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SAIC Opens $3.5 Million Unmanned Aircraft Research Facility In Beavercreek, Ohio

07/18/2012
Science Applications International Corporation opened its 87,000 square foot, $3.5 million, Center of Excellence to support design, research and development of manned and unmanned aircraft systems at its facility in Beavercreek, Ohio.

The complex, located at 3745 Pentagon Blvd., will be designed to support the Department of Defense and intelligence community customers, SAIC officials said.

"The new facility in Beavercreek will enable SAIC to expand our existing capabilities to align with the Air Force's unmanned aircraft systems research and development and testing vision," said Dennis Andersh, SAIC senior vice president. "SAIC currently employs more than 450 scientists, engineers, infrastructure support and other knowledge workers in the region, with a large number supporting customers at Wright Patterson Air Force Base. This expansion will continue to bring new jobs to the region within the next few years."

The Air Force's focus on unmanned aircraft research and development was a factor in the company's decision to expand at Beavercreek. "Due to the prolific growth in demand for unmanned aircraft systems technology, coupled with the significant research and development, operation and training challenges to be addressed, SAIC is consolidating many aspects of its UAS business in the Dayton Region-aligning it with the Air Force's research and development to assist in rapid unmanned aircraft systems technology transition to the warfighter," said Andersh.

This major expansion was made possible through various incentives including Ohio Third Frontier funding, Job Creation Tax Credits, proposed Targeted Industry Attraction Grant and Ohio Workforce funding, the firm said. "Ohio is fortunate to have strong regional economic development partners like the Dayton Development Coalition, helping SAIC bring more than 200 jobs to the area," said Ohio Department of Development Director, Mark Kvamme. "The region is ripe for growing the unmanned aerial systems and human performance sectors. SAIC will surely benefit from the many assets and competitive advantages offered in this region of the state."

Ohio Department of Development said the Ohio Tax Credit Authority approved Job Creation and Retention Tax Credits for the firm. SAIC was awarded a 60 percent Job Creation Tax Credit as a result of the company's new location in Beavercreek, Greene County, Ohio. The value of the tax credit is estimated at $2.87 million. The company would be required to maintain operations at the project site for 11 years and hire at least 180 workers.

In addition, the firm was also awarded a 60 percent Job Creation Tax Credit as a result of its expansion in the nearby City of Springfield, Ohio. The value of the tax credit is estimated at $570,500. This project includes the lease of an additional 10,000 square feet in the Nextedge Applied Research and Technology Park in Springfield. The more than $1.6 million project is expected to create 35 jobs and retain 11 positions.

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