Growing Colorado’s Aerospace and Defense Industry: Polis Administration Secures Cyber Security Leader for Expansion in Colorado Springs
COLORADO SPRINGS – Governor Polis and the Global Business Development Division of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) announced today that Invictus International Consulting, a Veteran-owned cybersecurity and technology integrator, has selected Colorado Springs for expansion. Invictus will provide cybersecurity and Internet Service Provider (ISP) engineering and operations support for government agencies, defense organizations, and private sector clients.
"Colorado is a leader in cybersecurity, and we are thrilled to welcome Invictus to our great state. Colorado is the best place to live, work, and do business, and Invictus will create 130 new good-paying jobs while advancing the aerospace and defense industry,” said Governor Polis.
Invictus is a market leader in full-spectrum cyber technology, infrastructure and communications modernization solutions designed to protect the security of the United States global defense IT infrastructure. The company focuses on providing state-of-the-art cybersecurity, technology, and intelligence solutions to support the nation’s security infrastructure.
In addition to expanding its client services, Invictus looks forward to creating new opportunities for collaboration and innovation, as well as investment within Colorado Springs.
"We are excited to establish a presence in Colorado Springs, a city deeply rooted in military heritage and innovation. This strategic move allows us to collaborate more closely with our military partners, leverage the talent pool in the region, and continue delivering exceptional solutions to our clients,” said Jim Kelly, CEO of Invictus.
In Colorado Springs, the company expects to create 130 net new jobs at an average annual wage of $168,923, which is 280% of the average annual wage in El Paso County. The positions will include administrators, analysts, engineers, managers, technicians, and other roles.
"Colorado’s aerospace and defense industry is an important contributor to our state’s economy and our national security. By choosing Colorado Springs for expansion, Invictus will help modernize cyber technology, infrastructure and communications for this key industry while creating new good-paying jobs and supporting a strong Colorado economy,” said OEDIT Executive Director Eve Lieberman.
The Colorado Economic Development Commission approved up to $2,010,864 in performance-based Job Growth Incentive Tax Credits for the company over an eight-year period. These incentives are contingent upon Invictus, referred to as Project Stronghold throughout the OEDIT review process, meeting net new job creation and salary requirements.
The Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC facilitated a local incentive package with the City of Colorado Springs and El Paso County valued at $370,493.
“Colorado Springs is at the forefront of cybersecurity technology with a large concentration of industry leaders calling this region home,” said Johnna Reeder Kleymeyer, President & CEO of Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC. “We are excited Invictus chose to invest in our community, expanding their cutting-edge technical solutions, to continue protection of our national security. We were happy to lead this effort with our many partners proving Colorado Springs is the right choice for this important investment.”
In addition to Colorado, Invictus considered Reston, Virginia and San Antonio, Texas for expansion. Headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia, the company currently has 300 employees, 65 of whom are in Colorado.
About Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade
The Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) works with partners to create a positive business climate that encourages dynamic economic development and sustainable job growth. Under the leadership of Governor Jared Polis, we strive to advance the State’s economy through financial and technical assistance that fosters local and regional economic development activities throughout Colorado. OEDIT offers a host of programs and services tailored to support business development at every level including business retention services, business relocation services, and business funding and incentives. Our office includes the Global Business Development division; Colorado Tourism Office; Colorado Outdoor Recreation Industry Office; Colorado Creative Industries; Business Financing & Incentives division; the Colorado Small Business Development Network; Cannabis Business Office; Colorado Office of Film, TV & Media; the Minority Business Office; Employee Ownership Office; and Rural Opportunity Office. Learn more at oedit.colorado.gov.
###