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38°57′06.1″N 77°21′46.8″W / 38.951694°N 77.363000°W / 38.951694; -77.363000

Noblis is an American not-for-profit corporation and a science, technology, and strategy organization that delivers technical advice to federal government clients. The company’s work is applied to a wide array of federal domains, including civilian services, defense, homeland security, intelligence and law enforcement.

Key Information

History

[edit]

Noblis was originally known as Mitretek Systems. In 1996, Mitretek Systems was formed as a nonprofit corporation for the purpose of undertaking research in science and technology as a spin-off from the MITRE Corporation.[1]

Between 1996 and 2006, Mitretek Systems focused on national security threats, chemical and biological warfare, biometrics, electronic transactions, traffic congestion, patient safety, environmental sustainability, and renewed energy resources. Mitretek sponsored research projects included: analyzing and implementing technologies to keep information secure on the Internet, communicating voice and data by using Internet Protocol in the event of a national emergency, developing gaming technologies for first responders, and creating sick city scenarios to understand what could occur during a naturally occurring, or terrorist-instigated biological threat.

Mitretek Systems changed its name to Noblis in 2007.

In 2012, Noblis acquired Noblis ESI. The company previously operated under the name ElanTech Systems, Inc.[2]

May 3, 2021, Noblis acquired McKean Defense.[3][4] July 28, 2021, Noblis rebrands McKean Defense and its affiliates to Noblis MSD.[5][6]

Organization

[edit]

Headquartered in Reston, VA, Noblis has offices in San Antonio, TX, Washington, DC, Baltimore, MD, Danville, VA, Chantilly, VA, Bridgeport, WV, Huntsville, AL, Warner Robins, GA, Philadelphia, PA, Ft. Washington, PA, Crystal City, VA, Dahlgren, VA, Hampton, VA, Largo, FL, Port Hueneme, CA and San Diego, CA.[7]

Almost 2000 employees work in science, engineering, research, and technology at Noblis and its subsidiaries.[8] In June 2021, Noblis Inc. was named a Top 2021 Workplace for the eighth year in a row by the Washington Post in their annual feature.[9]

The firm's CEOs have been Lydia Thomas (1996-2007), Amr ElSawy (2007–2022) and Mile Corrigan (October 2022 to present).[10]

References

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Noblis

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Noblis is an independent founded in 1996 and headquartered in , that applies advanced science, technology, engineering, and strategy expertise to solve complex challenges for the U.S. federal government. Operating in the without profit motives, Noblis provides , , acquisition support, and innovative technologies across key domains including defense, civil government operations, , , , health, space, , and . Its nonprofit status enables objective, mission-focused work for clients such as the U.S. Navy, FBI, FAA, and Department of Homeland Security, emphasizing breakthrough research and practical solutions to enhance national capabilities. Among its notable contributions, Noblis developed the FBI's Universal Latent Workstation in 1998 for forensic analysis, the BioID platform in 2011 for biometric identification, and various patented technologies in areas like AI-based recognition and genome sequencing, while consistently ranking as a top workplace for over a .

History

Founding and Origins (1996–2000)

Mitretek Systems, later renamed Noblis, was established in 1996 as a nonprofit spin-off from The to separate civilian research and development activities from MITRE's defense-focused federally funded research and development center (FFRDC) operations. The division addressed federal government concerns over potential conflicts of interest and unfair competitive advantages in bidding for nonmilitary contracts, with Mitretek assuming approximately $70 million in such contracts and 750 employees, while retained $500 million in primarily defense-related work and its remaining 3,500 staff. The split became effective on January 29, 1996, and positioned Mitretek as an independent entity headquartered in , dedicated to applying science and technology solutions to challenges beyond direct military applications. Dr. Lydia W. Thomas, who had served in senior roles at since 1973 including senior vice president and general manager, was elected to Mitretek's board of trustees in May 1996 and appointed president and chief executive officer in July 1996. Under Thomas's leadership, Mitretek operated as a mission-driven nonprofit with a charter emphasizing objective, innovative applications of technology for federal civilian agencies, drawing on MITRE's legacy in while avoiding FFRDC restrictions that limited commercial competition. The organization inherited expertise in areas such as , , and , adapting these to non-defense contexts like public safety and infrastructure. During its formative years, Mitretek secured early contracts demonstrating its focus on enforcement and transportation technologies. In , it developed the FBI's Universal Latent Workstation, a system for analyzing fingerprints and latent prints to enhance forensic capabilities. That same year, Mitretek initiated infrastructure support for the (FAA), contributing to acquisition and modernization efforts for systems. These projects underscored Mitretek's role in bridging advanced with practical needs, laying the groundwork for expansion into broader civilian sectors while maintaining nonprofit independence from proprietary interests. By 2000, the organization had stabilized its operations, employing technical staff to deliver systems integration and advisory services primarily to U.S. clients.

Expansion and Key Milestones (2001–2015)

In 2001, Mitretek Systems opened its headquarters in , and deployed the first public key infrastructure to support secure federal communications. This expansion coincided with growing demand for cybersecurity and technology services amid post-9/11 national security priorities. By 2004, the organization had deployed the and Safety Management Alert System (RASMAS), a platform enabling rapid healthcare product recalls and safety alerts for federal agencies. In February 2007, Mitretek Systems rebranded to Noblis, a name derived from "noble" to emphasize its nonprofit commitment to advancing public good through objective science and technology solutions, distancing itself from for-profit connotations. That same year, Amr ElSawy was appointed CEO, succeeding Lydia Thomas, and the firm integrated a public key infrastructure certificate authority bridge into commercial trust stores to enhance interoperability for government systems. The period saw further infrastructure and capability builds, including the 2010 opening of the Noblis Innovation and Collaboration Center to foster research in . In 2011, Noblis secured selection for the Federal Aviation Administration's NextGen system, supporting advanced modernization efforts, and deployed the BioID platform for biometric identification in security applications. Expansion accelerated in 2012 with the acquisition of Elantech Systems, Inc., rebranded as Noblis ESI, bolstering engineering and systems integration expertise, alongside the launch of the Center for Applied featuring the XMT for complex data processing. By 2014, Noblis acquired National Security Partners, enhancing its intelligence and defense analysis capabilities through integration of specialized consulting services. These milestones reflected steady growth in federal contracts, particularly in transportation, cybersecurity, and sectors, though specific revenue or workforce figures for the era remain undisclosed in public records. The nonprofit model enabled objective advisory roles, avoiding conflicts inherent in commercial competitors.

Recent Developments (2016–Present)

In 2016, Noblis acquired National Security Partners to enhance its national security capabilities and celebrated its 20th anniversary of operations. That year, the organization also relocated its headquarters to , to support expanded operations. By 2017, Noblis deployed technologies to assist in rescuing victims and divested its RASMAS health recall management system to streamline focus on core missions. In 2018, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security selected Noblis to develop advanced prototypes for concealed , while a Noblis achieved a milestone by factoring the RSA-230 integer, advancing cryptographic research. Noblis received a in 2019 for a bioinformatic and sequencing , bolstering its expertise. The maintained steady federal support during 2020 amid broader operational continuity. A pivotal expansion occurred in 2021 with the acquisition of McKean Defense, rebranded as Noblis MSD, which strengthened defense ; that year, Noblis also deployed a network for advanced communications testing and secured a $68 million indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity from the U.S. to optimize networks. Leadership transitioned in 2022 when Mile Corrigan was appointed CEO; Noblis earned for AI-based image recognition and blockchain-enabled autonomy, and deployed the OptiSource™ system for combat ship maintenance optimization. In 2023, Noblis launched its Ventures arm to invest in dual-use technologies, including an initial stake in SCOUT Space for ; it also secured a for insider threat prevention systems, achieved authorization for cloud services, and won a $78 million contract from the for learning management support. Key 2024 developments included Noblis Ventures' investment in Sedaro for satellite mission design software, a for flight path optimization, a $93 million for fleet introduction services via Noblis MSD, a position on the 's $982 million , a $4 billion indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity with the for weapons of mass destruction programs, and a $709 million award for Air Traffic Evaluation and Performance Support II to modernize the . The organization was recognized as a Top Workplace for the eleventh consecutive year. Into 2025, Noblis advanced frontiers by launching DNA data storage and experiments to the via , testing encrypted DNA payloads and microbial cultures for space-based data preservation and . Noblis Ventures invested in Prediction Guard for secure, self-hosted AI platforms tailored to critical missions. In October, Noblis MSD formed the SBA-approved Defense Technical Solutions with TDI Technologies, securing a $20 million contract for technical solutions. William Streilein joined as , succeeding . CEO Mile Corrigan received the 2025 Wash100 Award for leadership in federal contracts.

Organizational Structure

Governance and Leadership

Noblis operates as a governed by a Board of Trustees, which provides strategic direction, ensures fiduciary responsibility, and upholds the organization's mission of objective services for federal clients. The board comprises experts in , , and , with serving as Chairman since at least 2023. Notable trustees include former Letitia Long, former Mitretek CEO Lydia Thomas, and public health specialist Dr. Luciana Borio, appointed in 2021. In April 2021, the board added C. Okey Agba, Ellen Glover, Jerry L. Johnson, and Jeanne Shen to enhance expertise in engineering, health, and finance. The executive leadership team reports to the board and manages day-to-day operations across research, technology integration, and client delivery. Mile Corrigan has served as President and since October 2023, succeeding Amr ElSawy after his 15-year tenure; Corrigan, with prior roles in federal contracting and an MBA from , focuses on growth strategies including the 2023 launch of Noblis Ventures. Key executives include Gary Sladic, Senior and Chief Financial and Administrative Officer with 29 years in the sector; Lauren McGinley, Senior , General , and Chief Ethics Officer; and Deborah Drake, Senior and Chief People Officer overseeing . Recent leadership transitions emphasize technical innovation, such as the October 8, 2025, appointment of Dr. William Streilein as , succeeding , who moved to Chief Customer Experience Officer; Streilein brings over 30 years in AI, cybersecurity, and defense systems from roles at and the U.S. Department of Defense. This structure aligns with Noblis's nonprofit ethos, prioritizing mission-driven decisions over profit motives to maintain independence in advising federal agencies.

Subsidiaries and Partnerships

Noblis operates two primary wholly owned subsidiaries: Noblis ESI and Noblis MSD. Noblis ESI, acquired in 2012 from Elantech Systems, Inc., specializes in , advanced technology integration, , and acquisition support, particularly for command, control, communications, computers, cyber, , , and (C5ISR) missions. Noblis MSD, established in July 2021 following Noblis's acquisition of McKean Defense, focuses on U.S. network design, operational readiness, system modernization, integration, and sustainment to enhance fleet maintenance and equipment performance. Previously, Noblis maintained Noblis NSP, acquired as National Security Partners LLC to provide and consulting, but this entity was merged into the parent organization in April 2018 to streamline operations. In addition to subsidiaries, Noblis engages in strategic partnerships and s to expand capabilities and access set-asides. In October 2025, Noblis MSD formed Defense Technical Solutions (DTS), an SBA-approved mentor-protégé with TDI Technologies, which secured a $20 million SeaPort NxG task order from the Philadelphia Division for program management, engineering, technical, and logistics support on systems. Similarly, in July 2025, Noblis ESI partnered with Assurit to create AdvanceX, an SBA-certified 8(a) aimed at federal cybersecurity, innovation, and services. Noblis also maintains collaborations with firms like Bowhead Systems Management for enhanced Department of Defense and federal agency support, emphasizing participation in federal contracts. These arrangements leverage Noblis's nonprofit expertise alongside private sector agility to address mission-critical needs in defense and civil sectors.

Facilities and Workforce

Noblis is headquartered at 2002 Edmund Halley Drive in , a facility designed to support collaborative work in science, , and . The organization plans to relocate its headquarters to in 2027, occupying a smaller space optimized for innovation and hybrid work models. Additional facilities span multiple U.S. states to align with client needs in defense, intelligence, and civil sectors, including offices in Chantilly and , ; Washington, D.C.; ; and ; ; ; , ; and , . These locations house specialized capabilities, such as support in and mission systems development in , enabling proximity to federal agencies and military installations. Noblis maintains approximately 12 primary office sites nationwide, facilitating distributed operations without international facilities. The workforce comprises around 2,000 employees focused on technical and strategic roles in research, , and . This includes professionals across wholly owned subsidiaries like Noblis MSD (approximately 600 employees) and Noblis ESI (approximately 350 employees), contributing to expertise in areas such as cybersecurity and enterprise systems integration. Employees are characterized by high retention rates and advanced qualifications, with the organization recognized for fostering a mission-oriented environment that prioritizes objectives.

Mission and Expertise

Core Mission and Nonprofit Model

Noblis functions as a nonprofit research and engineering organization committed to delivering objective science, technology, and engineering solutions for federal government missions. Its core mission centers on innovating to enrich lives, enhance national safety, and invest in future priorities by addressing complex challenges in domains such as defense, homeland security, intelligence, and civil infrastructure through breakthrough research and digital transformation. This public-interest orientation emphasizes ethical, unbiased contributions to national objectives, free from commercial incentives that could compromise advisory integrity. As a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt entity, Noblis' nonprofit model reinforces its mission by reinvesting contract-generated surpluses into internal research, development, workforce capabilities, and community initiatives rather than allocating them to private shareholders or executives. This structure promotes sustained independence, enabling the organization to prioritize high-impact, long-term outcomes over quarterly profits, which distinguishes it from for-profit contractors in government services. By design, the model mitigates profit-driven biases, fostering trust among clients through consistent focus on verifiable, mission-aligned results and ethical compliance. In practice, Noblis leverages this framework to support federal agencies with 100% prime contract execution, high client retention, and investments in advanced capabilities like high-performance computing and AI ethics, ensuring resources align directly with public good rather than market demands. The absence of shareholder pressures allows for proactive R&D funding, which bolsters operational excellence and adaptability to evolving national security and civilian needs.

Primary Services and Capabilities

Noblis delivers objective, science- and technology-driven services to federal clients, leveraging its nonprofit status to prioritize mission impact over commercial interests. Primary capabilities center on , advanced technology development, , and acquisition support, enabling agencies to integrate complex solutions for and civilian operations. These services draw on domain expertise in areas such as network design, systems integration, and sustainment to ensure operational readiness and modernization. Digital Transformation: Noblis provides data architecture, , and /experience design to streamline processes and foster data-driven cultures. This includes modernizing legacy systems with , AI integration, and analytics to improve efficiency in sectors like transportation and health services. Cybersecurity and Operations: Services emphasize securing digital assets through , threat detection, and resilient enterprise architectures. Noblis supports federal entities in countering cyber threats, protecting , and automating security operations, particularly in and defense contexts. Engineering and Integration: Core offerings involve full-lifecycle , including digital engineering tools like modeling, simulation, and digital twins, to deliver complex systems within budget and schedule constraints. This capability aids in areas such as unmanned systems, secure communications, and IT modernization for defense and missions. Artificial Intelligence and Analytics: Noblis applies , , and advanced decision to enable predictive modeling, threat anticipation, and operational optimization. These tools support data utilization across , , and civil applications, including and autonomous systems development. Research and Development: The organization invests in R&D to create forward-looking solutions, such as quantum technologies and , conducted in dedicated labs to expand federal capabilities in emerging fields like counter-WMD and secure telecom. This includes patentable innovations and publications derived from mission-aligned .

Key Client Sectors

Noblis primarily serves federal government clients across defense, civil government, , , and sectors, leveraging its nonprofit status to deliver objective , , and solutions. These sectors encompass missions critical to , , and infrastructure resilience, with the organization supporting agencies through contract vehicles accessible to both civilian and Department of Defense (DoD) entities. In the defense sector, Noblis provides mission-ready capabilities for warfighters, including unmanned maritime technologies, network modernization, secure systems, and systems integration for the U.S. via its subsidiary Noblis MSD. This work focuses on enhancing operational sustainment and modernization to address evolving threats. The civil government sector involves modernizing systems and processes for civilian agencies, particularly in transportation (e.g., Federal Aviation Administration's NextGen transformation and telecom infrastructure), acquisitions, , citizen services, and health initiatives. Noblis also supports efforts in intelligent transportation systems, automated vehicles, and . For homeland security, Noblis develops resilient infrastructure solutions, including cybersecurity, advanced analytics, and prototypes for concealed object detection under the Department of Homeland Security, alongside efforts to secure transportation and counter threats. In intelligence and law enforcement, the organization applies artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data analytics to enable threat prevention, risk evaluation, and systems engineering for command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (C5ISR) missions, including development of the FBI's Universal Latent Workstation. Cross-cutting areas such as , space missions, , and further define Noblis's client engagement, with over $1 billion in federal contract awards supporting programs in , transportation, and healthcare. While primarily federal-focused, Noblis occasionally collaborates with state agencies, private entities, and nonprofits.

Major Contracts and Projects

Defense and National Security Contracts

Noblis, through its subsidiary Noblis MSD, provides engineering, systems integration, and advisory services to the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) for missions, including threat reduction and fleet modernization. These efforts support objectives such as combating weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and enhancing intelligence capabilities. In June 2024, Noblis won a 10-year, $4 billion indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quary (IDIQ) contract from the (DTRA) to advance the DoD's Cooperative Threat Reduction (CTR) program, focusing on WMD countermeasures through advisory and services; the includes a five-year base period and five option years. Earlier, in 2021, Noblis secured a five-year, $263 million prime with DTRA for CTR support, emphasizing -based advisory services to mitigate global threats from WMD proliferation. The Department of the Navy awarded Noblis MSD a $93 million to deliver and sustainment services for fleet modernization, ensuring operational readiness of naval assets. In October 2025, Noblis MSD, in a Small Business Administration-approved with TDI Technologies, obtained a $20 million for related defense technology integration. Noblis also supports agencies, including a five-year, $78 million awarded by the (NGA) on June 21, 2023, for learning management and support services to enhance geospatial analysis training. Federal spending data confirms ongoing DoD obligations to Noblis, such as under HDTRA121F0033 with a potential value exceeding $251 million for reduction activities. These underscore Noblis's role in delivering nonprofit-driven expertise to DoD priorities without profit motives influencing service delivery.

Civil Government and Infrastructure Projects

Noblis provides technical advisory services to civil government agencies, focusing on transportation infrastructure and systems to enhance safety, efficiency, and resilience. In , the company has supported the (FAA) for nearly 30 years, delivering mission-critical systems for air traffic management and modernization efforts. A major contract in this domain is the $709 million Air Traffic Evaluation and Support Services II (ATEPS II) indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity agreement awarded by the FAA on December 19, 2024. Under this 10-year potential vehicle—comprising an initial two-year base period and four two-year options—Noblis delivers , cybersecurity, analysis, integration, performance evaluation, training, logistics, and to maintain and upgrade the (NAS), a foundational element of U.S. infrastructure. This work addresses NAS challenges such as increasing air traffic demands and technological obsolescence, directly contributing to safer and more reliable operations. In infrastructure, Noblis secured an $82 million task order from the Department of (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate on July 18, 2023, spanning three years. The agreement supports by providing , requirements definition, and organizational to advance DHS priorities in areas like countering weapons of mass destruction and securing transportation networks. Additional efforts include a $350 million Enterprise Communications Support Services contract with the FAA, awarded alongside Flatirons Solutions, for communications infrastructure enhancements. Noblis also contributes to broader transportation infrastructure through a U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) task order for Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) Multimodal Digital Infrastructure Support, awarded on February 26, 2025, which integrates digital tools for efficiency. These projects leverage Noblis' expertise in , AI, and to secure and optimize critical civil systems, including participation in FAA's Brand New Air Traffic Control System initiative for , radio, and control center upgrades.

Innovations and Contributions

Technological Advancements

Noblis conducts in key emerging technologies, including (AI), (ML), autonomous systems, , , cybersecurity, and bioinformatics, with applications directed toward federal government missions such as and infrastructure safety. These efforts leverage dedicated facilities like the Noblis Innovation and Collaboration Center (NICC) in , which houses labs for radio frequency (RF) testing, sensing, , and prototyping. A notable advancement is Noblis' patented system for simulating security checkpoints, which iteratively models scenarios to optimize at and federal buildings, identifying capability gaps and calculating for enhancements; the was awarded in September 2022. In autonomous systems, Noblis develops self-organizing technologies aligned with the U.S. Department of Transportation's (V2X) framework, enabling integration of vehicles, bicycles, pedestrians, and infrastructure to improve roadway , , and , with potential extensions to freight and unmanned aerial fleets. Quantum computing innovations include a patented hybrid quantum-classical for flight path optimization, granted on July 17, 2024, which enhances by minimizing delays, fuel consumption, and environmental impact in high-traffic . Environmental technology advancements feature a PFAS removal method, patented on April 22, 2025, that heats concentrated contaminated waste with in a specialized reactor to decompose per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) into non-hazardous byproducts like and air, offering a more efficient alternative to traditional . Additional patents cover rapid biodetection via bioelectrical sensors for pathogens (U.S. No. 12385078), secure mobile authentication using technology (U.S. No. 11,330,435), and scalable data structures for multi-layer simulations (December 2021). These technologies contribute to broader projects, such as Noblis' role in a $121 million contract awarded in October 2024 for research in , AI, autonomous systems, and quantum applications to advance safety and efficiency. Through initiatives like Noblis Ventures, the organization invests in deep-tech startups focusing on AI, , and to accelerate dual-use innovations for critical missions.

Research Initiatives and Public Impact

Noblis conducts (R&D) initiatives tailored to federal government missions, emphasizing areas such as , autonomous systems, , and to address and civil challenges. These efforts leverage dedicated physical and virtual laboratories to prototype solutions, including DNA-based systems capable of preserving information for millennia under extreme conditions. A prominent example is the Helix Horizons project, launched on August 25, 2025, which sent experiments to the International Space Station (ISS) to test molecular DNA data storage and synthetic biology platforms for sustainable nutrition production. The DNA storage component evaluates archival stability in microgravity, potentially enabling high-density, long-term data management for space exploration and terrestrial applications like disaster recovery. The synthetic biology aspect explores biomanufacturing of nutrients, aiming to reduce reliance on Earth-based resupply for extended missions. In health and , Noblis has developed a ed bioelectrical biodetection system that identifies pathogens in under using dual-organism sensors—one for detection and one for amplification—enhancing rapid response capabilities for threats. Additionally, in 2024, Noblis secured a position on a $500 million with the Advanced Research Projects Agency for (ARPA-H), applying expertise in and to accelerate solutions for future needs. These initiatives contribute to public impact by delivering dual-use technologies that bolster national resilience, such as environmental solutions for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) remediation and alternative energy research, which support sustainable and reduce environmental risks. Through partnerships like the Noblis Innovation Quest, the organization fosters collaborative R&D to expand for government applications, indirectly benefiting societal advancements in critical domains like defense and . Noblis Ventures further amplifies impact by investing in early-stage deep-tech startups developing technologies with and civilian utility.

Reception and Assessment

Achievements and Recognitions

Noblis has received multiple workplace recognitions based on employee surveys conducted by third-party firms like Energage. In 2025, it earned the Greater Washington Area Top Workplaces award for the 12th consecutive year, determined by confidential feedback assessing factors such as respect, support, growth opportunities, and empowerment. Additional 2025 honors include Top Workplaces designations from , The Hampton Roads Business Journal, (with a 5-year milestone), and Energage's Nonprofit category, alongside Culture Excellence awards for , purpose, values, , compensation, benefits, employee happiness, and work-life flexibility. The organization also secured the VETS Indexes 4 Star Employer Award in 2025 for its veteran employment practices. In the realm of corporate ethics, Noblis was named one of the 2024 World's Most Ethical Companies by Ethisphere, marking its 12th such recognition since 2008 and positioning it as one of only three honorees in the Services category among 136 total awardees across 44 industries. Further accolades include inclusion on the 2025 FedCiv 250 List and Elev8 GovCon Honoree by Orange Slices, highlighting its standing in federal civilian contracting. Leadership recognitions underscore Noblis' operational successes, with CEO Mile Corrigan receiving the Wash100 Award—her third consecutive win—for steering the firm to major federal contracts, including a $4 billion program for combating weapons of mass destruction, a $982 million unmanned surface vessel initiative, an $8 billion FBI IT services blanket purchase agreement, a $709 million FAA air traffic evaluation and prototype services contract, and a $500 million ARPA-H indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity . Noblis maintains certifications to ISO standards for (ISO 9001), (ISO 27001), and (ISO 20000), affirming adherence to international benchmarks for operational integrity and efficiency.

Criticisms and Operational Challenges

Noblis has filed multiple bid s with the U.S. Government Accountability Office () challenging federal awards to competitors, alleging errors in proposal evaluations and source selection decisions, though these protests have been denied. In September 2025, GAO denied Noblis MSD's protest of a U.S. support awarded to Solute, Inc., finding that Noblis failed to demonstrate competitive prejudice from the agency's evaluation methods, including past performance assessments. Similarly, in February 2017, GAO rejected Noblis' challenge to a $113 million National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration () awarded to Vencore, upholding the agency's determination that Vencore's higher-rated proposal justified its higher price over Noblis' lower bid. As a nonprofit federal contractor reliant on competitive bidding and project-specific funding, Noblis encounters operational challenges tied to contract lifecycle uncertainties, including employee layoffs or reassignments when task orders expire without renewal. Anonymous employee reviews on platforms like and frequently cite limited career progression opportunities confined to short-term contracts, with advancement hindered by the need to align roles with client deliverables rather than internal mobility. Some feedback points to inconsistent management practices, such as inadequate communication during transitions and unresponsive senior leadership that overlooks staff input on operational decisions. Compensation is another reported issue, with certain roles, particularly in IT and analysis, described as below market rates compared to for-profit contractors, potentially affecting talent retention in a competitive sector. These internal challenges reflect broader dynamics in government contracting, where nonprofit status may constrain salary competitiveness despite benefits like flexible work arrangements.

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  53. https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2024/12/19/2999967/0/en/NOBLIS-AWARDED-709-MILLION-ATEPS-II-CONTRACT-FOR-FAA.html
  54. https://noblis.org/news/noblis-awarded-ateps-ii-contract-for-faa/
  55. https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2023/07/18/2706510/0/en/DEPARTMENT-OF-HOMELAND-SECURITY-AWARDS-NOBLIS-82-MILLION-TASK-ORDER.html
  56. https://potomacofficersclub.com/news/noblis-secures-82m-dhs-research-and-development-support-contract/
  57. https://www.airport-technology.com/news/newsnoblis-secures-ecss-contract-from-faa/
  58. https://orangeslices.ai/noblis-awarded-dot-intelligent-transportation-systems-its-multimodal-digital-infrastructure-support-task/
  59. https://careers.noblis.org/jobs/25399?lang=en-us
  60. https://finance.yahoo.com/news/noblis-awarded-patent-machine-learning-141500969.html
  61. https://noblis.org/weinnovate/
  62. https://noblis.org/patent/flightpathpatent/
  63. https://noblis.org/patent/pfas-patent/
  64. https://noblis.org/patent/unlocking-a-faster-biodetection-future/
  65. https://noblis.org/patent/patent-distledger/
  66. https://noblis.org/patent/patent-basin-2021/
  67. https://noblis.org/news/noblis-selected-as-key-teammate-on-nasa-nams-2-contract/
  68. https://noblis.org/work-with-us/ventures/
  69. https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2025/08/25/3138766/0/en/NOBLIS-LAUNCHES-GROUNDBREAKING-DNA-DATA-STORAGE-AND-SYNTHETIC-BIOLOGY-EXPERIMENTS-TO-INTERNATIONAL-SPACE-STATION.html
  70. https://www.executivebiz.com/articles/noblis-dna-data-storage-biomanufacturing-projects-iss
  71. https://noblis.org/news/arpah-stats/
  72. https://noblis.org/what-we-do/capabilities/environment/
  73. https://noblis.org/work-with-us/university-programs/noblis-innovation-quest/
  74. https://noblis.org/news/noblis-earns-12th-consecutive-washington-post-top-workplaces-award/
  75. https://noblis.org/who-we-are/awards/
  76. https://noblis.org/news/wme2024/
  77. https://www.gao.gov/products/b-423599%252Cb-423599.2
  78. https://www.washingtontechnology.com/2017/02/protest-decision-clears-vencore-to-start-work-on-113m-noaa-contract/344194/
  79. https://www.glassdoor.com/Reviews/Noblis-layoff-Reviews-EI_IE39879.0%2C6_KH7%2C13.htm
  80. https://www.glassdoor.com/Reviews/Noblis-Reviews-E39879.htm
  81. https://www.indeed.com/cmp/Noblis/reviews
  82. https://www.glassdoor.com/Reviews/Noblis-senior-management-Reviews-EI_IE39879.0%2C6_KH7%2C24.htm
  83. https://www.glassdoor.com/Reviews/Noblis-Software-Developer-Reviews-EI_IE39879.0%2C6_KO7%2C25.htm
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