INDUSTRY INTERVIEW: AMTI, an operation of SAIC
Bud Fultz
Vice President
Technical Solutions Group
AMTI, an operation of SAIC
Q: How does the recent acquisition of AMTI by SAIC impact the Technical Solutions Group?
A: This acquisition integrates AMTI offerings in training and exercises; systems engineering and integration; information systems and communications; as well as rapid prototyping of technical solutions with SAIC technical and operational presence within the nation’s intelligence, special warfare and homeland security communities.
In terms of a business model, we continue to operate under the very strong, well-established AMTI brand. As a division within SAIC’s newly formed AMTI Operation, the Technical Solutions Group [TSG] continues its fast-paced growth.
Adding the TSG focus on innovation and customer satisfaction to the market reach and internal investment capabilities of SAIC makes for a winning combination. That being said, the TSG focus remains the same: Combine our unique understanding of the customer’s mission with our core technical competencies to identify and fulfill specialized needs within our markets.
Q: What exactly does TSG offer?
A: TSG started as a custom engineering function in response to the specialized needs of AMTI customers. While we still actively provide that service, three core product families emerged. We offer communications peripherals including amplifiers, pre-amps, cables and power adapters in support of the tactical radio market. In the improvised explosive device area, we provide a broad range of fully-functional, inert training devices; Seeker Series detectand- defeat robots; and a line of special weapons training devices. Our third family, the unique Quicklock cargo restraint system, is literally changing the way cargo is secured.
Q: What is it about TSG products that have contributed to such rapid growth?
A: Several factors combine to drive our success. We couple a high level of in-house technical expertise with input and direction from our customers. This drives the product development cycle allowing us to not only identify niches where we can channel our expertise, but even more importantly to distinguish our products from the rest of the field. We remain focused on the added value aspect of our product lines.
Our goal is not to simply enter a market with a like product and hope for market share but rather revolutionize the market via our offerings. The market share will follow. Another contributor to our growth is our extremist view on quality. While product failure in the business world usually revolves around dollar signs, we know that product failure in combat can result in a far greater loss.
Q: How do you differentiate your products?
A: Differentiation is integral to our success. Take our amplifiers, for example. Many of the amplifiers out there provide full power-out only on occasion. When we say that we provide full rated power all the time, across the entire frequency range, we mean exactly that.
Another differentiator is HAVEQUICK and SINCGARS compatibility verses capability. Our amp designs do not require the movement of output filters beyond 90 MHz in order to amplify the ECCM signal. We incorporate advanced filter switching techniques to prevent the inadvertent desensitization or friendly jamming of local nets. Our A-320 brings new meaning to the term pocket amplifier. At 22 ounces, it is the lightest and smallest 30-512 MHz amp on the market. In fact, the A-320 is so efficient that it requires less than 2.2 amps of battery draw to provide 20 watts of output power. With the newer 5390 battery the A-320 can safely provide up to 24 hours of operation at a 15 percent duty cycle. No one else comes close.
Q: What about your other product families?
A: The uniqueness of the Quicklock cargo restraint system has led to its installation in over 3,000 HMMWVs and many other mobility platforms including boats and trailers. When installed in the bed of a M1097, the Quicklock provides over 1,300 available tie-down points. In the EOD line, when asked for a reusable IED detect-anddefeat robot with extended battery life and increased range, we responded with the lightweight R-500: 1,400 feet of range; 8-hour run time; pan and tilt cameras; and, a disposable trailer to deploy a counter charge. There is nothing similar on the market at this price. Oh yes, they also wanted it to be affordable. We offer it at under $10,000.
Q: Looking ahead, what do you see in the future?
A: It is a very exciting time for us. We currently have a number of new, innovative products in the pipeline and we continue to research ways to further increase the value add of our existing products. In 2007, we will continue to expand our presence within the special operations community while increasing our manufacturing processes and capacity to accommodate growth.
As an operation of SAIC, we have increased opportunities to extend our product brands into new markets and enhanced our ability to provide solutions to the war fighter and all who defend and protect our nation. In short, the future looks great! ♦