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Vantage Systems, Inc.

Vantage Systems, Inc.

(301) 459-6007

  • ABOUT
    • Management Team
  • CAPABILITIES
    • Systems Engineering
    • Science and Missions Systems
    • Cybersecurity
    • Software Development / Engineering
    • Mechanical / Thermal Engineering
    • Electrical Engineering
    • Test & Evaluations
    • Program / Project Management
    • Infrastructure Operations
  • CLIENTS & PARTNERSHIPS
  • NEWS & EVENTS
  • CAREERS
    • Employee Resources
  • CONTACT
  • ABOUT
    • Management Team
  • CAPABILITIES
    • Systems Engineering
    • Science and Missions Systems
    • Cybersecurity
    • Software Development / Engineering
    • Mechanical / Thermal Engineering
    • Electrical Engineering
    • Test & Evaluations
    • Program / Project Management
    • Infrastructure Operations
  • CLIENTS & PARTNERSHIPS
  • NEWS & EVENTS
  • CAREERS
    • Employee Resources
  • CONTACT
Software Development Engineering banner

Software Development / Engineering

Highest quality in software engineering processes and products

At Vantage, we are a key partner in enabling the triumph of U.S. Space missions. With a focus on delivering reusable, secure flight and ground architectures, we contribute to enhancing development schedules, reducing costs, and mitigating technical risks. Our expertise is backed by adherence to Federal Procedural Requirements and industry-leading practices, ensuring the highest quality in software engineering processes and products. 

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Our Proficiencies

Compliance and Accessibility:  We take compliance seriously. Our commitment to adhering to standards is evident through our compliance with Section 508 Standards for Electronic and Information Technology. Our software application development aligns with the technical standards outlined in 36 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 1194.21 for Software Applications and Operating Systems, as well as 36 CFR Part 1194.22 for Web-based Intranet and Internet Information and Applications. 

Continuous Improvement: Our team is dedicated to staying at the forefront of the software engineering field. We invest in continuous professional development through training and on-the-job learning. Our training plans and records are meticulously maintained and ready for audits, and we ensure our team remains updated with the latest industry practices. 

Security and Protection: Security is our priority when handling U.S. Program assets, classified information, and sensitive data. Our qualified personnel hold TOP SECRET security clearances or required clearances. We adhere to NASA, DoD, and Federal regulations, safeguarding infrastructure, national security, and critical data. Vantage excels in computer security and system administration, collaborating with Division-level IT managers to ensure policy compliance and best practices while meeting specific needs. 

Software Process Improvement Support: We are at the forefront of software process improvement, aiding in the development and maintenance of procedural requirements and guidance. Our support extends to deploying process assets and tools, mentoring, audits, and software training programs. We are dedicated to enhancing software engineering processes across the organization. 

Technical Augmentation Support:  We offer diverse technical augmentation support, encompassing everything from New Technology Reporting and technical writing to graphics development and user interface design. We are committed to fostering innovation, supporting inventors, and creating functional, user-friendly software interfaces. 

Flight Software Systems: Our prowess in flight software systems shines through in our comprehensive approach to on-board, embedded software products. From early mission formulations to sustaining engineering, we specialize in the development, integration, and testing of flight software that powers spacecraft hardware, instruments, and components. 

Ground Software and Systems: Ground software is our expertise, where we design, develop, and deploy solutions that meet Earth and Space science mission requirements. From spacecraft command and control to telemetry analysis, our ground software applications are built with precision and efficiency. 

Flight System Verification and Validation: Vantage excels in ensuring mission readiness through flight system verification and validation. We deploy simulations, execute tests, and analyze data to guarantee total system compatibility and optimal performance. 

Science System Development: Science is at the heart of our work, and we are dedicated to designing, developing, and implementing science data systems that support NASA’s missions. From data processing and analysis to distribution and visualization, we cover every aspect of the science data lifecycle. 

Science Data Processing and Advanced Concepts: In the realm of data processing, we thrive in creating science data processing applications and technology. Our expertise extends to flight, in-situ, and ground-based systems, with a focus on ensuring seamless data processing for mission success.

Our Work

Under the NASA GESS-3 contract, Vantage successfully delivered a diverse range of engineering, software development, research, and project management services to NASA’s Glenn Research Center (GRC). This encompassed intricate space and ground software and hardware solutions, spanning from research and technology development to human space flight systems. 

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Key Achievements:

Vantage accomplished engineers executed critical activities, including systems engineering, avionics, communication, instrumentation, and more, contributing to projects across the spectrum. Additionally, Vantage provided essential operational services and project management, efficiently handling numerous concurrent task orders with remarkable performance. This dedicated effort earned Vantage accolades such as Small Business Prime Contractor of the Year, NASA Exceptional Technology Achievement Medals, Invention of the Year Honorable Mention Awards, and many more, underscoring the company’s exceptional contributions to NASA’s mission. 

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Challenges Faced:

Vantage tackled a range of challenges with resilience and innovation. The complexities of managing technical personnel, ensuring timely deliveries, and monitoring subcontractor performance demanded meticulous attention. We received excellent C-PAR comments stating Vantage exhibited remarkable adaptability, particularly during a government shutdown, where Vantage’s management and oversight ensured uninterrupted work across task orders. Moreover, the dynamic landscape of engineering and software development posed continual challenges, met head-on by Vantage’s experts. Scaling up to manage 160 concurrent task orders and 500 order modifications annually required strategic coordination and efficient implementation, demonstrating Vantage’s capability to navigate intricate project landscapes. 

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Innovative Solutions:

Vantage showcased its innovation through various accomplishments in software development, process improvement, and technical augmentation. The company’s software engineering training initiatives enabled the implementation of NASA’s curriculum across Centers, fostering continuous improvement in software development practices. Notably, Vantage’s expertise in software process improvement resulted in substantial cost savings through efficient data center management and in-house application upgrades. The team’s collaboration with NASA’s Space Communications and Navigation Office led to the development of cutting-edge graphical user interfaces for compatibility test sets, driving advancements in space communication networks. These achievements highlighted Vantage’s commitment to pushing boundaries and finding creative solutions to complex technical challenges. 

Elevating Software Development and Engineering Through Continuous Improvement Efforts 

Vantage Systems Inc.

Contact

10210 Greenbelt Road
Suite 400
Lanham, MD 20706

(301) 459-6007

Capabilities

  • Systems Engineering
  • Science and Missions Systems
  • Cybersecurity
  • Software Development / Engineering
  • Mechanical / Thermal Engineering
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Test & Evaluations
  • Program / Project Management
  • Infrastructure Operations
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Matt McKelvey
Chief Financial Officer

Mr. McKelvey has over 32 years of experience in both federal and commercial markets, managing all aspects of finance and accounting for operations with annual revenues ranging from $5 million to $1 billion. Additionally, he has substantial pricing expertise, having developed more than $20 billion in winning client proposals throughout his career.

Mr. McKelvey earned a Master’s in Business Administration in Finance from the University of Maryland after earning his Bachelor’s in Finance from Pennsylvania State University.

Jim Loughlin
Chief Technology Officer

Prior to joining Vantage Systems as their Chief Technology Officer, Mr. Loughlin served as Chief of NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center’s (GSFC) Mechanical Systems Division (MSD) within the Engineering Technology Directorate (ETD). Mr. Loughlin was responsible for planning, organizing, coordinating, and conducting programmatic and technical activities falling within the role and mission of the MSD at GSFC. He provided multidisciplinary capabilities and technology development to design, analyze, fabricate, integrate, test, and launch advanced scientific instruments and support platforms for a variety of ground-based, suborbital, and orbital space and earth science missions. He partnered with customers, industry, the GSFC Science Directorate and other ETD Divisions to meet the goals of the MSD and the Center.

Prior to his position as the MSD Chief, Mr. Loughlin served at the Associate Chief Mechanical Systems Division, responsible for several strategic activities. He has also been the Associate Chief of the Instrument Management and Systems Office, Code 505. He held Branch Head positions in the Advanced Manufacturing Branch, Code 547, and the Mechanical Systems Analysis and Simulation Branch, Code 542. Prior to joining Goddard as a civil servant, he worked as a Goddard contractor for Swales Aerospace. He also worked at McDonnell Aircraft Corp. in St. Louis, MO. His area of expertise is in mechanical systems analysis. He has supported many spaceflight projects including the Mars Sample Return Capture, Containment, and Return System (CCRS), James Webb Space Telescope, the Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe, the Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer, and the Extreme Ultraviolet Explorer.

Mr. Loughlin earned Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Civil Engineering from the University of Minnesota.

Software Development / Engineering

Vantage Software Development/Engineering Core Capabilities 

Vantage specializes in providing top-quality software products, services, and expertise to ensure the success of NASA missions and stakeholders. Our dedication to excellence is driven by the pursuit of reducing mission costs, minimizing risks, and maximizing the scientific value of information products. 

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Program / Project Management

We excel in developing and implementing management processes and systems that are not only efficient but also highly responsive to the dynamic nature of U.S. Space Projects and Programs. Our approach ensures that we remain agile, adaptable, and capable of swiftly addressing evolving requirements. 

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Test & Evaluations

At Vantage Systems, we recognize the importance of precision, reliability, and innovation in aerospace projects’ testing and evaluation phases. Our Test and Evaluation Engineering Core Capabilities are designed to align seamlessly with U.S. Space Program missions.  

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Electrical Engineering

At Vantage Systems, we are committed to pushing the boundaries of electrical engineering, driving innovation, and ensuring the success of the U.S. Space Program’s strategic goals.  

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Mechanical / Thermal Engineering

Thermal Management Solutions: Efficient thermal management is crucial for aerospace and other applications. Our expertise encompasses innovative thermal management solutions that optimize heat transfer, temperature control, and overall system efficiency. We design and develop thermal management strategies that ensure peak performance from spacecraft to terrestrial systems. 

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Cybersecurity

Choose Vantage Systems for Unparalleled Cybersecurity Solutions

Vantage Systems stands as the vanguard of cybersecurity solutions tailored to meet the exacting demands of NASA, NOAA, and DoD space programs and projects. Our dedication to excellence, compliance, and security ensures that your missions are safeguarded, your software is impeccable, and your information remains protected—partner with us for a secure, efficient, and successful journey into the cosmos. 

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Systems Engineering

Vantage excels in full life cycle space engineering services, boasting a legacy of excellence. Our skilled Systems Engineers drive NASA programs from start to finish, from formulation to on-orbit ops and decommissioning. Expertise in mission inception, design validation, risk management, and global collaboration underpins our vital role in U.S. space mission success. We handle flight and ground software, science data systems, secure coding, and more, guided by PMP-certified managers and CMMI processes, making VSI your trusted partner for unmatched mission success.

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Linda Baumgart
Chief Human Resources & Administration Officer

Linda Baumgart is a senior Human Resource Executive with over 39 years of comprehensive Human Resource experience in federal contracting, including DoD, FAA, NASA, NIH, NOAA, NSA, and USGS. Her extensive experience in implementing grass-roots development and the management of human resource functions in a fast-paced, dynamic, and growth-oriented environment is critical to Vantage Systems’ success.

Linda has always had a deep partnership with business owners and senior executives at each firm she has supported and actively supported the development and implementation of corporate and contract strategic plans to align with HR objectives to achieve company goals and objectives. Linda brings a proven track record in developing culture initiatives, health, and welfare plans, including benefits, retirement, and compensation, policies and procedures, and Human Resource Business Systems.

She is a hands-on leader with a proven track record in high incumbent capture for large government contract transitions while adding a personal touch that puts employees at ease and creates a positive employment experience from day 1. Linda has served as the Director of Human Resources at Cornell Technical Services, HR Manager at Columbus Technologies and Service, and Vice President of Human Resources at Stinger Ghaffarian Technologies prior to joining Vantage Systems.

Donald Frank
Chief Operating Officer

Donald Frank has nearly 30 years of experience in business development and operations management. He is a leader with a strategic, solution-developing mindset that has led sales, organizational development, and team execution. He possesses the leadership and communication skills and processes to extend high performance across the enterprise. Don has earned strong business relationships through his commitment to hard work, collaboration, and coordination. He has consistently decreased overhead expenditures to enhance a competitive cost posture for companies.

Don’s accomplishments include capture management of large, complex scientific, engineering, and information technology programs, program and corporate organizational management, solution architecting, remote sensing research, scientific programming, and high-performance computing administration. Don is a degreed Meteorologist and Mathematician.

He brings experience working with and selling solutions across Federal agencies, including NASA, NOAA, and the Department of Defense, and working effectively with industry on the deployment of efficient contract administration tools and in business development.

Mike Ahan
President

Mike Ahan has over 40 years of experience in business and technical management with advanced technology businesses with extensive responsibilities in the technical, fiscal oversight, and management of the design, development, and implementation of complex aerospace, IT, and telecommunications systems and projects. Mike has held the positions of CEO, Executive Vice President, and Chief Operating Officer (COO) and was the Co-Founder and Co-Owner of two high-tech start-ups.

Mike joined Vantage as the Executive Vice President and COO in 2003 and became President in 2022. His hard work, integrity, and work ethic are key drivers for the company’s success. He has overseen all aspects of strategic planning—market research, pricing, sales, distribution, and infrastructure support. He has experience with government, civil, and commercial markets, which extends to international markets.

Mike is a seasoned executive and technical manager with special expertise in the development of new products, services, and enterprises. Mike is known for his keen ability to create effective teams, oversee corporate finances, and negotiate and manage strategic partnerships.