1980's

In the 1980's, Neal Ruchman founded Ruchman and Associates, Inc. (RAI) after gaining experience with two leading Washington, DC management consulting firms. Within months, RAI was awarded three assignments with the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) aiding NIDA in the planning and evaluation of their research program.  RAI designed databases, managed conferences, and wrote more than 100 reports, publications, and monographs. During this era, the firm was known as the Research Analysis Institute.

1982

In the summer of 1982, NIDA selected RAI to operate the National Clearinghouse for Drug Abuse Information. RAI deployed innovative approaches to the project (computerized order selection, inventory control, order tracking, and high cube storage.)  Within 2 weeks of contract award, RAI eliminated a four month backlog of orders inherited from the prior contractor.

Word of RAI’s good work led the IRS, The White House, The Department of Education, The Savings Bond Program, The Peace Corps, and The Small Business Administration select RAI to operate massive publication storage, mailing and order fulfillment projects.

1984

RAI became a nationwide company, establishing workforces in California, Florida, Virginia, and Illinois.

1985

In 1985, RAI founded Ruchman Associates Publication and Information Distribution (RAPID) to operate projects at our own facilities involving warehousing, mailing and distribution services. This allowed Ruchman and Associates Inc. (RAI) to focus on its roots:  traditional consulting assignments and the delivery of professional services.

1986

In 1986, RAI dramatically expanded its operations. RAI designed and constructed a 145,000 square foot headquarters and national distribution facility in suburban Washington, DC.  The tallest building of its kind, it provided even greater efficiency for its growing list of storage and distribution clients.

1988

RAI began staffing client warehouses in California, Virginia, Illinois, and Maryland.

1989

The Agency for International Development awarded RAI two contracts. One called for RAI to provide database, mailing and warehousing services at RAI’s facility. The second called for RAI to take over, relocate  and make more efficient a client owned warehouse. RAI relocated, re-equipped, and automated all functions of the warehouse.

1990

Within two business days, RAI established a 100 person workforce in Fort Worth, Texas for the General Services Administration’s National Distribution Center.

1994

RAI began a major contract for the Department of Energy Nevada Operations Office. Today we continue this work for the Office’s successor, the National Nuclear Security Administration.

1997

RAI began to serve the U.S. Department of State domestically and internationally.

1998

RAI started to provide tour operations at several national landmarks.

1999

Beginning, in 1999, RAI started offering services under several GSA Supply Schedules.

2002

RAI started staffing and operating a retail store and warehouse at Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska.

  Today

RAI has several hundred employees working for clients across the country and internationally. RAI clients include the Department of Energy, the General Services Administration, The US Department of State, DOD, etc.

Today, RAPID provides web-enabled publication and information distribution solutions for the Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, The department of Treasury, the Smithsonian, and major corporations and organizations.

Our founders continue to direct both RAI and RAPID. RAI and RAPID, work together to meet customer needs. Please let us know how we can support you on your efforts. info@rairapid.com