NYS SBDC Technology Company of the Year: Mary Carol Chruscicki & Pat Baskinger, AgileX

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From the Mohawk Valley SBDC

Mary Carol (“MC”) Chruscicki and Pat Baskinger, became unemployed in the spring 2011 when the Northrop Grumman office in Rome closed. Rather than collect unemployment, they decided to open Agile-X, a business that provides very specialized services relating to hardware, software and communication systems. AgileX principal investigators are experienced leaders in the research and development of secure information and communication capabilities for airborne, maritime and ground platforms from concept through operational deployment in theater. AgileX experience and toolset enables the analysis of alternatives and the impact assessment of the technologies and architectures on mission effectiveness and mission assurance. The clients worked closely with Air Force Research Laboratory in Rome to develop mobile networking technology to equip planes deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan. AgileX works closely with its partners to build quality components and systems for their Government and Commercial customers. In 2012, the clients started another division – Agile X Tactical – to focus on homeland defense products such as “smart targets”. Smart targets can be used over and over and wirelessly send the shooting results back to the shooter. The women also own Reindance Stables, which opened in 1991 and provides lessons, boarding and horseback riding training. Ms. Chruscicki was a major force in the development of the newly formed Cyber New York Alliance, a 501c) 6 not-for-profit corporation formed to create a partnership that will assure the legacy of cyber innovation and excellence. She serves as Executive Director of the organization. Government Contracting Coordinator Roxanne Mutchler assisted the clients registering on the CCR and ORCA and answered many procurement-related questions. The clients have attended many procurement events recommended by Roxanne. She also has provided higher-level guidance such as information on joint ventures/teaming, pre-award contract audits, government contracting accounting compliance, and recommendations for networking for Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA) support. The result: Agile-Xhas a six-month contract with the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) that started January 25, 2012 and another contract with a boat company in Florida. The clients submitted a Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) grant request in January 2012 to the AFRL and should hear the results by June. The Cyber New York Alliance is going well with several high-level technology days held and the hiring of a three-star general as a consultant.

Picture courtesy of the Observer-Dispatch (Utica, NY)

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