Tim,
You asked ...
"Can you suggest a genetic testing company that specializes in genealogy and
has a broad database?"
"Also, is there a way to find out if there are ongoing projects for a
specific surname?"
The simple answer is Family Tree DNA. FTDNA has over 100,000 DNA tests
completed and has the largest semi-public database and DNA support at this
time. It is partnered with the National Geographic "Genographic" program.
Other companies also have surname projects, but have much smaller databases.
See:
http://www.ftdna.com/
On the FTDNA main web page near the center right is a Search field. There
you can entry a surname and see if a DNA project has been started.
FTDNA also has provided YSearch that allows members of different DNA testing
companies to compare their Y-DNA test results. It is very very important to
compare the same DYS markers when looking for a match.
See:
http://www.ysearch.org/
I hope this helps. Let me know if I can be of more assistance.
John R. Carpenter
La Mesa, CA
Carpenter Cousins Y-DNA Project
http://members.cox.net/johnrcarpenter/index.htm