Systems Planning & Analysis acquires Vienna analytics firm

Alexandria-based government contractor Systems Planning & Analysis (SPA) has acquired Vienna-based data science and defense analytics and defense firm Group W.

Founded in 1972, SPA provides data and analytics services designed to address national security challenges facing the United States and its allies. In September, SPA announced plans to invest $46.9 million to expand its Alexandria headquarters, increase its presence in Fairfax County and create more than 1,200 jobs in the two localities.

Group W, founded in 2004, specializes in modeling, simulation and wargaming capabilities for the Department of Defense (currently being rebranded by President Donald Trump as the Department of War).

Financial terms of the acquisition were not disclosed, and details were not made available about how Group W would be integrated into SPA. Representatives did not immediately return requests for comment.

“SPA has a long history of working with Group W, and today we unite the leading providers and users of widely-used DOD modeling and simulation tools across the system, mission and campaign levels,” said SPA CEO Rich Sawchak in a statement. “We are delighted to have Group W join us as partners in our shared national security mission. The combination of the two firms creates the most robust analytical defense modeling and simulation company serving the global allied national security ecosystem.”

In a statement, Group W CEO Trase Travers said, “We have an exceptional reputation in the art and science of simulating modern warfare derived from our enduring innovation and collaborative expertise. We align impeccably well with SPA and their widely respected position of trust with the U.S. government for national security, defense, intelligence and homeland security programs.”

SPA has 23 office locations and more than 3,000 employees worldwide.