Veteran Certification Enables Lightyears of Growth for Space Tech Business

Mark Stafford dreamed of a career that would take him soaring to new heights. When he was young, Mark joined the Air Force and served two tours in the Middle East. However, Mark found his passion in the Air Force as a space operator, which led him down a path to hold numerous positions in Space Control and Space Operations. In 1998, Mark transitioned from active duty to the AF Reserves and found himself with more time to explore his passion for space technology. At the turn of the century, Mark turned his passion into a reality when he opened his small business, Delta Solutions & Strategies.

Based in Colorado Springs, Delta Solutions & Strategies is a service-disabled veteran-owned business that creates military training products, operations, and simulations. Currently, they manage 46 contracts for the Department of Defense. Delta Solutions & Strategies also actively works with the U.S. Space Command and U.S. Space Force to provide them with the professional services and equipment they need to protect the United States and the globe.

While growing Delta Solutions, Mark connected with his local SBA district office for counseling and workshops and later received information about certifying his business as a service-disabled veteran-owned small business through SBA. This certification is done through SBA’s VetCert program and allows service-disabled veterans, like Mark, to gain access to exclusive government contracting opportunities. By applying for these government contracts, Mark has steadily grown his business from a small start-up to a small business powerhouse.

23 years after opening, Mark continues to lead Delta Solutions & Strategies down the path of success. His business has grown substantially since he started working with SBA. In fact, Mark currently has over 315 employees who help Delta Strategies and Solutions protect the United States Space assets. The employees have contributed to Delta’s growth, as the company currently manages $370 million in contracts and opened a new Washington, D.C. location in 2022.

Throughout its history, Delta Solutions has won many awards, including being voted the Best Workplace by the Colorado Springs Gazette. SBA also selected Delta Solutions & Strategies for the National Small Business Week Prime Contractor of the Year Award in 2023. This award recognizes a small business that provided the government with outstanding goods and services. Delta Strategies was nominated for the award by their client, the U.S. Space Force.

By getting his business certified as a service-disabled veteran small business and utilizing local assistance from SBA, Mark has guided Delta to soar to new heights.