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Weekly Roundup
Nov 14 – Nov 20 2014

A Note From Our President & Founder Jim Garrettson

The annual Reagan National Defense Forum took place last weekend in California and saw several of the Pentagon’s top civilian and uniformed leaders offer a glimpse into how uncertainties in the budget picture have affected the military’s long-term strategy.

Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel unveiled his new strategy to maintain U.S. technological superiority and what DoD will want from industry as the military pushes forward on this effort.

“We will actively seek proposals from the private sector, including firms and academic institutions outside DoD’s traditional orbit,” he said.

Navy Adm. James Winnefeld Jr., vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, described how sequestration other continued budget cuts have put “in jeopardy” the U.S.’ ability to help allies fend off threats.
“The trajectory of the security environment and the ongoing turbulence in defense funding have upset the strategic balance among the ends, ways, and means of our nation’s security and we need to reset it,” he said.

                 

The Potomac Officers Club honed in on this uncertainty and how GovCon firms have sought to adjust and align their priorities with that of agencies at the “FY 15 Budget & Procurement”summit Wednesday in McLean, Virginia.

Leaders from the worlds of government, industry and academia will give the GovCon executive audience perspectives and insight how the sector should navigate this evolving budget environment.

Click here to read GovCon Wire’s full recap of Wednesday’s event.
POC will kick off its 2015 calendar of events with the ‘2015 Intel Summit’ on Jan. 21, where National Intelligence Director James Clapper will deliver the keynote address and be joined by other leaders from the intelligence community in a half-day forum for GovCon executives.

Click here to register and reserve your seat at these and more upcoming POC events.

THIS WEEK’S TOP NEWS STORIES 
ATK, Orbital Delay Expected Merger Closure Date to February
Shareholder meetings for both companies now scheduled to occur Jan. 27, 2015.
Patrick Antkowiak Promoted to CTO at Northrop
Antkowiak previously held a VP and GM role in firm’s electronic systems sector.
Louis Addeo, ManTech EVP, to Retire at Year’s End
Addeo has served as EVP of corporate development and strategic acquisitions since February 2013.
Kay Kapoor of AT&T on Mentorship in GovCon, ‘Mobile First’ Shift in Gov’t
AT&T’s federal lead speaks to ExecutiveBiz after selection for ACT-IAC honor.
Anne Altman, IBM Federal Head, Lands ‘Executive of the Year’ Honor at GovCon Awards
The three-decade IBM veteran has led the federal business since January 2013.
American Systems, Agilex Chosen for ‘Contractor of the Year’ Distinctions at GovCon Awards
American Systems wins in $300M+ revenue category, Agilex for $75M-$300M.
Vion’s Steve Picot: Agencies Have More Options Than Just Public Cloud
Company’s federal sales VP describes cloud as “financial model” in interview.
Frank Kendall, Deborah Lee James Seek Focus on Defense Acquisition Efficiency
Pentagon civilian leaders overview push to streamline DoD’s acquisitions.
Report: Joint Chiefs of Staff Seek $60B Increase for FY 2016 Defense Budget
Additional request would put budget above sequestration caps.
Jerry Hogge: Leidos-Accenture-Cerner Team Eyes Interoperability for Military EHR Contract
Consortium is one of four groups in the running for the program.
Ray Johnson: Energy Presents ‘Very Large Commercial Market’ for Lockheed
Lockheed’s CTO overviews firm’s push into adjacient markets like energy.
Mike Petters: Schedules, Cost Plans Key in USS Gerald Ford Construction
Huntington Ingalls’ chief executive offers update on firm’s work to build the ship.
EMCOR Arm to Monitor DHS Facility Contractors; Mike Rodgers Comments
Firm’s government services subsidiary will also perform engineering services.
AIA’s Marion Blakey Presses Congress for Omnibus Bill
The trade association’s CEO asks lawmakers to avoid another CR.
Mike Pozmantier: DHS Eyes December for Cyber Tech Transfers to Commercial Market
Pozmantier, a DHS program manager, calls cyber a “joint problem.”
Senate Panel OKs Nominations of Sarah Saldana, Russell Deyo to DHS Roles
Saldana to face confirmation as ICE chief, Deyo for management undersecretary.