About

Studdiford Technical Solutions, LLC

Studdiford Technical Solutions, LLC (STS) is a Virginia-based small business consulting firm serving airports, airlines, and the federal government across all facets of the project lifecycle, from planning to project management, owner’s representation, design, installation oversight, commissioning, close-out, and transition.  The firm’s industry-leading proven track record is grounded in our core values of superior integrity, cost-effective and pragmatic solutions, and diverse, well-rounded capabilities.

The Team

Larry Studdiford

Carla Rountree

Bill Mazzabufi

Richard Spies

Ryan Crews

Joe Emery

Donna Studdiford

Larry Butler

Dylan Allen

Martagus D. Newton

Kevin Fischer

Ray Cheung

Robert Torres

Travis Lapinski

Rodney Pierson

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Lawrence Studdiford

Larry Studdiford
​Founder, President

Larry’s 27 years in the aviation field have largely been focused on checked baggage system design, construction management, and related services, including technology integration, configuration management, specification development, and commissioning for airports worldwide. He has worked alongside the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) since its inception, helping to develop and implement its policies, procedures, and to orchestrate screening technology deployment. He was a founding participant of the TSA’s Baggage Screening Investment Study (BSIS) and contributed to multiple versions of the TSA’s Planning Guidelines and Design Standards (PGDS), specifically as a charter member of the PGDS Industry Working Group (IWG) and manager of the contract task order responsible for the maintenance and update of the document. He also worked with TSA to develop the first-ever Checkpoint Design Guide (CDG).

“I wanted to be an engineer since I was in the sixth grade. I love the complexities of systems and the overall project coordination, which really speaks to my problem-solving instincts. But I think the biggest joy for me is  watching passengers in an airport, seeing family or friends gather and embrace each other. I often ponder the purpose of the trip, wonder how smooth it was, and hope that our work contributed to the overall positive experience of their journey.” 

Carla Rountree

Carla Rountree, LEED AP
Project Manager

Carla is an aviation project manager / engineer and LEED Accredited Professional with dedicated experience in project management of large-scale checked baggage inspection system (CBIS) projects for the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Transportation Security Administration (TSA) for the deployment, testing, and detection system (EDS) decommissioning for complex airport designs. She is also an aviation sustainability subject matter expert and has extensive experience with database management and data analysis. Carla is highly regarded for her ability to facilitate communications and liaise among stakeholders to ensure successful outcomes that achieve scheduling and budget parameters.

“Outside of STS, I moonlight as a classical singer. I also get to spin off my project management skills as co-director of an offbeat opera company that once pulled off a performance in a construction site.”

Bill Mazzabufi

Bill Mazzabufi
Senior Design Engineer

Bill Mazzabufi is a Senior Project Engineer with more than 20 years of experience in Design, Commissioning, inspection of Airport Baggage Handling Systems. In addition to Bill’s BHS/CBIS design acumen, Bill brings expertise in working alongside TSA as their principal design reviewer on CBIS installations. Bill also works on the Security Equipment Deployment Servises (SEDS) project, providing stand-alone EDS configuration drawings, from Conceptual design drawings, thru Issued For Construction (IFC) sets. Bill holds a certificate in Architectural design, with emphasis on software such as AutoCAD and Revit and an OSHA 10hr certificate. Outside of airport projects, Bill also brings experience in integration level drawings, and project coordination and management for projects involving material handling applications.

“Over the course of my career, I have had the privilege of working onsite on projects from Asia to South America and across the U.S. Those projects pale in comparison to the challenges and joys of being a special needs parent and all the responsibilities that comes along with that.”

Richard Spies

Richard Spies, P.E.
Program Director

Richard Spies is a Program Director with more than 25 years of experience in project management and electrical engineering, primarily in baggage handling and industrial control systems. Richard holds degrees in both electrical engineering and construction management. He is a licensed professional engineer in Texas and Arizona. He has contributed to multiple versions of the TSA’s Planning Guidelines and Design Standards (PGDS) and is a current member of the PGDS Industry Working Group (IWG).

“If I am not at an airport for work, I try to get to one as much as possible with my family so we can go on our next adventure. We usually head to the Rocky Mountains, with an occasional trip to the beach or the Texas Hill Country. When not traveling, I’m usually either attending or coaching one of my son’s various sporting events, or working on some repair on the foreclosure we bought,  affectionately known as ‘the project house’.” 

Ryan Crews

Ryan Crews

BHS Project Manager

Ryan has 15 years of experience in the baggage handling and checked baggage inspection system (BHS/CBIS) industry, including BHS master planning, project management, detailed design and design review. Ryan is proficient in both AutoCAD 3D and Revit and has experience with the use of BIM technology as an integrated tool for A/E design. 

“Over the past 15 years I have had the privilege to work in over 60 airports across the US and abroad. Each of these airports had a unique set of challenges to overcome. When facing these challenges, I always think back to the advice my Grandad gave me when I graduated high school. He said, ‘Ryan, always remember, never roller skate in a buffalo herd.’” 

Joe Emery

Joe Emery
BHS Project Manager

Joe has been an innovative member of the material handling industry for 15 years and was recognized by National Business Aviation Association as a “2019 NBAA Business Aviation Top 40 Under 40” honoree for his outstanding contributions to the aviation industry. He has worked primarily as a mechanical design engineer focused on solutions for complex sortation and checked baggage inspection systems (CBIS). Joe also focused this expertise on innovations as an applications engineer, including designs in the checked baggage resolution area (CBRA) with the Mobile Inspection Table (MIT) Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV) technology as well as full system designs using Independent Carrier Systems (ICS). Joe is currently one of three individuals which provide subject matter expertise on material handling and Explosives Detection Systems (EDS) integration to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Acquisition Program Management (APM) team of Regional Planning Coordinators (RPCs).

“Every day presents a different challenge. The new challenges can be frustrating at first, but the reward of presenting a solution outweighs any negatives during the process. When people ask me about my position, I like to explain it’s the exact opposite of the Groundhog Day movie. Every day presents a new challenge, and results in a reward to resolve the open design question.” 

Donna Studdiford JD

Donna Studdiford
​Senior Manager

Donna Studdiford has more than 20 years of experience providing communications, strategic planning, project management, evaluation, and research services to government agencies, non-profit organizations, foundations and corporations. Donna has an extensive background in communications, research, and knowledge management. Donna plays a critical role on STS Federal and commercial programs, overseeing STS’s quality assurance/ quality control (QA/QC) program, maintaining contract documentation and reports, and fostering cross-program communication.

“I love learning new things. Joining Larry (my husband of 20 years) in building this business has given me so many opportunities to do that, as has raising our two teenage daughters.”

Larry Butler

Larry Butler, P.E.
​Senior BHS Project Manager

Larry has over 25 years of aviation experience in the design, project management, installation oversight and commissioning of complex baggage handling systems (BHS) and Checked Baggage Inspection Systems (CBIS) in North America, and another 10 years of experience in project management of automated material handling systems. His previous experience includes general conveyance systems, clean room material handling equipment, and custom-built automated material handling design, construction and testing for both conventional conveyor and Individual Carrier Systems (ICS). Larry has an in-depth understanding of complex automated BHS and converting theory into practical application, as well as translation of stakeholders’ (airport, TSA, CBP, CATSA, CBTSA, airlines) needs into workable outcomes.

“I’ve had extraordinarily varied experiences during my career, including roles as design engineer and manager, consultant, owner’s representative, baggage handling system contractor and TSA site lead. I like getting into the details of not only how the systems work, but also what my clients need the systems to do. The challenge of interpreting the client’s wishes into real-life solutions has been so rewarding.”

Dylan Allen

Dylan Allen
​BHS Project Manager

Dylan has nearly 20 years of experience in BHS project management and has represented TSA on active BHS projects on site at airports for the last 17 years. Dylan also has expertise in Explosive Detection Systems (EDS) decommissioning, relocation, and installation, as well as coordination of Site Specific Test Plan (SSTP) creation, Test Readiness Review (TRR) planning, and preparation prior to Integrated Site Acceptance Testing (ISAT). Dylan has extensive experience with electrical and mechanical installation inspections and functionality testing of baggage handling systems and reviewing Electrical drawings packages, MCP inspections, and functional test plans.

“Though I travel quite a bit during the work week, I still enjoy traveling with my family, as well as hiking in search of waterfalls, working in my workshop and building things, and the occasional DJ gig.”

Martagus D. Newton

Martagus D. Newton, MBA, PMP, CSM
Senior Project Manager

Martagus is an accomplished Project & Program Manager with more than 10 years of experience managing and analyzing systems and processes and implemented improvements. He is recognized for leadership in project planning, statements of work, budget oversight, and definition of scope for multiple projects with a proven record of developing solutions that improve efficiency and security in airports and borders. He is a Certified Scrum Master (CSM®) and Project Management Professional (PMP) who effectively delivers seamless implementations/ installations.

“Earlier in my career as an Engineer, I had multiple opportunities to manage Baggage Explosive Detection Systems (EDS) Integration Projects in the Middle East, which sparked my journey to becoming a Project Manager. I enjoyed being allowed to do what I love and see the world while doing it.” 

Kevin Fischer

Kevin Fischer
​BHS/PBB Project Manager

Kevin has almost 40 years of experience within the airport construction industry. His responsibilities have included Baggage Handling System (BHS) and Passenger Boarding Bridge (PBB) design specification, procurement installation, operator and maintenance training of PBB, 400 Hz, pre-conditioned air (PCA) and all mechanical/electrical systems related to Ground Service Equipment (GSE) and BHS. He presided as a TSA Site Lead for Carter Burgess and Leidos, becoming an SME for TSA baggage screening procurement and commissioning. He also has extensive knowledge of all ramp service systems, airline and airport processes and procedures.

“Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family camping, fishing, and hunting. My adult daughters and 5-year-old grandson enjoy these outings and my wife tolerates them. We also enjoy adventures abroad.” 

Ray Cheung

Ray Cheung, PMP

BHS Project Manager

Ray is a project manager with more than 24 years of U.S. and international experience in the material and baggage handling industry providing preliminary planning and conceptual designs including layout, design narrative and cost estimation for both conventional conveyor and Individual Carrier Systems (ICS) concepts with Early Bag Storage (EBS) systems. He has provided project management, construction administration, punch list (mechanical & electrical), inspection, commissioning, and testing (Functional, Load, System, ISAT) after installation.

Ray utilizes proactive approaches to managing client expectations and project management that yields end results of completing each project on time, within budget and of high quality as specified.

“It is my privilege to work together with each project stakeholder and my joy to complete each project with a satisfied client.”

Robert Torres

Robert Torres
Construction Manager

Robert has over 6 years of experience in the project and construction management of large-scale BHS projects, with projects in major airports across the country. Robert is highly skilled in all project and construction phases of BHS projects and specializes in BHS system design, system testing, construction oversight, owner representation, and commissioning support. Knowledgeable in all aspects of PGDS requirements and TSA related testing (TRR and ISAT), Robert excels at project construction oversight with careful attention to detail and adherence to project specifications.

“Working in the BHS industry has allowed me to travel to across the United States, in turn exciting a curiosity about travel and exploration I never knew I possessed. I think that our role in BHS is a key part of passengers’ travel experiences and a properly functioning and well tested BHS can be an important catalyst to future customer travel. Getting to share and contribute to travel around the world is very rewarding.”

Travis Lapinski
Project Manager

Travis is a seasoned Project Manager with more than eleven (11) years in  the Baggage Handling System (BHS) and Checked Baggage Inspection System (CBIS) industry.  His main area of focus has been managing large-scale Airport and Automotive Conveyor construction projects totaling $265m. He has a proven history managing multiple $15 to $65 million dollar contracts, directing project-wide operations, negotiating contracts, controlling expenses, and boosting efficiency and productivity.  

“I’ve had the privilege to work with many talented and intelligent individuals throughout my career. They helped shape the foundation of my career by providing the tools, knowledge, and wisdom to be the leader I am today. I’ve grown by continuously putting myself into uncomfortable or difficult situations and finding a way to push through. My hopes are to inspire others with positive energy and sharing the experiences I’ve lived.”

Rodney Pierson
BHS Project Manager

Rodney has over 30 years’ experience in the electrical/electronic field and over 20 years installation oversight and commissioning of complex baggage handling systems (BHS) and Checked Baggage Inspection Systems (CBIS). He has conducted over 180 SAT/iSAT Tests and Operational Readiness Tests in numerous airports across the United States. He has testing and Commissioning experience with the CTX EDS series and L3 eXaminers as standalone or part of an integrated system, along with the EGIS II & III Thermo Detection and IONSCAN 400B ETD scanning units for the Checked Baggage Resolution Area (CBRA) and passenger Check Point Screening Area. His previous experience includes working with explosives, propellants and high voltage power supplies. He has installed, tested, maintained and operated a variety of electrical, electronic equipment and computer systems.  

“As a retired military veteran and career professional, I have over 30 years of experience in the electrical/electronic field, and I have been in the BHS industry for now over 20 years testing and commissioning TSA screening equipment all over the U.S. I still get an overwhelming sense of satisfaction after every system completion, knowing that I have made a difference in the safety in air travel today.”