Colorado Springs-based defense contractor Polaris Alpha will be acquired May 31 by California-based engineering and construction giant Parsons in a deal designed to accelerate Polaris Alpha's growth in cybersecurity, battlefield management, small satellites and other advanced technologies. The transaction will give Parsons nearly 800 employees in Colorado, including 350 Polaris Alpha employees in Colorado Springs and 100 in the Denver area, that will be merged into Parsons' federal contracting unit during the next 12 to 18 months, said Carey Smith, who heads the unit.