Systems Planning & Analysis, Inc. (SPA) Company Profile
Background
Overview
Systems Planning & Analysis, Inc. (SPA) is a professional services firm specializing in providing technical and analytical support to national security programs. Founded in 1972, SPA has a longstanding reputation for delivering innovative solutions that integrate technical, operational, programmatic, policy, and business factors to support critical national security objectives. The company serves a diverse clientele, including the U.S. Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, and the Australian Department of Defence.
Mission and Vision
SPA's mission is to deliver forward-looking solutions that address the nation's critical concerns, adhering to core values of quality, integrity, and honesty. The company promotes an environment of innovation and collaboration to meet the evolving needs of its clients.
Industry Significance
With over five decades of experience, SPA has established itself as a trusted partner in the defense and national security sectors. The company's expertise spans various domains, including land, undersea, surface, and air warfare operations; radar and sensor systems; unmanned systems; defense industrial base; space systems; ballistic missile systems; cybersecurity analysis and policy; and hypersonics.
Key Strategic Focus
Core Objectives
SPA aims to provide timely and objective analysis, integrating technical, operational, programmatic, policy, and business solutions to support national security programs. The company focuses on delivering innovative and comprehensive support to critical programs, combatting threats, influencing long-term strategic priorities, and shaping policies at the highest levels.
Areas of Specialization
SPA specializes in advanced analytics, software tool development, system engineering and safety analysis, strategy, policy and compliance, and program and acquisition management. The company's expertise covers a wide range of missions and clients in the Departments of Defense, Homeland Security, and Energy.
Key Technologies Utilized
SPA employs a variety of technologies to deliver its services, including advanced analytics platforms, modeling and simulation tools, and software development methodologies. The company has developed and executed strategic and annual plans, invested in capabilities, infrastructure, and business development, and achieved ISO9001 and CMMI Maturity Level 3 International Quality certifications.
Primary Markets Targeted
SPA primarily targets government clients involved in defense, intelligence, and homeland security. The company's services support critical programs for combatting threats, influencing long-term strategic priorities, and shaping policies at the highest levels.
Financials and Funding
Funding History
SPA has raised approximately $18.37 million over three funding rounds, including a private equity round in 2016 and acquisition financing in October 2021.
Recent Funding Rounds
In October 2021, SPA was acquired by Arlington Capital Partners, a Washington, DC-based private equity firm. Following the acquisition, SPA combined with MCR, LLC, a provider of systems engineering and integration solutions addressing critical national security objectives in the space, cyber, and missile defense domains.
Notable Investors
Arlington Capital Partners is the primary investor in SPA, having facilitated the acquisition and subsequent combination with MCR, LLC.
Utilization of Capital
The capital raised has been utilized to support SPA's strategic initiatives, including investments in capabilities, infrastructure, and business development. The company has achieved significant revenue growth and improved employee morale through these investments.
Pipeline Development
Key Pipeline Candidates
SPA's pipeline includes a diverse range of contracts and projects supporting national security programs. Notably, in January 2026, SPA was awarded a 5-year, $151 million prime contract to provide Scientific Engineering and Technical Assistance (SETA) Program Support Services to the Information Innovation Office (I2O) within the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA).
Stages of Development
SPA's projects are in various stages, from initial planning and development to execution and support. The company has a strong track record of securing and successfully executing contracts across multiple domains within national security.
Target Conditions
SPA's projects target a wide range of conditions, including defense and intelligence operations, cybersecurity, space systems, and homeland security initiatives. The company's services are designed to address complex challenges and support critical missions in these areas.
Anticipated Milestones
SPA anticipates achieving significant milestones in its ongoing projects, including the successful execution of the DARPA SETA Program Support Services contract and the continued expansion of its capabilities and client base. The company is committed to delivering high-quality support to its clients and contributing to national security objectives.
Technological Platform and Innovation
Proprietary Technologies
SPA has developed proprietary technologies, including advanced analytics platforms and modeling and simulation tools, to support its services. The company has achieved ISO9001 and CMMI Maturity Level 3 International Quality certifications, reflecting its commitment to quality and continuous improvement.
Significant Scientific Methods
SPA employs various scientific methods, including advanced analytics, modeling and simulation, and software development methodologies, to deliver its services. The company has developed and executed strategic and annual plans, invested in capabilities, infrastructure, and business development, and achieved ISO9001 and CMMI Maturity Level 3 International Quality certifications.
AI-Driven Capabilities
SPA's recent contract with DARPA's Information Innovation Office (I2O) highlights the company's involvement in transformative artificial intelligence (AI) initiatives. The contract focuses on areas such as AI, offensive and defensive cyber, and resilient, adaptable, and secure software systems, demonstrating SPA's commitment to leveraging AI in support of national security objectives.
Leadership Team
Key Executives
- Dr. William Vantine: President and CEO of SPA, leading the company's strategic vision and operations.
- Mark Adams: Chief Capability Officer, appointed in December 2025 to oversee SPA's workforce and technology investments.
Professional Backgrounds
- Dr. William Vantine: Brings extensive experience in systems engineering and integration solutions, particularly in the defense and national security sectors.
- Mark Adams: Has a background in technology and workforce development, with a focus on enhancing SPA's capabilities and service offerings.
Key Contributions
- Dr. William Vantine: Instrumental in leading SPA through its acquisition by Arlington Capital Partners and the subsequent combination with MCR, LLC, positioning the company as a leader in the technical government advisory ecosystem.
- Mark Adams: Tasked with overseeing SPA's workforce and technology investments, contributing to the company's growth and innovation in national security programs.
Leadership Changes
Recent Appointments
- Mark Adams: Appointed Chief Capability Officer in December 2025, reflecting SPA's commitment to enhancing its workforce and technological capabilities.
Competitor Profile
Market Insights and Dynamics
The market for defense and national security services is characterized by a diverse range of providers offering specialized solutions. SPA competes with companies such as Survice Engineering, Scientific Research Corporation (SRC), and Radiance Technologies, which provide similar services in systems engineering and technical assistance.
Competitor Analysis
- Survice Engineering: Provides systems engineering solutions, competing with SPA in areas such as modeling and simulation.
- SRC: An engineering company offering technical solutions, including systems engineering and technical assistance, overlapping with SPA's service offerings.
- Radiance Technologies: Specializes in engineering solutions, competing with SPA in areas such as modeling and simulation.
Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships
SPA's acquisition by Arlington Capital Partners and combination with MCR, LLC enhances its capabilities and positioning in the competitive landscape.
