Fayetteville, N.C. (November 13, 2009)- The Partnership for Defense Innovation (PDI) announced today that their first graduate client company,  K3 Enterprises, was chosen from four statewide company finalists for the  NCTA 21 award for Small Technology Company in the Stage Development category during the NCTA 21 awards ceremony Thursday night in Cary.  Larry Robbins, PDI Board of Directors member, presented the award to K3.

The NCTA 21 Awards are recognized as the state’s most prestigious technology awards, celebrating innovation and excellence in North Carolina.  This annual showcase honors companies and individuals in 21 categories who represent the best and brightest in technology and business across North Carolina

Since joining the DSTA program in January 2007, K3 has grown from three to over three dozen employees who include full time as well as part time employees. Last year, K3 was awarded the Information Technology (IT) Schedule 70 with both service and training Special Item Numbers (SINs) by the General Administration (GSA), which will be effective for the next five years.  Additionally, K3’s management system was awarded the International Organization of Standardization (ISO) 9001:2000 registration as well. 

On June 30, 2008, K3 Enterprises became the first client company to graduate from the DSTA program.  PDI President, Scott Perry, stated “The small technology company award from NCTA presented to K3 Enterprises solidifies their continued success and growth as a graduate from the DSTA program.  We are proud of Brian Kent and his team.”

K3 is a true testament to the mission of the DSTA program; to provide the foundation of acceleration for business growth.  The DSTA’s unique model of business acceleration requires clients move into an office at the 15,000 square foot facility. The housing of complimentary businesses/ services within the facility provides a synergy to clients allowing a one stop location for solution provision. This synergy has added to the success of K3 Enterprises, Inc. Teaming with other DSTA clients and PDI has propelled K3 into the growth and success they are experiencing today. 

K3 recently purchased the old Sears building on Cumberland Road in downtown Fayetteville and are currently going through renovations through the early part of next year.  Until then, K3 will operate out of the DSTA facility.  Over the next year, they plan to further their growth while becoming a viable business and economic resource within the Fayetteville and Cumberland County area.  “We set our goals to become compliant and qualified to do work in every area we pursue.” said Brian Kent, President, K3 Enterprises. “Through those achievements we are striving to become one of the best companies in the market.”

About PDI:

The Partnership for Defense Innovation (PDI) is a tax exempt 501c (3) organization which promotes economic development.  PDI operates and manages the Defense & Security Technology Accelerator (DSTA), and the Research, Development, Test & Evaluation (RDT&E) Lab.  Our mission is to support research and development, education and programs which have applications in defense and security.  We collaborate with educational institutions, the military/intelligence community, State of N.C. and private institutions by encouraging the development of technology,

About DSTA:

The Defense and Security Technology Accelerator (DSTA), located in Fayetteville, N.C., is a leader in business acceleration focusing on military intelligence and technology.  DSTA offers a program that assists entrepreneurs with the rapid deployment (8 to 18 months) of dual-use defense and security technology solutions to meet military needs and private industry demands.  DSTA enables entrepreneurs to provide innovative defense and security solutions to the military and private industry while assisting its participants in selling state-of-the-art technology into the warfighter’s hands faster, ultimately saving lives and resources in the global war on terror.  For more information, please visit www.dstanc.org

About K3 Enterprises Inc.:

A service disabled veteran owned small business, K3 Enterprises provides clients focused effort, flexible solutions, and government contract experience in the areas of Civil Information Management, Geospatial Asymmetric Software Training, Systems Integration and Analysis, Information Technology Support, Proposal Consulting, Communications, Security, and Training. These services include customized application for the development of communications with contracts within the Department of Defense, the Intelligence Community and corporate organizations worldwide.   Their current partners, clients and customers include the U.S. Army, U.S. Special Operations Command, several geographical commanders and a myriad of defense related industries. For more information, please visit www.k3-enterprises.com

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