USIC
USIC is North America's largest underground utility damage prevention provider, deploying 10,000+ technicians across 48 states and Canada to perform over 80 million 811 locates annually for 1,400+ utility and municipal customers under multi-year managed-services contracts.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2008
- HeadquartersIndianapolis, United States
- Headcount5,001–10,000
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What USIC does
USIC, headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, is North America's largest provider of underground utility damage prevention services. The company was formed in 2008 through the merger of SM&P Utility Resources and Central Locating Services and operates a field workforce of more than 10,000 technicians (with recent disclosures citing 13,000-14,000+ professionals) across 48 U.S. states and Canada, performing over 80 million locates annually. Its core offering is 811 public utility locating (marking underground electric, gas, telecommunications, water, and sewer lines before excavation), supplemented by an affiliate network — Blood Hound (private locating, geospatial, cross-bore mitigation), Reconn (gas and water infrastructure services), and On Target (storm restoration and fiber services) — that delivers advanced infrastructure services to over 1,400 utility and municipal customers.
USIC's technology stack centers on the proprietary Locate360 digital platform, which applies machine learning and AI to optimize locating accuracy and resource allocation, and on third-party integrations, notably Samsara's Connected Operations Cloud for AI-powered video-based safety and fleet telematics. Field operations use GPS-enabled data collection, 3D subsurface utility mapping, robotic camera inspection for cross-bore detection, and proprietary statistical models for asset-specific risk assessment. The company reports a 99.9% damage-free ticket rate and provides 24/7 emergency response nationwide.
USIC's revenue model is a managed-services and subscription-style arrangement in which utility operators contract USIC under multi-year agreements for locating volume across their service territories, priced on a market-rate, quote-based schedule. The go-to-market is direct enterprise sales to investor-owned utilities, cooperatives, and municipalities, with account management and field operations deployed across the 48-state footprint. Ownership is jointly held by private-equity firms Partners Group and Kohlberg & Company (with Neuberger Berman and Mubadala as minority co-investors), and the company is not publicly listed. USIC has been an active acquirer, integrating DPS (2014), Premier Utility Services (2015), Subsurface Utility Imaging (2021), Utility Resource Group (2022), and the pending Heath Consultants gas locating business (2025).
USIC firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- USIC
- Legal name
- USIC LLC
- Website
- https://usicllc.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2008
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 5,001–10,000 employees
- Short description
- USIC is North America's largest underground utility damage prevention provider, deploying 10,000+ technicians across 48 states and Canada to perform over 80 million 811 locates annually for 1,400+ utility and municipal customers under multi-year managed-services contracts.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
USIC industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Underground Utility Locating Services
- NAICS
- Water, Sewage and Other Systems (2213), Facilities Support Services (561210)
- SIC
- Electric, Gas & Sanitary Services (4900)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Underground Distribution Fault Location & Repair (UG Cables/Vaults) (EUAEAIAG)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Gas Permit, Code Compliance & Utility Coordination (HSAOAKAL), Emergency Response & Sewer Repair (Blockages, Collapses) (EUANACAL), Sewer Line Locating & Depth Verification (HSAOABAK)
Keywords
Where USIC is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Indianapolis
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices4 records
Markets served
USIC business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Public Utility Locating Services (811): USIC performs locating and marking of underground electric, gas, telecommunication, water, and sewer lines on behalf of public utilities that are required by law to ensure underground infrastructure is marked before excavation. This is the core recurring service provided to utility companies across 48 states.
- Private Utility Locating Services: Blood Hound affiliate provides private utility locating services for privately owned underground utilities including septic systems, process sewers, abandoned lines, irrigation lines, alarm wires, and facilities that cannot be located using typical detection methods.
- Advanced Infrastructure Services: Services including gas leak detection, pipeline inspections, vacuum excavation, storm services, electrical and gas inspections, tower services, design locating, GIS mapping services, and cross-bore mitigation provided by affiliate companies Reconn and On Target.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Multi-year contract | Enterprise utility locating services contracted directly with utility operators |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels1 record
Marketing channels6 records
USIC product offering
Product offeringCore offering
USIC provides underground utility locating and damage prevention services for utility companies and municipalities across 48 states and Canada. Its core 811 service locates and marks underground electric, gas, telecommunication, water, and sewer lines to prevent excavation damage, supplemented by private utility locating, geospatial mapping, cross-bore mitigation, gas and water integrity services, and managed locating for large-scale infrastructure projects.
Product overview
USIC is America’s largest provider of underground utility damage prevention services, operating a platform-plus-modules architecture. The core offering is Public Utility Locating (811 services), supplemented by four affiliate sub-brands: Blood Hound (private utility locating, geospatial services, cross-bore mitigation), RECONN Utility Services (gas and water infrastructure services), and On Target Utility Services (storm restoration, fiber optic services). Additional specialized modules include Managed Services for large infrastructure projects and Geospatial Services for 3D subsurface mapping. The company also developed the Locate360 digital platform with machine learning and AI optimization capabilities, and integrates third-party technology including Samsara's safety platform for fleet management and video-based safety monitoring. Services span 48 states across cable, telecom, electric, gas, water, and sewer utility markets.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Public Utility Locating USIC's core 811 service that locates and marks underground electric, gas, telecommunication, water, and sewer lines to prevent damage from excavation and mitigate risks to public safety. Provided to public utilities across 48 states.
- Blood Hound (Private Utility Locating) USIC affiliate providing private utility locating services for septic systems, process sewers, abandoned lines, irrigation lines, alarm wires, and facilities not covered by 811. Also provides geospatial services, cross-bore mitigation, and subsurface utility imaging.
- RECONN Utility Services USIC affiliate providing gas and water utilities with solutions for surveying the integrity of their assets, protecting and managing their infrastructure with a focus on regulatory compliance.
- On Target Utility Services USIC affiliate providing utilities with comprehensive services and solutions for projects of any scope and complexity, including storm restoration services and fiber optic services.
- Private Utility Locating Service for locating privately owned underground utilities not covered by 811, including septic systems, process sewers, abandoned lines, irrigation lines, and alarm wires, for property owners and private infrastructure operators.
- Geospatial Services Uses GPS-enabled data integration to create accurate 3D maps of subsurface utilities, providing comprehensive resources for preventing damage to subsurface utilities.
- Gas & Water Services Gas and water utility surveying services for asset integrity and infrastructure protection with focus on regulatory compliance.
- Managed Services Dedicated locating services for large-scale infrastructure projects such as fiber installation, with technicians designated exclusively for a project through completion.
- Cross-Bore Mitigation
Quantifiable outcome
- 99.9% of USIC tickets have no locate-related damages
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use USIC
Customer profileNamed customers4 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
USIC technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration1 record
AI capability4 records
Feature6 records
USIC partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- U.S. Army Reserve P3O (Private Public Partnership) ProgramcoreP3O Program partnership affirms USIC's commitment to assisting soldiers and their families in obtaining meaningful employment opportunities. The Army's Public Private Partnership Office links eligible Army Reserve team members to employment.
- U.S. Army Partnership for Your Success (PaYS) ProgramcoreUSIC became an official PaYS Program Partner, guaranteeing soldiers an interview and possible employment following their Army service commitment. This partnership supports military veterans transitioning to civilian careers in underground utility damage prevention.
- SamsaracoreSamsara is USIC's technology partner for the Connected Operations Cloud platform, providing Video-Based Safety, Panic Button, and Vehicle Telematics solutions. USIC uses these tools to enhance safety, sustainability, and efficiency with real-time data.
- VETS IndexescoreVETS Indexes recognizes USIC as a top veteran employer through its comprehensive Employer Awards program, analyzing policies, practices, and outcomes in veteran recruitment and retention.
- Military FriendlycoreMilitary Friendly recognizes USIC as an employer demonstrating commitment to military-connected hiring through its Employer Awards program and Veteran Champion recognition.
- American LegionminorUSIC partners with the American Legion to support veteran employment, including hosting Veterans Day ceremonies at headquarters and paying annual dues for veteran employees.
- USO Pathfinder Transition ProgramcoreUSIC partners with USO Pathfinder to support military veterans and their families in transitioning to civilian careers.
- Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR)coreUSIC works with ESGR, a Department of Defense office, to promote supportive work environments for Service members in the Reserve Components.
- Troops to Energy Jobs InitiativecoreUSIC partners with the Center for Energy Workforce Development's Troops to Energy program to recruit veterans for careers in the utility industry.
- Hiring Our Heroes Fellows ProgramsminorUSIC partners with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation's Hiring Our Heroes Fellows Programs to support military veteran employment.
- INVETSminorUSIC partners with INVETS to support military veterans in their search for meaningful civilian careers.
Scale indicators8 records
Recent moves8 records
Expansion highlights6 records
USIC competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- MasTec: MasTec is a publicly traded infrastructure construction services provider covering power delivery, communications, oil and gas, and clean energy. It is a broad incumbent peer for USIC given its overlap in utility and telecom customers, large field workforce, and exposure to the same infrastructure spending tailwinds that drive USIC's volumes.
- Badger Daylighting: Badger Daylighting is the largest North American provider of hydrovac excavation services, competing with USIC's Reconn and On Target affiliates in the vacuum excavation and daylighting market. Both companies serve utility and infrastructure customers with complementary but overlapping services around safe digging and underground exposure.
- Quanta Services: Quanta Services is a publicly traded leader in utility and infrastructure construction and services, with substantial exposure to electric transmission/distribution and telecom. It is a broad incumbent peer given its scale, its role as a strategic consolidator in utility services, and its overlap with USIC's utility customer base.
- Mears Group: Mears Group provides infrastructure services to the electric and gas utility industry including locating, construction, and maintenance, competing with parts of USIC's portfolio. It is a relevant comparable given its similar utility customer base, field services orientation, and PE-backed operating model.
Direct peers
- UtiliQuest: UtiliQuest is a major direct competitor to USIC in utility locating and damage prevention services for electric, gas, telecom, and water utilities across the U.S. Both companies provide 811-style public utility locating with multi-state field technician workforces and pursue similar contract structures with regulated utilities.
- Centerline Communications: Centerline Communications provides telecom infrastructure services including fiber optic network construction and locating support, with overlap to USIC's telecom and On Target utility services. The company is a relevant peer because it competes for the same fiber deployment and managed services work that USIC pursues with telecom and broadband customers.
- One Call Concepts: One Call Concepts provides 811/One-Call notification center services and related damage prevention solutions, operating in the same regulatory and utility-customer ecosystem as USIC. The company is a relevant peer because it sits on the same ticket-and-locate workflow that drives USIC's volume, and in some states operates as both a notification center and a locator.
- Stake Center Locating: Stake Center Locating is a regional utility locating services provider directly competing with USIC in the public utility locating market, serving electric, gas, telecom, and water utilities. It offers comparable 811-style locating, vacuum excavation, and damage prevention services and is a relevant competitor for enterprise utility contracts.
- Ground Penetrating Radar Systems (GPRS): GPRS is the largest U.S. provider of private utility locating, concrete scanning, and subsurface imaging services, directly competing with USIC's Blood Hound affiliate. Both companies serve contractors, facility owners, and engineering firms with similar scanning and locating technology, competing for the same private-side damage prevention work.
Emerging players
- Ditch Witch (Charles Machine Works): Ditch Witch is a major manufacturer of underground construction equipment, including utility locating electronics (via Subsite), trenchers, and vacuum excavation equipment. It is an emerging/adjacent peer in that its equipment is used by USIC's competitors and could enable new autonomous locating capabilities that would shift the competitive landscape.
Market position
Strengths1 record
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat6 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
USIC social profiles
Digital presenceUSIC financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
USIC leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles13 records
USIC subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries9 records
USIC funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
USIC 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 USIC
What does USIC do?
USIC provides underground utility locating and damage prevention services for utility companies and municipalities across 48 states and Canada. Its core 811 service locates and marks underground electric, gas, telecommunication, water, and sewer lines to prevent excavation damage, supplemented by private utility locating, geospatial mapping, cross-bore mitigation, gas and water integrity services, and managed locating for large-scale infrastructure projects.
Is USIC a public or private company?
USIC is a private company. It is classified as private equity controlled and is currently operating.
When was USIC founded?
USIC was founded in 2008. It employs 5,001 to 10,000 people.
Where is USIC based?
USIC is headquartered in Indianapolis, United States, in the North America region.
How does USIC make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Public Utility Locating Services (811) is the primary driver. The others are private Utility Locating Services and advanced Infrastructure Services.
Who are USIC's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are MasTec, Badger Daylighting, Quanta Services and Mears Group. Direct peers are UtiliQuest, Centerline Communications, One Call Concepts, Stake Center Locating and Ground Penetrating Radar Systems (GPRS). Ditch Witch (Charles Machine Works) is listed as an emerging player.
Does USIC have an API?
No public API is recorded for USIC.
What industry is USIC in?
USIC's product category is Underground Utility Locating Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EUAEAIAG, Underground Distribution Fault Location & Repair (UG Cables/Vaults), with a secondary code of HSAOAKAL, Gas Permit, Code Compliance & Utility Coordination. Its NAICS code is 2213 and its SIC code is 4900.