About the Fast 50

We explain the methodology behind the creation of the 2011 Washington Technology Fast 50.

We compile the annual Fast 50 rankings through a process of nominations and data analysis.

We put a call out for nominations in early May with forms due by June 13. This year we received more than 100 applications.

Companies submit five years of government contracting revenue, which is then calculated to determine a five-year compound annual growth rate. The companies are then ranked by that rate, not by overall revenue. That’s why you might see a company with lower revenue ranked higher than a larger company. The revenue data supplied covers companies prime and subcontracting work in the federal, state and local markets.

As part of their submissions, companies supply an accountant’s certification for their revenue or other supporting documents such as tax returns.

To be considered, companies also must be a small business according to one of the myriad small business categories the government uses. Many of the companies on this year’s list are either 8(a) or veteran-owned.

Here, you can examine the Fast 50 according to their compound annual growth rate and overall revenue. We also have more information on company leadership and other data.