FOCUS: SPA Perspectives on National Security

Inside the Model: How Data-Driven Manpower Tools Improve Decision Options

Readiness depends on having the right personnel with the right skills at the right time. Yet achieving that readiness is not straightforward. Recruiting, training, assignment, retraining, advancement, and retention together form an interconnected system—one in which small delays or imbalances cascade into larger challenges months or years later. Senior leaders need better ways to understand these dynamics early so they can guide their organizations with greater confidence.

February 17, 2026

Systems Planning and Analysis (SPA) CEO Rich Sawchak and Director of Strategic Systems Programs (SSP) VADM Johnny Wolfe Jr. lead the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Maritime Plaza Collaboration Space. Joining them was Deputy Director, Regional Strike Systems, Strategic Systems Programs RDML Michael Richman (center-right), along with SPA CFO Dan Muse (far left) and SPA VP of Operations Chris Neubauer (far right). The new space is dedicated to advancing SLCM-N collaboration.

SPA’s Maritime Plaza Collaboration Space Opens to Support SLCM-N Collaboration

On January 12, Systems Planning & Analysis’ (SPA) officially opened the Maritime Plaza Collaboration Space in Washington, D.C. The space was developed to support the Navy’s nuclear-armed sea-launched cruise missile (SLCM-N) team and culminated more than a year of planning and coordination among SPA, the Navy’s Strategic Systems Programs (SSP), and other SLCM-N industry partners.

February 3, 2026

SPA Featured on Great Day Washington: A Top Workplace and Growing Team

SPA was recently featured on Great Day Washington, where Terry Benedict, president of SPA, discussed what makes the company a top workplace in Northern Virginia and why SPA continues to grow its workforce in support of national security missions.

January 20, 2026

How Manpower Production Modeling Strengthens Future Force Readiness

January 6, 2026

Reassessing Two Risky Assumptions in US Defense Planning

As the U.S. navigates unprecedented strategic challenges, bipartisan consensus on nuclear policy is more vital than ever. In this new post, SPA Fellow Tom Troyano reflects on lessons from navigating seven presidential transitions and shares insights from the Strategic Posture Commission report. The takeaway: the current nuclear modernization path, while essential, may no longer be enough. From rethinking deterrence posture to preparing for the post-New START era, Troyano outlines a roadmap for ensuring credible, resilient defense strategy.

December 9, 2025

Independent Decision Support in the Nuclear Enterprise

In a recent episode of NucleCast, Brian Groft, Technical Program Analyst at SPA, joined host Adam Lowther to discuss the essential role of Advisory and Assistance Services within the nuclear enterprise and the evolving mission of the Defense Threat Reduction Agency.

December 2, 2025