SPA wins 2026 HIRE Vets Gold Medallion for ninth straight year

Systems Planning & Analysis has earned the 2026 HIRE Vets Gold Medallion from the U.S. Department of Labor, extending a streak of recognition that began in 2018. The award underscores SPA’s veteran recruiting and retention efforts and its role as a major employer of military talent.

Why it matters: - SPA’s latest HIRE Vets Gold Medallion highlights a sustained veteran-hiring strategy, not a one-time program. - The recognition signals to job seekers and clients that military experience remains a core part of SPA’s workforce model.

What happened: - Systems Planning & Analysis received the 2026 HIRE Vets Gold Medallion Award from the U.S. Department of Labor. - The award recognizes SPA’s efforts to recruit, employ and retain veterans. - SPA has earned the award every year since the program started in 2018, marking nine consecutive years of recognition. - SPA is based in Alexandria, Virginia.

The details: - The HIRE Vets Medallion Award is the only federal award that recognizes exceptional achievement in veteran employment. - More than 30% of SPA’s workforce has military experience. - SPA recruits veterans and transitioning service members for national security roles across the company. - SPA supports veterans through mentorship and SPA VETS, an employee resource group for veterans, reservists and National Guard members. - SPA VETS gives employees a place to share experiences, access resources and build professional connections. - Rich Sawchak, SPA’s CEO, said veterans bring mission experience and an understanding of client challenges. - Sawchak said veterans’ leadership, discipline and commitment to service are central to SPA’s culture. - Sawchak also said many veterans have chosen SPA as the next chapter in their careers. - SPA describes itself as a global, independent provider of data-driven analytical insights for critical national security programs and defense priorities.

Between the lines: - The repeated award suggests SPA has built a durable pipeline for veteran hiring and retention. - A workforce with substantial military experience can strengthen credibility in defense and national security work, where client missions often overlap with veterans’ backgrounds.

What's next: - SPA is likely to keep recruiting veterans and transitioning service members as part of its talent strategy. - The company’s veteran community and employee resource group appear positioned to remain part of its retention effort. - SPA directs readers to learn more about its veteran community and career opportunities on its social channels, including LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.