West Point Engineers (WEP)
The Kentucky APEX Accelerator is proud to continue our feature of 10 client profiles from the last 10 years to help celebrate a decade of making government contracting easier for Kentucky businesses.
For September, meet a company who began working with us this year - West Point Engineers (WPE) headquartered in Louisville.
WPE is a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) that provides full-service architecture, engineering, force protection design and project management services. With 11 employees, a network of specialized subcontractors and branch offices nationwide, WPE serves federal, state and local government clients across the country.
WPE was founded in 2006 by Blaine Van Gansbeke, a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point where he earned a degree in civil engineering with a focus on structural engineering. After graduation, Van Gansbeke served five years as an active-duty officer in the U.S. Army, including service with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and other units. He completed two tours in Iraq and was awarded the Bronze Star for his service.
After leaving active duty, Van Gansbeke continued his commitment to serving his country through the engineering profession. He earned his Professional Engineer (PE) license and is licensed in more than 20 states. He later earned an MBA from Auburn University and holds multiple professional credentials, including Project Management Professional (PMP), Land Surveyor in Training (LSIT), LEED Green Associate and ASIS Physical Security Professional (PSP). His project experience spans several U.S. states, as well as Kuwait and Iraq.
That foundation of military service, engineering expertise and commitment to public service continues to shape WPE’s mission today. Enhancing veterans’ lives through the design, improvement and reconditioning of VA medical campuses across the country is central to that mission. For 20 years, WPE has provided architecture and engineering design services for numerous U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs facilities nationwide. WPE’s experience also extends beyond the federal sector to support state and local government agencies and civilian clients with a diverse range of design needs.
WPE's capabilities include site civil, structural, electrical and mechanical engineering; architecture and interior design; fire protection design; force protection and security design and project management. Specialized force protection capabilities include Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED), security camera design, risk mitigation measures, structural hardening and federal, state and civilian force protection.
Government contracting has played an important role in WPE's growth and development. Federal contracting opportunities have enabled the company to expand its national project portfolio, strengthen its technical capabilities and develop the operational infrastructure necessary to successfully execute complex government projects. WPE continues to build upon that experience while expanding opportunities with federal, state and local government clients.
The Kentucky APEX Accelerator has become a valuable resource as WPE continues to strengthen its government contracting strategy and prepare for its next chapter of growth. Van Gansbeke said, “The Kentucky APEX Accelerator has provided WPE with knowledgeable guidance and valuable resources as we continue to expand within the government marketplace. Having a Kentucky resource that understands both small business and the complexities of government contracting is invaluable as we pursue new opportunities and position WPE for continued growth."
As WPE celebrates 20 years in business, the company remains committed to the mission upon which it was founded: delivering excellence in design, improving critical infrastructure and continuing a proud tradition of veterans serving veterans.
To learn more about West Point Engineers, visit West Point Engineers, LLC.
To learn more about how the Kentucky APEX Accelerator team can help support your company's government contracting success, visit us at kyapex.com.