Columbia-based government software firm GCOM acquires Northern Virginia’s Qlarion

Columbia-based GCOM, a software company focused on enhancing operational performance of state and local governments, acquired Reston, Virgnia-based data analytics and business intelligence firm Qlarion, the companies said on Wednesday.

It means GCOM will be able to offer additional insights to its customers. Following the deal, Qlarion will serve as the data analytics arm of GCOM, and add analytics to the company’s software-as-a-service products.

The acquisition came together as data governance and civic-minded tech innovations became more valuable as they provided solutions to pandemic-related issues. GCOM sees that happening with Qlarion’s Framework for Addiction Analysis and Community Transformation (FAACT) in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The cross-agency data-sharing initiative helps communities in Virginia combat opioid addiction, and was expanded to assist in Virginia’s COVID response.

“Liberating data will enable governments, at all levels, to make more informed decisions, creating better outcomes for their constituents,” said Kamal Bherwani, CEO of GCOM, in a statement. “Qlarion’s analytics will amplify GCOM’s mission to support our government partners to improve population well-being, promote equity, and drive economic growth.”

GCOM works with 22 states including Maryland. The company is responsible for Maryland OneStop portal, where residents can go for permits and licenses. GCOM also created the data center infrastructure for the Maryland Department of Health. Across several states, its technology supports 2.7 million mothers, infants and children as part of the WIC program.

“We believe in the power of data to help transform government services and we are looking forward to having a broader reach as we join forces with GCOM,” said Qlarion CEO Jake Bittner.

The acquisition will not change the company structure of Qlarion. It will continue to be managed by Bittner and its current executive team, as it will operate as a separate business unit based out of offices in Reston and Richmond, Virginia.

This is the fifth acquisition in three years for GCOM, including Maryland-based Three Sigma Software and GANTECH in 2018 and 2019, respectively. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.