Unanet

https://unanet.com/

Unanet, headquartered in Dulles, Virginia, is a leading provider of AI-first Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software purpose-built for project-based businesses. Operating with a core mission to simplify business operations and empower leaders to make confident, real-time decisions, Unanet unifies financials, projects, and pursuits with built-in automation and compliance. The company exclusively serves the highly specialized needs of government contractors (GovCons) and architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) firms, helping over 4,200 customers seamlessly manage their entire project lifecycles—from initial pipeline and proposal generation through to project delivery and profit realization.

The company's core product ecosystem is built around its specialized Unanet ERP and Unanet CRM platforms, enhanced by Unanet Connect, an integration marketplace that connects the software to hundreds of best-in-class third-party applications. Most notably, Unanet is currently executing an aggressive transition into an "AI-first" solution provider. This strategy is highlighted by the recent launch of Champ AI™, a proprietary natural-language copilot platform featuring agentic capabilities. With integrated AI tools like ProposalAI and OpportuneAI, Unanet allows GovCon and AEC firms to generate first-draft proposals up to 70% faster, automate invoice processing, and execute complex ERP queries instantly using plain language.

Currently guided by CEO Craig Halliday alongside Chief Innovation Officer Steve Karp, Unanet is heavily focused on market expansion and accelerating its autonomous AI roadmap. Moving through the first quarter of 2026, the company demonstrated exceptional momentum following a year of double-digit growth. In March 2026, Unanet was awarded the prestigious Artificial Intelligence Excellence Award for AI Orchestration by The Business Intelligence Group, formally recognizing the profound impact of Champ AI on enterprise workflows. Furthermore, the company recently expanded its strategic partnership with Xpedeon into North America to deliver a robust, end-to-end ERP and CRM solution tailored specifically for the construction industry, ensuring Unanet remains the indispensable digital backbone for project-driven organizations.

Latest updates

Unanet Wins Awards, Highlights AI Integration in Project-Based ERP

Event summary

  • Unanet received a Silver Stevie Award for 'An AI-based Culture of Innovation' and a Bronze Stevie Award for 'Best AI-Powered Product or Service' for ProposalAI.
  • The American Business Awards received over 3,700 nominations this year.
  • ProposalAI automates RFP analysis, accelerates content creation, and improves compliance and accuracy for Unanet's customers.
  • Unanet serves over 4,200 government contractor, architecture, engineering, and construction firms.
  • The awards ceremony will be held on June 9, 2026, in New York.

The big picture

Unanet's awards underscore the growing importance of AI in project-based businesses, particularly within the GovCon and AEC sectors. The company's focus on embedding AI directly into its ERP and CRM platform, rather than as a standalone feature, represents a strategic differentiation. This approach aims to address the specific needs of complex, regulated environments where precision and accountability are paramount, but also carries the risk of slower adoption if not managed effectively.

What we're watching

Competitive Landscape
The recognition of Unanet's AI-first approach will likely intensify competition within the project-based ERP space, forcing other vendors to accelerate their AI integration strategies or risk obsolescence.
Regulatory Scrutiny
As Unanet expands its AI capabilities, particularly within regulated industries like GovCon, increased scrutiny regarding data privacy, security, and algorithmic bias is probable.
Customer Adoption
The success of ProposalAI and Unanet's broader AI strategy hinges on the willingness of its customer base to adopt and integrate these new tools into their existing workflows, which could be a barrier to full realization of the benefits.

Unanet Doubles Down on AI, Targets AEC Market Amid Project-Based Business Headwinds

Event summary

  • Unanet hosted its annual 'Champions 2026' conference in San Diego this week, focused on AI advancements and growth strategies for project-based businesses.
  • GrowthStudio, Unanet’s AI-first growth platform, is now generally available and will be extended to the AEC market by late 2026.
  • Unanet is expanding its 'Champ' agentic AI platform to GovCon ERP and CRM, slated for release later this year.
  • The company is accelerating its FedRAMP Moderate Cloud compliance efforts to address intensifying cybersecurity requirements and CMMC deadlines.

The big picture

Unanet's Champions 2026 conference underscores the growing pressure on project-based businesses to leverage AI for competitive advantage amidst evolving regulatory landscapes and persistent talent shortages. The company's focus on GrowthStudio and Champ signals a strategic pivot towards becoming a comprehensive AI-powered growth platform, targeting both the established GovCon market and the expanding AEC sector. This expansion comes at a time when project-based businesses are facing margin pressures and increased scrutiny, making efficient AI adoption critical for survival.

What we're watching

AEC Adoption
The success of GrowthStudio’s expansion into the AEC market will hinge on Unanet’s ability to tailor the platform’s complexity to the specific needs of smaller firms, who often lack dedicated AI expertise.
Regulatory Risk
The accelerated FedRAMP compliance timeline introduces execution risk, and delays could hinder Unanet’s ability to serve key government clients.
AI Integration
The full integration of the Champ agentic AI platform across Unanet’s ERP and CRM offerings will determine whether the company can deliver on its promise of significantly improved decision-making and operational efficiency.

Unanet's AI-Powered GrowthStudio Wins Industry Recognition

Event summary

  • Unanet's GrowthStudio AI platform received the 2026 CUSTOMER Product of the Year Award.
  • GrowthStudio is specifically designed for government contractors (GovCons) to automate business development and proposal processes.
  • The platform leverages Unanet's Champ AI to analyze past performance data and improve capture lifecycle predictability.
  • Unanet serves over 4,200 clients, including government contractors, architecture, engineering, and construction firms.

The big picture

Unanet's recognition highlights the growing demand for AI-powered solutions within the government contracting space, where efficiency and compliance are paramount. The award validates Unanet's strategy of embedding AI directly into its ERP and growth software, rather than relying on generic AI tools. This focus on purpose-built AI could become a key differentiator as the broader market adopts AI across various business functions.

What we're watching

Market Penetration
The award may accelerate GrowthStudio adoption within the GovCon sector, but Unanet must demonstrate tangible ROI to maintain momentum and expand beyond its current client base.
Competitive Landscape
While GrowthStudio is purpose-built, broader CRM and AI platforms will likely incorporate similar features, requiring Unanet to continually differentiate its offering and Champ AI's capabilities.
Compliance Risk
As GrowthStudio handles sensitive data and processes for government contractors, Unanet must proactively address evolving compliance requirements and security threats to maintain trust and avoid regulatory scrutiny.

Unanet Bolsters AI Capabilities, Secures FedRAMP in Strong Q1

Event summary

  • Unanet released Champ™ for ERP, an AI-powered tool for architecture and engineering firms, alongside GrowthStudio for GovCons.
  • The company achieved FedRAMP Moderate Equivalency for its ERP GovCon solution, enabling broader government contractor adoption.
  • Unanet expanded its partnership with Xpedeon America Inc. into North America, integrating CRM and construction ERP capabilities.
  • Unanet received the 2026 Artificial Intelligence Excellence Award for AI Orchestration.

The big picture

Unanet's Q1 performance underscores the growing demand for AI-powered solutions within project-based businesses, particularly in the GovCon and AEC sectors. The FedRAMP certification and partnership expansion signal an intent to capitalize on this trend, but the company's ability to deliver tangible value through its AI offerings and maintain compliance will be crucial for sustained growth in a market facing economic headwinds and increasing regulatory scrutiny.

What we're watching

AI Integration
The success of Champ™ for ERP and GrowthStudio will hinge on user adoption and demonstrable productivity gains within AE firms and GovCons, respectively, which will dictate the ROI and expansion of Unanet’s AI offerings.
FedRAMP Impact
The FedRAMP certification will likely accelerate Unanet’s penetration within the government contracting sector, but the company must now manage the ongoing compliance burden and potential audits.
Partnership Synergy
The North American expansion of the Unanet-Xpedeon partnership will be tested by differing market dynamics and integration complexities, potentially impacting the unified solution's appeal to construction firms.

Unanet's Agentic AI Strategy Signals ERP Evolution

Event summary

  • Unanet received the 2026 Artificial Intelligence Excellence Award for AI Orchestration.
  • Steve Karp, Unanet's Chief Innovation Officer, was recognized as an Outstanding AI Professional finalist.
  • Unanet's 'Champ AI' platform utilizes natural language processing and agentic capabilities to automate tasks and workflows.
  • Champ for AE ERP, powered by Wyatt, helps architect and engineering firms analyze ERP data and automate workflows.
  • Unanet serves over 4,200 government contractor, architecture, engineering, and construction firms.

The big picture

Unanet's recognition highlights a shift in the AI landscape, moving beyond model selection to the orchestration of AI systems within core business processes. The focus on agentic AI, which automates tasks and adapts to changing conditions, represents a significant advancement in ERP functionality. This trend suggests that AI is evolving from a supplementary tool to a foundational element of enterprise software, particularly within project-based industries.

What we're watching

Agentic Adoption
The broader adoption of agentic AI within ERP systems will likely accelerate as demonstrated by Unanet's success, potentially reshaping workflows across project-based businesses.
Data Governance
The emphasis on 'secure access to the ERP and CRM system of record' suggests increased scrutiny and regulatory pressure around AI-driven data usage and compliance within project-based organizations.
Competitive Response
Other ERP providers will need to rapidly develop and integrate comparable agentic AI capabilities to avoid losing market share to Unanet and similar AI-first solutions.

Unanet Expands Construction ERP Partnership to North America

Event summary

  • Unanet and Xpedeon America are extending their partnership, previously successful in the UK, to North America.
  • The collaboration integrates Unanet’s CRM with Xpedeon’s construction-specific ERP platform.
  • The combined solution aims to provide end-to-end capabilities for construction firms, from opportunity to delivery.
  • Xpedeon has 30 years of industry experience and a global footprint across the UK, GCC, and India.
  • Unanet serves over 4,200 project-based businesses, including AEC firms.

The big picture

The construction industry has long been characterized by fragmented workflows and data silos. This partnership addresses a critical pain point by offering a unified platform, but the sector’s inherent conservatism and resistance to digital transformation present a significant hurdle. The move signals a broader trend of specialized software providers seeking to expand their reach through strategic partnerships, particularly as larger ERP vendors struggle to cater to niche industry needs.

What we're watching

Market Adoption
The success of this partnership hinges on North American construction firms’ willingness to adopt integrated CRM and ERP solutions, a segment that has historically lagged behind other industries.
Competitive Landscape
The North American construction software market is crowded; Unanet and Xpedeon will need to demonstrate a clear differentiation in functionality and value to gain significant market share.
Integration Risk
Despite prior success in the UK, integrating two distinct platforms across different geographies carries inherent risks related to data compatibility, user training, and ongoing support.

Hagerman Group Modernizes Business Development with Unanet CRM

Event summary

  • The Hagerman Group, a $600M+ construction firm (ranked #400 by ENR), has selected Unanet CRM AEC to replace its existing CRM system.
  • Hagerman aims to improve its win rate by 10% through modernized business development processes.
  • The integration of Unanet’s CRM will initially focus on business development, with marketing integration planned within a year.
  • Ray Van Amburg, VP of Business Development at Hagerman, spearheaded the selection of Unanet, having prior experience with the platform.

The big picture

The Hagerman Group's move to Unanet reflects a broader trend among large construction firms to modernize their business development processes and leverage technology to improve efficiency and win rates. The AEC sector is increasingly adopting AI-powered tools to manage complex projects and gain a competitive edge. This adoption is driven by the need to optimize resource allocation and improve decision-making in a challenging economic environment.

What we're watching

Execution Risk
The success of this initiative hinges on Hagerman’s ability to effectively integrate Unanet’s CRM and drive adoption across its business development and marketing teams, which could be challenging given the firm's size and history with legacy systems.
Competitive Landscape
Unanet’s win against competing CRM providers highlights the increasing demand for AI-powered solutions within the AEC sector, potentially intensifying competition among CRM vendors.
Growth Trajectory
The stated goal of a 10% win rate improvement will be a key indicator of Unanet’s value proposition and Hagerman’s overall growth strategy, and whether the investment delivers the anticipated ROI.

Unanet Embeds AI 'Copilot' for Architecture Firms, Addressing Data Analysis Gap

Event summary

  • Unanet launched Champ™ for ERP, an AI copilot powered by Wyatt, specifically for architecture and engineering (AE) firms.
  • The tool aims to address a data analysis gap, as nearly half of AEC firms reported inadequate tools in a 2025 survey.
  • Champ for ERP provides natural language querying, automated workflows, and agentic capabilities within Unanet's ERP system.
  • Early customer AE Works highlighted the tool's ability to provide recommendations and deeper analysis beyond basic reporting.
  • The product is built on a 'governed reasoning layer' emphasizing security, auditability, and role-based permissions.

The big picture

Unanet's move signals a broader trend of ERP vendors embedding AI to address specific industry pain points, particularly in sectors like AEC where data analysis has historically been a bottleneck. The partnership with Wyatt and the focus on 'agentic' AI suggest a shift beyond simple reporting towards proactive, automated workflows. This offering attempts to capitalize on the pent-up demand for AI solutions within the AEC sector, which has been slow to adopt advanced technologies.

What we're watching

Customer Adoption
The success of Champ for ERP hinges on broader adoption within Unanet's existing AE customer base, as demonstrated early feedback is crucial for long-term value.
Competitive Response
Other ERP providers serving the AEC sector will likely accelerate their own AI integration efforts, potentially intensifying competition for Unanet's market share.
Integration Risk
The seamless integration of Wyatt's agentic AI capabilities into Unanet's existing ERP platform will be critical to avoid disruption and maintain user trust.

Unanet's AI Push Fuels Double-Digit Revenue Growth, Lands Major AI Client

Event summary

  • Unanet achieved double-digit revenue growth in 2025.
  • The company acquired Contraqer and integrated it into an AI-powered tool called GovIntel.
  • Unanet launched several AI-focused products including OpportuneAI, ProposalAI, Champ AI™, and GrowthStudio.
  • Unanet secured FedRAMP Moderate Equivalency for its ERP GovCon solution in January 2026.
  • Unanet landed the world's largest AI company as a new customer in 2025.

The big picture

Unanet's aggressive push into AI-powered solutions appears to be paying off, capitalizing on the growing demand for automation and efficiency within the government contracting and AEC industries. The acquisition of Contraqer and subsequent product launches signal a strategic shift towards becoming a full-suite AI platform, potentially positioning Unanet to capture a larger share of a rapidly expanding market. Securing the world's largest AI company as a customer validates this strategy but also increases scrutiny of Unanet's ability to scale and support enterprise-level deployments.

What we're watching

AI Adoption
The success of Unanet’s AI-first strategy hinges on customer adoption and demonstrable ROI, which will be critical to justifying the investments made in 2025 and 2026.
GovCon Spending
Continued government spending on technology, particularly within the GovCon sector, will be a key driver of Unanet’s growth, and any shifts in priorities could significantly impact future performance.
Competitive Landscape
The emergence of competing AI-powered solutions within the ERP and CRM space will likely intensify, requiring Unanet to continually innovate and differentiate its offerings to maintain its market position.

Unanet Conference Signals AI Integration Push in GovCon, AEC

Event summary

  • Unanet's Champions conference, now in its 19th year, will be held April 20-23, 2026, in San Diego.
  • The conference anticipates over 1,000 attendees, including sponsors and partners, focused on GovCon and AEC industries.
  • Keynote speaker Robyn Benincasa, a world champion adventure racer, will focus on team building and resilience.
  • The agenda emphasizes leveraging AI-powered business tools to streamline processes and improve project outcomes.

The big picture

Unanet's Champions conference highlights the ongoing pressure on GovCon and AEC firms to adopt AI and improve operational efficiency. The event's focus on team building and resilience suggests a recognition of the challenges associated with rapid technological change and the need to upskill the workforce. With over 4,200 clients, Unanet's success is tied to the broader health of these project-driven industries and their ability to navigate a complex regulatory and competitive landscape.

What we're watching

AI Integration
The effectiveness of Unanet's AI-focused product innovations in driving tangible improvements in customer project outcomes will be a key indicator of their competitive positioning.
Customer Retention
Given the reliance on project-based revenue, Unanet's ability to retain existing customers amidst increasing competition will be crucial for sustained growth.
Market Saturation
The GovCon and AEC markets are increasingly crowded; Unanet's strategy to differentiate itself and maintain market share will be under scrutiny.

Unanet Automates GovCon Growth with AI-Powered GrowthStudio

Event summary

  • Unanet launched GrowthStudio in January 2026, an AI-first growth automation platform targeting small and mid-sized government contractors (GovCons).
  • GrowthStudio aims to streamline opportunity identification, capture, pipeline management, and proposal development for GovCons.
  • The platform incorporates Unanet’s Champ AI copilot, which unifies data, provides recommendations, and assists in proposal writing with human oversight.
  • GrowthStudio will be available in Spring 2026 and is positioned as an alternative to generic CRMs and disconnected tools.

The big picture

Small and mid-sized GovCons are facing increasing pressure to grow within a constrained federal market, characterized by budget limitations, heightened competition, and evolving regulatory requirements. Unanet’s GrowthStudio addresses a clear pain point by offering an integrated AI-powered solution designed to automate key growth processes and improve efficiency, but its success depends on overcoming adoption barriers and navigating potential competitive responses.

What we're watching

Adoption Rate
The success of GrowthStudio hinges on its adoption rate among GovCons, who may be resistant to new platforms or lack the resources for implementation and training.
Competitive Response
Existing GovCon software providers will likely respond to GrowthStudio's entry into the market, potentially leading to price wars or feature parity, which could erode Unanet’s competitive advantage.
AI Dependency
Over-reliance on Champ AI could create vulnerabilities if the AI’s accuracy or reliability is compromised, or if regulatory scrutiny of AI in government contracting intensifies.

Unanet Secures FedRAMP Equivalency, Bolstering GovCon Security Posture

Event summary

  • Unanet has achieved FedRAMP Moderate Equivalency for its ERP GovCon solution.
  • The certification, validated by ControlCase, provides equivalent security controls to FedRAMP Authorization.
  • Unanet is pursuing FedRAMP Moderate Equivalency for its CRM GovCon, GovIntel, and ProposalAI solutions by the second half of 2026.
  • Several Unanet customers have recently passed CMMC Level 2 Audits.

The big picture

The FedRAMP Moderate Equivalency certification is a crucial step for Unanet, demonstrating its commitment to serving the government contracting market, which is increasingly subject to stringent cybersecurity regulations like CMMC and DFARS. This certification reduces friction for potential clients and positions Unanet favorably in a competitive landscape where security is a key differentiator. The move signals a broader trend of software providers prioritizing compliance to secure government contracts.

What we're watching

Compliance Costs
The ongoing investment required to maintain FedRAMP Moderate Equivalency and pursue further certifications across Unanet's product suite could impact profitability margins, particularly as the company expands its compliance efforts.
CMMC Adoption
The speed and rigor with which the Department of Defense implements and enforces the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) will directly influence the value of Unanet’s compliance offerings and its ability to retain and attract government contractor clients.
Competitive Landscape
The increasing prevalence of FedRAMP compliance among GovCon software providers will likely intensify competition, potentially pressuring Unanet to differentiate its offerings beyond mere certification status.

Ford, Powell & Carson Modernizes with Unanet Amid AEC Tech Adoption

Event summary

  • Ford, Powell & Carson (FPC), a San Antonio-based architecture and design firm, has selected Unanet's ERP and CRM solutions.
  • FPC, founded in 1939, cited the need to modernize operations after experiencing growth that outpaced its legacy systems.
  • Unanet's AI-powered Champ™ platform, alongside OpportuneAI and ProposalAI, is intended to accelerate proposal generation (up to 70%) and improve win rates.
  • Unanet serves over 4,200 clients, including 1,850 in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) sector.

The big picture

The adoption of AI-powered ERP and CRM systems is becoming increasingly critical for AEC firms seeking to manage growth and maintain a competitive edge. FPC's decision highlights a shift away from manual processes and spreadsheets towards integrated, data-driven workflows. This trend is likely to accelerate as firms face pressure to improve efficiency and responsiveness in a rapidly evolving market.

What we're watching

AEC Tech Adoption
The broader AEC industry is lagging in digital transformation; FPC's move signals a potential acceleration of ERP/CRM adoption among firms prioritizing growth and data-driven decision-making.
AI Integration
The effectiveness of Unanet’s Champ™ AI copilot in delivering the promised 70% proposal generation speed increase will be a key indicator of the platform's value and Unanet's ability to execute on its AI strategy.
Competitive Landscape
The fact that FPC reviewed multiple systems before selecting Unanet suggests a competitive market for AEC-focused ERP and CRM solutions, and Unanet will need to continually innovate to retain and attract clients.
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