What K2 Solutions does

K2 Solutions, Inc. is a privately held Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business founded in 2003 in Southern Pines, North Carolina, by former U.S. Army Special Operations Forces and Counter-Terrorism professionals. The company delivers knowledge-based services and subject-matter expertise to U.S. defense and national security clients — primarily United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM), the Joint Improvised-Threat Defeat Organization (JIDO), the U.S. Marine Corps, and the Missile Defense Agency (MDA). Its service portfolio spans four core defense capabilities: Counter-IED (including the Joint Expeditionary Teams program that has served over 250 OCONUS rotations and the historical IED Detection Dog program that trained over 650 canines and 1,000 Marines in partnership with Auburn University), Combat Development and RDT&E for weapons systems and energetics, customized tactical Training and Support Services (assessment and selection, breaching, special tactics), and Operations & Intelligence Support across HUMINT, SIGINT, COMINT, OSINT, and MASINT disciplines. In January 2025, K2 divested its Canine Operations division (Person-Borne EDC, Single-Purpose EDC, and CCSF-K9 cargo screening teams) to a newly independent K2 K9 Solutions, refocusing the parent on defense services.

K2 generates revenue through federal contracting primarily via prime and subcontractor positions on multiple government-wide acquisition vehicles. Its most significant contract positions include a 2020 prime position on the USSOCOM SOF Core Services Support (SCSS) IDIQ with a potential $950 million value, a December 2025 prime position on the Missile Defense Agency SHIELD IDIQ with a $151 billion ceiling (encompassing AI/ML, digital engineering, model-based systems engineering, and weapon design), and prime position on GSA OASIS+ across Management & Advisory, Intelligence Services, Logistics, and Facilities pools. K2 also operates as a subcontractor to Lockheed Martin on SOF GLSS and to ITA International on 9th Air Force expeditionary security support in the Middle East. The company's primary differentiation rests on three pillars: (1) cleared SOF veteran talent and 20+ years of mission-tested delivery to USSOCOM, (2) consecutive DCSA Superior security ratings since 2012 enabling access to classified work, and (3) regulatory certifications including the only full DHS SAFETY Act Designation for Person-Borne Explosive Detection Canine Handler Teams, three separate SAFETY Act Designations, SDVOSB certification (2018), and ISO 9001:2015 registration. The customer base is almost entirely federal defense, with a small commercial line in sports/entertainment venue screening.

Name

K2 Solutions

Legal name

K2 Solutions, Inc.

Website

https://k2si.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2003

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

K2 Solutions is a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business founded in 2003 that delivers counter-IED, combat development, training, and intelligence support services to U.S. Special Operations Command and other DoD agencies, leveraging cleared SOF veteran talent and prime positions on USSOCOM SCSS, MDA SHIELD, and GSA OASIS+ contract vehicles.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Defense and National Security Services

NAICS

Security Guards and Patrol Services (561612), Investigation, Guard, and Armored Car Services (56161)

SIC

Services-Detective, Guard & Armored Car Services (7381)

akta.pro primary industry

Explosives & Narcotics Detection K9 Services (BPAKAKAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Handler Training, Certification & K9 Unit Compliance Services (BPAKAKAK), Aviation & Airport K9 Security Services (BPAKAKAF)

Keywords

• Defense services contracting
• Counter-IED operations
• Explosive detection canine
• Special operations support
• Military training services

Headquarters

HQ city

Southern Pines

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Government Defense Contracts: K2 generates revenue primarily through federal government contracts including IDIQ contracts, small business set-aside contracts, and prime/subcontractor arrangements with organizations like USSOCOM, USASOC, and other defense agencies. Revenue is earned through knowledge-based services, subject matter expertise, training, and operational support.
2. Commercial Security Services: K2 provides canine security screening services to commercial clients including professional sports teams and entertainment venues. Services include explosives detection at high-profile events, venues, and facilities.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels3 records

Core offering

K2 Solutions provides knowledge-based defense and national security services to U.S. government clients, primarily USSOCOM and its components. Core offerings include counter-IED advisory and operations, combat development and RDT&E, customized tactical training, and operations and intelligence support across multiple intelligence disciplines. The company historically delivered explosive detection canine handler teams for person-borne, cargo, and stationary threat detection under DHS SAFETY Act and TSA certifications, although the canine operations division was divested in January 2025.

Product overview

K2 Solutions operates as a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) providing defense services primarily to U.S. government agencies. The company's portfolio consists of two main divisions: Defense Services and Canine Operations (the latter spun off in January 2025 as K2 K9 Solutions). Defense Services include Intelligence Support, Counter-IED, Combat Development/RDT&E, and Training and Support Services delivered to USSOCOM, JIDO, and other defense agencies. Canine Operations comprised explosive detection canine teams including Person-Borne Explosive Detection (PB-EDC) Handler Teams, Single-Purpose Explosive Detection Canine Handler Teams, and TSA-certified CCSF-K9 cargo screening services. The company also holds positions on major government contract vehicles including USSOCOM SCSS, GSA OASIS+, and MDA SHIELD IDIQ. In January 2025, K2 completed the divestiture of its Canine Operations division, which now operates as independent Woman-Owned Small Business K2 K9 Solutions under former owner Susan Kjellsen.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Person-Borne Explosive Detection Canine (PB-EDC) Handler Teams Proprietary explosive detection canine teams that detect explosives carried by individuals in backpacks, vests, and clothing by tracking explosive material odor to moving sources; also used to locate explosives on stationary objects. The only provider in the canine industry with full DHS SAFETY Act Designation for this capability.
• TSA Certified Cargo Screening Facility-Canine (CCSF-K9) Third-Party Canine-Cargo (3PK9-C) certified canine teams authorized to screen cargo for TSA-regulated parties including aircraft operators, foreign air carriers, and freight forwarders. More than 70 teams provide Explosives Detection Services throughout the United States.
• Single-Purpose Explosive Detection Canine Handler Teams Explosive detection canine teams deployed to Government and commercial facilities, arenas, stadiums, amphitheaters, theme parks, airports and high-profile events to locate explosive material or devices in stationary positions such as unattended bags, trashcans, planters, cargo, and vehicles.
• IED Detection Dogs (IDD) Program Trained and certified canines developed in partnership with Auburn University for the U.S. Marine Corps IED detection program, used for route clearance and forward movement of troops. The program revolutionized canine bomb detection with semi-autonomous, off-leash operational capability.
• Joint Expeditionary Teams (JET) Counter-IED support teams providing direct support to JIDO and deployed forces. Teams have served over 250 rotations maintaining OCONUS presence with all Combatant Commands.
• Operations and Intelligence Support Services Personnel support for critical intelligence functions across all intelligence disciplines including HUMINT, SIGINT, COMINT, OSINT, and MASINT. Support provided to the Joint Improvised-Threat Defeat Organization (JIDO) through subcontracts with nationally renowned defense contractors.
• Training and Support Services Customized tactical training programs for Military, Law Enforcement, and Government agencies. Services include Assessment & Selection, Breaching, Weapons Systems, and Special Tactics training delivered by former Special Operations Operators.
• Combat Development and RDT&E Research, Development, Testing & Evaluation services for weapons systems, energetics, and test data collection. Delivered to USSOCOM, JIDO, DTRA, DARPA, ONR, DOE, and Army Research Laboratory for battlefield capability enhancement.
• USSOCOM SOF Core Services Support (SCSS) Prime Contract Vehicle IDIQ contract vehicle providing knowledge-based services and subject matter expertise supporting USSOCOM enterprise requirements for Education and Training Services, Management Support, Program Management, Engineering, Technical and Professional Services.
• GSA OASIS+ Contract Vehicle Governmentwide multiple-award contract supporting federal agencies' procurement requirements for services including Management and Advisory, Technical and Engineering, Intelligence Services, Research and Development, Facilities, Environmental, Logistics, and Enterprise Solutions.
• MDA SHIELD IDIQ Contract Vehicle Missile Defense Agency Scalable Homeland Innovative Enterprise Layered Defense IDIQ contract encompassing science and technology, R&D, prototyping, systems engineering, weapon design, cybersecurity, and agile acquisition processes.

Quantifiable outcome

• Superior security ratings from Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency since 2012
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Missile Defense Agency (MDA)coreOthers · 2 December 2025K2 was awarded a prime position on the MDA SHIELD IDIQ contract with a $151 billion ceiling, encompassing science and technology, R&D, prototyping, systems engineering, weapon design, and operations support.
• United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM)coreOthers · 15 June 2020K2 was awarded a position on the USSOCOM SOF Core Services Support IDIQ contract with a $950 million potential value, providing knowledge-based services and subject matter expertise.
• Lockheed MartincoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerK2 is a subcontractor to Lockheed Martin on the SOF GLSS contract, providing personnel for logistics support services at Fort Bragg and Naval Special Warfare range support at multiple locations nationwide.
• ITA InternationalcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorK2 provides personnel for security support services to 9th Air Force as a subcontractor to ITA International, including base operations, logistics, administration, and training at bases in UAE, Kuwait, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar.
• Defense Alliance of North Carolina (DANC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerK2 is a long-standing member of DANC, a non-profit organization focused on strengthening North Carolina's defense sector. K2's CEO Lane Kjellsen serves as President of the DANC Management Council.
• Special Operations Warrior Foundation (SOWF)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerK2 partners with SOWF hosting an annual golf tournament in Pinehurst, NC to benefit the foundation which provides college scholarships to surviving children of Special Operations personnel killed in combat or training.
• AKC Detection Dog Task ForceminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerK2 hosted the AKC Detection Dog Task Force and Patriotic Puppy Program at their Canine Training Academy, providing hands-on training opportunities for participants in raising, training, and selling sporting breed canines for detection programs.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• MSA Security: One of the largest U.S. providers of explosive detection canine services, security, and training with broad federal and commercial customer base. Direct competitor in canine explosive detection and screening services for venues, airports, and government sites.
• Global K9 Solutions: Provides explosive detection K9 services, K9 training, and security services to government agencies and private sector clients. Comparable in canine detection and screening services for federal and commercial customers.
• K2 K9 Solutions: K2 K9 Solutions is the former Canine Operations division of K2 Solutions, divested in January 2025 and now operating as an independent Woman-Owned Small Business. It directly competes with K2 Solutions' historical canine services and continues to provide PB-EDC, Single-Purpose EDC, and CCSF-K9 services.
• Global K9 Protection Group: Explosive detection canine services provider that competed against K2 Solutions for the USPS canine-mail screening contracts (and whose bid protest led to disqualification of K2 on material misrepresentation grounds). Directly comparable in canine cargo and mail screening services.
• AMK9 (American K9 Detection Services): Specialized explosive detection canine company providing TSA-certified cargo screening and event security services. Direct peer in canine detection for transportation, government, and high-profile commercial venues.

Broad incumbents

• Booz Allen Hamilton: Major U.S. defense and intelligence consulting firm providing strategy, technology, and engineering services to DoD, intelligence community, and federal civilian agencies. Competes with K2 for USSOCOM, MDA, and broader DoD task orders across management & advisory, intelligence, and technical services.
• CACI International: Large defense contractor providing intelligence, electronic warfare, C4ISR, and IT services to DoD and intelligence community. Competes with K2 across USSOCOM, JIDO, and other intelligence support and RDT&E contracts.
• Constellis: Established defense and security services company providing training, intelligence, operations support, and security solutions to government clients globally. Comparable to K2's broader defense services portfolio and competes on similar USSOCOM and DoD contracts.
• Leidos: Large defense, intelligence, and civil services contractor providing systems engineering, IT, intelligence analysis, and operations support. Competes with K2 on MDA SHIELD, USSOCOM, and broader federal services opportunities.
• SOS International (SOSi): Mid-sized defense services and IT provider serving intelligence, defense, and federal civilian customers with operations, intelligence, logistics, and training services. Comparable to K2's post-divestiture defense services business and competes on similar DoD contract vehicles.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/k2-solutions-inc-

Compliance7 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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

M&A

Investments

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

Frequently asked questions about K2 Solutions