Certifications

ISO 9001 Certification

In December of 2006, VSTI realized its strategic goal to become an ISO 9001 certified company. BSI Management Systems America, Inc., North America’s leading provider of management systems registration and training services, conducted a thorough audit of VSTI’s Quality Management System according to ISO 9001:2000 standards.

The International Organization for Standardization awards the prestigious ISO 9001:2000 certification. The certification is based on the implementation of specific quality procedures and processes, and is maintained by a demonstrated commitment to quality improvement. At the core of ISO 9001:2000 are the principles of customer focus, leadership within the industry, and the involvement of employees and management in developing and continuously updating a process approach to rectifying issues.

The VSTI Quality Policy:

“It is our policy to deliver excellence in products, services, and solutions that ensure customer value and contribute to customer success. For every product, service or solution we offer, we strive to continually monitor and anticipate our customers changing needs. This enables us to consistently meet their specific requirements and deliver a level of quality that exceeds customer quality expectations.”

Achieving ISO 9001 certification is a major accomplishment. It results from the dedication of the entire company and is evidence of our continuous commitment to quality. Click here to review the VSTI ISO Certificate.

MBE/DBE

Pursuant to the Maryland Department of Transportation Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) program and the Department of Transportation Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program, VSTI is certified as a MBE/DBE in the State of Maryland. This certification entitles VSTI to do business with the Maryland Department of Transportation, State of Maryland, as a MBE/DBE in the areas of Computer Systems Consulting, System Integration Design, and Software Services.

8(a) Certification

VSTI is certified under the Small Business Administration’s 8(a) Business Development Program. VSTI obtained the 8(a) certification in March of 2001, and will graduate from the program in March of 2009. The goals of the SBA for the 8(a) program are to foster the success and growth of socially and economically disadvantaged businesses so that they can eventually compete without assistance. This goal is accomplished by providing eligible businesses priority for receiving federal procurement contracts.

SDB Certification

VSTI is certified under the Small Business Administration’s Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB) Certification Program. VSTI obtained the SDB certification in 1999. While the 8(a) Program offers a broad scope of assistance to socially and economically disadvantaged firms, SDB certification strictly pertains to benefits in federal procurement. SBA certifies SDBs to make them eligible for special bidding benefits. Evaluation credits available to prime contractors boost subcontracting opportunities for SDBs.

PMI Certification

Effective project management has become one of the most import skills needed in Information Technology today. VSTI’s reputation in the industry as a provider of Project Management Solutions is unsurpassed. Many VSTI employees hold certifications as Project Management Professionals (PMP) through the Project Management Institute (PMI). PMP certified employees add additional value for clients in two important areas:

Project Management - PMP’s are trained in the principles of effective project management. This includes Time, Cost, Risk, and other project management techniques
Communication - PMP’s bring consistency in terminology and process across projects and industries.

VSTI’s Project Management force is experienced and ready to support projects at any level of complexity. One of VSTI’s organizational goals is to provide certification paths for all employees and PMI certification for Project Managers. As part of our benefit plan, VSTI pays for PMP certification and PMI training for all employees providing project management support to our clients. The number of VSTI employees certified as PMPs has grown significantly over the past two years because of PMI sponsored Exam Prep classes, VSTI sponsored training, and internal study groups.

CMMI Certification

As government programs are increasingly mandating Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI) compliance, the need for an effective and efficient process is crucial. The objective of CMMI is to provide program guidance for improving processes and managing the development, acquisition, and maintenance of products and services. VSTI has been relentless in the pursuit of excellence and process improvement and is currently working to achieve the Software Engineering Institute’s (SEI) CMM Level 3 Certification.