Press Release Category

AITC to Showcase Advanced Technology Solutions at I/ITSEC, the World’s Largest Modeling, Simulation, and Training Conference

November 27, 2023/in News, Press Release

AITC LLC, a leading provider of cutting-edge technology solutions to defense and federal agencies, is proud to announce its participation in the upcoming I/ITSEC conference, the world’s largest event dedicated to modeling, simulation, and training, taking place in Orlando, FL. Following a strategic partnership with FVLCRUM, a private equity firm focused on growth and impact, AITC (located at booth #2370) is poised to showcase its expanded capabilities across various sectors, including Cybersecurity, IT Systems Integration, Logistics, Live Training, and Medical Simulation (MedSim).

Cybersecurity: AITC will display its comprehensive cybersecurity solutions, emphasizing proactive threat prevention, advanced technology, and compliance with industry standards. Demonstrating a commitment to secure and resilient digital infrastructures, AITC’s cybersecurity expertise is crucial for national safety.

IT Systems Integration: Attendees will witness AITC’s full spectrum of system lifecycle support, showcasing innovative solutions in program and project management, systems and network engineering, and more. AITC’s IT services are geared towards ensuring efficiency and adaptability in the digital landscape.

Logistics: Highlighting its role in streamlining logistics operations, AITC’s comprehensive approach guarantees precision and timely delivery, ensuring the success of mission-critical operations in an interconnected world.

Live Training: AITC’s robust Live Training program bridges theoretical knowledge with real-world application. The immersive, interactive training experiences are designed for industries ranging from military to healthcare, enhancing skills and decision-making abilities.

MedSim: Revolutionizing healthcare training, AITC’s MedSim capabilities utilize cutting-edge technology to create hyper-realistic training environments. These scenarios prepare medical professionals for real-world challenges, elevating the standards of healthcare education.

David E. Gardner, CEO & President of AITC, and Gabriel Ruiz, LTC, USA (Ret), Managing Principal, express their excitement for AITC’s future growth and opportunities to showcase their innovative solutions at I/ITSEC. “Our presence at I/ITSEC is a testament to our commitment to excellence and innovation. We look forward to demonstrating how our solutions can empower and transform the capabilities of our clients,” says Gardner.

[About AITC] Advanced IT Concepts (AITC) LLC, a global IT and Training Solutions Systems Integrator, focuses on providing end-to-end solutions to federal government and DoD agencies. With operations across multiple countries and states, AITC offers a truly global reach.

[About FVLCRUM Funds] FVLCRUM is a private equity firm investing in diverse-owned companies, aiming to create sustainable opportunities and foster social change, aligning impact with investment returns.

[Call to Action] Join AITC at I/ITSEC to experience our state-of-the-art solutions and discuss how we can support your mission. Visit Booth #2370 for a closer look at our innovative offerings.

AITC Receives Prestigious HIRE Vets Gold Medallion for Exemplary Commitment to Veteran Employment

November 9, 2023/in Awards, News, Press Release

AITC is thrilled to share that it has been recognized with the HIRE Vets Gold Medallion by the U.S. Department of Labor, marking the company’s inaugural achievement of this distinguished award. The HIRE Vets Medallion is the premier federal accolade for employers who demonstrate an unwavering commitment to recruiting, employing, and retaining veterans.

Elevating Veterans to New Heights in the Civilian Sector

The HIRE Vets Medallion Program celebrates the immense contributions that veterans make in the civilian labor market and honors those employers who actively ensure veterans are a key component of their workforce.

AITC’s receipt of the Gold Medallion reflects its deep-seated dedication to facilitating a seamless transition for veterans into civilian roles where their exceptional leadership, discipline, and technical prowess can flourish.

Fostering Veteran Advancement and Integration

For AITC, veteran employment is a holistic endeavor encompassing more than just recruitment. It’s about effective integration into the corporate environment and ensuring success. AITC has implemented robust programs designed to offer mentorship and ongoing professional development, creating an ecosystem that acknowledges the unique talents and prospective contributions of our veteran staff.

Strategic Veteran Employment Initiatives

AITC’s systematic approach goes beyond mere placement; it strives to align veterans with positions that leverage their inherent abilities while promoting personal and professional advancement. Our dedicated efforts include specialized outreach, recruitment, and retention strategies that honor our commitment to veteran employment.

Impacting the Community and Beyond

Earning the Gold Medallion signifies AITC’s broader societal impact. By investing in veteran talent, we enhance a dynamic and diversified workforce while reinforcing our engagement with community endeavors and organizations that stand in solidarity with veteran causes.

Commitment to Ongoing Veteran Opportunities

This esteemed recognition amplifies our motivation to further refine our veteran-centric programs. We envision a corporate landscape where veterans are acknowledged as indispensable assets to innovation and success, consistently presented with prospects to excel in their post-military careers.

In essence, AITC’s acquisition of the HIRE Vets Gold Medallion is not merely a landmark achievement but a foundation for future aspirations in veteran employment. Our dedication to honoring the service and skills of veterans remains unwavering, as we pledge to continue pioneering in veteran integration and employment excellence.

AITC Announces Strategic Partnership with FVLCRUM to Fuel Growth and Innovation

September 29, 2023/in News, Press Release

AITC LLC, a leading provider of state-of-the-art technology solutions to defense and federal agencies, announces a strategic partnership with FVLCRUM, a private equity firm with a focus on impact and growth.

Founded in 2006, AITC has expanded its services and footprint, providing IT infrastructure, Cyber Security, Live Training, Medical Simulation, Military Intelligence, and more to customers worldwide. Recent successes include securing contracts like ATMP, KSA, TEIS III, and IMCS IV.

To propel the company’s growth, AITC has partnered with FVLCRUM, a private equity firm possessing significant experience working with government contracting companies. FVLCRUM’s investment aims to provide resources and expertise to support AITC’s continued growth, while aligning with their commitment to customers and employees.

AITC Founder Gabriel Ruiz, LTC, USA (Ret) now the Company’s Managing Principal, shared, ” We are excited to partner with FVLCRUM and continue our story as a leading service provider to government agencies. “FVLCRUM’s investment will allow AITC to rapidly expand our growth efforts to digitally protect and transform the infrastructure of government agencies in the United States and around the world We are thrilled to expand opportunities for our customers.”

David E. Gardner assumes the role of both CEO & President at AITC, ensuring the company’s ongoing commitment to delivering high-quality services and customer-focused solutions.

Ruiz expressed gratitude to all who contributed to AITC’s success, saying, “I want to thank those who have made this great moment possible. Welcome to AITC’s future!”

Align BA served as financial advisor to AITC on this transaction.

About FVLCRUM Funds, (FVLCRUM):

FVLCRUM is a private equity firm that invests in diverse-owned companies, aiming to create sustainable opportunities for underserved communities. FVLCRUM aligns impact and alpha while delivering investment returns and fostering social change.

Gabe Ruiz, President/Founder of AITC Honored with Veterans Entrepreneurship Initiative’s Vanguard Award

May 26, 2023/in News, Press Release

Gabe Ruiz, LTR USA (R), President/Founder of AITC, a leading systems integration firm providing professional services/solutions to defense and federal agencies, is a distinguished veteran entrepreneur and advocate. He has been named the recipient of the Vanguard Award by the Veterans Entrepreneurship Initiative. This esteemed accolade recognizes Ruiz’s exceptional leadership, innovation, and commitment to empowering veteran-owned businesses and supporting the veteran community.

The Veterans Entrepreneurship Initiative (VEI) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering and promoting entrepreneurship among veterans. The VEI provides valuable resources, coaching, mentorship, and networking opportunities, enabling veterans to translate their military experience into successful entrepreneurial ventures and make significant contributions to the business world.

Ruiz’s entrepreneurial journey exemplifies the transformative impact of veteran entrepreneurship. As a veteran of the United States Army and the founder of AITC, Ruiz has demonstrated extraordinary leadership and resilience, both in his military service and his entrepreneurial pursuits. Through his exemplary achievements, he has become a role model for aspiring veteran entrepreneurs.

As the recipient of the Vanguard Award, Gabe Ruiz has been recognized for his outstanding contributions in several key areas, including:

Business Success: Ruiz has led AITC to remarkable heights, achieving substantial growth, profitability, and market recognition. His strategic vision, dedication to excellence, and unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction have positioned his business as a trusted government contractor.
Veteran Advocacy: Ruiz has been a vocal advocate for veteran entrepreneurs, leveraging his platform and expertise to raise awareness about the unique challenges they face. He has actively mentored and supported fellow veterans, empowering them to realize their entrepreneurial dreams and achieve sustainable success.
Community Engagement: Ruiz’s commitment to community extends beyond his business endeavors. He has actively engaged with local organizations and initiatives, supporting veterans’ causes, promoting economic development, and contributing to the overall well-being of his community.

Upon receiving the Vanguard Award, Gabe Ruiz expressed his deep gratitude to the Veteran Entrepreneurship Initiative for their unwavering support and dedication to empowering veteran entrepreneurs. He highlighted the importance of fostering a thriving ecosystem that allows veterans to leverage their skills, experiences, and entrepreneurial spirit to create lasting impact to the business landscape.

About the Veterans Entrepreneurship Initiative (VEI)

Founded in 2013, the VEI’s mission is to empower and support veteran entrepreneurs through business guidance, education, and mentorship. VEI is more than ever now dedicated to helping empower veteran entrepreneurs explore, grow and succeed in business on a global scale. The VEI team strongly believes that by accomplishing the mission of empowering veteran entrepreneurs and creating an environment that fosters entrepreneurship and innovation, they will enable veteran led companies to grow sustainably. This will lead to sustainable job creation, revenue generation and a positive regional, and potentially global, economic output. To learn more, visit https://vei.center.

AITC Named 2023 8(a) Graduate of the Year for the North Florida District, State of Florida, and the Southeastern United States (Region IV)

April 24, 2023/in News, Press Release

On April 11, 2023, Advanced IT Concepts (AITC) Inc. was named the 2023 Small Business Administration’s (SBA) 8(a) Graduate of the Year for the North Florida District, State of Florida, and Region IV, representing the Southeastern United States. The award recognizes AITC’s exceptional growth, performance, and commitment to excellence as an outstanding program graduate.

Designed to assist small, disadvantaged businesses to compete in the marketplace, the SBA 8(a) program is a business development program. It provides training, counseling, and assistance in obtaining government contracts. Graduates of the program are recognized for their exceptional performance and contribution to the community.

AITC is a leading systems integration firm providing information technology (IT), training, simulation and professional services/solutions to defense and federal agencies with offices in Florida, Arizona and internationally. It has participated in the SBA 8(a) program since 2012 and successfully graduated in May 2022. Since graduating, AITC has continued to grow, offering specialized services to customers in the U.S. and around the world, with new opportunities for continued expansion and growth.

“We are honored to receive the SBA 8(a) Graduate of the Year Award for North Florida District, State of Florida, and Region IV,” said AITC’s President/Founder, Gabriel Ruiz. “Our success is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team, and the support we have received from the SBA 8(a) program. We are committed to continue providing exceptional services to our customers as we support their mission and strategic goals, but also expanding to make a positive impact in the communities in which we serve on a global basis.”

The SBA 8(a) award is a recognition of AITC’s commitment to excellence and the outstanding services it provides to its customers. AITC is proud to be a graduate of the SBA 8(a) program and to have contributed to the program’s outstanding success.

Florida’s SBA winners will be recognized at two ceremony events planned in May in conjunction with National Small Business Week (April 30 – May 5).

The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at the University of North Florida and the SBA North Florida will co-host the 31^st annual Small Business Week Celebration on May 5, 2023, recognizing the 2023 Small Business Week Award Winners and lenders in Jacksonville. Central Florida winners will be recognized at a private event hosted by the SBDC at the University of Central Florida on May 18 in Orlando. During National Small Business Week, the SBA highlights the impact of outstanding entrepreneurs, small business owners, and others from all 50 states and U.S. territories annually.

For more information about local winners or programs available through the Small Business Administration, please visit the agency website at www.sba.gov/northflorida or call (904) 443-1900.

AITC has been recognized for its fast growth, recently earning a spot on the 2022 Washington Technology Fast 50 list of the fastest growing government contractors nationwide, Inc. 5000 list (ranking No. 2054) and on the Inc. Regionals Southeast list (ranking at No. 66). It has received numerous local awards and industry recognition from various business publications and media outlets over the years, citing its commitment to excellence and industry growth.

About the U.S. Small Business Administration

The U.S. Small Business Administration makes the American dream of business ownership a reality. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow or expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.

AITC Names New Chief of Cyber and Technology Programs

January 31, 2023/in New Employee, News, Press Release

Matthew Page Poised to Help AITC Grow and Expand Services

AITC, a leading systems integration firm providing information technology (IT), training, simulation and professional services and solutions to defense and federal agencies, recently named Matthew Page as the company’s Chief of Cyber and Technology Programs. Page is responsible for the successful implementation of all Cyber and Technology related programs, the development and enactment of cyber security growth strategy for future cyber program expansion opportunities and leading the Cyber Security Community of Interest (COI).

Prior to joining AITC, Page previously served our nation as an Army Chief Warrant Officer and a Department of the Army Civilian. His most recent Federal Government role was in Civilian Service serving as NETCOM’s Southeast Region Network Division Chief (GS-14). Page has earned numerous awards in both the military and civilian communities, including the prestigious Legion of Merit and the 93^rd Signal Brigade’s Senior Civilian of the Year. Additionally, he has acquired several technical certifications including: ISC2 Certified Information Systems Security Professional, Juniper Networks Certified Internet Associate, VMware Certified Professional, Cisco Certified Network Associate, Security+, GAIC Security Essentials, and GAIC Certified Incident Handler.

“Matthew brings a wealth of knowledge, skills, and expertise to help AITC deliver the next generation of services and support to the valued clients we serve throughout the world,” says David E. Gardner AITC’s CEO. “We look forward to the positive impact he will make towards accomplishing our rising goals and ambitious objectives.”

AITC has been recognized for its fast growth, recently earning a spot on the Washington Technology Fast 50 list of the fastest growing government contractors nationwide, Inc. 5000 list (ranking No. 2054) and also on the Inc. Regionals Southeast list (ranking at No. 66). The company also graduated from the SBA’s 8(a) program in May 2022, as it continues its upward growth trajectory.

AITC Open House/Ribbon Cutting Celebration

November 29, 2022/in News, Press Release

Leading IT Systems Integrator Opens Southwest Regional Headquarters to Better Serve Clients

AITC opened its new Southwest Regional Headquarters in August. The company, whose main office is in Winter Springs, Florida, makes this expansion on the heels of securing a major United States Army contract: Total Engineering and Integration Services (TEIS IV) and more in development.

AITC made the $3.5M investment to expand additional office space located just outside of Fort Huachuca in Sierra Vista, AZ.

“We are very deliberate about our growth strategy, keeping the needs of our clients on the forefront of every decision,” says David E. Gardner, AITC’s CEO. “Expanding our reach to Arizona and specifically the Sierra Vista area allows us to better support our Fort Huachuca contracts while serving existing and future clients throughout the region.”

Previously, the Department of Army, Army Materiel Command (AMC), Communications-Electronics Command (CECOM), and U.S. Army Information Systems Engineering Command (USAISEC), awarded AITC a contract for information systems engineering and information technology support services. The Total Engineering and Integration Services (TEIS IV) contract is an $800M five-year duration IDIQ contract.

“Our new Southwest Regional Headquarters is a win-win for Government customers current and future and provides AITC with the flexibility to better serve our customer requirements worldwide,” says Larry Singer, AITC’s Chief of Business Development.

“In addition to providing expanded and modern office space for our Sierra Vista employees and several team members, our new facilities will also serve as a technology hub to showcase the latest technology and solutions AITC offers its customers,” says Gabriel Ruiz, AITC’s President.

Local officials Matt McLachlan, AICP, Community Development Director, City of Sierra Vista and Mignonne Hollis, Executive Director, Arizona Regional Economic Development Foundation worked with AITC to make this expansion possible.

AITC has been recognized for its fast growth, recently it earned a spot on the Inc. 5000 list (ranking No. 2054) and also on the Inc. Regionals Southeast list (ranking at No. 66). The company also graduated from the SBA’s 8(a) program in May as it continues its growth trajectory.

Photo Credit: Wild Honey Photo Company

AITC Exits 8(a) SBA Program

July 29, 2022/in News, Press Release

Program Has Helped Propel Company into Next Phase of Growth

Building upon successful years of rapid growth, AITC has officially “graduated” from the United States Small Business Administration’s (SBA) 8(a) program at the end of May 2022.

The 8(a) program is geared to help entrepreneurs launch, grow, and graduate their companies into a successful small business firm. The program provides the tools and knowledge needed to compete for contracts in the open market.

Since its inception in 2006, AITC has evolved from its humble beginnings. The company was founded by former military veteran, Gabriel Ruiz, a retired Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army. He and his wife Sandra Ruiz have spearheaded AITC to grow from a small family-owned business to a well-respected, major international enterprise. The 8(a) graduation is a celebration of Gabriel Ruiz and Sandra Ruiz’ hard work and commitment to establish, maintain, and grow AITC as an exemplary small business.

In the past 24 months, AITC has been awarded approximately $2B in DoD contracts. The company has expanded its success by moving into international markets including South Korea, Belgium, Germany, Uruguay, and Fiji. AITC also supports the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) 2030 Transformation program in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

“Being part of the SBA’s 8(a) program has assisted AITC with growing and succeeding as a small business. As we transitioned through the years of working outside of the federal government, it prepared our company for the next sphere of success and helped to solidify our core strengths to attract large-scale contracts that have a global reach and impact,” says Gabe Ruiz, AITC President.

Company Milestones:

In 2012 AITC was accepted into the 8(a) Program. Since then, these were some of the successful 8(a) efforts achieved during the 10-year program period:

1. AITC received its first 8(a) contract to support the U.S. Army and VA Medical Simulation Logistics efforts operating a 33,000-sf facility to support more than 100 VA Medical Clinics

2. The U.S. Army Information Systems Engineering Command (ISEC) awarded AITC an 8(a) Top Secret contract to provide Audio Visual Engineering support in South Korea.

3. The U.S. Navy awarded AITC a Global Peace Operations Initiative (GPOI) contract for worldwide logistics and technology support.

4. AITC received a Defense Health Agency (DHA) contract to provide Medical Simulation engineering and support to the NATO Allied Centre for Medical Education (ACME), Belgium.

5. FT Buchanan, P.R. awarded AITC an Engineering Support contract to support the Department of Public Work (DPW).

6. FT Jackson, S.C. awarded AITC a contract to provide Information Technology Engineering and Cyber Security support.

7. PEO STRI awarded AITC a Medical Simulation contract for IT, Cyber Security and engineering support at Joint Base San Antonio’s Medical School’ Transport Medical Training Lab.

8. U.S. Forest Services awarded AITC three contracts over three years to provide close to $8M in IT equipment.

9. The U.S. Department of State awarded AITC a contract for the procurement and delivery of IT equipment to Honduras.

10. AITC received a contract from the U.S. Army Intelligence Center of Excellence (ICoE) at FT Huachuca, AZ, to provide Military Intelligence personnel for critical mission support.

“These are just a few of the countless efforts AITC received during the program. We leveraged the opportunities afforded under the SBA’s 8(a) program by pursuing and receiving countless contracts. These contracts provided critical lessons learned, past performance, and the financial platform for the implementation of systems, processes, and personnel to allow AITC to effectively compete and succeed outside of the 8(a) program. AITC is forever grateful to the countless advisors, mentors, customers, partners, and employees who made this journey a success. Words of advice, if we could do it, others can too!” says Ruiz.

The successful program graduation also signifies AITC’s effective implementation of processes and systems, the development of critical skills, capabilities and past performance, as well as the hiring of committed and focused employees to take the company to the next level in a competitive environment.

AITC Expands Operations

July 29, 2022/in News, Press Release

Leading IT Systems Integrator Adds Southwest Regional Headquarters to Better Serve Clients

AITC has expanded with the addition of its new Southwest Regional Headquarters. This expansion comes on the heels of securing a major United States Army contract: Total Engineering and Integration Services (TEIS IV).

AITC made the $3.5M investment to purchase additional office space located just outside of Fort Huachuca in Sierra Vista, AZ.

“We are very deliberate about our growth strategy, keeping the needs of our clients on the forefront of every decision,” says David E. Gardner, AITC’s CEO. “Expanding our reach to Arizona and specifically the Sierra Vista area allows us to better support our Fort Huachuca contracts while serving existing and future clients throughout the region.”

Previously, the Department of Army, Army Materiel Command (AMC), Communications-Electronics Command (CECOM), and U.S. Army Information Systems Engineering Command (USAISEC), awarded AITC a contract for information systems engineering and information technology support services. The Total Engineering and Integration Services (TEIS IV) contract is an $800M five-year duration IDIQ contract.

“Our new Southwest Regional Headquarters is a win-win for Government customers current and future and provides AITC with the flexibility to better serve our customer requirements worldwide,” says Larry Singer, AITC’s Chief of Business Development.

“In addition to providing expanded and modern office space for our Sierra Vista employees and several team members, our new facilities will also serve as a technology hub to showcase the latest technology and solutions AITC offers its customers,” says Gabriel Ruiz, AITC’s President.

Local officials Matt McLachlan, AICP, Community Development Director, City of Sierra Vista and Mignonne Hollis, Executive Director, Arizona Regional Economic Development Foundation worked with AITC to make this expansion possible.

AITC Promotes Anne-Marie Negrón to Chief of Human Resources and Employee Benefits/Recruitment

May 30, 2022/in Management, News, Press Release

Promotion Adds Diversity to Executive Management Team

AITC announced the promotion of Anne-Marie Negrón to the company’s Executive Team. She now serves as Chief of Human Resources and Employee Benefits/Recruitment, a leadership position which plays a significant role in shaping the company’s direction and furthering AITC’s mission to deliver cost-effective, innovative solutions designed to keep the company’s clients on the forefront of emerging technology and trends.

Negrón says she also plans to focus on employee engagement and automating many of the company’s human resources processes.

“I enjoy the team environment and I’m energized by AITC’s ongoing success,” explains Negrón. “I sincerely appreciate this opportunity and I’m thankful that my contributions have been recognized. I look forward to working with the recruiting department and HR to establish a high functioning team and assisting our Program Managers with all their hiring needs and taking care of our employees.”

Negrón previously served as AITC’s Sr. Human Resources Manager where she excelled in the areas of management, recruiting, benefits, payroll, and training. She also has a demonstrated history of Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) Compliance. As Chief of Human Resources and Employee Benefits/Recruitment efforts, Negrón will merge AITC’s human resources and recruitment efforts, spearhead future business development plans and objectives, corporate benefits and oversee budget management.

“Anne-Marie has been a long-time great contributor to AITC’s success with her many innovations within AITC’s HR and Employee Benefits organization,” says David E. Gardner, CEO of AITC. “It gives me great pleasure to promote Anne-Marie Negrón, thus consolidating HR and Recruitment functions and responsibilities.”