Systems Planning & Analysis (SPA) today announced plans to expand its headquarters, purchasing and renovating its facility and nearly doubling its Alexandria-based workforce over the next five years, as part of a significant Northern Virginia expansion. 

Mayor Alyia Gaskins and the Alexandria City Council joined SPA leadership, Governor Glenn Youngkin, and Fairfax County leadership at the company’s global headquarters today to celebrate this investment in the region’s economy and detail the plans for expansion. 

The company, which is dedicated to solving the most challenging national security problems facing the United States and our allies, has been headquartered in Alexandria since its inception in 1972 and credits its proximity to Washington, DC, direct access to key government stakeholders, as well as its ability to tap into a highly skilled talent pool as instrumental to its success. 

“We congratulate Systems Planning and Analysis on this exciting next chapter of growth at their headquarters and across the region,” said Alexandria Mayor Alyia Gaskins. “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.”

As part of its headquarters expansion in Alexandria, SPA has purchased their 239,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art office building and will undertake extensive renovations to create a modern, collaborative workspace for its employees. Investments will include new technology and infrastructure, designed to foster an environment of creativity and productivity. 

“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 SPA. “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.”

In recognition of this growth, SPA will receive a grant from the Commonwealth’s Development Opportunity Fund, with an Alexandria match in the form of grants from the Alexandria Investment Fund (AIF) for jobs created and City investments into infrastructure such as bus stops, walkways, and curb extensions near the headquarters that will benefit the entire community and improve access to the neighborhood. This is the first time the City has proposed using AIF funds to incentivize job creation.

“This was a competitive expansion and retention project, and we are thrilled SPA has decided to continue their 50-year track record of success in Alexandria,” said Alexandria Economic Development Partnership President & CEO Stephanie Landrum. “Their community investment will not only provide good jobs in Alexandria, it will also set the next generation of Alexandrians up for success and positively impact our commercial tax base.”

SPA has also pledged further investments back into the community. As part of this expansion, they will partner with the City of Alexandria Workforce Development Center to give interview priority for qualified job applicants who come from the Center. They 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.

The project will go before City Council for approval on September 30. For updates and details about the proposal, visit alexandriaecon.org.