Archived News
PINNACLE SOLUTIONS, INC. AWARDED 2010 WBCNA SMALL BUSINESS START-UP OF THE YEAR
Huntsville, Alabama (August 31, 2010) – Pinnacle Solutions, Inc. has been named as the Women’s Business Center of North Alabama (WBCNA) 2010 Small Business Start Up of the Year Award Winner. The award was announced at the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce 25th Annual Small Business Awards Gala held at the Von Braun Center.The WBCA created the Start-up of the Year award in 2007 as a way to recognize small business owners who implemented “best practices” when starting a new business and thus improving their chance for success. The recipient of this award should be a model for other start-ups to emulate. Pinnacle was selected from among six finalists by an independent panel of judges.
“We are honored to be recognized by the WBCNA as a model for other start-up businesses to emulate. Our goal has been to establish a level of excellence that would distinguish our organization in the eyes of our peers, our industry, and our customers,” said Michael Durant, President and CEO of Pinnacle Solutions, Inc.
PINNACLE SOLUTIONS, INC. AWARDED CECOM APX-123 COMMON TRANSPONDER EMULATOR TRAINING SOFTWARE CONTRACT
Huntsville, Alabama (July 29, 2010) – Pinnacle Solutions, Inc. (PSI) announces its partnership with CACI Technologies, Inc. to provide the Program Manager, Aviation Mission Equipment (PM AME) the APX-123 Common Transponder Emulator (CTE) Training Software. The software is in support of U.S. Army CECOM new equipment training and training support activities.“Hard work, early delivery and a superior training product makes us the solution of choice,” says Mike Durant, President of Pinnacle. Mr. Durant is referencing the latest delivery of the ARC-231 training software that was developed and delivered nearly six months ahead of schedule making Pinnacle the logical choice on this new effort. The APX-123 CTE Training Software is just the latest in product offerings for Pinnacle. In addition to desktop training solutions, Pinnacle also offers on-site simulator instructors/operators, courseware training development, software engineering solutions and program management support.
PINNACLE SOLUTIONS, INC. AWARDED PRIME CONTRACT UNDER NAVSEA SEAPORT-E PROGRAM
Huntsville, Alabama (July 22, 2010) – Pinnacle Solutions, Inc. (PSI) announces its prime contract award under SeaPort-e, a Naval Multiple Award Contract (MAC), giving Pinnacle the green light as a prime contractor on US Government opportunities. The contract maximum value is nearly $39 Billion over a five year base period.“Having a contract vehicle, such as SeaPort-e, puts Pinnacle center stage and in plain view of its customers,” says Mike Durant, President of Pinnacle. US Government customers have direct access to training solutions, flight simulation products, instructors, courseware and program management support, all through the click of a mouse. Customers wishing to use SeaPort-e as a contract vehicle to reach Pinnacle can visit the NAVSEA portal page online at www.seaport.navy.mil.
PINNACLE SOLUTIONS, INC. CONFIRMED AMONG TOP PERFORMERS BY OPEN RATINGS
Huntsville, Alabama (June 30, 2010) – Pinnacle Solutions, Inc. (PSI) received high customer feedback ratings in a Past Performance Evaluation (PPE) survey performed by Open Ratings, a Dun & Bradstreet company. Ratings range from 0 to 100. The firm received an overall Open Ratings score of 94. The company scored 96 or higher across all nine categories, with especially high marks for Reliability (98), Business Relations (98), Personnel (98), and Responsiveness/Delivery/Timeliness (97).Open Ratings helps thousands of companies secure contracts with large purchasing organizations, such as the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA), by verifying their performance with PPEs. The positive PPE results enable PSI to expand its ability to compete for additional government contracts.
Comments Mike Durant, Pinnacle Solutions’ President, “Because the performance results are based on actual customer responses to a third-party reviewer, we can confirm, objectively, that our team’s efforts to focus on quality and customer service have been noticed and appreciated. The fact that we ranked so high in our ratings underscores our commitment to the organization’s core mission to provide innovative technologies and superior results to our customers."
Download Pinnacle's Open Ratings Past Performance Evaluation (PDF)
PINNACLE SOLUTIONS, INC. WELCOMES SARAH MORRISON AS SUBCONTRACTS ADMINISTRATOR
Huntsville, Alabama (April 30, 2010) – Pinnacle Solutions, Inc., a Huntsville based training and simulation company, welcomes its newest employee, Sarah Morrison, to the team. Sarah will be filling the role as Subcontracts Administrator responsible for all procurement actions and managing vendor relationships. She brings with her more than 10 years experience and knowledge from the manufacturing, marketing and non-profit industries where her duties have included procurement and subcontracts.“Sarah has had a positive impact from the moment she walked through the door. We anticipate great things for her and for the company as we continue to expand our customer base and the partnerships that are essential in maintaining the high standards we set for all of our programs” said Michael Durant, President and CEO of Pinnacle Solutions, Inc.
Since its incorporation in 2008, Pinnacle Solutions, Inc. has grown from a small office with just two employees to more than twenty software engineers, system engineers and program management staff. Pinnacle provides engineering, support and training services; training system development and upgrades; as well as a variety of other aviation and engineering-related services to the Department of Defense (DoD), training system contractors, and weapon system OEMs.
PINNACLE SOLUTIONS, INC. AWARDED TACTICAL SITUATION AWARENESS OPERATOR TRAINING COURSEWARE DEVELOPMENT SUBCONTRACT
Huntsville, Alabama (March 22, 2010) – Pinnacle Solutions, Inc. announces its partnership with Sikorsky Aerospace Services to provide Tactical Situation Awareness Operator Training Courseware Development. Ken Sparks, who was recently promoted to Field Services Manager for Pinnacle, will oversee the program. For more information about Pinnacle Solutions, Inc. please contact Michael Durant at MDurant@pinnaclesolutionsinc.com.PINNACLE SOLUTIONS, INC. AWARDED CECOM ARC-231 TRAINING SOFTWARE SUBCONTRACT
Huntsville, Alabama (March 01, 2010) – Pinnacle Solutions, Inc., a Huntsville based Service Disabled, Veteran-Owned Small Business, announces its partnership with CACI Technologies, Inc. to provide the ARC-231 Desktop Trainer Software in support of U.S. Army CECOM new equipment training and training support activities. The subcontract’s period of performance runs through January 2011 and is valued at $416K.Since its incorporation in 2008, Pinnacle Solutions, Inc. has grown from a small office with just two employees to more than twenty software engineers, system engineers and program management staff. Pinnacle Solutions’ customers include other Huntsville area U.S. Government contracting firms such as Raytheon, CSC and Nova Technologies.
PINNACLE SOLUTIONS, INC. ANNOUNCES THE PROMOTION OF JAMES OHLMAN TO SOFTWARE LEAD SUPPORTING SOF TEAMS
Huntsville, Alabama (January 15, 2010) – Pinnacle Solutions, Inc. is pleased to announce the promotion of James Ohlman to the position of Software Lead, based in Ft. Campbell, KY. Mr. Ohlman will be responsible for all SOF TEAMS training devices at the 160th SOAR(A) which include the AH/MH-6 LASAR, MH-47E, MH-60K, MH-47G and MH-60L CAAS devices.“These systems play a critical role in providing a much needed training capability for Special Operations Aviation. Considering the quantity and complexity of these simulators, assuming the Software Lead position on site is a significant accomplishment, and one that is well deserved. There is little doubt that James’ technical ability, leadership skills and work ethic will lead to more great things for our customer and for Pinnacle.” said Michael Durant, President and CEO of Pinnacle Solutions, Inc.
Mr. Ohlman brings a knowledge base that includes avionics and mission equipment systems used on Army Special Operations aircraft. Mr. Ohlman holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Professional Aeronautics from Austin Peay University in Clarksville, TN. Mr. Ohlman joined Pinnacle Solutions in April of 2009 as a Software Engineer supporting the SOF TEAMS contract.
For more information please contact Program Manager, Michael Durant at MDurant@pinnaclesolutionsinc.com.
PINNACLE SOLUTIONS, INC. ANNOUNCES THE PROMOTION OF CHRISTINE BELDNER TO OPERATIONS MANAGER
Huntsville, Alabama (January 15, 2010) – Pinnacle Solutions, Inc. is pleased to announce the promotion of Christine Beldner to Operations Manager. In addition to her current responsibilities which include the Human Resources, Security and Administrative departments, she will assume responsibility for the Information Technology, Corporate Communications, Logistics and Facility departments.“Christine has had a tremendous impact on all aspects of Pinnacle Solutions’ operations; she is a valued member of the leadership team and will no doubt have continued success in this new role,” said Michael Durant, President and CEO of Pinnacle Solutions, Inc.
Ms. Beldner joined Pinnacle Solutions during its founding year, 2008, as the Office Manager. Ms. Beldner received a Bachelor of Science in the Management of Human Resources (MHR) from Faulkner University. She is serving as the 2010 Treasurer for the North Alabama Society for Human Resource Management, a member of NCMS The Society of Industrial Security Professionals, and a member of the Tennessee Valley Chapter Army Aviation Association of America.
For more information please contact Program Manager, Michael Durant at MDurant@pinnaclesolutionsinc.com.
PINNACLE SOLUTIONS, INC. PROVIDES ARC-231 RADIO SIMULATION TO FLIGHTSAFETY INTERNATIONAL
Huntsville, Alabama (September 30, 2009) – Pinnacle Solutions, Inc. is pleased to announce the award of a contract with FlightSafety International, Inc. to modify four A/MC-130 Flight Simulators with ARC-231 radio HW/SW kits for the Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) at Hurlburt Field, FL. Pinnacle contributes this win to the tremendous work our engineering team has done in developing this simulation and the close relationship we’ve established with the ARC-231 Original Equipment Manufacturer, Raytheon. For more information please contact Program Manager, Jimmy Moore at JMoore@pinnaclesolutionsinc.com.PINNACLE CO-OWNER IS RECERTIFIED AS A MODELING AND SIMULATION PROFESSIONAL BY THE NATIONAL TRAINING SYSTEMS ASSOCIATION (NTSA)
Huntsville, Alabama (August 31, 2009) – Pinnacle Solutions, Inc. would like to congratulate Jimmy Moore, Vice President of Operations, upon receipt of his recertification as a Certified Modeling and Simulation Professional (CMSP) by the National Training Systems Association. The guidelines for determining professional competency cover: model-based disciplines such as physics, engineering human behavior, or biology; the use of empirical based methodologies such as statistics and experiment design; and computer technology and computer science. In addition to these core competencies, a professional must exhibit a degree of knowledge supporting a common basis for communications, cooperation and methodical exchanges across the diverse M&S community. “Mr. Moore’s dedication to modeling and simulation has always gone farther than industry standards; he continually seeks to be ahead of M&S trends therefore enhancing Pinnacle’s abilities to provide our customers with innovative and cost effective solutions that exceed customers’ expectations", said Mike Durant, President of Pinnacle Solutions, Inc. For more information about the CMSP certification please visit www.simprofessional.org.PINNACLE SOLUTIONS, INC. WINS SUBCONTRACT TO UPGRADE UH-60 CEPT AT FT. RUCKER, AL
Huntsville, Alabama (June 11, 2009) – Pinnacle Solutions, Inc. has been awarded a subcontract to upgrade and modify three UH-60L Cockpit Emergency Procedures Trainers for the Utility Helicopter Program Office. These devices are used heavily at Ft. Rucker in support of primary aircraft qualification and other UH-60L training courses. The Pinnacle portion of the task includes computer software re-host, cockpit instrumentation upgrade, and Instructor Operator Station (IOS) upgrades. For more information please contact Program Manager, Jimmy Moore at JMoore@pinnaclesolutionsinc.com.PINNACLE SOLUTIONS, INC. WINS T-BOS INSTRUCTOR/OPERATOR STATION UPGRADE SUBCONTRACT
Huntsville, Alabama (May 8, 2009) – Pinnacle Solutions, Inc. has been awarded a subcontract to support the Transportable Blackhawk Operation Simulator (T-BOS) Instructor/Operator Station (IOS) upgrade project. This project involves upgrading the IOS software for existing T-BOS devices and integrating a new image generator channel to support tasks like sling load and shipboard operations. For more information please contact Program Manager, Jimmy Moore at JMoore@pinnaclesolutionsinc.com.PINNACLE SOLUTIONS, INC. WINS SOF TEAMS SUBCONTRACT
Huntsville, Alabama (February 17, 2009) – Pinnacle Solutions, Inc. has been awarded a subcontract with Nova Technologies to support Special Operations Forces Mission Rehearsal and Training Support (SOF TEAMS). This effort fulfills the Department of the Army, U.S Army Program Executive Office for Simulation, Training and Instrumentation's (PEO STRI), requirement for providing a services contract to support the hardware and software maintenance, logistics, administration, and minor engineering enhancements to the Training Aids, Devices, Simulators, and Simulations (TADSS) that support the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne) (SOAR(A)) located at Fort Campbell, KY. For more information please contact Program Manager, Michael Durant at MDurant@pinnaclesolutionsinc.com.PINNACLE SOLUTIONS, INC. WINS SUBCONTRACT TO SUPPORT THE INTEGRATION OF FORCE XXI BATTLE COMMAND, BRIGADE AND BELOW BLUE FORCE TRACKING–AVIATION (FBCB2/BFT-AVN) AND JOINT BATTLE COMMAND – PLATFORM (JBC-P) SYSTEMS ONTO SPECIAL OPERATIONS AIRCRAFT
Huntsville, Alabama (December 19, 2008) – Pinnacle Solutions, Inc. (PSI) proudly announces the win of a subcontract through CACI International, Inc. Strategic Services Sourcing (S3) contract to provide program management, systems engineering, design, and test support for the integration of Force XXI Battle Command, Brigade and Below Blue Force Tracking–Aviation (FBCB2/BFT-AVN) and Joint Battle Command – Platform (JBC-P) systems onto Special Operations Aircraft. For more information please contact Program Manager, Michael Durant at MDurant@pinnaclesolutionsinc.com.PINNACLE SOLUTIONS, INC. WINS SUBCONTRACT TO PROVIDE WARFIGHTER FIELD OPERATIONS CUSTOMER SUPPORT
Huntsville, Alabama (November 15, 2008) – Pinnacle Solutions, Inc. (PSI) is proud to announce the subcontract win to provide Training Aids, Devices, Simulators and Simulations (TADSS) Instructor Operator training support world-wide. Under this subcontract, PSI is providing fully qualified Instructor Pilots/ Instrument Flight Examiners (IE) to serve as CH-47F Cargo Helicopter Transportable Flight Proficiency Trainer (TFPS) and UH-60M Transportable Black Hawk Operations Simulator (T-BOS) Instructor/Operators. PSI appreciates the opportunity to provide direct support to our soldiers serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) missions. For more information please contact Program Manager, Michael Durant at MDurant@pinnaclesolutionsinc.com.PINNACLE SOLUTIONS RELOCATES TO NEW OFFICES
Huntsville, Alabama (November 05, 2008) - Pinnacle Solutions, Inc., a Huntsville based Service-Disabled, Veteran-Owned Small Business, announced it has relocated it’s corporate headquarters to 470 Providence Main Street, Suite 301, Huntsville, AL 35806.“This was a necessary move for the company. We needed to find space that would allow for our continued growth”, said Jimmy Moore, Vice President of Operations for Pinnacle Solutions, Inc. “The Village of Providence is a terrific location that is convenient for our customers and employees and allows us to continue to expand our operations in the Huntsville area” added Moore.
Pinnacle Solutions provides program management, systems and software engineering and support services; training and flight simulation products, training device upgrades and modifications as well as a variety of other aviation and engineering related services to the Department of Defense, Training System Prime Contractors and aircraft and weapon system Original Equipment Manufacturers. The company’s Web site at www.pinnaclesolutionsinc.com contains more information about the company.
The Village of Providence is conveniently located just off Highway 72, a major artery for west Huntsville, and just west of Cummings Research Park. More information about the Village of Providence is located on the community’s web site a www.villageofprovidence.com.
MICHAEL DURANT INDUCTED INTO THE ARMY AVIATION HALL OF FAME
Washington, DC (April 8, 2008) - Chief Warrant Officer 4 (Ret) Michael J. Durant, President of Pinnacle Solutions, Inc. was inducted into the Army Aviation Hall of Fame at a ceremony held at the 2008 AAAA National Convention held at the Gaylord National Harbor Resort In Washington D.C. The 2008 AAHOF inductees also included General (Ret) Bryan "Doug" Brown, former commander of the 160th regiment, commander of the Joint Special Operations Command, and retired as the Commanding General of U.S. Special Operations Command and Major General (Ret) Clyde "Lou" Hennies, who commanded Task Force 160 (now the 160th SOAR) and the Army Safety Center before serving as the Adjutant General of Alabama's Army and Air National Guard Forces. This marked the first time in it's history that the AAHOF has inducted a class who are all former 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment "Nightstalkers".PINNACLE SOLUTIONS HIRES ANDY FERRELL AS DIRECTOR OF ENGINEERING
Huntsville, Alabama (March 3, 2008) - Pinnacle Solutions, Inc., a Huntsville based Service-Disabled, Veteran-Owned Small Business, announced the hiring of Andy Ferrell as Director of Engineering. He will be responsible for technical direction and oversight of the planning and administration of engineering design and development of training system applications, devices and products in order to ensure engineering and design quality standards are met and to ensure consistency in meeting project goals.“We are lucky to have someone of Andy’s background and expertise join our staff,” said Mike Durant, President of Pinnacle Solutions. “Andy is a perfect fit for us, as we deliberately grow our engineering capabilities.”
Andy comes to us from SAIC, where he was a Systems Engineer for the Multiple Unified Simulation Environment / Air Force Synthetic Environment for Reconnaissance and Surveillance (MUSE/AFSERS) at the Joint Training Center / Systems Integration Laboratory (JTC/SIL). Prior to this, Andy was with Rockwell Collins Simulation and Training Solutions where he was Senior Engineering Manager for the Transportable Black Hawk Operations Simulator (T-BOS) UH60M First Unit Equipped Upgrade Program.
Andy earned a B.S. in Computer Science from Tennessee State University. He has over 20 years of Systems and Software Design, Development, Integration, Verification, Validation and Test experience.