Westat

Westat is a research organization that designs and implements surveys, evaluates programs, and performs statistical analysis for clients in the public and private sectors. Its services include questionnaire development, data collection through multiple modes, weighting and imputation, and reporting of findings. The organization works primarily with U.S. federal agencies such as the Department of Health and Human Services, the Department of Education, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as well as state and local governments, foundations, and corporations. Westat’s projects span topics like health care, education, employment, and social policy, providing evidence that informs policy decisions and program improvements.

The firm distinguishes itself through its employee‑owned structure, which aligns staff interests with long‑term quality and client satisfaction. It maintains specialized divisions focused on survey methodology, statistical modeling, and data security, allowing it to handle complex, large‑scale data collections. Westat’s reputation for rigorous methodological standards has made it a frequent choice for government‑mandated studies requiring high levels of reliability and validity. In May 2023 the organization disclosed an external network breach that exposed names and Social Security Numbers of roughly 8,000 individuals, prompting notification and credit‑monitoring offers.

Structural information indicates that Westat is privately held by its employees, with no external parent company or publicly traded stock. Its headquarters are located in the United States, and it operates additional offices across the country to support regional projects. The employee‑ownership model contributes to a stable workforce and continuity of expertise across successive contracts. This ownership arrangement, combined with its methodological focus, shapes Westat’s positioning as a trusted contractor for sensitive government research endeavors.