The current landscape presents a transformative opportunity for government contractors, says BE’s CEO, Eric Olson. The pandemic has triggered a reevaluation of work, shifting employee expectations and agency practices—changes that Olson sees as an unprecedented chance to reshape the industry. This evolving environment is particularly significant for BE, a mid-sized firm delivering advanced national security solutions to federal clients since 1998. “We’re solving the hardest problems in government to protect and empower the American people,” Olson explains.
Founded on enterprise resource planning at the State Department, BE now supports national security missions across defense, intelligence, and civilian sectors, offering specialized IT services, comprehensive cyber capabilities, and advanced data solutions. Olson emphasizes that these disruptive times call for a new playbook, urging leaders to rethink priorities that resonate with both employees and federal customers. With agencies newly open to remote work and an accelerated pace of change, there’s “extraordinary potential, not just in technology but across all aspects of business,” he says.
As a mid-sized contractor, BE stands out by combining agility with innovation. Unlike large firms with competitive pricing power, BE differentiates itself by operating with a “high-touch, value-added” approach, leveraging its flexibility to adopt emerging tech solutions swiftly. “Being nimble means we’re positioned to pivot quickly and deliver cutting-edge solutions,” Olson explains. At the core of BE’s strategic approach is its Innovation Hub, where consultants prototype new technologies and pursue career advancement. Additionally, BE’s internal venture fund encourages employees to propose and develop groundbreaking ideas.
For Olson, investing in talent is integral to BE’s success. “We’re a services company; our value is in our people’s skills and expertise,” he notes. By offering competitive pay, robust benefits, and professional growth pathways, BE attracts top-tier talent and maintains high engagement. The company’s commitment to employees goes beyond compensation, demonstrated by the role of a dedicated “talent advocate” who supports consultants in shaping their careers. Recent benefits enhancements—including emergency transportation reimbursement, tech upgrades, and flexible time-off policies—further reinforce BE’s employee-centric culture.
Transparency and trust are foundational to BE’s work culture. Olson regularly shares performance metrics in company-wide meetings, providing employees with a clear view of BE’s goals and progress. Internally, BE exemplifies its commitment to innovation by automating backend processes through robotic process automation, streamlining operations, and driving significant cost savings.
In Olson’s view, adaptation is non-negotiable. “The pandemic has reshaped the way we work, live, and do business. If you’re not moving forward, you’ll be left behind,” he says. For BE, that forward motion means harnessing change to build a future that’s more agile, innovative, and people-centered.