http://www.sys-con.com/read/389691.htm"I commend our employees and subcontractors, our State Department colleagues, the state and local representatives, and all of the other individuals who were so instrumental in preparing the facility to be operational so quickly," said Phil Nolan, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Stanley. "We look forward to contributing to the successful future of the Arkansas Passport Center."
"With the opening of the Center, the State Department will significantly increase their production capacity to meet growing demand and provide timely services to the American public," said Eric Wolking, vice president of Stanley's federal agency programs.
The Department of State established the APC in response to the anticipated rise in passport demand resulting from the new passport rules of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative. It is anticipated that over 17 million passports will be produced in fiscal year 2007, compared with 12 million in fiscal year 2006.
Maura Harty, the Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs and the Governor of Arkansas, Mike Beebe, will be in attendance at the ribbon cutting, as well as the Mayor of Hot Springs, Mike Bush, and other government officials.
Upon winning the 10-year contract in October 2006, Stanley had 120 days to open the new facility and begin production. The company reviewed 370 metropolitan areas over a six-month period and chose Hot Springs because of its strong local labor force, its proximity to transportation hubs, and the deep involvement of state and local government officials. The shell of the facility was built in 2003 and is owned by the Garland County Economic Development Corporation (GCEDC).