A business research company in the bwtech@UMBC Research and Technology Park at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County was recently accredited to operate the first federal training center for teaching business management, acquisition, logistics and procurement processes to Department of Defense employees and contractors, according to bwtech@UMBC officials.

Solvern Innovations recently completed the two-year accreditation process and located its new "Center of Excellence" training facility one floor below its existing headquarters at the bwtech@UMBC park.

The IT development and consulting and business management services company was founded in 2003 by UMBC graduate Andre Gudger,

In a statement, Gudger said the company has "worked hard to become a world-class solutions provider to the Department of Defense, where employees and contractors can come and gain the knowledge needed to accomplish their mission."

Gudger could not be reached for direct comment.

Since last year, Solvern has received various recognitions for its growth.

SmartCEO Magazine named Solvern one of its "Future 50" companies for 2008 in its January 2009 issue, and Inc. Magazine ranked Solvern as the 52nd fastest growing privately-owned company in the country, the fifth fastest growing government services company and the fastest growing Baltimore-based company.

Solvern has grown by more than 3,000 percent since it was founded in 2003, according to its Web site.

"We're really pleased that, despite the tough economy, we're seeing some very good start ups but also some companies that are doing business with the government and are really showing some good growth," said Ellen Hemmerly, the research park's executive director.

Solvern's new training center will also be home to a think tank, where more than 10 employees will research effective techniques for approaching the business processes that the center will be training DOD employees on, according to bwtech@UMBC officials.

The growth at the park, especially in the current economy, is extremely beneficial to the area, Hemmerly said. She noted the park will provide more opportunities for students for internships and other work experiences that could translate into full-time positions once the students graduate.

"We're really pleased to be capturing some growing and really strong companies that are working with the federal government," Hemmerly said.

Two other companies with government contracts are also relatively new additions to bwtech@UMBC park.

Premier Management Corporation, a cyber crime and network security company that works with government agencies including the National Security Agency, moved into the research complex in December.

The company is currently collaborating with the university to develop technology that detects Internet vulnerabilities in government computer systems.

Science Systems and Applications, Inc., which performs work under contract with NASA and other government agencies, moved part of its operation into the research park in January.

The company will house its Calibration and Validation Office, which was located at the Goddard Space Flight Center in Prince George's County, at the research park.

The office measures ocean color data from satellites and field operations that could ultimately help gauge climate change and global warming.

Hemmerly said the bwtech@UMBC park has "a lot of tenants and a lot of activities that are focused in environmental sciences," and the CVO will help "build on that."

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