Trace Systems

What Trace Systems does

Trace Systems Inc. is a privately held US defense contractor that provides cybersecurity, satellite and tactical communications, networking, virtualization, and IT services to the Department of Defense, Intelligence Community, and Department of Homeland Security. The company is headquartered in Tampa, Florida with a Virginia presence in McLean and Vienna, and supports global operations including forward-deployed positions in Afghanistan and partner-nation engagements in Iraq, Colombia, Kuwait, and Qatar.

The company's core technology is M-DRIVE (Modular Dynamically Reconfigurable Integrated Virtualized Environment), a proprietary, NSA-approved multi-tenant hyperconverged platform that hosts multiple coalition mission enclaves with SEC/REL-level isolation on a single rack-mountable or ruggedized tactical platform, delivering 30-50% reduction in server infrastructure footprint versus traditional approaches. This is augmented by a satellite communications product portfolio (Iridium 9575A phones, MissionLINK 350, Iridium Extreme PTT, SHOUT trackers, ASE docking stations, Distributed Tactical Communications System, and Starlink services) and cross-domain, zero-trust, and multi-enclave multi-tenancy capabilities.

Trace generates revenue as a prime contractor on federal IDIQ and GWAC contract vehicles — including Alliant 3, SHIELD, RS3, Seaport NXG, MPE-S, GTACS II, ENCORE III, CS3, and OASIS+ — through which it competes for task orders providing systems engineering, network operations, field support, technical refresh, deployable communications, and lifecycle sustainment. Equipment is sold through the DISA Storefront. The company's competitive position rests on its NSA-certified M-DRIVE platform, prime positions on more than 43 IDIQ/GWAC contracts, CMMC 2.0 Level 2 and CMMI DEV Level 3 certifications, and a leadership bench drawn heavily from senior US military communications and signals officers.

Name

Trace Systems

Legal name

Trace Systems Inc.

Website

https://www.tracesystems.com/

Company type

Private

Founded year

1999

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Trace Systems is a privately held US defense contractor providing cybersecurity, satellite communications, cross-domain networking, and IT services to the Department of Defense, Intelligence Community, and Department of Homeland Security through prime positions on major federal IDIQ and GWAC contracts.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Mclean

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices6 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Government IT Services and Solutions: Prime contractor providing mission-critical IT, communications, and cybersecurity services to the Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, and Intelligence Community. Revenue generated through IDIQ contracts, task orders, andBlanket Purchasing Agreements (BPAs). Services include systems engineering, network operations, field support, and technical refresh.
2. Satellite Communications Equipment Sales: Sales of satellite communications hardware including Iridium satellite phones (9575A, 9575 Extreme), docking stations, tracking devices (SHOUT series), and related equipment through DISA Storefront. Products support military and government customers globally.
3. Deployable Communications Systems: Design, deployment, integration, and sustainment of deployable communications capabilities for disaster response and mission partner coordination. Provides system design, technical refresh, cybersecurity compliance, vehicle integration, and full lifecycle sustainment.
4. Mission Partner Environment Services: Global support services to design, implement, and operate enterprise information sharing environments for DoD and coalition partners. Includes coalition information sharing, C2 integration, and network support.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Trace Systems is a technology-first defense engineering firm that delivers mission support, digital modernization, and infrastructure solutions to the U.S. Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, and Intelligence Community. It sells satellite communications hardware products (Iridium-based devices, SHOUT trackers, docking stations) and deploys its proprietary M-DRIVE cross-domain virtualization platform, alongside professional services delivered through prime positions on government-wide IDIQ and GWAC contracts.

Product overview

Trace Systems is a technology-first defense engineering firm providing integrated mission systems and engineering support. The company offers a portfolio of satellite communications hardware products (including Iridium-based devices like MissionLINK, 9575A Bearcat, Iridium Extreme PTT, Iridium GO!, and SHOUT trackers) resold through its communications business, combined with M-DRIVE — its flagship cross-domain multi-tenant virtualization platform — as the core technology enabler. Services include Mission Partner Environment Services (MPE-S), cybersecurity, IT services, virtualization/cloud solutions, and infrastructure solutions supporting DoD, Department of Homeland Security, and Intelligence Community customers globally. The company operates a 24x7x365 Operations Control Center and maintains partnerships with Iridium, Starlink, EVERYWHERE Communications, and other satellite communication providers.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• M-DRIVE: Modular Dynamically Reconfigurable Integrated Virtualized Environment - a multi-tenant, hyperconverged (HCI) software-defined data center that hosts multiple coalition network enclaves on a single platform. The only NSA-approved system of its kind for Mission Partner Environment requirements.
• MissionLINK
• XF Solutions

Products and services

• M-DRIVE (Modular Dynamically Reconfigurable Integrated Virtualized Environment) Revolutionary cross-domain access solution providing multi-tenant network isolation through secure network virtualization on a single hyperconverged rack-mountable or ruggedized tactical platform, enabling rapid deployment and reconfiguration of mission enclaves for Mission Partner Environments.
• EMSS EPCC (Equipment Provisioning and Customer Care) Comprehensive order support service for all items covered under the U.S. Space Force EMSS ID/IQ contract, providing cradle-to-grave satellite communication services including unlimited fixed-price airtime, device sales and provisioning, and 24/7/365 dedicated help-desk support.
• Mission Partner Environment Services (MPE-S) $998 million contract providing the full range of global support services to design, implement, and operate the enterprise for DoD and mission partners, enabling collaboration between DoD and coalition partners connecting nearly 45,000 global users.
• Mission Support Services Integrated solutions and expert services including Assured Communications, Defensive Cyber Operations, Deployed Operations, IT Service Management, Mission Critical O&M, and Secure Life Cycle Logistics for defense and government customers.
• Digital Modernization Solutions Advanced digital architecture for modern data-driven operations including Distributed Edge Solutions, Cross Domain Solutions (M-DRIVE), Satellite & RF Solutions, Coalition C5ISR, Multi-Orbit Integration, and Zero Trust implementations.
• Infrastructure Solutions Mission-ready systems including Data Center Solutions, Enterprise Architecture, Multi-Cloud/Hybrid Cloud, Network Engineering, Satellite Solutions, and Systems Engineering & Integration.
• Cybersecurity Solutions Critical infrastructure protection including Information Assurance, Zero Trust Security, Governance Risk and Compliance, Risk Management Framework, Identity/Credential/Access Management, and continuous monitoring capabilities.
• Information Technology Services Network and systems expertise from enterprise to edge supporting customers' missions globally, including Engineering and Operations, Data Center Operations, Service Desk Operations, Systems Administration, and Active Monitoring.
• Virtualization and Cloud Solutions Scalable, secure hyper-converged infrastructure (HCI), virtualized technologies, and private cloud solutions in enterprise and tactical environments, including Multi-Enclave Multitenancy, MLS, and Software Defined Networking.
• MissionLINK 350 Satellite communication device utilizing Iridium Certus constellation that spans 100% of the world, offering three simultaneous voice lines with Wi-Fi capability for up to five devices with third-party in-line encryption integration.
• 9575A EMSS Bearcat Satellite Phone Industrial-grade Iridium satellite phone with diamond tread and tapered grip design for superior ergonomics in demanding environments, providing proven reliability for government customers throughout the globe.
• Iridium Extreme PTT Ruggedized push-to-talk device supporting high-intensity users in harsh conditions with expanded loudspeaker, reinforced PTT button, and extended capacity battery; distributes Position Location Information into secured commercial Shepherd COP.
• Iridium GO! Compact and portable global voice and text messaging device with MIL-STD 810-F durability and IP65 rating, providing Wi-Fi connectivity for up to five mobile devices within approximately 30 meters.
• SHOUT TS R DOD Iridium Handheld Tracker with ultra-low power consumption (less than 35µA during sleep) and internal rechargeable Li-Ion battery, supporting 256-bit AES encrypted position reports for up to two months.
• Distributed Tactical Communications System (DTCS) Radio-only satellite communications device plus gooseneck antenna from L3Harris with OEM 1-year warranty, supporting tactical operations with extended warranty options.
• SHOUT tw IP67-rated messaging and tracking device using Iridium short burst data (SBD) service for GPS reports, two-way canned and free-text messages, and emergency notifications with ultra-low power consumption.
• Voyager ECK (Executive Communications Kit) Laptop-sized multi-enclave data capability kit with built-in cellular and Wi-Fi transport options for secure network access anywhere globally.

Quantifiable outcome

• 30-50% reduction in MPE server infrastructure footprint with M-DRIVE deployment
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers14 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration8 records

AI capability5 records

Feature6 records

Partnerships

Six partnerships are on record, tiered strategic, core and minor.

• C3EL, LLC (XF Solutions Joint Venture)strategicStrategic or Co-development Partner · 11 December 2025Trace formed joint venture with C3EL operating as XF Solutions, LLC. This small-business awardee enables Trace to compete for small-business task orders under MDA SHIELD program, expanding reach across Golden Dome enterprise.
• Starlink (SpaceX)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 23 May 2025Designated as authorized reseller of Starlink high-speed internet for businesses, enterprises and government use. Partnership enables Trace to leverage Starlink's resilient global connectivity for multi-domain operations and bandwidth-constrained operators.
• LightGrid (HUBZone)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 19 June 2020Trace serves as mentor in All Small Mentor Protégé Program (ASMPP) joint venture with LightGrid, a HUBZone small business. IGS JV (mentored by Trace) won spot on DISA SETI $7.5B program.
• Intelligent WavescoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 23 December 2019Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business partner on EMSS Global Logistical Services Management (ELOG) contract. Trace served as Prime on predecessor DLOG program (2012-2017) and continues support through this partnership.
• IridiumcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLong-term partner and reseller of Iridium global communications products. Trace serves as authorized reseller providing Iridium satellite phones (9575A, 9575 Extreme), tracking devices, and related equipment to DoD and government customers through EMSS program.
• EVERYWHERE CommunicationsstrategicChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorProud distributor of EVERYWHERE Communications platform delivering global location, messaging, and SOS capabilities for total situational awareness using Iridium satellite network and Garmin devices.

Scale indicators16 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Peraton: Mid-large defense IT services firm specializing in intelligence, space, cyber, and DoD mission systems. Closest scale and business-model peer to Trace, with significant MPE/SATCOM-adjacent work.
• Kratos Defense & Security Solutions: Mid-tier defense technology firm focused on tactical comms, SATCOM, and unmanned systems. Comparable in scale and target customer set to Trace with overlapping satcom terminal and ground systems offerings.
• ManTech (a CACI company): Mid-tier defense IT services firm with strong DoD and IC presence in C5ISR, cyber, and systems engineering. Directly comparable in size and program mix prior to CACI acquisition.

Broad incumbents

• L3Harris Technologies: Defense electronics and tactical communications prime that supplies DTCS hardware to Trace and competes in tactical comms, SATCOM, and multi-domain programs.
• Leidos: Large-tier defense IT and C5ISR prime that competes with Trace on the same IDIQ vehicles (RS3, Alliant 3, SHIELD) and across DoD mission IT and intelligence programs. Significantly larger scale and incumbency on legacy DoD work.
• General Dynamics Information Technology (GDIT): Defense IT prime and the source of the ENCORE III/ITES 3S business unit that Trace acquired in 2019. Competes across virtually all of Trace's major contract vehicles and represents the strategic ceiling on scale.
• Booz Allen Hamilton: Large defense and intel IT consulting prime with comparable work in cyber, C2, and digital modernization. Competes for Alliant 3, RS3 task orders and is a frequent recompete threat.
• SAIC: Defense IT services prime with deep DoD, intelligence, and federal civilian footprint; competes directly on RS3, Alliant 3, and MPE-style programs. Comparable in mission IT, networking, and cross-domain solutions to Trace.
• CACI International: Mid-to-large defense IT and signals intelligence prime with overlapping capabilities in C5ISR, cyber, and multi-domain operations. Acquired ManTech to scale into a similar profile to Trace's MPE-S and cross-domain business.

Others

• Viasat (defense satcom): Defense and government SATCOM systems provider whose products (and now those of Inmarsat) overlap with Trace's multi-orbit SATCOM portfolio. Acts as both a partner-adjacent provider and a competitor in DoD commercial satcom services.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/101276576636570
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/trace-systems
• Xx.com/tracesystemsinc

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles9 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A1 record

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Trace Systems