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Acquisition Solutions, Arlington. This government contractor—which specializes in public-sector acquisition services—started years ago as a small, virtual firm. It now has more than 175 full-timers but still offers tremendous flexibility to employees—half of whom telecommute at least once a week.
Aquilent, Laurel. Employees at this federal contractor get satisfaction from the work—they might design a Web site that helps ill people find clinical trials. Aquilent takes care of its own, too, with subsidized yoga classes and profit sharing.
BCF Solutions, Chantilly. Staffers at this government contractor say management is caring. When a new health-care plan meant staff had to pay more, everyone got a raise.
College Hunks Hauling Junk, Rockville. Twentysomething employees like the fun atmosphere and that they can keep or sell any “junk” they haul—like vintage Playboys.
Corporate Network Services, Poolesville. Colleagues love the family feel at this IT-services firm. Art on the walls is by employees’ kids; the company sponsors the high-school prom. It’s won awards for being green.
Cvent, McLean. This fast-paced specialist in meeting-management software hires smart young people out of college, gives them responsibility, and promotes them quickly.
Definitive Logic, Arlington. Employees at this management and IT consultant keep up on technology with a monthly “meeting of the minds.” Also: work-at-home options and an annual Caribbean cruise.
EZGSA, Bethesda. The staff—which helps private firms with GSA schedules—gets together for family movie nights, roller derby, and poker. Dress is casual and the hours flexible.
Federal Management Partners, Alexandria. FMP, which helps the government manage human capital, takes care of its own: Eighty percent telecommute at least once a week.
GS5, Dumfries. Staffers at this government contractor feel well paid—more than half make more than $100,000 a year. They get together to camp, taste wine, run charity races.
Home Builders Institute, DC. Employees are inspired when their programs—which offer training in residential construction—turn around the lives of at-risk youth or help veterans. Also inspiring: chair massages, telecommuting, and compressed work weeks. The average tenure is 14 years.
IntegrityOne Partners, Reston. The firm’s growth—it doubled in staff, to more than 60, in the past two years—excites employees. Perks that also keep up energy: Redskins ticket lotteries, golf clinics, and paid commuting costs.
National Beer Wholesalers Association, Alexandria. This nonprofit advocates for beer distributors and for state-based alcohol regulation. What also gets staff hopped up: beer-education series and a fun office with vintage beer posters.
Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide, DC. Employees take pride in Ogilvy’s reputation and work—clients of the New York–based firm include the Lance Armstrong Foundation and DuPont. To stay connected, DC colleagues often talk instead of e-mail. Hours are long, but staffers get at least 28 vacation days.
Rand Corporation, Arlington. This California-based nonprofit studies important issues and provides policymakers with objective analysis—intellectual stimulation that staffers prize.
Veracity Engineering, DC. The engineers love the work—mostly for the Federal Aviation Administration, helping make air travel secure. They also like the diverse staff, high pay, and four-day-week option.
The Vision Council, Alexandria. This trade association for optical manufacturers and distributors has a vision for how to have fun: Staff activities have included watching The Office.
Volkswagen Group of America, Herndon. Driving events—some on the autobahn in Germany—let staffers test new cars; auto lease and purchase programs are another perk. The Herndon headquarters has a fitness center and cafeteria—and is closed between Christmas and New Year’s.
