Customer Challenge
A leading aerospace customer needed a partner to:
The customer needed a partner to develop, integrate, test, and provide operational support for a modern ground segment enabling their Space Network (SN), including Tracking and Data Relay Satellites (TDRSs). This involved work on the Space Network Ground Segment Sustainment (SGSS) and Space Exploration Network Services and Evolution (SENSE) programs.
Scope
- Development, integration, and test support for Space Network and TDRSs
- Implementation of a modern ground segment
- Sustained support and operational services for SGSS and SENSE programs
Solution
We provided:
- A comprehensive team covering the entire lifecycle: system requirements, design, implementation, software development, test procedures, and execution
- Installation of all ground terminal equipment (hardware and software), from networking devices to application server environments
- Iterative release cycles using Agile methodologies for software development and delivery
- On-site work at NASA’s White Sands facility, requiring secret-level clearances for the full team
Benefits
- Provided a team of 50+ engineers for around 9 years, quickly ramping to over 30 engineers in under 5 months
- Became the largest single supplier on the program, replacing several incumbents
- Responded to over 11 Task Orders with continued operations and testing into 2024
Results
- Effective lifecycle management and operational support for the Space Network and TDRSs
- Successful integration and sustainment of the ground segment with high-quality service
- Maintained and adapted engineering support to meet evolving program needs
Features
- Systems integration and low-level testing
- Test automation and configuration management
- Linux and Windows system administration
- Network and security engineering
- Hardware installation and implementation
- Application development with Java, Python, and SQL
Chris Hardgrave joined Quest Defense in April 2024 as Vice President for Strategic Accounts. He is responsible for sales, growth, and development of strategic relationships for new business development efforts in the Aerospace and Defense sector. Chris works in the Washington, D.C. office.
Steve Gerber is President and CEO of QuEST Defense Systems and Solutions business and is responsible for providing the leadership and growth of this venture.
Pete Messerle is a Client Partner within the Sales Organization, with the focus of partnering across his customer’s organizations to understand their strategic and tactical needs. He then works with key stakeholders at Quest and the client to build customized service solutions, built on the foundation of low drag execution and full ownership & transparency of deliverables.
As the Quality Manager and Management Representative of Quest Defense, Stuart is responsible driving Business Excellence throughout the company. He maintains and improves the Quality Management System ensuring compliance to AS9100, customer requirements, and enabling continuous improvement innovations.
Ryan is the Facility Security Officer for Quest Defense, supporting the organization’s compliance with the National Industrial Security Program (NISP) and other Department of Defense and federal security initiatives. Ryan has a background in personnel and physical security, working with both GE Aerospace and the U.S Navy, where he continues to serve as a reserve law enforcement officer (Master-at-Arms).
As Chief Engineer for Quest Defense, Jon is responsible for ensuring that sound engineering processes are maintained and followed by our employees working in a diverse set of services and disciplines across all verticals. In this role he also leads Quest Defense’s efforts to develop new methods and technologies to help grow the business through innovation, as well as building and promoting the technical reputation of the company in the public sphere.
Jeff Fischer serves as a board member for Quest Defense Systems and Solutions business. Additionally Jeff is the Operations Leader for the Quest Global Aerospace and Defense Industry.
Chad joined Quest Global in 2006, specializing in advanced modeling and simulation for multiple verticals and customers and becoming a technical lead for computational fluid dynamics. He has held several leadership positions within the delivery organization since his joining, leading multiple teams through periods of high growth and developing many new innovative services and solutions. Before taking on ownership of Operations for Quest Defense, he managed the Cincinnati Modeling & Simulation Center of Excellence.
As the President of Quest Global, Bob is responsible for establishing and maintaining senior customer relationships, catalysing new business development, and overseeing innovative and transformational deals. In this role, he also assists in building relationships with strategic acquisitions for the company.
Joe supports Special Missions across Quest Global to include key client contract negotiations, strategic business solutions, M&A, and culture endeavors.
John Thackrah is the founding Principal of Sextant Solutions LLC, an aerospace, maritime and government acquisition consultant.
Frank Kendall is an independent consultant to defense industry firms and non profit research organizations. He is a Senior Fellow at the Center for American Progress, a Senior Advisor to the Center for Strategic and International Studies, and a member of th e Council on Foreign Relations. Among other industry positions, he is a member of the board of directors of Leidos Corporation and of Leonardo Electronics USA Inc. From 2012 to 2017, Mr. Kendall served as the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, T echnology and Logistics (AT& after serving as the Principal Deputy Under Secretary from 2010 2012. Mr. Kendall has over 45 years of experience in engineering, management, defense acquisition, and national security affairs in private industry, governmen t, and the military.
Page Hoeper is a private consultant, corporate director, and venture capitalist. Since leaving government service, Mr. Hoeper has focused on corporate governance and board service. He chairs the boards of OnPoint Technologies, Inc., 501c(3) venture capital fund established by Congress to focus on emerging commercial technologies of interest to the U.S. Army, and Quest Defense Systems & Solutions, a provider of engineering services to the U.S. defense industry.