Forward Slope
Forward Slope, Inc. is a San Diego-based defense and space technology contractor providing C5ISR, METOC, and AI-enabled situational-awareness solutions primarily to the U.S. Navy and allied foreign militaries via FMS.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2002
- HeadquartersSan Diego, United States
- Headcount101–250
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What Forward Slope does
Forward Slope, Inc. (FSI) is a San Diego-based defense and space technology contractor founded in 2002 that delivers C5ISR (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance), METOC, and data-analytics solutions to the U.S. Department of Defense and allied militaries. Its product portfolio centers on the ForSIGHT suite (analytics and situational awareness), OpenSA, C2RPC (command-and-control reach-back), FSM, and the $35.9M METOC ISEA program, with the August 2023 acquisition of Soar Technology layering in AI/ML and autonomous-systems capability. The company is SBA Small Business certified and CMMI ML3 appraised, and operates primarily as a prime or sub-prime contractor on vehicles including the $249M CASI IDIQ and the GSA OASIS+ contract.
The business model is a federal-defense services and product model: revenue is generated through cost-plus and firm-fixed-price task orders, IDIQ ceilings, and Foreign Military Sales (FMS) awards, with the U.S. Navy as the anchor customer and growing exposure to international customers in Sri Lanka, Saudi Arabia, and Oman. In November 2022 the company received growth investment from Trive Capital, and in May 2024 Forward Slope became a wholly owned subsidiary of Accelint, a defense platform — a restructuring that broadens its M&A capacity and platform reach while preserving the FSI brand and contracts. Customers are predominantly government/military entities; commercial revenue appears immaterial based on available evidence. Pricing and delivery are tied to contract vehicles, security-cleared labor, and ITAR-controlled deliverables, which together form the basis of its competitive position.
Forward Slope firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Forward Slope
- Legal name
- Forward Slope, Inc.
- Website
- https://forwardslope.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2002
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 101–250 employees
- Short description
- Forward Slope, Inc. is a San Diego-based defense and space technology contractor providing C5ISR, METOC, and AI-enabled situational-awareness solutions primarily to the U.S. Navy and allied foreign militaries via FMS.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Forward Slope industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Defense Technology & Government IT Services
- NAICS
- Scientific Research and Development Services (5417), Computer Systems Design Services (541512), National Security (928110)
- SIC
- Search, Detection, Navagation, Guidance, Aeronautical Sys (3812), Services-Computer Programming, Data Processing, Etc. (7370), Services-Engineering, Accounting, Research, Management (8700)
- akta.pro primary industry
- C4ISR Systems & Tactical Data Links (IMABAGAE)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Military ISR, EW & SIGINT Payloads (Airborne) (IMABAMAF), Defense R&D, Test, Evaluation & Innovation (BPAIAHAC)
Keywords
Where Forward Slope is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- San Diego
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Forward Slope business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Government Defense Contracts: Delivers software, surveillance, and professional services to U.S. Department of Defense and federal agencies through various contract vehicles (IDIQ, MAC, task orders). Revenue is project-based and recurring as contracts are exercised. Serves as prime contractor and subcontractor on DoD programs.
- International Defense Solutions: Provides border, coastal, and maritime surveillance systems to allied nations through U.S. Navy Foreign Military Sales (FMS) agreements (e.g., Sri Lanka, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Uganda, Senegal, Bulgaria). Revenue generated through design, procurement, installation, integration, testing, and training services.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Multi-year contract | Government defense contract services — no public tier pricing |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels8 records
Forward Slope product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Forward Slope (FSI) delivers mission-critical defense technology and professional services to U.S. Navy/DoD and allied nations through three solution areas: (1) Software and Technology Solutions (data science/ML, enterprise application development, GIS, managed IT); (2) Security and Surveillance Solutions, including the proprietary ForSIGHT modular tactical surveillance suite and the OpenSA Common Operational Picture platform; and (3) Mission Support and Management Services (financial management, in-service engineering, program management, CMMI implementation). Products and services are delivered as turnkey systems and engineering services under U.S. government contract vehicles and Foreign Military Sales agreements.
Product overview
Forward Slope (FSI) is a technology and professional services company providing three interconnected solution areas: (1) Software and Technology Solutions including Data Science/ML, Enterprise Application Development, GIS Development, and Managed IT; (2) Security and Surveillance Solutions featuring the ForSIGHT product line (ForTRAK, ForSEA, ForAIR, ForCOMM), Border and Coastal Surveillance Systems, and OpenSA geospatial display software; and (3) Mission Support and Management Services including Financial Management, Program Management, and In-Service Engineering. The company operates as a subsidiary of Accelint following its 2024 acquisition and serves primarily U.S. government and enterprise clients in defense and national security sectors.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- ForSIGHT: Turnkey solution for tactical surveillance and C2 operations. Modular and mobile surveillance communications suite configured for land, sea, and air surveillance with advanced command center capabilities and analytics. Includes ForTRAK (land), ForSEA (sea), ForAIR (air), and ForCOMM (command center).
- OpenSA
Products and services
- ForSIGHT Surveillance Suite A turnkey, modular, and mobile tactical surveillance and command-and-control communications suite configurable for land (ForTRAK), sea (ForSEA), and air (ForAIR) surveillance, plus a comprehensive command center (ForCOMM). Includes radars, EO/IR cameras, AIS receivers, tactical VHF/HF radios, solar/battery/diesel power, 4G/LTE secure modems, SATCOM, GPS, bulletproof shelter, and advanced analytics. ITAR compliant and MIL-STD 810 standardized. Sold to military and government customers worldwide.
- Border and Coastal Surveillance Systems Turnkey border and coastal surveillance solutions including the design, installation, and maintenance of national and regional command centers, radars, sensors, and software for maritime domain awareness. Sold primarily to allied nation defense forces via U.S. Foreign Military Sales (FMS) agreements.
- OpenSA (Common Operational Picture) Geospatial display product providing a Common Operational Picture (COP) in support of Global Surveillance and Engineering Solutions. Leverages Map Portrayal Server and a visual styling engine combined with the Open Analytics framework to deliver agile solutions for U.S. Navy Maritime Domain Awareness missions.
- Enterprise Application Development Custom technology solutions to meet enterprise IT challenges including requirements gathering, software development, testing, and unification of disparate applications and databases. Designed for DoD and commercial organizations.
- GIS Application Development Solutions for distributing and visualizing geospatial information including role and context-relevant visualization frameworks, OGC standards (WFS, WMS, KML), and integration with commercial and open-source applications. Built on Dynamic Feature and Semantic-Based Visualization (DFSV) research.
- Data Science and Machine Learning Solutions Solutions helping organizations transform legacy databases and spreadsheet-based systems into flexible, functional business tools, using data science and machine learning to see trends, analyze behaviors, and discover relationships in large datasets. Includes DFSV research for the Office of Naval Research.
- Managed IT Services End-to-end managed IT services including Virtual CIO, technology management, network administration, and end-user support for small and medium-size commercial businesses.
- Financial Management Services Comprehensive financial management services including systems and financial analysis, program management, and expertise with the Navy ERP SAP-based financial system. Supports Navy program offices including PMW 770.
- Program Management Services Professional support services for the entire program management lifecycle including acquisition management, risk management, requirements management, and strategic planning. Sold to DoD and commercial organizations.
- In-Service Engineering Engineering solutions and upgrades to improve reliability, maintainability, safety, and effectiveness of installed technology systems. Supports NITES IV Fielded (AN/UMK-4) and METMF/NEXGEN programs.
- CMMI Practitioner and Implementation Support Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI) practitioner and implementation support services, leveraging the company's CMMI ML3 appraised processes to help government and commercial clients improve software and systems engineering quality.
Quantifiable outcome
- 300%+ business growth enabled for Mortgage Capital Management client without additional infrastructure or personnel overhead
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use Forward Slope
Customer profileNamed customers14 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Forward Slope technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
AI capability4 records
Feature5 records
Forward Slope partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- AccelintcoreForward Slope is now a wholly owned subsidiary of Accelint, which represents the strategic alliance of five industry leaders: Systems Innovation Engineering, SoarTech, Forward Slope, Highbury Defense Group, and Hypergiant. This unification enables further collaboration across brands for enhanced solutions to the U.S. and allied partners. The company now operates as 'FSI, an Accelint company.'
- San Diego Cyber Center of Excellence (CCOE)minorForward Slope joined the San Diego Cyber Center of Excellence (CCOE) to bolster cybersecurity leadership and drive innovation in the San Diego region.
- Soar Technology Inc. (SoarTech)coreForward Slope acquired Soar Technology Inc., an AI services provider that develops AI technology for the Department of Defense. The acquisition expands Forward Slope's AI solutions for defense applications and enhances the platform's capabilities in providing comprehensive solutions to defense and national security clients.
- Soar Technologies (on C2RPC program)minorForward Slope worked with Soar Technologies as part of the Office of Naval Research (ONR) Command and Control Rapid Prototype Continuum (C2RPC) Science and Technology project, alongside CUBRC, SAIC, Lockheed Martin IS&GS, and General Dynamics Information Technology (GDIT).
- SAIC (as subcontractor on MTC2)coreForward Slope supports the Maritime Tactical C2 (MTC2) program as a subcontractor to SAIC. Previously provided software engineering support to DEIP/TAANDEM for SSC PAC under SAIC as prime contractor.
- U.S. Navy PMW 740 (as prime contractor)coreForward Slope serves as prime contractor to the U.S. Navy PEO C4I's PMW 740 International C4I Integration Program Office for border and coastal surveillance systems for international allied nations.
- Vencore Services and Solutions, Inc.minorForward Slope partnered with Vencore as a team member on Seaport-e task orders (C4I and PEO C4I programs).
- Booz Allen HamiltonminorForward Slope partnered with Booz Allen Hamilton as team member on Seaport-e task order for PEO C4I PMW 770.
Scale indicators7 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Forward Slope competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- SAIC: SAIC is a direct peer and prime contractor on Navy C4ISR programs, including Maritime Tactical C2 (MTC2) where Forward Slope operates as subcontractor. Both firms pursue Seaport-e and similar IDIQ vehicles for Navy/DoD work, making SAIC the closest comparable in scale and mission profile.
- Booz Allen Hamilton: Booz Allen Hamilton is a direct peer and teammate alongside Forward Slope on Seaport-e task orders for PEO C4I PMW 770. Both firms deliver Navy C4ISR engineering and program management support with cleared personnel and similar contract vehicles.
- CACI International: CACI is a direct peer providing C4ISR, electronic warfare, and intelligence systems engineering to the Navy and DoD. Both firms operate in the same Navy C4ISR services market with comparable cleared-personnel business models.
- ManTech International: ManTech (now a ManTech/GMV combination) is a direct peer specializing in defense IT, C4ISR, and mission-critical systems engineering for Navy, DoD, and intelligence customers with a comparable cleared-personnel business model.
- Epsilon Systems Solutions: Epsilon Systems is a direct peer providing maritime C4ISR, surveillance systems, sustainment, and FMS support to Navy and allied nations. Both firms deliver turnkey coastal/border surveillance under similar contracting models.
- By Light Professional IT Services: By Light is a direct peer and SBA-sized defense IT services firm specializing in C4ISR, cyber, and tactical network engineering for DoD customers — directly comparable in size, clearance profile, and Navy mission focus.
- Smartronix: Smartronix is a direct peer and SBA-tier defense IT/cyber services firm providing cloud, C5ISR, and engineering support to Navy, Marine Corps, and DoD customers with a similar cleared-personnel business model.
- M.C. Dean: M.C. Dean is a direct peer delivering C4ISR systems integration, electronic security, and maritime surveillance solutions to Navy, federal, and allied customers — overlapping closely with Forward Slope's surveillance and C2 work.
- CALIBRE Systems: CALIBRE is a direct peer providing management consulting, financial management, and program management services to DoD and federal agencies — directly comparable to Forward Slope's mission support and program management portfolio for Navy clients.
Broad incumbents
- Leidos: Leidos is a broad incumbent defense prime with significant Navy C4ISR, maritime surveillance, and ISR work overlapping Forward Slope's core capabilities. As a much larger peer, Leidos competes for the same prime task orders but from a broader portfolio base.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Forward Slope social profiles
Digital presenceForward Slope compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance4 records
Forward Slope financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Forward Slope leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles9 records
Forward Slope subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries1 record
Forward Slope funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds1 record
Investors1 record
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Forward Slope M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A1 record
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Forward Slope
What does Forward Slope do?
Forward Slope (FSI) delivers mission-critical defense technology and professional services to U.S. Navy/DoD and allied nations through three solution areas: (1) Software and Technology Solutions (data science/ML, enterprise application development, GIS, managed IT); (2) Security and Surveillance Solutions, including the proprietary ForSIGHT modular tactical surveillance suite and the OpenSA Common Operational Picture platform; and (3) Mission Support and Management Services (financial management, in-service engineering, program management, CMMI implementation). Products and services are delivered as turnkey systems and engineering services under U.S. government contract vehicles and Foreign Military Sales agreements.
Is Forward Slope a public or private company?
Forward Slope is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently operating.
When was Forward Slope founded?
Forward Slope was founded in 2002. It employs 101 to 250 people.
Where is Forward Slope based?
Forward Slope is headquartered in San Diego, United States, in the North America region.
How does Forward Slope make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. Government Defense Contracts are the primary driver. The others are international Defense Solutions.
Who are Forward Slope's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are SAIC, Booz Allen Hamilton, CACI International, ManTech International, Epsilon Systems Solutions, By Light Professional IT Services, Smartronix, M.C. Dean and CALIBRE Systems. Leidos is listed as a broad incumbent.
Does Forward Slope have an API?
No public API is recorded for Forward Slope.
What industry is Forward Slope in?
Forward Slope's product category is Defense Technology & Government IT Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMABAGAE, C4ISR Systems & Tactical Data Links, with a secondary code of IMABAMAF, Military ISR, EW & SIGINT Payloads (Airborne). Its NAICS code is 5417 and its SIC code is 3812.