments that set the standard for operating excellence among middle market, second-stage growth companies.
Winners were selected by an independent panel of judges, drawn from the ranks of experienced financial industry professionals, business owners and executives, academics, journalists, consultants, and professional service providers.
Selection criteria included quantitative factors such as demonstrated growth in revenue, profitability and employees, and subjective factors such as quality of business innovation, corporate culture, entrepreneurial achievements, product development milestones and demonstrated community involvement.
ACG Orlando saluted the 18 honorees, praising their innovations that drive economic growth. According to their spokesperson, these companies are excelling in every discipline, ranging from product and service design to fiscal management and corporate culture. Their stories inspire and show others what’s possible when smart strategy is combined with outstanding execution.
For more information about the awards and to see the list of 2022 Finalists, visit https://bit.ly/3GpTH2K.
Advanced IT Concepts (AITC), Inc., a leading systems integration firm providing Information Technology (IT), training, simulation and professional services and solutions to defense and federal agencies, announced that Larry Singer has been promoted to Chief of Business Development effective February 1, 2022.
In his new role, Singer now reports to the CEO, is a member of Executive Management and manages current and future business development staff and support. He is responsible for future business development plans and objectives, including budget management. Singer will work across AITC organizational and geographical boundaries to leverage the strengths and assets of AITC and its partners to future bid success and business growth.
“We are excited about Larry’s well-deserved promotion to Chief of Business Development,” says David E. Gardner, Chief Executive Officer AITC. “Larry is a capable leader and recognized for his invaluable business development expertise. His extensive defense contracting experience and comprehensive grasp of our services is vital to our company’s future growth success. I look forward to working closely with Larry as we execute our strategy to achieve our next phase of growth.”
Singer is a former Army Acquisition Corps field grade officer, Program Manager and retired as the Chief Information Officer (CIO) and Network Enterprise Center (NEC) Director at Fort Huachuca, AZ. He is an accomplished Service-Disabled Veteran with more than 30 years of experience in senior IT operational and business development roles. Prior to joining AITC in 2020, Singer ran his own consulting company for nearly nine years serving as a management, defense contracting consultant to a myriad of small and large business industry partners. Singer held executive positions at STG, Northrop Grumman, and Lockheed Martin in NetOps, Infrastructure, Business Development and Program Management. Singer has a B.S. from Excelsior College with a pending master’s degree in Cybersecurity.
Companies on the 2022 Inc. 5000 Regionals Southeast ListHad An Average Growth Rate of 147 Percent
Inc. magazine today revealed that Advanced IT Concepts, a leading systems integration firm providing Information Technology (IT), training, simulation and professional services and solutions to defense and federal agencies, is No. 66 on its third annual Inc. 5000 Regionals Southeast list with a 194 percent growth rate over two years. This list is the most prestigious ranking of the fastest-growing private companies based in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, and Tennessee. Born of the annual Inc. 5000 franchise, this regional list represents a unique look at the most successful companies within the Southeast region economy’s most dynamic segment–its independent small businesses.
“Being included on the Inc Southeast Regional list is a great honor for AITC. We are thrilled to have this recognition as it just adds to the tremendous growth we are experiencing and attribute to our incredible team,” says David E. Gardner, CEO of AITC.
The companies on this list show a remarkable rate of growth across all industries in the Southeast region. Between 2018 and 2020, these 173 private companies had an average growth rate of 147% percent and, in 2020 alone, they added 27,794 jobs and nearly $4.9 billion to the Southeast region’s economy. Companies based in the Miami, Florida, Fairhope, Alabama, and Covington, Louisiana, areas had the highest growth rate overall.
Complete results of the Inc. 5000 Regionals Southeast, including company profiles and an interactive database that can be sorted by industry, metro area, and other criteria, can be found at inc.com/southeast starting March 15, 2022.
“This year’s Inc. 5000 Regional winners represent one of the most exceptional and exciting lists of America’s off-the-charts growth companies. They’re disrupters and job creators, and all delivered an outsize impact on the economy. Remember their names and follow their lead. These are the companies you’ll be hearing about for years to come,” says Scott Omelianuk, editor-in-chiefof Inc.
More about Inc. and the Inc. 5000 Regionals Methodology The 2022 Inc. 5000 Regionals are ranked according to percentage revenue growth when comparing 2018 and 2020. To qualify, companies must have been founded and generating revenue by March 31, 2018. They had to be U.S.-based, privately held, for-profit, and independent—not subsidiaries or divisions of other companies—as of December 31, 2019. (Since then, a number of companies on the list have gone public or been acquired.) The minimum revenue required for 2018 is $100,000; the minimum for 2020 is $1 million. As always, Inc. reserves the right to decline applicants for subjective reasons.
About Inc. Media The world’s most trusted business-media brand, Inc. offers entrepreneurs the knowledge, tools, connections, and community to build great companies. Its award-winning multiplatform content reaches more than 50 million people each month across a variety of channels including websites, newsletters, social media, podcasts, and print. Its prestigious Inc. 5000 list, produced every year since 1982, analyzes company data to recognize the fastest-growing privately held businesses in the United States. The global recognition that comes with inclusion in the 5000 gives the founders of the best businesses an opportunity to engage with an exclusive community of their peers and the credibility that helps them drive sales and recruit talent.For more information, visit www.inc.com.
Advanced IT Concepts (AITC), Inc., a leading systems integration firm providing Information Technology (IT), Training and Simulation solutions and professional services to the Department of Defense (DoD), announced the completion of its multiyear, multi-million-dollar effort to implement a Medical Simulation facility for the NATO Special Operations Allied Center for Medical Education (ACME), Chièvres Air Base, Belgium.
The program, managed by the Defense Health Agency (DHA) Program Manager Medical Simulation and Training (PM MST), required the upgrade of the NATO Medical Simulation Training facility, to include the modification and integration of a simulated C130 cargo plane, the Medical Training Command and Control (MT-C2) software and components.
To provide a realistic training environment with 100% accuracy, AITC secured a scrapped C130 cargo plane shell destined for the movie industry. The plane was transported from Tucson, AZ to AITC’s integration facilities in Longwood FL, where it underwent a massive transformation. The shell was cleaned, sand-blasted, disassembled rivet by rivet, modified to fit the reduced destination space, painted, bubble wrapped piece by piece and shipped to Belgium for installation. At the same time, AITC identified and hired two local contractors to complete the required facilities modifications including major walls, ceilings modifications and new HVAC systems. Then, the COVID pandemic hit.
During the following 18 months, AITC worked closely with PM MST and NATO to coordinate delivery, installation, configuration, testing, and acceptance of all system components and training of NATO personnel receiving the system. With multiple trips, AITC was able to successfully complete the deployment of a 100% accurate with a real C130 cargo plane and MT-C2 system that currently provides critical training to Special Forces Medics. Throughout the performance of this contract, AITC received above satisfactory ratings in all Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS) areas.
“AITC is grateful for the opportunity, and proud of the continued professional relationship with PM MST and DHA,” says Gabriel Ruiz, AITC’s founder and president. “COVID presented an extraordinary challenge for all of us, but by working together and remaining flexible, we were able to complete this phenomenal task,” Ruiz continued.
10-Year Contract Supports the Information Systems Engineering Command (ISEC) Global Mission
AITC a leading systems integration firm providing Information Technology (IT), Training, Simulation and professional services and solutions to the Department of Defense (DoD) and federal government announced that it has received one of five prime contractor awards under the ten-year Multiple Award (MA) Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ), with a maximum ordering of $800M Total Engineering & Integration Services (TEIS) IV program.
The focus of the TEIS IV contract is to provide engineering and integration of Information Systems, Cyber Security, Classified Audio Visual Systems, Data Analytics, Cloud Solutions, Satellite Communications, and several other emerging technologies across the globe. Customers include PEO STRI, PEO Aviation, PEO EIS, DISA, AFRICOM, JCSE, NETCOM, JMRC, JRTC, USFK, AMC, DHA, Army CIO-G6, INSCOM G6/GISA, and countless others.
“AITC has been continuously supporting critical ISEC efforts for more than ten years. We are looking forward to ten more years of partnership and mission support,” says David Gardner, AITC’s CEO. “This award validates AITC’s exceptional past performance trajectory, unparalleled capabilities and innovation and keen customer focus” continues Gardner.
AITC has supported ISEC and their customers in Korea, Germany, Belgium, Saudi Arabia, Honduras, Uruguay, and numerous other CONUS locations with unclassified and classified efforts. With its Sierra Vista team, and in addition to ISEC, AITC also supports the United States Army Network Enterprise Technology Command (NETCOM) and the U.S. Army Intelligence Center of Excellence (ICoE).
“To better support ISEC and other FT Huachuca customers, we established a complete Program Management Office (PMO) in Sierra Vista,” says Rob Kessler, AITC’s TEIS IV Program Manager. “In addition to Program Management and Proposal support, our PMO includes Contracts, HR, Recruiting, Engineering, and Finance personnel for a self-sustaining and independent organization,” continues Kessler.
AITC congratulates the other TEIS IV large business awardees General Dynamics IT, NCI Information Systems, M.C. Dean, Inc., and the only other small business awardee besides AITC, Teksynap Corp.
“We are grateful to God for the blessing and to ISEC for the opportunity,” says Gabriel Ruiz, AITC’s founder and President. “We are looking forward to continue working with ISEC and its customers to transform and protect mission critical systems to support our warfighters,” adds Ruiz.
