McLean-based NuWave merges with Md. firm to form AI company

McLean-based federal technology contractor NuWave Solutions LLC and Columbia, Maryland-based PCI Strategic Management announced Tuesday the companies have merged to form BigBear.ai.

NuWave CEO Reggie Brothers will become CEO of BigBear.ai and Sean Battle, former co-founder and CEO of PCI, will serve as vice chairman and chief strategy officer.

Financial terms of the merger were not disclosed. NuWave and PCI are both portfolio companies of Boca Raton, Florida-based private equity firm AE Industrial Partners LP. AEI acquired NuWave in June 2020 and PCI in October 2020. Founded in 1999, NuWave Solutions offers data management, analytics, artificial intelligence and cloud technology services to government and business clients. 

“This merger instantly creates a formidable player of scale as we take the next step in realizing our vision of creating a decision dominance platform that is uniquely positioned to address the growing threats of hybrid warfare,” AEI Principal Jeffrey Hart said in a statement. “BigBear.ai serves a critical role in national security, and we look forward to supporting management to continue to innovate to provide its customers with the latest technology solutions to better address their needs.”

BigBear.ai will provide services including artificial intelligence, machine learning, data science, advanced analytics, cybersecurity, digital engineering, cloud solutions and systems integration. Its customers include the Intelligence Community, the Department of Defense and the federal government. 

“This combination is a game changer for the industry,” Brothers said in a statement. “…The company’s comprehensive and seamless approach to handling and analyzing data allows our customers to better manage risk and be more prepared for the future.”

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