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On September 9, Dayton, OH-based Woolpert announced that it has acquired Optimal GEO, an Alabama-based company that specializes in providing photogrammetric mapping, orthoimagery, lidar and GIS data to defense and federal intelligence communities. This acquisition strengthens the ability to support some of the firms’ largest U.S.-based geospatial initiatives, while empowering greater knowledge sharing and propelling global innovation.
Optimal GEO and Woolpert have worked together on projects to support several federal clients, including the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). As the joint venture WMR-532, they have collected, processed, and delivered topographic and bathymetric lidar data and imagery for the Joint Airborne Lidar Bathymetry Technical Center of Expertise (JALBTCX) and the Naval Oceanographic Office (NAVOCEANO).
Optimal GEO COO Mark Brooks said this acquisition takes this successful team one step further. “Our clients have seen how well we work together and how effectively we communicate and collaborate to get each project done,” Brooks said. “We have our defined roles, with geospatial experts in places they need to be, and that isn’t going to change. We have always enjoyed working and teaming with Woolpert, and this is just a natural evolution of where we should be heading. We are building on a foundation that works for clients and works for us.”
With this merger, Optimal GEO will expand its services internationally, triple its capacity to serve clients, and enhance its geospatial offerings with in-house architecture, engineering and consulting expertise. Optimal GEO also will have access to industry-leading geospatial technology and equipment, including Woolpert’s fleet of aircraft and sensors, and its more than 100 employees will net additional professional development opportunities.
Woolpert will add to its bathymetric and geospatial intelligence expertise, extend its geospatial presence in the southeastern U.S., and gain a data processing hub in Alabama to support current and future clients and contracts. Woolpert Senior Vice President Joseph Seppi said Optimal GEO’s deep federal contracting experience and highly respected position in the industry will help strengthen long-term client relationships, while diversifying others.
“This proven combination of Optimal GEO and Woolpert creates the most capable, geospatially focused and technologically diverse geospatial firm in the country,” Seppi said. “These expanded geospatial services, combined with our AEG capabilities, enable us to provide integrated solutions to address diverse client needs.”
Woolpert CEO Scott Cattran said he is honored to welcome Optimal GEO to the Woolpert family of companies. “Culture drives our company’s growth and success, fostering an environment of respect and empowerment,” Cattran said. “In Optimal GEO, we found an industry leader with whom we have had proven success and who shares our core values and our progressive culture. On top of that, they are just an outstanding group to be around. We’re very excited that our longtime partner is becoming a permanent member of our Woolpert family.”
Source: Woolpert
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