20 Jan 2004
BAE Systems Mission Solutions, Geotopo, Inc., and the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency have implemented a mentor-protg agreement approved by the Department of Defense, Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization.
Under the three-year agreement, BAE Systems will provide training to Geotopo to refine their technical capabilities in performing exacting requirements for digital mapping, establish an ISO 9000 quality program, and develop the firms general business management practices.
We have been looking forward for some time to have Geotopo as a participant in this program, said William Ballhaus, president, BAE Systems Mission Solutions. This program should strengthen their capabilities in a wide range of technical and business areas - the benefits of this program should accrue to both Geotopo and BAE Systems and our respective commercial and government customers. The agreement also partners with minority institutions (University of California at Riverside and Riverside Community College) to provide geospatial software and quality management training to Geotopo employees.
Geotopo is very excited about the possibilities that this Mentor Protg agreement offers, stated Karl Pierce, president, Geotopo, Inc. We have enjoyed a good working relationship with BAE Systems, and this program will prove to be extremely important to the long term growth and success of our firm.
The Department of Defense (DoD) Mentor-Protg (MP) Program was enacted in 1990 (Public Law 101-510) under the direction of former Senator Sam Nunn and Secretary of Defense William Perry. The program helps small disadvantaged businesses (SDBs), qualified organisations that employ the severely disabled, and women owned small business (Protgs) develop technical and business capabilities. The goal of the program is to assist protgs in successfully competing for prime contract and subcontract awards.
About BAE SYSTEMS
BAE Systems is an international company engaged in the development, delivery and support of advanced defence and aerospace systems in the air, on land, at sea and in space. The company designs, manufactures and supports military aircraft, surface ships, submarines, radar, avionics, communications, electronics and guided weapon systems. It is a pioneer in technology with a heritage stretching back hundreds of years. It is at the forefront of innovation, working to develop the next generation of intelligent defence systems.
BAE Systems has major operations across five continents and customers in some 130 countries. The company has more than 90,000 people and generates annual sales of approximately 12 billion through its wholly-owned and joint venture operations.
BAE Systems North America is a high-technology U.S. company with more than 25,000 employees who live and work in some 30 states, the District of Columbia and the United Kingdom. The company is dedicated to solving its customers needs with both highly innovative and leading-edge solutions across the defence electronics, systems, information technology and services arenas.
BAE Systems Mission Solutions employs approximately 2,200 people and is the fifth largest defence contractor in San Diego. They are the forerunner in developing high-quality image exploitation, geospatial information and archiving systems for government and commercial customers. Other major business areas include unsurpassed automated systems for supporting the full spectrum of battle management, mission planning and force execution objectives, and the production of test equipment for advanced electronics systems including aircraft, munitions, spacecraft, and telecommunications.
BAE Systems, innovating for a safer world.
About Geotopo Inc.:
Geotopo Inc. is an Oakland based 100% minority owned professional services firm. The firm offers expert services in surveying, mapping, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and construction management. The staff of skilled professionals has been involved in successful projects including housing, commercial projects, sports facilities, highways, rail, bridges, and airports. In addition we completed numerous technology- based projects for the private sector, and for local, state and federal governments.
Geotopo Inc. provides extensive surveying applications including topographic, boundary & control surveying, and Global Positioning Systems (GPS) surveys, Right-of-Way Engineering and construction staking. The company mapping services comprise digital and computer aided drafting as well as elements of automated mapping and database linkages through GIS.
In an effort to focus efforts on technology, the mapping group is constantly evaluating new software in keeping pace with ever changing needs of the mapping industry. They have made a commitment to enhance computer systems integration capabilities by focusing on mapping and imagery expertise. In addition to numerous local GIS projects, Geotopo, as a sub-consultant to a large DoD contractor, has successfully delivered complex imagery and mapping products using specialized GIS software for large scale mapping projects.
