Company To Expand Headquarters In Alexandria, Office In Fairfax County

ALEXANDRIA, VA — Alexandria-based firm Systems Planning & Analysis announced Thursday it will expand its headquarters as well as its intelligence office in Fairfax County.

Systems Planning & Analysis will invest $46.9 million between its Alexandria global headquarters and Fairfax County office, creating a combined more than 1,200 new jobs. Gov. Glenn Youngkin and Systems Planning & Analysis were joined by Alexandria Mayor Alyia Gaskins, Alexandria City Council and Fairfax County leaders for the announcement at the global headquarters.

"We are thrilled to deepen our roots in Alexandria and Fairfax County, two vibrant communities that have supported our growth for more than 50 years," said Rich Sawchak, CEO of Systems Planning & Analysis. "This expansion reflects our commitment to providing exceptional data-driven analytical insights to our clients while fostering innovation within our own organization. We are excited to welcome new talent and invest in the local economy."

Systems Planning & Analysis has been headquartered in Alexandria since its inception in 1972. The independent tech and analytics firm, which specializes in security and defense, has purchased a new 239,000-square-foot office building and will conduct renovations for its headquarters expansion. According to a news release, the new headquarters will provide "new technology and infrastructure designed to foster an environment of creativity and productivity." The company will grow its headquarters staff with 494 new jobs over five years.

"The purchase of their office headquarters is a signal of their commitment to and investment in Alexandria, where they will grow their workforce and their community partnerships," said Gaskins in a statement. "This planned regional growth cements their place as a pillar of the defense and national security industry, and we are proud to add them to the growing list of Alexandria business success stories."

In Fairfax County, Systems Planning & Analysis is expanding its existing location in Chantilly and is exploring additional locations to accommodate a growing workforce. The company will invest in new technology and other upgrades and create an estimated 714 new jobs in Fairfax County over five years.

"Fairfax County has long been a place where America’s most critical missions take root. Our vast national security ecosystem, our diverse and highly skilled workforce, and our strong base of defense, intelligence, and technology companies all make our community a trusted home for purpose-driven organizations," said Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeffrey McKay. "Today’s investment announcement by SPA builds on that legacy. It represents confidence in our people, our assets, and our future."

According to the Alexandria Economic Development Partnership, the project is receiving a grant from Virginia's Development Opportunity Fund, with an Alexandria grant match from the Alexandria Investment Fund for jobs created and city infrastructure investments. This is the first time the city is proposing using Alexandria Investment Fund to incentivize job growth.

The headquarters project will go to City Council for approval on Sept. 30. The project will go before City Council for approval on September 30.

Systems Planning & Analysis will partner with the City of Alexandria's Workforce Development Center to give interview priority for qualified job applicants from the center. The company plans to prioritize Alexandria-based vendors for procurement and will work with Alexandria City Public Schools and local nonprofits on STEM programming for youth.

The Virginia Jobs Investment Program will also support the company's recruitment and training for new employees. Systems Planning & Analysis employs more than 2,800 people, including subject matter experts in land, undersea, surface and air warfare operations; intelligence community, radar and sensor systems; unmanned systems and counter systems; defense industrial base and economic security; space systems; ballistic missile systems; cybersecurity analysis and policy; and hypersonics.