Government Contracting Weekly hosted their 2013 re-cap of the significant events from the world of Federal contracting. On the panel were: Stan Soloway, President & CEO, PSC; Kristina Tanasichuk, Founder & CEO, Government Technology & Services Coalition; and Michael Fischetti, Executive Director, NCMA.
Join GTSC for a Capacity Building session focused on assuring you don’t learn the hard lessons on your own skin! After years of practice and experience, the IACCM has brought together best practices in government contracting from around the globe. Paired with the former procurement officer of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, this session will combine what best practices can be applied toward contracting with DHS and the Defense Department.
About our Speakers:
Tim Cummins
President & CEO, IACCM
In his role as President/CEO of IACCM, Tim works with leading corporations, public and academic bodies, supporting executive awareness and understanding of the role that procurement, contracting and relationship management increasingly play in 21st century business performance and public policy.
Prior to IACCM, Tim’s business career included executive roles at IBM and a period on the Chairman’s staff, leading studies on the impacts of globalization and the reengineering of IBM’s global contracting processes. His earlier career involved the banking, automotive and aerospace industries, initially in Corporate Finance and later in commercial and business development. He led negotiations up to $1.5bn in value and his work has taken him to over 40 countries.
Tim’s writing is extensively published and he has acted in an advisory capacity to government bodies in countries that include the US, UK, Australia, Canada and Japan, as well as regular briefings to senior managers at many of the world’s largest companies.
Tom Essig (BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND!)
Former Chief Procurement Officer, Department of Homeland Security
Owner, TWE, LLC
As a senior acquisition professional with more than 30 years experience with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Department of the Navy (DON), Mr. Essig has expertise in contracting and program management and is certified by the Departments of Defense and Homeland Security at career level III in both the contracting and program management.
He currently advises government and commercial organizations on federal acquisition and procurement and contracting matters through his company TWE, LLC. He also currently serves as a Procurement Subject Matter Expert with Kearney & Company.
His most recent federal position was as the Chief Procurement Officer for DHS from 2006 to 2009 where he was responsible for the management, administration and oversight of the department’s acquisition, strategic sourcing program, competitive sourcing program and providing leadership over the department’s $17 Billion in annual acquisitions.
Mr. Essig reported to office of the Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Research, Development and Acquisition) in February 2004. As Director of the Program Analysis and Business Transformation Division, he was responsible for overseeing analysis and support of contracting and business aspects of DON acquisition and other procurement programs and for the development and support of business transformation initiatives within DON. His division reflected the merger of the former Program Analysis and Support Division with the DON Acquisition Reform Office, and he was responsible for functions previously performed by those organizations.
From 1999 to 2004, Mr. Essig served as the Executive Director of the U.S. Navy Office of Special Projects (OSP). The OSP is a second echelon command reporting to the Commander, Naval Supply Systems Command and provides logistics, transportation, finance and other business and supply-related support to the fleet and shore establishment of the Department of the Navy. OSP’s mission supports every facet of the Navy. While in this assignment, Mr. Essig also served as the Director of the Navy Engineering Logistics Office.
Mr. Essig was selected as a member of the Senior Executive Service in 1995 and served as the Director of the Surface Systems Contracts Division of the Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA). In this position he led a major procurement organization that planned, negotiated, and administered approximately 2,000 procurement actions valued at greater than $3 billion dollars annually.
Mr. Essig earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryland in 1976 and graduated, with distinction, from the Industrial College of the Armed Forces in 1991. In 2000, he graduated from the Advanced Program Management Course at the Defense Systems Management College. He is a member of the Department of the Navy Acquisition Professional Community.
Mr. Essig began his federal career in 1976 when he entered the Navy’s Contracting Intern Development Program and was assigned to NAVSEA as a contract specialist, supporting various Naval weapon systems programs. In 1985, he was selected as the contracting officer for the Aircraft Carrier and Battleship programs. While in that position, he successfully negotiated what was then the largest shipbuilding contract in U.S. Navy history: a $4.3 billion contract for construction of two NIMITZ-class aircraft carriers. During his tenure at NAVSEA, Mr. Essig also served as the contracting officer for Standard Missile production, head of the Major Combatant Shipbuilding Branch, and Assistant Director of the Shipbuilding and Undersea Systems Contracts Divisions. In 1997, he received Vice President Gore’s Hammer Award for his work as a member of the Joint Navy/Industry Submarine Combat System Integrated Development Plan Team. He was awarded the Department of the Navy Superior Civilian Service Award in 1999 and the Distinguished Civilian Service Award in 2004.
Join the Government Technology & Services Coalition’s (GTSC) Emerging Small Business Group Monday December 16 for a hand-on, practical workshop on business development best practices for emerging small companies. Our speaker has over 40 years of experience in business development, IT systems development, integration and operations.
In this interactive discussion we will discuss:
About Tony Sacco
Mr. Sacco has over 40 years professional and management experience in the fields of Business Development, IT Systems development, integration and operations. A majority of his experience was and is involved in the management of significant, fixed price, software intensive, development, systems integration and O&M programs for the federal government. His last responsibility, before retiring, was the SAIC program manager for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) EAGLE $1.25B IDIQ program which included winning and executing over 40 competitive Task Orders. His previous assignment includes more than 7 years of IT program management on DHS and predecessor agency contracts, leading a $400 million IT engineering services program. Mr. Sacco is a PMI-certified PMP and an experienced earned value methodology (EVM) instructor with real-world ability in implementing solu¬tions for large federal programs. As program manager on a major IT services contract, Mr. Sacco oversaw critical projects for DHS, including the design and build of the DHS network backbone for OneNetwork, design and imple¬mentation of the Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) facility, and design and implementation of the DHS enterprise architecture (EA). In part, the work that Mr. Sacco led for SAIC resulted in SAIC’s selection by Frost and Sullivan as the 2005 Homeland Security Company of the Year. He also was the program manager for the development and worldwide deployment of the Navy War Gaming System (NWGS). He holds a BSEE from Polytechnic Institute of NY; a MSOR from New York University and a MBA from Rider University. He is a member of the Program Management Institute (PMP) and a IEEE Life Member He is certified to teach EVM and courses in Business Development, PM and Quality Management.About GTSC’s Emerging Small Business Action Group
Washington, D.C. – December 4, 2013 – Government Contracting Weekly, the only television program devoted to winning government contracts, and the Government Technology & Services Coalition (GTSC) today launched, “The Mentors,” a Special Award Program and Strategic Partnership to recognize companies that mentor and contribute to the success of small businesses.
“Since our inception, the members of GTSC have wanted to recognize and encourage those who are improving the environment, expertise and effectiveness of the private and public sectors to assure that collectively we achieve our mission of protecting the nation,” said Kristina Tanasichuk, CEO and founder of GTSC, “we believe that this award program is long-overdue and highlights that there are many tremendous people and companies working in partnership to provide the latest innovation, professionalism and expertise to our Federal partners.”
The awards program will recognize and salute government contractors for their leadership and concrete actions in assisting small government contracting firms through mentoring, training, inspiration, teaming and cooperation. “We believe that mentoring is critical to the contracting community. Large firms that mentor small companies play a critical role in saving their Federal clients money and time, commit to putting action behind the mantra of bringing “innovation and creativity” to the Federal mission and bring a higher level of professionalism to the contracting community. We are proud to recognize their contributions,” said Richard Nathan, CEO, AOC Key Solutions, owner of the Government Contracting Weekly television program.
Government Contracting Weekly premiered in September, 2013, and has received widespread critical acclaim from the government contracting community. Over 125 senior executives from government and industry have made appearances to provide unique domain knowledge and expertise regarding the keys to winning government contracts. “The alliance between GTSC and Government Contracting Weekly will provided heightened visibility to all of the support provided by large businesses to their small business counterparts,” said Jim McCarthy, owner and technical director of AOC Key Solutions and host/moderator of the program.
The award nominations process will open December 5th and accept nominations from both GTSC members and the broader small business contracting community. Awardees will be announced weekly starting in early 2014 and recognized at a special awards celebration in the spring. For more information on the awards, visit: www.GTSCoalition.com/mentorawards
The Chertoff Group, Dickstein Shapiro, GSIS 360 and the International Association for Contract and Commercial Management (IACCM), Linden Resources and the Security Industry Association are GTSC’s other strategic partners. More information on each is available at www.GTSCoalition.com.
-###-
The Government Technology & Services Coalition (GTSC) is a nonprofit, non-partisan 501(c)(6) association of companies that create, develop and implement solutions for the federal homeland and national security sector. Our mission is two-fold: first, to provide exceptional advocacy, capacity building, partnership opportunities and marketing in the Federal security space for small and mid-sized companies. Second, to support and assist our government partners achieve their critical missions with the highest integrity; best and most innovative technologies; and results-based, quality products and services to prevent, protect against, mitigate, respond to and recover from any terrorist attack or natural disaster. For more information on these mentors and the Government Technology & Services Coalition, please visit www.GTSCoalition.com.
Government Contracting Weekly is a TV show devoted to winning government contracts, produced and brought to you by AOC Key Solutions, Inc.. The show airs every Sunday at 7am on the DC Metro CBS affiliate WUSA9. Learn more about GCW atwww.governmentcontractingweekly.com. AOC Key Solutions, Inc. (KSI) KSI provides proposal and business development consulting services to federal contractors. Since 1983, KSI has helped its clients win or retain over $122 billion in Government contracts by providing the Key to Winning. KSI employs in-house consulting professionals supplemented by more than 275 associates and subject matter experts. KSI consulting services include marketing assessment, strategic advisory, third party performance assessments, proposal development and technical writing services. Learn more about their services atwww.aockeysolutions.com.
Jose Arrietta, Procurement Ombudsman at DHS discussed the agency’s procurement strategy and the agencies prioritization of Strategic Sourcing at the Department at GTSC’s recent annual meeting.
As a follow-up, Mr. Arrietta provided the following exceptions to Strategic Sourcing:
a. Emergency operations – Specify the emergency operation, including the name, date, location, and description. Document how using a strategic sourcing contract vehicle would negatively impact the mission.
b. National security – Include a written description of how using a strategic sourcing contract vehicle compromises national security.
c. Remote locations – Specify the remote delivery location and include written analysis that quantifies the higher cost or delay that would result from using a strategic sourcing vendor.
d. Greater savings – Purchases where the savings from using a non-strategic sourcing vehicle exceeds the savings from the strategic sourcing vehicle – Include a written analysis that shows the savings comparison. Documentation shall be signed by the official approving the exception (include name and title of official).
e. Required by statute – Specify the statute that requires the use of a non-strategic sourcing vehicle.
f. Priorities for Use of Government Supply Sources – Specify the supply source indicated as a higher priority in FAR Part 8.002 and the contract vehicle to be used. These sources may include Committee for Purchase from People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled and mandatory Federal Supply Schedules. These sources may not include optional use Federal Supply Schedules because strategic sourcing contract vehicles have higher priority than optional use Federal Supply Schedules.
Strategic Sourcing Initiatives at DHS
Washington, D.C. – November 12, 2013 – The Government Technology & Services Coalition (GTSC) and the International Association for Contract & Commercial Management (IACCM) today launched a strategic partnership designed to increase cross collaboration and the exchange of best practices in government procurement related to the homeland and national security marketplace.
“We are very excited to partner with IACCM to expand our understanding of best practices to improve the efficiency, speed and success of government procurement,” said Kristina Tanasichuk, CEO of GTSC. “An excellent procurement and acquisition process is particularly critical for homeland and national security.”
IACCM is a non-profit organization that promotes the international standards and best practices for defining and managing trading relationships while encouraging innovation and collaboration to support economic growth and organizational success by ensuring commitments are ethical, achievable and sustainable. IACCM provides executives and practitioners with advisory, research and benchmarking services, and worldwide training for contracts, commercial and relationship management professionals.
“IACCM is looking forward to providing GTSC members with insight to commercial and contracting best practice and to working together with GTSC leadership on tackling the continued challenge of SDBs and mid-size enterprises in winning sustainable business in the Government sector,” said Tim Cummins, President and CEO of IACCM.
The partnership will focus on organization to organization support and information exchange to improve practices for fair, efficient procurement and contracting activities that meet the increasing demand for transparency and speed while achieving positive outcomes. In the spirit of cooperation, discounts to conferences and events will be offered to respective members.
The Chertoff Group, Dickstein Shapiro, Linden Resources and the Security Industry Association are GTSC’s other strategic partners. More information on each is available at www.GTSCoalition.com.
-###-
The Government Technology & Services Coalition (GTSC) is a nonprofit, non-partisan 501(c)(6) association of companies that create, develop and implement solutions for the federal homeland and national security sector. Our mission is two-fold: first, to provide exceptional advocacy, capacity building, partnership opportunities and marketing in the Federal security space for small and mid-sized companies. Second, to support and assist our government partners achieve their critical missions with the highest integrity; best and most innovative technologies; and results-based, quality products and services to prevent, protect against, mitigate, respond to and recover from any terrorist attack or natural disaster. For more information on these mentors and the Government Technology & Services Coalition, please visit www.GTSCoalition.com.
The International Association for Contract & Commercial Management (IACCM) 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 its 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. For more information, please visit www.IACCM.com.
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.
II. A View of the Year Ahead
III. Meeting the Challenges
IV. Government Relations
V. Business Development
VI. What do you see as our top priorities for 2014-2015?
Transitioning into civilian life after serving in the military isn’t always an easy or simple step for many servicemembers. Linden Resources and the Government Technology and Services Coalition have partnered to help. Together, they’ve developed VetsReady2Work to help prepare new veterans with tools they need to find meaningful work. With more about it is Hayley Gefell, executive vice president at Linden Resources, and Kristina Tanasichuk, CEO at Government Technology Services Coalition.
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.
Prior 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.
