Government contractor to add 1,200 jobs in Alexandria and Fairfax

Alexandria-based government contractor Systems Planning & Analysis (SPA) announced Thursday it plans to invest $46.9 million to expand its headquarters, increase its presence in Fairfax County and create more than 1,200 jobs in the two localities.

Founded in 1972, the company provides data and analytics services designed to address national security challenges facing the United States and its allies. Its expansion will nearly double the company’s Alexandria-based workforce of 600 over the next five years, creating nearly 500 jobs in the city.

Alexandria Mayor Alyia Gaskins, Alexandria City Council members, SPA leadership, Fairfax County officials and Gov. Glenn Youngkin gathered at the company’s global headquarters at 2001 N. Beauregard St. on Thursday to announce the expansion.

“In Northern Virginia, SPA is expanding their operations at the speed of Virginia,” Youngkin said in a statement. “The commonwealth’s strategic location, pro-business policies, and access to world-class talent made the decision to grow here easy for the SPA team. Together, we are working to push creative boundaries in the world of data, security and national defense.”

As part of the headquarters expansion, a limited liability company associated with SPA purchased the 239,000-square-foot office building for $29.3 million in June, according to city property records, and the company will undertake extensive renovations, expected to cost $15.4 million, to modernize the 35-year-old building, city officials said.

The governor’s office said SPA company anticipates growth at its existing facility in Chantilly and is actively exploring new locations to accommodate its expanding workforce. SPA anticipates creating 714 jobs in Fairfax.

Business officials did not specify the company’s timeline for renovations. The project will go before the Alexandria City Council for approval Sept. 30.

“We congratulate Systems Planning & Analysis on this exciting next chapter of growth at their headquarters and across the region,” Gaskins said in a statement. “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. 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.”

“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,” CEO Rich Sawchak said in a statement. “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.”

SPA will receive a grant from the Commonwealth’s Development Opportunity Fund, matched by the Alexandria government through the Alexandria Investment Fund, for job creation, along with city investments in infrastructure such as bus stops, walkways and curb extensions near the headquarters to benefit the community and improve neighborhood access. Youngkin’s office said the grants are valued at $9.2 million.

The company will also partner with the Alexandria Workforce Development Center to give interview priority to qualified job applicants who come from the center. SPA will also prioritize Alexandria-based vendors for any procurement needs and will work with Alexandria City Public Schools and other local nonprofits to help provide programming and practical STEM skill-building for local youth.

SPA has 21 office locations and more than 2,500 employees worldwide.