E-Newsletter

Honoring Our Veterans + Weekly Business News Digest

Join Us to Help Veterans Catapult Their Careers in Northern Virginia

In honor of Veterans Day on Monday, November 11, Fairfax County Economic Development Authority proudly highlights the Total Military Community Alliance (TCMA), a community of public-private entities focused on cross-sector collaboration to improve employment outcomes for transitioning service members, military spouses, and veterans in Northern Virginia.

Working closely with military Transition Assistance Program (TAP) offices globally, TMCA aims to position Northern Virginia as the #1 region in the United States for positive employment outcomes for those who have served.

Read on to find out how your company or organization can participate with TMCA:

WHY PARTICIPATE? By participating with the TMCA, your company will have a direct channel to dedicated, committed, team oriented, skilled, and cleared talent. Plus, you’ll make a real difference in the lives of those who have served and be a voice of support for our military community. You will impact positive change and help elevate Northern Virginia, and our employers, as a place for transitioning service members, military spouse, and veterans to truly thrive in their post-military careers.

WHO SHOULD JOIN? All public- and private-sector organizations in Northern Virginia, including employers, veteran support organizations, educational institutions and government agencies are welcome to participate. TMCA needs all voices at the table to connect those who have served to our business community and jobs across Northern Virginia.

HOW TO GET INVOLVED: We invite you to be an integral part of our mission. Join TMCA in shaping a brighter future tailored to the needs of Transitioning Service Members, Military Spouses, and Veterans in Northern Virginia.

QUESTIONS? For more information and to join the community, please email TMCA@NVRC.org.


Fairfax County is for Veterans, Transitioning Service Members and Military Families

With Fort Belvoir calling Fairfax County home and being our largest employer and the Pentagon in our backyard, there are an estimated 65,000 military veterans who live in Fairfax County (as well as 13,000 active personnel), according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Their service to our nation ranges from World War II to today. The Fairfax County community supports a number of veterans services and programs, as well as state, non-profit organizations. Some examples include:

Veterans and Military Families Commission

The Veterans and Military Families Commission was created by the Board of Supervisors to identify issues and challenges facing Fairfax County. Click here to learn more.

Purple Star Schools

Eighteen Fairfax County Public Schools have been recognized by the Virginia Department of Education and the Virginia Council on the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children as Purple Star Schools.

The Purple Star designation is awarded to military-friendly schools that have demonstrated their commitment to meeting the needs of military-connected students and their families. Click here to learn more.


George Mason University Recognized for Supporting Military Families

Photo of Marine Corps Major Anthony Matacotta and his daughter. He is a graduate student in Mason’s Schar School of Public Policy. (Mason photo.)

Fairfax-based George Mason University was recognized for its collaboration with local school districts to support children in military families as a member of the Northern Virginia team that earned one of the four national Pete Taylor Partnership of Excellence Awards for 2024 from the Military Child Education Coalition. Initiated by Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS), the team is a partnership between local schools, the United States Army Fort Belvoir, and George Mason University’s Military, Veterans, & Families Initiative. GMU News has more.

In related news, Mason was recognized with “Gold” status for their leading practices, outcomes, and effective programs in the listing of the nation’s top Military Friendly institutions for the 2024-25 school year. Click here to read more.

Did you know that more than 10 percent of Mason’s student population is military connected? Click here to find out more about the George Mason University’s Military, Veteran’s and Families Initiative.


Veteran’s Day Events to Attend

In honor of our nation’s veterans, George Washington’s Mount Vernon admits FREE all active duty, former, or retired military personnel. (Photo at George Washington’s Mount Vernon courtesy of Visit Fairfax.)

We are grateful for our military personnel and veterans every day, but this year (and every year) on Veterans Day we can help celebrate the greatness they’ve brought to our country through their sacrifices and commitment. If you’re looking for things to do with your favorite veteran in the D.C. area, or even just a special discount for your own military family member, look no further than Fairfax County!

Visit Fairfax has compiled a comprehensive list of Veterans Day events in Fairfax County and throughout Greater Washington.

Click here to learn more.


Weekly Business News Digest

Welcome to Tysons! Fueled by its increased work with federal agencies, Michigan-based Censys, developer of an internet intelligence platform, said it has opened a new office in Tysons. The company said it currently works with the Department of Homeland Security’s Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency, U.S. Cyber Command and the Department for Education, among others, reported Potomac Tech Wire.

Bigger footprint: Tysons-based CrossCountry Consulting, a business advisory firm, acquired Florida-based business technology firm SCS Cloud, which focuses on NetSuite business management software. CrossCountry said the move bolsters its technology and ERP offerings, particularly for CFO and private equity clients, while also expanding its footprint in Florida and the UK. SCS Cloud currently has more than 100 employees. Potomac Tech Wire carried the release.

Fox in pursuit: Everfox, a Herndon government cybersecurity firm owned by private equity giant TPG, has made its second acquisition in three months, reported Washington Business Journal in subscriber content. The company, previously known as Forcepoint Federal, has acquired Frederick, Maryland-based Yakabod, a 23-year-old software company that provides cybersecurity and related services to federal agencies, corporations, universities and other organizations. All of Yakabod’s employees, including founder and CEO Scott Ryser, have joined Everfox. The company has about 1,000 employees globally and its deal for Yakabod will see its headcount increase by about 50 percent since it was acquired by TPG last fall.

Mentor/Protégé: Fairfax-based Dewberry and service-disabled veteran-owned small business Apogee Consulting Group have joined the Mentor/Protege Program of the Small Business Administration, reported ExecutiveBiz. The professional services firm said Tuesday it will provide mentorship to Apogee, a small business that provides comprehensive mechanical, electrical and plumbing engineering, as well as architectural design and consultation services. The strategic partnership aims to support federal, state and local clients.

Done deal: Chantilly-based Parsons acquired Florida-based BCC Engineering for $230 million, reported GovConWire. The defense and intelligence technology provider said the all-cash transaction is aimed at strengthening its position as a leader in the infrastructure market and expanding its presence across the Southeastern United States. The companies initiated the BCC acquisition in October. It is in line with Parsons’ strategy to absorb high-growth firms. In 2025, Parsons expects BCC to generate $110 million in revenue.

Financial dreams: Personal finance digital platform Money announced the release of its 2024-2025 Best Banks list, with Tysons-based PenFed Credit Union, the nation’s second-largest federal credit union, making the annual list for Best Overall Credit Union, citybiz reported. This list highlights the financial institutions across the United States where consumers can get matched with perfect options for their money and day-to-day banking needs. “We are proud to be recognized by Money for providing our members with world-class service and low fees,” said PenFed President and CEO James Schenck. “In 2025, we look forward to continuing to help our nearly 3 million members achieve their financial dreams.”

Another changing of the guards: Springfield Commons, a 119,085-square-foot, single-story shopping center near Springfield Town Center, has traded hands about five months after being put up for sale, according to Washington Business Journal. New York real estate group Cohen & Steers said that funds it manages along with shopping center real estate management company DLC have purchased the property from AEW Capital Management. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Fairfax County assessed the property’s value earlier this year at $33.69 million.


Contract Wins

Amentum (Chantilly) has won a $447.9 million contract from the U.S. Air Force contract for global prepositioned materiel services. GovConWire

Serco (Herndon) has secured a five-year, $97 million contract from the Naval Sea Systems Command to provide shipyard program management and business performance support services. ExecutiveBiz


FCEDA Hosted and Sponsored Events

November 14, 2024 — Move Conference. Click here to register. Get ready for an unmissable opportunity to elevate your business! Join us at the MOVE Business Conference. Hear from top business leaders, government representatives, and industry experts as they share valuable insights on scaling and growing your small business. Click here to register.


FCEDA is Here to Help Your Business Thrive

Fairfax County EDA is here to connect businesses of all kinds to resources and information. For direct assistance, email the FCEDA at info@fceda.org, or call 703-790-0600. If you have company news or announcements to share, email FCEDA at News@fceda.org.