Applied Technology Associates, an Albuquerque-based engineering firm, has been awarded an $11.9 million contract from the U.S. Air Force, Sen. Martin Heinrich announced Monday.
The contract will be used for a "ground-based, multi-aperture space imaging system."
“Applied Technology Associates is a great example of a homegrown small business that is creating good-paying jobs and positioning our state as a national leader in emerging high-tech fields,” Heinrich said in a statement. “We know that small businesses are engines of job creation and at the heart of our state's economy. That is precisely why I’ve used my position on the Armed Services Committee to advocate for New Mexico's small businesses and highlight the value they can offer to the Department of Defense. I will continue to support smart investments and opportunities that allow our businesses to thrive.”
ATA has received a number of contracts from the military over the years. Last month, ATA landed a $13 million-plus contract for "research and development in basic physics, engineering, design, development, integration, technical analysis and testing" at Kirtland Air Force Base, according to a release. That project is on track to be completed by December 2020. Kirtland has an economic impact of $7.8 billion on the state, according to previous Business First reporting.
“ATA is excited to apply our technical capabilities and investments in the development of new solutions for critical DoD mission needs both for improved Space Situational Awareness systems and High Energy Laser weapons,” Dan Gillings, ATA President said in a statement.
The company has 199 New Mexican employees and created 52 jobs in the state last year, according to a news release. The company has three locations: Huntsville, Alabama; Chantilly, Virginia; and its headquarters at Sandia Science and Technology Park in Albuquerque, according to its website.
