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Posts Tagged ‘Department of Homeland Security’

GTSC Releases 2019 Annual Report: Fostering Collaboration to Cast a Wider Shadow on the Homeland Security Market

The Government Technology & Services Coalition, the foremost organization for government contractors in the homeland security mission space, released its 2019 Annual Report at their Annual Meeting.

GTSC’s 2019 Annual Report: Fostering Collaboration to Cast a Wider Shadow on the Homeland Security Market, catalogs the non-profits activities and progress toward a trusted community to protect the nation.

The theme: Fostering Collaboration to Cast a Wider Shadow on the Homeland Security Market highlights the effectiveness of the over 200 contracting companies that have joined together to collaborate to bring the best solutions to the homeland security market. The organization saw 25% growth among its mid-tier members, contractors with revenue between $25 million and $1 billion, and saw over one million page views at their news site, Homeland Security Today (www.HSToday.us).  In addition to engaging to improve procurement for all contractors, the organization works to provide a level playing field, increase competition, and assure that smaller companies with innovative solutions have an opportunity to share with the public sector officials that need them.  The organization has attracted new government partners, and sustained vibrant partnerships with its traditional supporters.

“We are extremely happy that our approach to collaboration, facts, and practical solutions has been embraced by the homeland security community.  We have worked very hard to create a community of trusted relationships between the public and private sector to work together to protect our nation. We work daily to bridge the communication gap and lack of understanding between those who are accountable for the mission, and those who support them to achieve it. Our non-profit’s work, our mission, has always been to support those on the front lines, executing our nation’s laws, to keep our children, citizens, and cities safer against all threats.” said Kristina Tanasichuk, CEO & Founder, at the release.

“Our partnership with GTSC is incomparable,” said Alba M. Alemán, CEO of Citizant and GTSC’s Mid-Tier Company of the Year. “GTSC, has been paramount in developing trusted relationships between industry and agency leaders to bring forward unique perspectives, so that those agencies will be better served and able to achieve mission-critical objectives. Moreover, to be a part of such an elite network of like-minded professionals passionate about national security and core infrastructure missions, is both energizing and humbling.”

GTSC was founded in 2011 by small business CEOs in the homeland security market to find ways to improve procurement and acquisition of innovative technologies, give small businesses a voice in the federal market, and provide a trusted community for those tasked with securing the country.  The organization has evolved to represent the ecosystem of the homeland security market with small, mid-tier, and large companies engaged to collaborate, mentor, and network to achieve mission. In 2017, the non-profit purchased the Homeland Security Today media platform.

“As a fairly new business having started in 2012, I have been a part of various organizations and associations.  GTSC has been the ONLY one that has consistently supported businesses and government entities with a passion for both sides. I can proudly say that Potomac Management Solution’s growth and success has been directly contributed to the programs, guidance and overall structure of GTSC!” said Diane McCain, CEO of Potomac Management Solutions and GTSC’s Small Business of the Year.

GTSC and Homeland Security Today also hosts the Annual Holiday Hero Awards recognizing those on the front-lines on watch every single day to protect our country from threats to homeland security.  The awards recognize private citizens and public sector officials doing exceptional work on behalf of the homeland.

The 2019 Annual Report catalogs the numerous programs, meetings, networking opportunities, charitable events, and workgroups supported by the organization and the leaders and members shaping those activities.

A Case Study on the Power of Partnership: How Federal Agencies Can Find Qualified Small Businesses, Faster

When the Government Technology and Services Coalition (GTSC) was formed a little over 5 years ago, one of our primary missions was to improve and assist our federal partners in performing their market research. We immediately formed a “Market Research” workgroup, chaired by Brian Nault, President of BlueWater Federal to identify how the government could find the best providers, and reach the largest number of competitors, possible to meet the demands of their mission at the best price and highest quality.

We met with procurement officials and contracting officers to discuss some of the challenges of “being noticed,” by federal agencies, particularly for small businesses. We conveyed the shortcomings of the “Requests for Information” from a small business’s perspective, described how the lack of response from some agencies to the information provided in an RFI hindered a robust response from industry, and explained how the value of responding often was not high enough given the need for companies to spend time staying afloat chasing real opportunities. All of these shortcomings held true for any size business.

We are still working on improving the RFI process but recently we were able to provide some tangible assistance to a partner in the government – and were successful in showing that with the proper partnership, the government can get better, and faster access to qualified providers.

It began with a call from GTSC member and GTSC Small Business Member of the Year 2016 Kathy Pherson, CEO of Pherson Associates, a Woman-Owned Small Businesses (WOSB), who was concerned that a partner agency found no Woman-Owned Small Businesses in a certain NAICs code. The member connected us with the agency and to their credit, they were very interested in hearing from us! GTSC put out a call for firms qualifying for the requirements. In less than 48 business hours we had amassed over 25 qualified WOSBs and submitted them to the agency.

With that, they altered their initial track structure for the intended procurement to reflect this market research.

Why am I writing about this? This is obviously an “ideal” scenario!

I wanted to provide a real life example of how our government partners can leverage their industry partners to find their most qualified providers and best solutions competitively. We encourage all of our government partners to consider:

  1. Go to where the small businesses live.  There are very few organizations that really represent small businesses in the federal market. Why? Simply because they do not have tremendous marketing dollars. Small companies look for the most resources for the least outlay of the capital they use to grow. Federal agencies should forge close ties with non-profits that work with, and actively represent small businesses.
  2. Develop and Leverage relationships.Every market is a series of relationships – healthy markets are composed of those you trust and those you do not. That is why “industry relations” are so important to a vibrant federal market. Good relationships with industry allow an agency to reach and get assistance to find the small businesses they need. It also saves a tremendous amount of time and leg-work to try and find new communities around every procurement.
  1. Be strategic.  Different organizations are good at different things. The best federal industry liaisons, procurement officers, and leadership understand their market’s industry partners, who represents what, the organization’s mission, and the efficacy of the organization. Developing these relationships with industry allows them to understand how to best leverage existing resources and find active, engaged businesses.
  1. Talk to your industry partners.  We may finally be coming out of a period where many in the federal government were reluctant to talk to industry. The message we’ve been hearing more than ever – from nearly every component within the Department of Homeland Security – is that acquisition and procurement leaders are encouraging their staff to get out more and talk to, and learn from, industry. As a matter of fact, under the leadership of DHS CPO Soraya Correa the Department has undertaken “Reverse Industry Days” – devised by industry – to provide their contracting staff an opportunity to learn about industry and how it operates. GTSC’s Acquisition & Procurement Workgroup lead, Carolyn Muir from SE Solutions and a former contracting officer with the Navy has been instrumental in crafting and adding tremendous value to the topics and lessons provided in these “Master Classes” on government contracting.

We continue to applaud these changes to our procurement and acquisition process and look forward to continue leading both industry and government as we navigate a market environment moving faster than conventional procurement can handle.

 

Kristina Tanasichuk is CEO & Founder of the Government Technology & Services Coalition, a non-profit, non-partisan organization of small and imd-sized companies working in homeland and national security.  She is also the president of InfraGardNCR, a public private partnership between the private sector and the FBI to share information to protect our nation’s critical infrastructure, and the president and founder of Women in Homeland Security.

Nov. 19: GTSC Annual Member Meeting

Members of the Government Technology & Services Coalition for our third annual member meeting to learn about all the services of GTSC, provide your input on our letter to incoming DHS Secretary Jeh Johnson and share your feedback for our 2014-2015 priorities!

Emile Monette, the Senior Advisor for cyber security policy for the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA), will join us to discuss the agency wide and interagency implementation of cyber security initiatives related to government facilities and acquisition. Linda Mathes, CEO of the American Red Cross in the National Capital Region, will talk about the American Red Cross Ready Rating program and its importance to GTSC’s Designation of Leadership Excellence. Jose Arrieta, DHS Ombudsman, will discuss the year ahead at DHS.

Given sequestration, budget cuts and possible future government shutdowns, GTSC is committed to exploring every business opportunity possible for your success. From the Small Business Collaboration Group to forming vigorous Action Groups and developing the Contracting Officers workshop, we’ve accomplished a lot over the past year and we’re excited to keep moving!

Please note: this is a GTSC Member only meeting. Thank you!

Agenda

I. Welcome and overview of GTSC’s 2012-2013: Discussion of Lion’s Den, Mentor and Workgroup activity.

  • Kristina Tanasichuk, CEO, GTSC
  • Jon Ostrowski, COO, GTSC
  • Workgroup Chairs
    • Chair, International Initiative: RADM Donald P. Loren, CEO, Old Dominion Strategies
    • Chair, Human Capital and Learning: Dr. Sheri Dougherty, President & CEO, DAI
    • Co-Chair, DHS Engagement: Sara Kindsfater0-Yerkes, Managing Partner, The Big Brain Co.

II. A View of the Year Ahead

  • Jose Arrieta, Ombudsman, DHS

III. Meeting the Challenges

  • Emile Monette, Senior Advisor, Cyber Security Policy, GSA
  • Linda Mathes, CEO, American Red Cross in the National Capital Region
  • Bruce Davidson, Director, SAFETY Act Office, S&T, DHS

IV. Government Relations

  • Incoming Secretary Jeh Johnson
  • Hill Activity
    • Michelle Mrdeza, Partner, Cornerstone Government Affairs & GTSC Founding Strategic Advisor
    • Chani Wiggins, President & Founder, Winn Strategies & GTSC Strategic Advisor
  • Broadening our Base

V. Business Development

  • Overview of procurements and focus areas for business development
    • Bill Carroll, Senior Partner, Strike Force Consulting
    • Andrea McCarthy, Senior Director NTT Data
    • Tony Sacco, Former Vice President, SAIC

VI. What do you see as our top priorities for 2014-2015?

Register now

Luke J. McCormack to serve as the DHS CIO

The following message is from DHS Acting Under Secretary for Management Chris Cummiskey:

I am pleased to announce that President Obama has appointed Luke J. McCormack to serve as the Department’s Chief Information Officer.  Mr. McCormack currently serves as the Deputy Assistant Attorney General for Information Resources Management/Chief Information Officer (CIO) at the Department of Justice, a position he has held since 2012.

Luke-McCormackPrior to this position, Mr. McCormack served in a variety of positions at DHS.  From 2005 to 2012, he served as the CIO for the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.  He served at Customs and Border Protection as Acting Director of Infrastructure Services Division from 2004 to 2005, Director of Architecture and Engineering from 2002 to 2003, and Director of Systems Engineering from 1999 to 2002.  Before joining the federal government, he served at various private sector companies including MCI and Ford Aerospace.  He received an M.B.A. from the Smith School of Business at the University of Maryland.

Mr. McCormack will oversee the Department’s continuing efforts to implement information technology (IT) enhancements and enhance IT security.

Mr. McCormack’s bio:

Luke J. McCormack will serve as the chief information officer (CIO) for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Prior to joining DHS, Mr. McCormack served as the ICE CIO since 2005 and was named CIO of the Department of Justice in February 2012. As the agency’s top technology administrator, Mr. McCormack brings significant management expertise from a career in both government and the private sector.

Mr. McCormack has more than 18 years of service in the federal government. Before joining ICE, Mr. McCormack served as acting executive director of the Infrastructure Services Division in the Office of Information Technology at U.S. Customs and Border Protection. In addition, he gained diverse experience in the private sector with MCI, Ford Aerospace and smaller minority-owned firms.

Since joining ICE, he has restructured the Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO) to ensure that it is aligned with the overall ICE mission, current operational priorities, core business processes and emerging information technology needs. He continually seeks opportunities to partner with other organizations within ICE, the Department of Homeland Security and other federal law enforcement agencies to provide support to operations and strategic initiatives.

Mr. McCormack holds a Masters of Business Administration degree from the University of Maryland, College Park, along with key certifications from the Columbia University Graduate School of Business, Customs Leadership Institute and the National Defense University.

A native of Long Island, N.Y., Mr. McCormack has two sons and resides in Virginia.

 

Nov. 7: Ask the Expert with IACCM

Join IACCM for its Ask the Expert – Trends in Homeland and National Security Funding on Thursday, November 7, 2013 – 4:00 PM London, 11:00 AM New York, 11:00 PM Singapore.

Are you wondering how to obtain funding for national security projects during these days of strife on Capitol Hill? Kristina Tanasichuk, CEO of the Government Technology & Services Coalition, will share her insights on the federal homeland security market along with other trends affecting the financing of important homeland security programs.

Register: http://www.iaccm.com/events/register/?id=1744

IACCM LogoThe International Association for Contract & Commercial Management enables both public and private sector organizations and professionals to achieve world-class standards in their contracting and relationship management process and skills. It provides executives and practitioners with advisory, research and benchmarking services, and worldwide training and certification for contracts, commercial and relationship management professionals. IACCM is a non-profit membership organization that supports innovation and collaboration in meeting the demands of today’s global trading relationships and practices.  Through our worldwide presence and networked technology, IACCM members gain access to the thought leadership and practical tools that are essential for competitiveness in today’s fiercely contested global markets. We provide insight to the leading-edge contracting and commercial skills, policies, procedures and methods that are fundamental to managing enterprise and individual risks. This insight equips professionals and their leaders to implement best practice governance of contractual commitments and trading relationships. >>Learn more

Pentagon Attorney Jeh Johnson nominated as next DHS Secretary

News leaked Thursday that the Obama Administration would put forward Jeh Johnson, a top Pentagon lawyer, for the next Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security.

Assessed by many as one who does not stray from the “tough” issues, Jeh Charles Johnson was appointed General Counsel of the Department of Defense on February 10, 2009, following nomination and confirmation by the U. S. Senate.  In this capacity, he serves as the chief legal officer of the Department of Defense and the legal adviser to the Secretary of Defense.  Mr. Johnson’s legal career has been a mixture of private practice and distinguished public service.  Mr. Johnson began his career in public service as an Assistant United States Attorney in the Southern District of New York, where he prosecuted public corruption cases.  From, 1989-1991, as a federal prosecutor, Mr. Johnson tried 12 cases and argued 11 appeals.

Mr. Johnson built upon his early career as an Assistant United States Attorney to become a successful trial lawyer in private practice at the New York City-based law firm of Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison, LLP.  While at Paul Weiss, he personally tried some of the highest stakes commercial cases of modern times, for corporate clients such as Armstrong World Industries, Citigroup and Salomon Smith Barney.  In 2004,  Mr. Johnson was elected a Fellow in the prestigiousAmerican College of Trial Lawyers.  In October 1998, President Clinton appointed Mr. Johnson to be General Counsel of the Department of the Air Force following nomination and confirmation by the Senate.  He served in that position for 27 months and returned to private law practice at Paul Weiss in January 2001.  While in private practice, Mr. Johnson was active in numerous civil and professional activities.  From 2001-2004, he chaired the Judiciary Committee of the New York City Bar Association, which rates and approves all the federal, state and local judges in New York City.  Mr. Johnson is also a member of the Council on Foreign Relations, and was a director or trustee of Adelphi University, the Federal Bar Council, the New York Community Trust, the Fund for Modern Courts, the Legal Aid Society, the Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, the New York City Bar Fund, Inc., the Vera Institute, the New York Hall of Science and the Film Society of Lincoln Theater.  He was also on the Board of Governors of the Franklin & Eleanor Roosevelt Institute.

Following the 2008 election, Mr. Johnson served on President-Elect Obama’s transition team, and was then publicly designated by the President-Elect for nomination to the position of General Counsel of the Department of Defense on January 8, 2009, followed by formal nomination on January 20, 2009, and confirmation by the Senate on February 9, 2009.  Mr. Johnson is a member in good standing of the Bars of New York State and the District of Columbia.  (Bio information from the DOD website:  http://www.defense.gov/bios/biographydetail.aspx?biographyid=173

Useful commentary and links:

Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeh_Johnson

Fun facts:  http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/in-the-loop/wp/2013/10/18/eight-facts-you-didnt-know-about-jeh-johnson/

GTSC Member insight:  David Olive   http://securitydebrief.com/2013/10/18/johnson-nominated-for-dhs-secretary-what-does-that-tell-us/#axzz2i6lpmq3D

Who is Jeh Johnson:  http://securitydebrief.com/2013/10/18/who-is-jeh-johnson/#axzz2i6lpmq3D

Federal Small Business Champion of the Year Nominations

Members of the Government Technology & Services Coalition (GTSC) believe that numerous public and private sector officials work to protect the homeland every day. Many work with little recognition on challenges and issues that are critical to achieving the mission of protecting our homeland. GTSC presents a number of awards  at our Anniversary and Holiday events to recognize these heroes and raise awareness of their contributions to the homeland and national security mission.

Under Secretary Rafael Borras & Dr. Nick Nayak, DHS, win Federal Small Business Champions of the Year

The 2012 Federal Small Business Champions of the Year: Under Secretary Rafael Borras and Dr. Nick Nayak, DHS

Federal Small Business Champion
of the Year

Federal Small Business Champion of the Year is awarded annually to the Federal official(s) who show a distinct commitment and tangible results toward improving the environment and success for small businesses in the Federal homeland and national security market.

Submit your nomination with the following information by October 30:

  • Name
  • Title & Agency
  • Short description of why they should win Federal Small Business Champion of the Year

>>Submit Nomination