THE BCF BEACON - · PDF fileBCF solutions held an event this past June at our RedBlack office...
8
Volume 1, Issue 2 July 2015 BCF Supports Stop 22 BCF solutions held an event this past June at our RedBlack office in Pax River to benefit Stop 22. Stop 22 is a campaign created by K9’s for Warriors that helps train and match service dogs with returned Veterans. 22 Veterans commit suicide every day, but by providing our heroes with service dogs, we can reduce that number. Studies have shown that service dogs can reduce symptoms of PTSD and cases of suicide. K9’s for Warriors is a great organization because most of the dogs they train are rescues, and the dogs are trained specifically for each Veteran to maximize the success of the program. On June 12, 2015 BCF solutions held a fundraising event for Stop 22 that featured illustrious speakers such as Veterans who had been paired with The BCF Beacon 1 Employee Contest Have you received some positive customer feedback? We want to hear it! Send it to [email protected] to be eligible to win a $100 dollar gift card! Get BCF Updates THE BCF BEACON
Transcript of THE BCF BEACON - · PDF fileBCF solutions held an event this past June at our RedBlack office...
Volume 1, Issue 2 July 2015
BCF Supports Stop 22 BCF solutions held an event this past June at our RedBlack office in Pax River to benefit Stop 22. Stop 22 is a campaign created by K9’s for Warriors that helps train and match service dogs with returned Veterans. 22 Veterans commit suicide every day, but by providing our heroes with service dogs, we can reduce that number. Studies have shown that service dogs can reduce symptoms of PTSD and cases of suicide. K9’s for Warriors is a great organization because most of the dogs they train are rescues, and the dogs are trained specifically for each Veteran to maximize the success of the program. On June 12, 2015 BCF solutions held a fundraising event for Stop 22 that featured illustrious speakers such as Veterans who had been paired with
The BCF Beacon �1
Employee Contest
Have you received some positive customer feedback? We want to hear it! Send it to [email protected] to be eligible to win a $100 dollar gift card!
Get BCF Updates
THE BCF BEACON
Volume 1, Issue 2 July 2015
service dogs through K9’s for Warriors, Maryland Senator Steve Waugh, and our very own co-founders Brady C. Foster and Chand Gupta. BCF solutions held the catered event at our RedBlack office in Hollywood, MD, and reached out to community members and business partners to help give this event the support it deserved! We had a lot of fun and met a lot of interesting people, but most importantly we raised awareness and funds for an amazing organization. BCF solutions is committed to bettering our community and supporting our Veterans, both overseas and back at home. Thank you to everyone who contributed and donated to this event, it was a great success for BCF solutions and K9’s for Warriors!
Message from the CEO In Town Hall meetings and related emails this past year, Chand and I have discussed changes to our approach for BCF. Some of that involved an changes in personnel and some in management processes. I would like to highlight an example of one change involving management processes that are underway for Strategic Planning and Business Development. These changes are driven by the Business Development lessons I learned over the past three years as they apply to our current Government business climate which is driving lower rates and thus leaner support organizations.
First, our strategic planning and business development is now organized as a matrixed function for our business developers to work directly with the Directors and PMs to grow our business lines, including rebids. Our experience over the last few years has shown for us to have successful proposals, we need to work and communicate together to get the necessary marketing/capture team, management, and technical actions/inputs.
The BCF Beacon �2
HR Bulletin
Mid-Year Reminders:
Paychecks - All employees are requested to review their direct deposit pay advice for accuracy of their salary and their payroll deductions. If you see any incorrect deductions for benefits you enrolled in or do not see the deduction for the benefit you have, please let Human Resources know as soon as possible so that the error can be corrected.
Changes to Personnel Records - Every employee must inform Human Resources of any change in his/her personnel record, to include home address, telephone numbers, marital status, and dependent status. This information may be used to contact family members in an emergency situation. Prompt notification of any change will also help protect the employee from possible lapses in benefits coverage. If you have a change of address or status change, please complete the Benefit Mall Change Request Form and forward the completed form to Human Resources. The form can be located on the BCF employee website.
Volume 1, Issue 2 July 2015
Once I have finished the new draft processes, Chand & I will sit down with each manager to get their feedback to finalize an understandable, workable set of processes. The framework presented will allow for flexibility to customize the process to be applied based on the specific acquisition target circumstances and the current activity “climate” affecting the supported Director(s), Program Manager(s), and program(s) team members.
However, while there will be some modification from business unit to business unit or program to program, the overarching principles will remain – rigorous targeting, capture, and proposal activities with metrics-based gate reviews that ensure our resources are allocated to opportunities where we stand the best chance for winning. This is a “less is more” approach so that while we may bid fewer opportunities, our activity aimed at those opportunities will be better positioned to win!
In summary, the Strategic Planning and Business Development activity will be process driven to support the BCF Growth Goals and in turn the Directors and Program Managers. For this to succeed, we will need everyone’s support. Our Directors, Program Managers, and program team members know better than anyone what their customers need now and into the future, and which similar, adjacent organizations we can apply our capabilities. So this process change aims to get the whole team involved to facilitate a strong line of communication to share ideas, prepare for capture and proposal of bids, and improve our level of success.
I believe our business requires a strong team approach and with all of our team playing, we all improve our chances of succeeding. In other words, I believe we need everyone playing in order to win.
Brady C. Foster
The BCF Beacon �3
Employee Spotlight
We talked to Christine LeCloux, from S4, our Security and Surveillance Division. Thanks for telling us a little about yourself Christine!
Q: Where are you from?
A: I was born in Wisconsin but lived in other states too. I’ve been in the DC area over 25 years.
Q: How long have you worked at BCF and what’s your role here?
A: I’ve worked for BCF since 2009 and was at S4 Tech before it became a part of BCF. My title is Admin Manager, but I do a little bit of everything. Mainly office support and interfacing with customers.
Q: What do you like most about BCF?
A: I like the integrity. I respect my coworkers and think we’re doing interesting work.
Q: Before working here, what was the most unusual or interesting job you’ve ever had?
A: I was an ESL teacher for ten years in Arlington. I met people from all walks of life. It was an interesting way to learn about the world through other people.
Q: What kinds of hobbies and interests do you have outside of work?
A: I like to run, I have my own garden and I enjoy cooking. I also volunteer for a youth soccer league.
Q: What is one thing you couldn’t live without?
A: Access to the outdoors. I love having a garden and a yard to relax in.
Q: What is your favorite movie and book?
A: I love Ben Stiller, so anything with him. I like reading about organic food and cooking, so Michael Pollan’s Omnivore’s Dilemma was a treat.
Volume 1, Issue 2 July 2015
Thirty Meter TelescopeBCF’s project control division, Triad, has been supporting the Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) for 11 years. TMT is one of 3 latest generations of telescopes that will enable astronomers to observe things they have only dreamed about…
The Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) project is a public-private partnership formalized in 2003 to develop and build the world’s largest ground based optical telescope. TMT is anticipated to cost roughly $1.2 billion dollars. The telescope’s mirrors will be a total of 30 meters (98.5 feet) in diameter with over 700 individual mirror segments. TMT will be the first of the next generation of extremely large telescopes and will pave the way for even larger mega-structures. Providing nine times the collecting area of the world's largest existing telescope, TMT will reach further and see more clearly than any existing telescope by a factor of 10 to 100 depending on the observation.
Our staff of experts, working with some of the top engineers and scientists in world, developed a detailed cost estimate and a project management system. BCF’s professional staff will continue to support TMT for years to come. TMT has started construction of the telescope. It is located on Mauna Kea in Hawaii, and construction will require about 6 years before “first light” testing.
Infrared Cameras 101 BCF’s security and surveillance division, S4, sells integrated security and surveillance solutions to the DOD and commercial customers world-wide. One of our primary areas of expertise is in infrared thermal imaging solutions – namely “Infrared
The BCF Beacon �4
What’s New in Triad
One of the keys to maintain a healthy business is to have a constant influx of new customers. One of the Triad’s targets for business development is the US Department of Energy Loan Program Office. The mission of DOE’s Loan Programs Office (LPO) is to accelerate the domestic commercial deployment of innovative and advanced clean energy technologies at a scale sufficient to contribute meaningfully to the achievement of our national lean energy objectives - including job creation; reducing dependency on foreign oil; improving our environmental legacy; and enhancing American competitiveness in the global economy of the 21st century. DOE’s loan programs - administered by LPO - enable DOE to work with private companies and lenders to mitigate the financing risks associated with clean energy projects.
There are three primary areas LPO supports. First, LPO helps employ new or significantly improved energy technologies and avoids, reduces or sequesters air pollutants and greenhouse gases. Second, LPO guarantees loans for certain clean energy projects, such as new nuclear power plants. Third, LPP provides loan guarantees for manufacturing facilities producing fuel-efficient vehicles and components (such as Tesla).
BCF is developing our team to pursue this, leveraging our previous 9 years of Department of Energy experience as well as other corporate capabilities. We will keep you informed as we move forward!
Volume 1, Issue 2 July 2015
Cameras.” The word “infrared” refers to a broad portion of the electromagnetic spectrum: everything between visible light and microwaves. The portions of spectrum that define the infrared bands are: Near Infrared (NIR), Short-Wave Infrared (SWIR), Medium-Wave Infrared (MWIR) Long-Wave Infrared (LWIR).
A true infrared thermal sensor can detect small temperature differences between an object and its environment. As an object gets hotter, it radiates more energy and appears brighter to a thermal imaging system. This makes it very difficult to hide from a thermal camera assuming there is enough of a temperature difference between the object and its background. Thermal cameras are great for security solutions since they can work in complete darkness and at very long distances. Thermal cameras are being used around the world in applications that range from Border Security to Search and Rescue.
Thanks to Hollywood there are some misconceptions about thermal imaging cameras. Unlike what you see on TV, thermal cameras cannot see through walls or even glass windows. So the next time you see a movie and they are watching someone from space, through a wall --- it just doesn’t work that way.
The BCF Beacon �5
What’s New in S4
Remote Covert Virtual Sentinel (RCVS) S4 recently released the Remote Covert Virtual Sentinel (RCVS) integrated surveillance package. The RCVS is a “backpackable” covert video surveillance tool kit that can be adapted to different environments and varied mission needs. The package is focused on meeting the surveillance requirements from the special operations forces and law enforcement communities.
The RCVS includes video surveillance, control and power nodes that can be configured in many different ways to meet mission needs. The original customer (US Border Patrol) was interested in gaining a tactical advantage in both rugged field applications as well as urban pre-operation surveillance. The S4 division is also working with the US Park Service to provide covert surveillance of remote parking lots which suffer sporadic car theft and break-ins.
Volume 1, Issue 2 July 2015
Crafty Invention BCF's system integration division, RedBlack, personnel Ross Noll won the people choice award in the Crab Pot Pitch competition out of eleven contestants. The Competition is similar to the show “Shark Tank”where you pitch your product/idea and gain sponsorship for the development of your product/idea. The competition was hosted by PaxSpace and Southern Maryland Innovation and Tech (SMIT) this past May. Ross gave a 90 second pitch for his machine tool accessory, currently known a the Turbo tool, he developed. He came up with the idea when he was trying to find a simple, robust, and inexpensive way to save time while machining material to create fabrication for current projects.he tool blows off the machine part as its being cut clearing away the metal chips enabling quicker part changes. It is estimated that 100,000 turbo tools could be sold within the first year to distributors. After winning the People's Choice award, Ross advance to the finial round and gave a 5 minute brief. Although he was not selected in the final round,
BCF is perusing the patent and turning this into an internal research development project. They have even begun discussion with University of Maryland to assist with optimizing the design and air flow of the product. This product is a great opportunity to put BCF solutions on the map.
The BCF Beacon �6
Social Networking Tips
Social networking sites may have redefined the way we communicate but the convenience these offer also entail great responsibility. As much as you’d like to think otherwise, nothing is private on the Internet. To keep your social media lives safe, here are some useful tips:
1. Be wary of clicking shortened links from unknown accounts. These are usually sent by individuals who wish to bait you into infecting your systems or into giving out your credentials.
2. Only befriend or follow people you’ve met in real life. If you wish to meet new people via social networks, treat every contact as hostile. Never fully trust the links they send. Think twice when strangers ask to befriend or follow you. Always check the legitimacy of an account before adding it to your network.
3. Read the privacy settings of the site you are signing up for. Don’t reveal things you don’t want everyone to know. Facebook’s security settings allow you to make your account private if you want to limit access to it. Twitter, meanwhile, lets you lock your account, making your Tweets private.
4. Never use a single password for multiple sites.
5. It won’t hurt to make your profile private if you’re really concerned about security. Keep in mind that your profile page is likely to be publicly viewable. Share only what you’re comfortable with.
6. If the site allows, group your contacts.
Volume 1, Issue 2 July 2015
Welcome BCF Interns BCF recently began an experiment that has been more than a year in development. We wanted a program that would help the newest workplace entrants gain much needed experience, as well as create a pipeline for fresh ideas into the company. Therefore, we initiated the BCF internship program within the Strategic Planning Group. Jenna is a senior in college, and is working on her Bachelors of Science degree in marketing at George Mason University. She found the BCF solutions internship program through GMU’s job posting
website, and pursued it in order to gain valuable work experience prior to graduation. Jenna says that BCF’s internship program has already taught her so much about how her education applies to business development activities, and how she can apply both her educational and work experiences to strategize and plan projects in the future. So far, she
has enjoyed participating in meetings, supporting Brady with daily tasks, and helping out at our event to support Stop 22 and K9’s for Warriors. In her free time she enjoys creating art, traveling, and spending time with friends and family.
Kristy recently moved to Virginia from Los Angeles, California. She graduated from Pacific Union College with degrees in Business Administration and Spanish. After working in healthcare, Kristy was looking to make a change and happened upon an internship posting for BCF Solutions. Intrigued, she applied. A few weeks later, she made the trek cross country to start at BCF. So far, she’s enjoyed learning about the business development process and the strategy involved. Outside of work, Kristy enjoys reading, traveling and playing volleyball.
The BCF Beacon �7
What’s New in D&S
The Defense & Space (D&S) Division is knee deep in the middle of the follow-on competition for Acquisition, Business Operations, Facilities, and Engineering support to the Missile Defense Agency (MDA).The OPTEMPO is high given this is a substantially sized set of contracts for work we currently have and/or are hoping to win. MDA is BCF’s largest customer so this is critical to the D&S Division and the company. Teams are formed, strategies are defined, and pens are flying as we write to these proposal requirements.
On our AMCOM Express front, the protest of a large business who lost an award has resulted in termination of our recently awarded Basic Purchasing Agreement (BPA). Having won an AMCOM Express Programmatic Domain prime BPA contract recently we were posturing to bid upcoming Task Orders when the news came the Government was taking corrective action regarding the award of these contracts which effected both the small and large business awardees. AMCOM isn’t clear on their path ahead but you can expect to hear more news on this and events develop.
Volume 1, Issue 2 July 2015
The BCF Beacon �8
Important Contacts
Brady Foster CEO & CSO [email protected]
Chand Gupta President & COO [email protected]
Jack Nebb Vice President and Contracts Director [email protected]
Sunita Gupta HR Director [email protected]
Tim Foerster Director of Strategic Planning and Marketing [email protected]
Bill Smart D&S Division Director [email protected]
Mike Cooper RedBlack Division Director [email protected]
Howard Borst S4 Division Director [email protected]
Spencer Curtis Triad Division Director [email protected]
Comments or Suggestions?
Email your comments, thoughts or suggestions to Kristy at [email protected]
Upcoming Industry Events
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
Jul 20 21 NDIA Annual CBRN
Defense Conference and
Exhibi9on Aberdeen, MD (Thru Jul 23)
22 How Washington
Works – Naviga9ng the DOD
Reston, VA (Thru Jul 23)
23 JPEO -‐ CBD
Industry Day Aberdeen, MD
24
27 Global EOD
Symposium & Exhibi9on
Bethesda, MD
28 Town Hall Mee9ng
Huntsville, AL
Global EOD Symposium &
Exhibi9on Bethesda, MD
29 Army Intelligence
Industry Day Chan9lly, VA
ACC Industry Comm Event
Huntsville, AL
30 31
3 The Honorable Peter B. Teets Award Dinner Chan9lly, VA
4 NDIA Space Division
Na9onal Security Space Policy and
Architecture Symposium Chan9lly, VA
5 SOSSEC General
Membership Mee9ng
Fredericksburg, VA
6 C4ISR Breakfast Arlington, VA
7
10 SMD Symposium
Huntsville, AL (Thru Aug 13)
11 12 CDCA Quarterly
Luncheon
13 CDCA Small
Business and Industry Outreach Ini9a9ve
14
17 18 19 NDIA Systems
Engineering Division Mee9ng
Washington, DC
20 21
24 5530 -‐ 2015
Annual Tac9cal Wheeled Vehicles
Conference Reston, VA
(Thru Aug 26)
25 5PM3 -‐ IPM
Division Mee9ng Arlington, VA (Thru Aug 26)
26 27 588G -‐ SO/LIC Division Social Arlington, VA
28
31 Sep1 2 3 4
