Aerospace - Defense

Several dignitaries attended the ceremony at the FAA William J. Hughes Technical Center near Atlantic City, where Singh's company supports a variety of programs for both the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Transportation Security Administration (TSA). SBA New Jersey District Director James A. Kocsi said Singh was chosen for the award based on criteria that include a company's overall financial strength; growth in sales and profits; growth in number of employees, and participation in community and charitable events.

"As we celebrate the many achievements of minority small business owners throughout the country, it is always great to see a New Jersey-based company like Hi-Tec Systems enjoying this level of success," said Kocsi. "Trib Singh is a prime example of how an idea can grow into a viable business. The fact that Mr. Singh provides for the livelihood of 90 people is an indication of his success. I am pleased that the SBA's 8(a) Program played a role in Hi-Tec Systems current success."

U.S. Congressman Frank A. LoBiondo (NJ-2) said, "Trib exudes a quiet passion for his work, leadership qualities, and the understanding of what it means to make a community work." Governor Richard Codey sent a representative, Dan D. Kirton, Junior, Vice President of the New Jersey Commerce Commission. Other speakers included Dr. Anne Harlan, Director of the FAA Technical Center; Atlantic County Executive Dennis Levinson, Mayor James J. "Sonny" McCullough of Egg Harbor Township, and Frank Mierzejewski, Small Business Representative at the Tech Center.

"This award is recognition of the hard work and dedication of Hi-Tec's employees," said Singh. "It is a validation of the way we do business, being genuinely concerned and responsive to customers, and being a successful partner with government at all levels."

What started as a one-person consulting business has quickly evolved into a multi-faceted company with expertise in five major fields. The Egg Harbor Township-based company specializes in the modernization of air traffic management systems, airport/aircraft safety research, homeland security and defense, environmental engineering/OSHA compliance, and information technology.

In the early stages of the business, Singh was looking for ways to expand his customer base. He learned about the SBA's 8(a) Program, a program designed to help socially and economically disadvantaged entrepreneurs gain access to contract opportunities from the federal government.

In 1996, Hi-Tec Systems became an SBA-certified 8(a) company. Through the program, Hi-Tec Systems has received a total of $3.5 million in 8(a) contracts from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the U.S. Naval Warfare Center Aircraft Division in Lakehurst. Recently, the firm has graduated from the 8(a) program.

Today, Hi-Tec Systems employs 90 people and has revenues of about $20 million. "In the last few years, our status as an 8(a) helped win three major FAA contracts with ceilings totaling $183 million," said Singh. "The SBA's 8(a) program opens doors to minority-owned firms. This program has allowed us to gain access to contracting opportunities through the federal government."

As one of the company's prime customers, the FAA has awarded Hi-Tec Systems an aviation safety research contract which includes development of a model for Systems Approach to Safety Oversight, and development of an intranet-based version of the Flight Standards Automation System/Technical Analysis Program.

The TSA is another large customer that makes Hi-Tec a major player in the field of aviation security. Hi-Tec supports several research projects at the Transportation Security Laboratory (TSL) at the Hughes Technical Center, including the testing, evaluation and certification of equipment for airport passenger and baggage screening.

In 2003, U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Norman Y. Mineta presented Singh with the DOT's Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Award, for what the FAA called "invaluable" research assistance. In addition to its corporate headquarters in Egg Harbor Township, Hi-Tec Systems has a branch near Washington, D.C., and a liaison office in India.

"We are certainly poised for additional growth," said Singh. "Money is not a motivating factor for me. Knowing that Hi-Tec Systems has a good name and reputation is what drives me."