Inc. – GTS Coalition

GTSC Releases 5th Anniversary Annual Report

Kristina Tanasichuk — Thu, 01 Dec 2016 16:35:22 +0000

The Government Technology & Services Coalition today released its 5th Anniversary Annual Report, a review of activities in 2016 and a look at the people, companies, and organizations that have contributed to the growth and contributions of the Coalition.

In 2011, the Coalition was formed to provide small companies working in homeland and national security a “voice” in the Federal procurement and acquisition process. Since then, the organization has grown to over 130 companies representing small, mid-tier and large companies interested in bringing the best companies to the mission of homeland and national security.

Since GTSC’s inception they have launched numerous programs and initiatives aimed at ACTION. Not more words or platitudes, but tangible efforts to improve how our government finds and engages the innovation represented by GTSC members.

“It is exciting to see the tremendous amount of innovation being applied today within the homeland security sector,” said Michael Chertoff, Executive Chairman and Co-Founder of The Chertoff Group. “It is through innovative technology developments, creative thinking and new approaches – exactly what GTSC members represent – that we are able to bring forward “best-in-class” solutions to help the federal government better protect our homeland and the safety of our citizens.”

Read the report here.

GTSC Expands Steering Committee to Accommodate Growth

Kristina Tanasichuk — Fri, 08 Apr 2016 11:12:30 +0000

GOVERNMENT TECHNOLOGY & SERVICES COALITION
EXPANDS STEERING COMMITTEE
GTSC expands Steering Committee to accommodate Coalition’s growth

Washington, D.C. April 8 — The Government Technology & Services Coalition (GTSC), the premier non-profit organization for small and mid-sized companies in homeland and national security, today announced that it has expanded its Steering Committee to serve the mission more effectively by representing the increasing number, and diversity, of companies in the Coalition.

“US-CERT last month told electric utilities to disengage from the internet as much as possible. The Office of Personnel Management suffered a breach that affected over 22 million people. In 2015 we lost approximately $800 million to hostile countries, nation states, and criminals. ISIL uses Twitter to plan attacks quickly and effectively across the globe. As we approach our 5^th anniversary, we have expanded our Steering Committee because we need more mission-oriented people and companies engaged in providing the government the best ideas and execution,” said Kristina Tanasichuk, founder and CEO of the Coalition.

“While GTSC works to parse through the challenges in Federal procurement, the mission marches on. We want to assure that the most successful small, mid-tier and large companies committed to the homeland and national security mission have a voice. It was natural to reach out to some of our best and brightest to inform our path,” she continued.

“The key to successfully delivering against our most pressing homeland and national security challenges is a strong partnership between private sector companies with innovative approaches to delivering real capability and this in government who understand the challenges. GTSC is providing significant value to both my firm and our federal partners through dedicated focus on bringing us together to advance the mission of homeland and national security,” said Frank Landefeld, managing director & public sector market leader at MorganFranklin Consulting.

Members of the GTSC Steering Committee contribute to the direction and priorities of the Coalition, identify mission needs, and work with federal partners to find innovative mechanisms to bring cutting-edge ideas and technologies to the homeland and national security mission.

Additions to the Steering Committee include:

Robert Aguilera, Garud Technology Services, Inc.
Elizabeth El-Nattar, CEO, TRI-COR Industries, Inc.
Diana Francois, Senior Vice President, WBB, Inc.
Josh Kussman, CEO, Sentinel Strategy and Policy Consulting
Frank Landefeld, Managing Director & Public Sector Market Leader, MorganFranklin Consulting
Suzanne Liscouski, Vice President, NCI, Inc.
Tim May, Chief Marketing Officer, Salient CRGT
Dennis Murphy, PMP, President, ASM Concepts
Michael P. Stabolepszy, Managing Partner & Co-Founder, INTEGRITYOne Partners
Wayne Willis, Managing Partner, HWC

They join existing Steering Committee members Dr. Sheri Dougherty, president, DAI; Elaine Kapetanakis, CEO, Kapstone Technology; Lisa Martin, CEO, LeapFrog Solutions; Carolyn Muir, executive vice president, SE Solutions; Brian Nault, president, BlueWater Federal; Kathy Pherson, CEO, Pherson Associates; and Andrea Stone, CEO, Dynamic Pro, Inc.

“As a small business in homeland security we are thrilled with how GTSC provides a forum where small and mid-tier firms can forge trusted relationships to collectively pursue opportunities. Nowhere is there such a strong voice with the attention and focus on the continuing success and extremely high ROI to member companies as at GTSC – we are excited to be part of an organization bringing the best of breed to our government partners,” added Michael Stabolepszy, co-founder and managing director, INTEGRITYOne Partners.

“I am honored to have had the privilege not only to serve the first two secretaries of DHS, but also now to assist GTSC in defining their strategic path forward in engaging DHS in productive industry dialogue. Their work on behalf of mid-tier companies is unique and extremely relevant in today’s market,” said Suzanne Petrie Liscouski, vice president, federal civilian agencies, NCI, Inc.

GTSC works on behalf of its members with the U.S. Departments of Homeland Security, Defense, State, Justice, Treasury, and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence.

Dec. 10: GTSC Holiday Awards

Kristina Tanasichuk — Wed, 13 Nov 2013 09:30:03 +0000

Join the Government Technology & Services Coalition for an extraordinary celebration of a great year and a toast to a new and prosperous 2014 at our Annual Awards Celebration! We’re thrilled to feature our Italian Feast dinner buffet in addition to holiday libations, great company and a fun evening to ring in the holidays.

The 2013 GTSC Holiday Awards honors:

Federal Small Business Champions of the Year Award: John Morton, former Director, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement & Jonathan Porter, Chief of Staff, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement

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.

Market Maven of the Year Award: Chad C. Sweet, Co-Founder & CEO, The Chertoff Group

Normally presented at the GTSC Anniversary, 2013 year’s Market Maven of the Year Award will be presented at the holiday party. It is presented to an exceptional individual who contributes in a concrete and tangible way to the efficiency, productivity and effectiveness of the homeland and national security market. Proven as a thought leader with a belief in increasing individual opportunity, the power of free enterprise and the nurture of innovation to advance and support the homeland and national security mission.

Strategic Partner of the Year Award: Brian E. Finch, Partner, Global Security Practice, Dickstein Shapiro LLP

The Strategic Partner of the Year is awarded annually to the Strategic Partner that demonstrates a clear commitment to GTSC, contributes significantly to the content and substance of the organization and provides GTSC members with counsel, insight and resources to perform exceptionally on behalf of the homeland and national security mission.

Strategic Advisor of the Year Award: Bill Carroll, Senior Partner, Strike Force Consulting

The Strategic Advisor of the Year is awarded annually to the Strategic Advisor who works on behalf of GTSC to increase our capacity, membership and opportunities to bring the innovation, creativity and solutions of small and mid-sized companies to the homeland and national security mission.

Small Business Member of the Year Award: PReSafe Technologies LLC

The award is presented annually to the GTSC Member that exemplifies exceptional quality and ethics for the Federal government, a commitment to GTSC’s small business members and advocacy on behalf of our community.

Mentor of the Year Award: TASC & Mike Kelly, Vice President, Business Development, Civil and Infrastructure Security Group, TASC

Mentor of the Year is awarded annually to the GTSC Mentor who has worked to increase members’ understanding of the homeland and national security market, increased business opportunities for small companies through formal and informal mentoring and engages with GTSC to promote an innovative, robust, fair market for all.

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.

Thank You to our Sponsors!

Gold Sponsors

Silver Sponsors

Thank you to Old Dominion Strategies!

Support and sponsorships of our holiday event are welcome — please contact us to help make this our best event ever!

Parking & Public Transportation

Parking: There is some on-site and two-hour metered street parking. Parking is also available at GMU.

Metrorail: The Arlington Arts Center is one block south of the Virginia Square-GMU metro station on the Orange line.

Metrobus: Line 24P and ART Line 41 stop directly in front of the AAC.

Removable Media: Do You Know Where That’s Been?

Kristina Tanasichuk — Fri, 04 Oct 2013 17:45:35 +0000

Steer clear of portable malware by using only secure removable media

Admit it. You can’t resist plugging those cute little USB thumb drives, miniature CD ROMS and other removable media devices into your computer. They’re easy to use, portable, convenient and they hold lots of data.

But my hacker friends and I discovered that those nifty memory devices are a great way to get into your computer and your network — especially if you don’t know where they came from. We hand them out everywhere we go. Everybody wants one. We pre-infect them with malware or spyware. The second you plug them into your USB port, presto! I’m running around your computer, free and easy.

Sure, it’s handy to download files onto a thumb drive and take them home with you instead of lugging your laptop around. But humans have a propensity to lose things. People misplace their thumb drives or CD ROMS all the time. Because they are so small, it’s pretty easy to steal them, too.

But you can protect yourself, your computer and your network. Just follow these easy tips:

If you don’t know where it came from, don’t put it in your computer.
Safeguard your memory sticks. Keep them in a safe place.
Use encryption. Protect sensitive data on your thumb drives.
Print hard copies of documents and back up data on removable media.

Remember, losing a memory stick that contains important data could have severe consequences. Protect, don’t neglect! For more information, check out www.us-cert.gov.

Lisa Martin
CEO
LeapFrog Solutions, Inc.

LeapFrog Solutions (LFS) is a certified woman owned small business based in Fairfax, Virginia. Founded in 1996, we are a trusted source for commercial businesses and federal agencies seeking full spectrum creative solutions and exceptional program management. This blogpost is brought to you by GTSC in partnership with LeapFrog Solutions. For more information on cyber awareness campaigns contact Anjali Dighe at 703.539.6127 or adighe@leapfrogit.com.

Get Smart About Your Password

Kristina Tanasichuk — Tue, 01 Oct 2013 17:13:36 +0000

You shared your password … now I know all your secrets. Don’t get exposed — be smart about your password!

The attacker who writes my code is on the hunt for your password. Once he gets it, he inserts me, Mal Ware, into your network so he can see all the information that your employees need to keep private. I love taking secrets that aren’t mine and using them to do bad things. So don’t make it easy for me or your attacker.

Here are ways you can protect your information from my malicious intentions:

Keep your password to yourself. It’s supposed to be secret — so don’t share it!
Don’t be fooled by what others may say:
- IT support does not need your password.
- Your coworkers do not need your password to read your email. Share your inbox with another user or use a team email account.
- Your assistant doesn’t need your password to do his/her job. You can give others access to your Outlook calendar and email.
- Share file folder access with specific coworkers to avoid password sharing.
- You don’t need to share your password with others to access the same sites or content management systems. Everyone with duties assigned on a system should have his/her own login and password.
- Be creative to make your password uniquely yours:
  - Use a variety of symbols, letters, capital letters and numbers.
  - Avoid using words related to your company.
  - Avoid sequences or repetition of letters or numbers, words spelled backward, common misspellings or abbreviations.
  - Encourage others to be smart about their passwords. Make them aware of the threats that are out there if they share them, because once I have access to the network, I have access to everyone and everything.
  - A data breach could embarrass you and/or your company … or much worse.

It’s not difficult to avoid my threats. Just don’t share your password with anyone, and be smart when creating it. Protect, don’t neglect, your password! For more information, check out www.us-cert.gov.

Lisa Martin
CEO
LeapFrog Solutions, Inc.