Small-business special report | Focus, partnership and know-how drive success

Skim the headlines of the Fast 50 portion of the 2008 Small-Business Special Report and you'll find insight into what it takes to succeed in the government market.

Know the problem, plan accordingly

ESCgov Inc. makes its debut on the Fast 50 list in the No. 1 spot, having recorded $46.5 million in revenue in 2007, for a five-year annual growth rate of 275.59 percent.

Relationships aid company's growth

Thomas Laskowski left the corporate world and founded Gantech Inc. in 1999 to provide information technology consulting and information technology security services.

Washington Consulting to assist FCC auditing

Washington Consulting Inc. will provide program management, information technology and collaboration solutions to the Federal Communications Commission.

Prove your worth as a partner

Partnership has been a central ethos for Ace Info Solutions Inc. since Jay Challa founded the business in his basement in 2001.

Earn a track record

Established in Atlanta in 1990 by four graduates of India's famed Indian Institute of Technology, Vector Consulting Inc. provides information technology workforce solutions and services. The company ranks No. 20 on the 2008 Fast 50 list, with a five-year compound annual growth rate of 102.7 percent.

Domain expertise equals success

Sentek Consulting, an 8(a) small disadvantaged business and a California certified disabled veteran business, ranks No. 33 on the 2008 Fast 50, having racked up $4.12 million in government contracts in 2007. That's a 78.91 percent growth increase over five years.

Focus lays groundwork for success

S4 Inc. specializes in information domain-based solutions and services for Defense Department clients. The Burlington, Mass.-based company reported $16.7 million in government contracting revenue last year, up from $9.15 million in 2006.

Diversity is a hallmark of 8(a)

A look at several of Washington Technology's Top 25 8(a) small businesses reveals the broad spectrum of services such companies provide the federal government.

O'Neill to run Siemens, Gores Group venture

James O'Neill will run a new joint venture created by Siemens AG and the Gores Group.

Dollars keep growing for Alaska Native Corporations

Companies owned by Alaska Native Corp. and Native American Indian tribes continue to grow in the government market.

It's not just for start-ups

Since its founding in 2004, the American Small Business Coalition has grown to a membership organization that includes contracting professionals and even some large organizations.

Knowledge is power for small businesses

Know your small-business regulations. That's one of the first pieces of advice agency small-business directors give to companies trying to get a foothold in the federal market.

Small business 101

Experts offer advice and tips on the latest trends impacting small businesses in the government market.

FDA might have sidestepped acquisition regs

The Food and Drug Administration might have bypassed federal acquisition regulations by awarding a sole-source contract to an Alaskan native firm that passed along the work to Qorvis Communications.

Multiple Award Schedules fall to new GSA division

The MAS Program Office will develop and put into practice acquisition policy and guidance regarding the agency's MAS contracts.

Boeing gets space station extension

Boeing will continue to supply software to the International Space Station under a $650 million NASA contract.

SRA to supply technical services to DOD

SRA International Inc. will furnish technical services to the Defense Department's Director of Research and Engineering.

New look brings focus to our mission

With this issue of Washington Technology, we launch a revamped magazine that we believe will bring you more insight into the people, companies and issues that drive the government information technology market.

Service awards give partnerships their due

The winners of the Service to America Medals awards program teach lessons on the importance of government-industry partnerships.