Alexandria defense contractor wins federal award for veteran hiring
Systems Planning & Analysis receives HIRE Vets Gold Medallion for eighth consecutive year
Systems Planning & Analysis has received the U.S. Department of Labor’s HIRE Vets Gold Medallion for the eighth consecutive year, the company announced Sunday.
The award recognizes employers with exceptional achievements in recruiting, hiring, and retaining veterans. SPA has won the honor every year since the program began in 2018.
“SPA is continually committed to hiring veterans because they bring a distinct perspective earned through training and a life of service,” said Rich Sawchak, the company’s chief executive officer. “Our vets are essential to SPA’s culture of teamwork, trust and integrity, national service, and excellence in execution.”
The Honoring Investments in Recruiting and Employing American Military Veterans Medallion Program is the only federal-level award for veteran employment. Companies must meet rigorous criteria annually to qualify.
SPA recruits veterans through job fairs and supports their transition to civilian work through mentorship programs and SPA VETS, a company-sponsored employee resource group.
The company, located at 2001 N. Beauregard St., employs more than 3,000 professionals supporting national security and defense programs. The firm specializes in warfare operations, intelligence, cybersecurity and weapons systems analysis.
In September, SPA announced plans to expand its Alexandria headquarters and create 494 new jobs in the city over the next five years as part of a $46.9 million investment. The defense contractor purchased its 239,000-square-foot office building and plans extensive renovations. The expansion includes an additional 714 jobs in Fairfax County.
SPA has also been named a Washington Post Top Workplace every year since 2014. Arlington Capital Partners owns the company.