Pinnacle Solutions Secures U.S. Marine Corps Contract to Deliver Innovative Amphibious Combat Vehicle Training Systems

Apr 21, 2026

3 min

HERNDON, Va. – Akima, a leading provider of mission-focused solutions to the federal government, announced today that its subsidiary, Pinnacle Solutions, has been awarded an Other Transactional Authority (OTA) by the U.S. Marine Corps Systems Command to design, develop, and deliver the Amphibious Combat Vehicle (ACV) Suite of Maintenance Training Systems. The award has a total value of $24 million and a 30-month period of performance, if all options are exercised.

This award advances how the Marine Corps trains its forces, bringing virtual reality and simulation technologies to maintenance training for the ACV fleet. This suite replaces conventional classroom instruction with immersive, hands-on tools designed to accelerate technician proficiency and improve operational readiness.

Pinnacle’s approach was selected as the winning prototype based on its performance, innovation, and alignment with unique mission needs. As a result, the government has exercised its authority to transition the effort into a follow-on production award, allowing Pinnacle to scale delivery and support rapid operational deployment. Under this production award, Pinnacle will deliver three training systems to ACV maintenance units:

- Electronic Classroom: Enhances existing infrastructure at the Assault Amphibian School to a virtual reality system with instructor-led training.

- Diagnostic Task Trainer: Provides hands-on training in diagnostics, troubleshooting, and repair of ACV systems and Line Replaceable Units (LRUs).

- Part Task Trainer: Enables entry-level ACV technicians to practice installation and removal of the ACV power pack and suspension components, along with the production of an egress trainer.

“This award underscores our commitment to delivering cutting-edge training solutions that prepare Marines for mission success,” said Scott Rauer, President of Akima’s Facilities Solutions Group. “By innovating training systems with our deep technical expertise, we are proud to support the U.S. Marine Corps in enhancing operational readiness.”

Development will take place in Huntsville, Alabama, with delivery to the Assault Amphibian School at Camp Pendleton, California as well as Amphibious Assault Battalions and Maintenance Battalions at Camp Pendleton, California; Camp Lejeune, North Carolina; Jacksonville, Florida; Virginia Beach, Virginia; and Okinawa, Japan.

About Akima

Akima is a global enterprise with 11,000 employees, delivering solutions to the federal government in the core areas of information technology; facilities & ground logistics; aerospace solutions; protective services; systems engineering; mission support; furniture, fixtures & equipment (FF&E); and construction. As a subsidiary of NANA, an Alaska Native Corporation owned by more than 15,000 Iñupiat shareholders, Akima’s core mission is to enable superior outcomes for our customers’ missions while simultaneously creating a long-lived asset for NANA consistent with our Iñupiat values. In 2025, Akima ranked #31 on Washington Technology’s Top 100 list of government contractors. To learn more about Akima, visit www.akima.com.

In late February, I traveled above the Arctic Circle to Kotzebue, Alaska, the hub of the NANA Region, along with Mamie Karmun, director of shareholder programs at Akima. Our goal was to connect with NANA shareholder students and introduce them to the career pathways available through Akima and the NANA portfolio of companies.

With temperatures dipping into the -50s, we made our way to Kotzebue Middle High School’s for its annual career fair. This event brings together students and educators from across the region’s remote villages, creating a unique opportunity to engage with shareholders from various villages in one place.

Alongside other NANA companies and regional organizations, we spoke with students about internships, career paths, and opportunities across Akima. We were joined by our colleague Haisini Fitisemanu from Pegasus Aviation Services, who shared insights into aviation careers in Anchorage. The event also offered opportunity to connect with partners from NANA North, the Alaska Technical Center, the Aqqaluk Trust, and others — all working toward a shared goal of creating opportunity for NANA shareholders.

The students — especially the seniors — were engaged, thoughtful, and well-prepared with questions that sparked conversations around future career paths. Students who stopped by Akima’s table got Akima-branded notebooks and pens, bags, and pencil cases, plus informational brochures about our programs. One of our goals for visiting the region was to get kids familiar with the opportunities that will be available to them in the future.

The career fair coincided with the 1A regional basketball tournament, which Akima and NANA sponsor. You could feel the energy and excitement in the gym as the student teams took to the court. In a region where outdoor sports are limited by climate, basketball brings communities together. Seeing the stands full of families and supporters underscored just how important events like this are — not just for athletics, but for connection.

Trips like this reinforce why Akima invests in outreach across the NANA Region. Every conversation helps build awareness, relationships, and a pipeline of future talent.

Akima Facilities Operations chosen as subcontractor for DOE contract at Jefferson Lab

May 18, 2026

1 min

We’re thrilled to announce that Akima Facilities Operations will serve as the Integrated Facilities Operations and Maintenance subcontractor on the SURATech team recently selected by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to manage and operate the Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility (Jefferson Lab).

Our team will help ensure that the Lab’s mission‑critical infrastructure continues to operate safely, reliably, and efficiently in support of its important scientific mission.

Read more: SURATech Awarded New Management and Operating Contract for Jefferson Lab | Jefferson Lab

After our visit to the NANA Region, our February trip to Alaska continued with outreach efforts in Anchorage, where we hosted a shareholder ‘meet-and-greet’ focused on career opportunities across the Akima and NANA portfolios of companies.

During the meet-and-greet, Mamie Karmun, Akima’s director of shareholder programs, and I chatted with local shareholders about career and employment possibilities at Akima with local shareholders over pizza from local favorite pizzeria, Moose’s Tooth. We were joined by representatives from several NANA companies, including Akima subsidiary Pegasus Aviation, NANA Worley, NANA North, and the new NANA Works, which shared more about each organization’s role and the career pathways available to shareholders.

Freshly launched this spring, NANA Works is NANA’s new initiative to serve as a centralized talent resource for shareholders, offering tools such as career advising, online training, an AI-powered resume builder, and direct connections to employers across the NANA portfolio of companies and Alaska. This program will help make career opportunities more accessible than ever for shareholders.

One of the most rewarding moments for me, personally, was reconnecting with two former Akima interns, Annie and Elicia, whom I had met at our Virginia headquarters last summer. Seeing them continue to explore their career paths, whether returning to Akima or gaining experience with another NANA company, was a powerful reminder of the long-term impact of these programs.

The event brought together about 30 shareholder attendees, and the discussions ranged from internship opportunities and aviation training programs to shareholder hiring preferences and Akima’s global work.

These conversations are exactly why we host events like this: to create access, build awareness, and help shareholders understand the full range of opportunities available to the next generation of NANA leaders.

HERNDON, Va. – Akima, a leading provider of mission‑focused solutions to the federal government, has been named a 3 Star Employer in the 2026 VETS Indexes Employer Awards. The recognition reflects Akima’s strong record of hiring, supporting, and advancing veterans and members of the military‑connected community.

Veterans make up more than 26% of Akima’s workforce, bringing critical mission experience that strengthens the company’s customer delivery. Additionally, 42% of Akima’s active contracts directly support the U.S. military, underscoring the alignment between the company’s work and the expertise veterans bring into the organization.

“Federal mission delivery is the work we do, and veterans bring direct experience with that mission,” said Bill Monet, President and CEO of Akima. “With more than a quarter of our workforce having served, we benefit every day from their readiness and problem‑solving mindset. That capability is a clear operational advantage, and one we intend to build on as we grow.”

Akima employs veterans across key mission‑critical roles including security officers, intel analysts, cybersecurity specialists, cloud architects, aircraft mechanics, and engineering technicians. The company is also a partner in the Department of Defense SkillBridge Program, offering transitioning service members hands‑on training and a pathway into the federal workforce.

VETS Indexes evaluated honorees across five categories: veteran recruiting and hiring; employee development and retention; inclusive policies and culture; support for Guard and Reserve members; and military family support.

“Akima has demonstrated meaningful and measurable support for veterans and the military‑connected community,” said Nicholas Antaki, President of VETS Indexes. “Employers like Akima set the standard and help drive the future of veteran employment forward.”

Beyond hiring, Akima invests in veteran success through mentorship programs, community events, continuous learning resources, and internal networks designed to foster connection and long‑term growth.

To view the full list of awardees, visit: 2026 Award Results

About Akima

Akima is a global enterprise with 11,000 employees, delivering solutions to the federal government in the core areas of information technology; facilities & ground logistics; aerospace solutions; protective services; systems engineering; mission support; furniture, fixtures & equipment (FF&E); and construction. As a subsidiary of NANA, an Alaska Native Corporation owned by more than 15,000 Iñupiat shareholders, Akima’s core mission is to enable superior outcomes for our customers’ missions while simultaneously creating a long-lived asset for NANA consistent with our Iñupiat values. In 2025, Akima ranked #31 on Washington Technology’s Top 100 list of government contractors. To learn more about Akima, visit www.akima.com.

About VETS Indexes

VETS Indexes is a leader in veteran employment research and recognition, managing the VETS Indexes Employer Awards, hosting the Employing U.S. Vets Conference, and delivering data‑driven insights through its Veteran Employment Benchmarking Service. Learn more at www.VETSIndexes.com.

In the evolving world of defense, where precision and readiness define success, veterans like Melissa Gauntner bring the steady hand experience that can’t be taught. After two decades of service, including roles as a first sergeant and operations leader, Gauntner now applies that leadership to train the next generation of missile defense professionals.

As a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system technical trainer, she draws on her field experience to strengthen national security through advanced missile defense training. Her mission hasn’t changed, only her vantage point. Continue reading in Homeland Magazine…

Akima Enables Army Transformation Through Equipment Redistribution and Divestiture Sites (ERDS)

1 min

This case study illustrates how Akima delivered the standard for one of the Army’s most pressing modernization priorities: the redistribution and divestiture of legacy equipment.

This initiative aligns with the U.S. Army’s broader continuous transformation effort, which places a premium on shedding legacy equipment and redistribution of equipment from transforming units to maximize space utilization, reduce maintenance burden, drive Army readiness, and accelerate modernization. The pages that follow describe the challenge Akima was asked to solve, the solution it executed, the efficiency gains it achieved, the measurable results it delivered, and how this performance positions the Army for the future.

Akima Appoints Michael Teegardin as Vice President of Marketing & Communications

Oct 08, 2026

2 min

HERNDON, Va. – Akima, a leading provider of mission-focused solutions to the federal government, today announced the appointment of Michael Teegardin as Vice President of Marketing & Communications. In this role, Teegardin will lead Akima’s brand, marketing, and communications strategy across the enterprise.

“Akima has grown into a company of more than 11,000 people supporting some of the most important missions in the federal government. We are looking to Michael to build on that success as we continue to grow the Akima brand,” said Bill Monet, President and CEO of Akima.

Teegardin has more than 20 years of experience advising CEOs, boards, and senior leadership across the defense, aerospace, federal services, and government sectors. Most recently, he served as Chief Communications Officer and Executive Vice President of Corporate Communications & Public Affairs at ASRC Federal, where he established the enterprise marketing and communications function and led the company’s rebranding.

Previously, Teegardin served as Vice President of Communications at BAE Systems and held communications roles with Weber Shandwick and the State of Minnesota. A U.S. Army veteran, he served as an intelligence analyst during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Teegardin holds a Master of Science in Communication from Purdue University and completed executive education at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.

About Akima

Akima is a global enterprise with 11,000 employees, delivering solutions to the federal government in the core areas of information technology; facilities & ground logistics; aerospace solutions; protective services; systems engineering; mission support; furniture, fixtures & equipment (FF&E); and construction. As a subsidiary of NANA, an Alaska Native Corporation owned by more than 15,000 Iñupiat shareholders, Akima’s core mission is to enable superior outcomes for our customers’ missions while simultaneously creating a long-lived asset for NANA consistent with our Iñupiat values. In 2025, Akima ranked #31 on Washington Technology’s Top 100 list of government contractors. To learn more about Akima, visit www.akima.com.

The EBA is an independent EU Authority. We play a key role in safeguarding the integrity and robustness of the EU banking sector to support financial stability in the EU.

To contribute to the stability and effectiveness of the European financial system, the EBA develops harmonised rules for financial institutions, promotes convergence of supervisory practices, monitors, and advises on the impact of financial innovation and the transition to sustainable finance.

To ensure the orderly functioning and stability of the financial system in the European Union, we monitor and analyse risks and vulnerabilities relevant for the regulation of banks and investment firms. We also facilitate information sharing among authorities and institutions through supervisory reporting and data disclosure.

Communicating to all our audiences in the most effective way and using the most appropriate channels is crucial for us. Through our publications, announcements, and participation in external events, we are committed to reaching out to all our stakeholders to report about our policies, activities, and initiatives.

The EBA is an independent EU Authority. We play a key role in safeguarding the integrity and robustness of the EU banking sector to support financial stability in the EU.

To contribute to the stability and effectiveness of the European financial system, the EBA develops harmonised rules for financial institutions, promotes convergence of supervisory practices, monitors, and advises on the impact of financial innovation and the transition to sustainable finance.

To ensure the orderly functioning and stability of the financial system in the European Union, we monitor and analyse risks and vulnerabilities relevant for the regulation of banks and investment firms. We also facilitate information sharing among authorities and institutions through supervisory reporting and data disclosure.

Communicating to all our audiences in the most effective way and using the most appropriate channels is crucial for us. Through our publications, announcements, and participation in external events, we are committed to reaching out to all our stakeholders to report about our policies, activities, and initiatives.