Six3 Systems

Six3 Systems provides national security and defense intelligence services to government clients. The company specializes in integrating capabilities for identity intelligence, biometrics, and forensic analysis. It also develops counterintelligence operations software and anti-terrorism solutions, employing a specialized technical approach for critical security demands.

Industry veteran Robert Coleman founded Six3 Systems in July 2009, partnering with private equity firm GTCR. The company's genesis derived from the insight to build an intelligence contractor platform by acquiring and integrating specialized capabilities. Coleman's extensive defense and intelligence sector background provided essential leadership.

Six3 Systems serves U.S. Government agencies across Intelligence, Defense, and Civilian communities. Its products deliver analytical tools and operational support vital for national security challenges. The company’s vision was to be a foremost provider of mission-critical intelligence, evolving specialized offerings to meet dynamic defense and security demands.

# Six3 Systems: High-Level Overview

Six3 Systems is a national security and defense intelligence services provider that develops and acquires specialized capabilities for the U.S. Intelligence Community, Department of Defense, and civilian security agencies.[1] Founded in July 2009 by industry veteran Bob Coleman in partnership with GTCR, the company operates around six core values—Integrity, Ethics, Partnership, Trust, Quality, and Innovation—to serve three key markets: Defense, Intelligence, and Civilian communities.[1][2]

The company delivers mission-critical solutions across biometrics, identity intelligence, counterintelligence, command and control systems, intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance (C5ISR), and cybersecurity.[2] Six3's business model centers on identifying and acquiring specialized capabilities through strategic acquisitions, then integrating them into a cohesive portfolio that addresses complex national security challenges. The company operates as part of a larger family of industry-leading subsidiaries, including Six3 Advanced Systems (formerly BIT Systems) and Six3 Enterprise Systems (formerly Novii Design).[2]

# Origin Story

Six3 Systems was established in July 2009 by Bob Coleman, an industry veteran with deep expertise in national security and defense sectors, in partnership with GTCR, a Chicago-based private equity firm specializing in transformational acquisitions.[1] The company's founding strategy centered on identifying management leaders in core defense and intelligence domains, then acquiring and building market-leading companies through organic growth and strategic M&A activity.

The company's early growth was marked by a series of four acquisitions that established strong positions in intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance, intelligence operations, and cybersecurity.[1] This acquisition-driven approach culminated in November 2013 when GTCR completed the sale of Six3 Systems to CACI International for $820 million, integrating Six3 into a larger provider of information solutions and services to government customers.[1]

# Core Differentiators

• Specialized capability focus: Rather than competing as a broad-based defense contractor, Six3 concentrates on high-end, specialized capabilities in biometrics, identity intelligence, and advanced data interpretation—areas requiring deep technical expertise and security clearances.[1]

• Acquisition-driven growth model: The company's strategy of identifying and acquiring niche players with strong management teams allows it to rapidly expand capabilities while maintaining operational autonomy and domain expertise.[1]

• Multi-domain mission solutions: Six3's portfolio spans intelligence, defense, and civilian security markets, enabling cross-domain solutions that address complex national security challenges requiring integrated capabilities.[2]

• Government customer alignment: With headquarters in McLean, Virginia—the heart of the U.S. Intelligence Community—Six3 maintains deep relationships with primary customers and understands their evolving mission requirements.[1][2]

# Role in the Broader Tech Landscape

Six3 operates within the defense and national security technology sector, which has experienced sustained demand driven by evolving cyber threats, intelligence modernization initiatives, and the need for advanced biometric and identity management systems. The company's focus on specialized, high-value capabilities reflects a broader trend in defense contracting toward acquiring niche expertise rather than building everything in-house.

As a subsidiary of CACI International since 2013, Six3 benefits from integration into a larger ecosystem of government technology solutions while maintaining its specialized focus. The timing of Six3's growth—particularly its expansion during the 2009-2013 period—coincided with increased U.S. government investment in intelligence capabilities, cybersecurity, and counterintelligence operations following the post-9/11 security environment.

# Quick Take & Future Outlook

Six3 Systems exemplifies the successful acquisition-and-integration model in defense technology, where specialized expertise and strong management teams command premium valuations. The company's $820 million acquisition price reflected the value of its accumulated capabilities and customer relationships within the intelligence community.

Looking forward, Six3's trajectory will likely be shaped by continued government investment in cybersecurity, biometric technologies, and advanced intelligence analytics. As part of CACI International, the company is positioned to leverage broader corporate resources while maintaining its focus on high-value, specialized mission solutions. The convergence of artificial intelligence, advanced data analytics, and evolving national security threats suggests sustained demand for the types of specialized capabilities Six3 provides to U.S. government agencies.