News | GTS Coalition

Nov. 12: Will you Enter the Lion’s Den?

Calling All IEEE CEO’s…Are you ready to enter the Lion’s Den? IEEE and the Government Technology & Services Coalition invite you to enter the Lion’s Den at a newly designed plenary session at the IEEE Homeland Security Conference this year! Come before the “Lion’s” — to learn how prepared you are to succeed in today’s competitive market. Modeled after the popular television program, “Shark Tank,” the Lion’s Den invites CEOs of small businesses in front of several investors. Those investors will then ask pointed questions about the money making side of the business and uncover whether that company is really prepared, business savvy and ready to take their company to the next level.

Need more information? Contact Kristina Tanasichuk: 703-201-7198 or [email protected].

Register for the IEEE Homeland Security Conference in Boston: https://ieeeboston.org/forms/hst_regpay/hst_frm_pg/hst_regpay.php

Download the PDF flyer and forward to a friend: GTSC Lions Den Flyer IEEE Conference

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.

The 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

Benda, McNamara & Wilkinson join GTSC as Strategic Advisors

Washington, D.C. – October 31, 2013 – The Government Technology & Services Coalition (GTSC) announced today the addition of Paul Benda, former director of the Homeland Security Advanced Research Projects Agency (HSARPA) at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and partner and chief technology officer at GSIS; Jason McNamara, former chief of staff, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and vice president of Obsidian Analysis, Inc.; and Molly Wilkinson, former general counsel to the Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee in the United States Senate and senior vice president at Regions Financial Corporation, to its prestigious panel of Strategic Advisors.

“GTSC is honored to attract the support and intellectual capital of such distinguished and accomplished leaders in our community. Their advice, counsel and understanding of our federal partners’ missions contributes to a better working relationship between the public and private sector by increasing our mutual understanding,” said Kristina Tanasichuk, CEO of GTSC.

“After years at HSARPA, I am excited to join GTSC to help small, innovative firms understand the federal process, the keys to a successful strategy and why many firms with great ideas fail,” said Benda. As director of HSARPA, Benda managed a budget of nearly $450 million within the Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) of DHS. As chief of staff for S&T, Benda oversaw staffing, organizational plans, budget execution, and strategic plan development and implementation. Previously at the Pentagon Force Protection Agency, Benda oversaw the design, implementation, testing and commissioning of all security systems on the Pentagon Reservation and started his federal civilian career as a program manager at the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA).

“At FEMA we worked with numerous small businesses on response and recovery efforts and to improve communications, alert systems and other vital FEMA missions; I look forward to continuing to improve their success and increase their understanding of how the public and private sector can work together to further advance our nation’s preparedness, response and recovery,” said McNamara.

McNamara directly impacted FEMA’s transition toward emphasizing survivor outcomes and incorporation of the Whole Community in delivering response and recovery solutions while serving as administrator Craig Fugate’s chief of staff. His successes include developing the Sandy Recovery Improvement Act and the five-year reauthorization of the national flood insurance program. McNamara now directs the disaster recovery program area as well as services for state and local clients for Obsidian.

“I am excited and energized to re-engage with the small business community-particularly on behalf of the homeland and national security mission. I learned from years on the Hill and in the SBA that small companies really do provide a fresh take on age-old problems and that their insights can lead to tremendous cost savings and efficiencies,” said Wilkinson.

During her time on the Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee in the United States Senate, Wilkinson played a critical role in getting the Federal Acquisition Institute Improvement Act through the committee. Before working on Capitol Hill, she spent time as chief of staff at the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), chief acquisition officer at the U.S. General Services Administration and associate deputy secretary for management at the U.S. Department of Labor. Her broad range of experience includes homeland security legislation, acquisition management and government relations. In 2009, she was awarded as a Federal 100 winner for improving SBA’s efficiency, including the Business Development Management Information System that allows small businesses to file online applications for 8(a) status.

A full list of GTSC’s board of strategic advisors, members and mentors is available at www.GTSCoalition.com.

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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.

For more information, please contact Kristina Tanasichuk, CEO, by phone or email: 703-201-7198 or [email protected].

Download this and other press releases here.

Cyber Security Survey

Last fall, the InfraGard National Capital Region Members Alliance (INCRMA), FBI-Washington Field Office, and the Government Technology & Services Coalition (GTSC) co-hosted a cyber security program at which we announced our intention to develop a survey for companies to share their experience with cyber security “incidents,” hacking, viruses, spear phishing, malware, and other suspicious activity, in addition to asking about what kinds of tools and resources could be most valuable to help industry be more prepared.

The survey collects data on the type and frequency of computer security incidents in which a computer was used as the means of committing a crime against the company or as a conduit through which other intrusion and/or criminal activity was perpetrated. It also collects data about the type and size of the company, cyber security practices, and computer infrastructure.

The results will provide the basis for enhancing or initiating efforts to strengthen the information sharing and awareness to inform our public private partnerships and create meaningful programming and tools to combat the cyber threat.

Initial results will be reviewed at our Cyber Security Awareness Month program on October 23 with Dr. Phyllis Schneck, the new Deputy Under Secretary of Cyber Security at DHS. The full results will be released this fall. The questions have been developed by GTSC from a previously issued DOJ survey, in combination with input from FBI-WFO’s Cyber Branch and the INCRMA’s Cyber Special Interest Group. Please feel free to share the link with others who you believe would be appropriate respondents.

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

DHS “Restarts”

Letter from DHS on the re-opening of the government.

DHS restart letter

Oct. 30: Halloween Happy Hour

Join GTSC for a

Halloween Happy Hour

Wednesday, October 30, 2013

5:30 pm – 9:00 pm

IRIS Lounge, Tysons Corner

Please RSVP – Costumes preferred (those in costume will receive a raffle ticket for 2 grand prizes)!

BEST costume also wins a prize!!

>>Please RSVP

Proceeds to benefit the Border Patrol Foundation

www.BorderPatrolFoundation.org

About the Border Patrol Foundation

The Border Patrol Foundation provides resources to the families of the fallen and creates awareness of the escalating risk of those who keep America’s borders safe. These services create a financial bridge through the turbulent time following a family’s loss. The Foundation supports programs improving awareness of United States border security and recognizes community leaders supporting the families of the U.S. Border Patrol. The Foundation’s volunteers have served with the U.S. Border Patrol or are professionals, friends and family committed to the importance of securing America’s borders and dedicate their lives to the same.

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

Oct. 23: Cyber Security: Focus on Public Private Sector Collaboration

Join GTSC and the InfraGard National Capital Region Members Alliance for a cyber program focused on the threats to the public and private sector. gram. Since Executive Order 13636 and PPD-21 were issued in February 2013, there has been a renewed focus on the challenges of security the nation’s digital infrastructure. Most admit and understand that our cyber security relies on a strong and vital collaboration between industry and government — whether that be the industry protecting our critical infrastructure or industry that provides the underpinning of our economy. Legislators on Capitol Hill are trying to determine how to streamline authorities and responsibilities and law enforcement and other agencies in the Federal government are grappling with preventing and mitigating the impacts of this threat. This session will discuss DHS’ role in cyber security, how the private sector and Federal partners are communicating, what threats are at the forefront from cyber hackers, hostile nation states etc. and how we see future collaboration improving to fight these threats and protect our economy and infrastructure.

AGENDA AT A GLANCE

8:00 AM Registration & Breakfast

8:30 AM Conference Introduction

8:45 AM Keynote: The Challenges of Cyber Security

9:30 AM How do we share information more effectively?

10:30 AM What are the latest threats?

11:30 AM Lunch on your own in the National Geographic Society Cafeteria

12:30 PM Keynote: Cyber Security Priorities from the DHS Perspective

1:15 PM Where is the Government Targeting their Resources?

2:00 PM What the Private Sector Do?

2:45 PM Closing Remarks

Confirmed Speakers:

Keynote: Dr. Phyllis Schneck, Deputy Under Secretary for Cyber Security, NPPD, DHS

Dr. Phyllis Schneck, McAfee’s former CTO and vice president of the global public sector, has been named deputy under secretary of cyber security for the National Protection and Programs Directorate at DHS. Join us to hear her priorities for cyber at NPPD!

Denise Anderson, National Council of Information Sharing and Analysis Centers (ISACs); Vice President, Financial Services-ISAC

Noel Due, Supervisory Special Agent, FBI – HQ, Cyber Division, Operation Clean Slate

Brian Finch, Partner, Global Security, Dickstein Shapiro LLP

John Harmon, Partner, Tactical Network Solutions

John Lainhart, CGEIT, CISA, CISM, CRISC, CIPP/G, CIPP/US Partner, Cybersecurity & Privacy, US Public Sector, IBM Global Business Services

James Mulvenon, Vice President, Defense Group Inc., Center for Intelligence Research and Analysis

Vipul Sharma, Vice President & CTO, Civil Government & Healthcare IT solutions, L-3 STRATIS

Trent Teyema, Assistant Special Agent in Charge, FBI WFO, Criminal Division – Cyber Branch

Glenn Wood, Vice President, Technology, InfraGard Board & Co-Chair, Cyber SIG

About the InfraGard National Capital Region Members Alliance

The InfraGard National Capital Region Members Alliance (INCRMA) consists of a growing membership of professionals who are creating a more resilient critical infrastructure in the Washington, DC metro area. These include defense industrial base, information technology, water supply systems, electrical energy, emergency services, law enforcement, health systems, transportation, banking, and telecommunications. Our membership is voluntary yet exclusive and is comprised of individuals from both the public and private sector. The main goal of INCRMA is to promote ongoing communication, education, and community outreach between the public and private sectors and the FBI. In doing so, information is shared, relationships are strengthened, and vital assets are protected. To learn more, visit us at www.infragard.org.