In spite of a weak economy, defense contractors thriving

July 11, 2008 12:16 am

THE SLUGGISH economy hasn't stopped defense contractors from moving into the Fredericksburg area.

Odds are even more will be on the way in light of a recent decision by the Department of the Navy.

It will add 4,000 jobs at the Quantico Marine Corps Base instead of the 3,000 in option A of the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure Act. In additional, 1,000 jobs already at the base will be shifted to new facilities that will be built in two undeveloped areas west of Interstate 95.

They'll be home to military department investigation agencies and the Department of Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency, along with support Marine Corps units at the base and potentially other federal and Marine Corps initiatives.

Among the defense contractors already planning to move into the area is OpTempo LLC, which recently signed a lease for 13,000 square feet of flex space in the Oakhill Business Center in Stafford County, said Wendy Surman of the commercial real estate firm Sperry Van Ness.

The company, which is currently located in Prince William County, provides a variety of services, such as event scheduling and preparation for live-fire events, as well as control in the field of classified material and cryptographic equipment.

Meanwhile Davis Defense Group Inc., which had been in the town of Quantico, is preparing for the ribbon cutting of its new office in the Westpark office complex behind Gander Mountain on State Route 3.

The company, owned by Lisa and Doug Davis of Spotsylvania, specializes in federal acquisition, military logistics, hazard vulnerability analysis and first-responder training.

Others opening offices in the area include Republican presidential candidate John McCain, who recently established a regional campaign headquarters in Riverside Business Park in Stafford.

Cathy Jett: 540/374-5407
Email: cjett@freelancestar.com