Governor Warner Announces Alexandria-Based Company to Create 200 New Jobs Across Virginia

RICHMOND - Governor Mark R. Warner today announced that Virginia-based Gray Hawk Systems, Inc. will invest $8.7 million to expand its operations across the Commonwealth. Over the next three years, the company plans to create more than 200 new jobs at its Alexandria headquarters and Virginia offices in Arlington, Prince William County, King George County, Norfolk, and Virginia Beach. Virginia successfully competed with California, Florida, and Texas for the expansion.

“Gray Hawk’s decision is another sign of Virginia’s leading edge in the federal contracting industry,” said Governor Warner. “This announcement reflects the Commonwealth’s growing homeland security and critical infrastructure protection industry, and brings quality jobs to several Virginia localities.”

Headquartered in Alexandria, Gray Hawk Systems is a veteran-owned small business founded in 1995. The company provides professional engineering services for the federal government. The company began with a small technical base in the Navy’s AEGIS program. Today, the Department of Defense is a major client. Gray Hawk engineers also provide systems integration, secure communications, and data management expertise to Federal agencies. Revenues for 2003 are expected to exceed $70 million. Currently, the firm has more than 240 employees across Virginia. 

Company officials anticipate that many new jobs will come in the rapidly growing areas of counterterrorism and homeland security. Critical infrastructure protection is now a top priority for many agencies and corporations in the Mid-Atlantic. Gray Hawk recently completed an extensive security review and independent operations audit for one of the largest power utilities in the Northeast. Discussions with state agencies and energy industry leaders are well underway. 

“Gray Hawk has deep roots in Virginia and the Navy community here,” according to CEO Pete Howton. “We appreciate both the opportunities found in the state and the vibrant business and technology atmosphere.”

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership and the Alexandria Economic Development Partnership, Inc. assisted Gray Hawk Systems with its decision. The Virginia Department of Business Assistance will provide workforce training services.

“Alexandria is pleased and excited that Gray Hawk Systems calls our city its home,” said Alexandria Mayor Kerry J. Donley. “Its decision to expand operations in Alexandria is welcomed as a tremendous opportunity for our city. Gray Hawk serves an important support role in our national security and the company’s expertise is vital. We stand ready to assist Gray Hawk in any possible way.”