Defense Tech Firm to Add 210 Jobs

Innovative Defense Technologies, an Arlington-based defense technology company, said on May 22 it will invest $19 million to expand its headquarters in Ballston and add 210 jobs. Governor Abigail Spanberger announced the project in a state release, describing it as an expansion of the company’s Arlington County headquarters. The company said the investment will support continued growth in work tied to U.S. military programs. Local reporting said the hiring plan would double IDT’s Virginia workforce. ### Which company is expanding in Ballston? Innovative Defense Technologies, also known as IDT, is the company behind the expansion. The firm is headquartered in Arlington County and describes itself as a provider of mission-critical technology used to help the Department of Defense integrate, test and field software-driven capabilities more quickly. Arlington Now reported that IDT’s headquarters is at 4401 Wilson Blvd. in Ballston. (vedp.org) Arlington Economic Development separately said the company is expanding its headquarters presence in Arlington and creating the new jobs in Ballston. ### What exactly did Virginia announce on May 22? Governor Abigail Spanberger’s office said on May 22 that IDT will invest $19 million and create 210 new jobs at its Arlington County headquarters. (vedp.org) The Virginia Economic Development Partnership published the same figures in its own release that day. Abigail Spanberger said the expansion reflects IDT’s position in advanced technology and “a shared commitment to strengthening our national security,” according to the state release. (arlnow.com) Secretary of Commerce and Trade Carrie Chenery said Virginia’s talent pipeline helps companies such as IDT decide to expand in the state. ### What does IDT say it does? IDT Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Bernie Gauf said Virginia has been central to the company’s work because of technical talent and proximity to customers. (vedp.org) In the state release, he said the investment will let IDT grow its team and continue delivering capability faster while investing in the region. The Virginia Economic Development Partnership said IDT works on a problem it described as helping Defense Department programs integrate, test and deliver new capability for operational use faster. (vedp.org) The agency said the company uses automation, advanced integration technologies and digital engineering to turn slower manual processes into repeatable workflows. ### How are Arlington officials describing the project? (vedp.org) Arlington County Board Chair Matt de Ferranti said in the state release that IDT’s expansion in Ballston reflects Arlington’s strength as a place where advanced technology companies can grow. He said the company will join other organizations driving innovation in Ballston and add to the county’s skilled workforce. Arlington Economic Development said on its website that IDT is expanding its headquarters presence in Arlington with a $19 million investment and 210 new jobs in Ballston. (vedp.org) The county economic development office framed the announcement as a new item in its local business updates published May 22. ### What comes next after the announcement? The 210 jobs are expected to be added at IDT’s Arlington headquarters as the expansion moves forward, according to Virginia’s May 22 announcement. (vedp.org) State and county officials did not publish a hiring timetable in the materials reviewed, but the project is now part of Virginia’s and Arlington’s public economic development announcements. May 22 is the key public date in the project so far: that is when Governor Spanberger’s office, the Virginia Economic Development Partnership and Arlington Economic Development each posted details of the Ballston expansion. (arlingtoneconomicdevelopment.com) (vedp.org)