American Cyber - Fall 2017 ACWire Newsletter

merican Cyber Wire
SOLUTIONS WITH VELOCITY TM Fall 2017

Volume 12, Issue 4

American Cyber Makes Washington Technology’s
Fast 50 List for 2nd Consecutive Year

For a second consecutive year, this prestigious list becomes Washington Technology ranks
American Cyber has been significantly more challenging companies using a Compound
recognized by Washington as the company grows larger”, Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) that is
Technology Magazine as one of the explains President Gary Winkler. calculated by revenue history over
top 50 small business contractors “We are proud to be ranked on this a 5-year period, and also looks at
in the government technology very notable list of remarkable company information including
market. Washington Technology’s companies in our industry for a business capabilities, major
Fast 50 is an annual awards and customers and major contracts.
recognition list that recognizes second consecutive year. As we American Cyber has achieved a
successful companies that have continue to excel in serving our significant 5-year growth of 523%,
undergone extraordinary growth in customers, and growing in a holistic representing a 5-year CAGR of
the past 5 years. Recognition on the manner, we hope to be among the 58%. To qualify for a ranking, the
Washington Technology’s Fast 50 2018 “Fast 50” next year”. company must be considered
list for two consecutive years is a a small business by the federal
remarkable accomplishment. government and have at least
$100,000 in government revenue
“Since it is based on for 2012.
compound annual growth, making

American Cyber Selected for
National Small Business Association Councils

In early fall, American Cyber was and Technology Councils. NSBA is Gary Winkler, American Cyber’s
invited to join the National Small the nation’s foremost small business President, was invited to join the
Business Association (NSBA) and advocacy organization. The NSBA Association’s Leadership Council
to be a member of their Leadership promotes small businesses’ concerns, which is comprised of a select group
focusing on federal policies and of small business leaders from a
legislation addressed by Congress, wide array of industries throughout
the Administration, State and Local the country who work to ensure
Government and the Media.
NSBA Councils continued on page 3

CONTENTS GSA PSS Schedule Award in 2018.................. 5 American Cyber Welcomes
American Cyber Holiday Party........................ 6 New Employees.............................................. 9
Board of Director’s Corner................................ 2 JSP Help Desk Customer
HR Updates .......................................................... 2 Employee Recognition....................................... 9
Corporate Staff Visit to IPPS-A....................... 4 Appreciation Day........................................... 8 Happy Birthdays................................................ 10
Security Tip........................................................... 4 Snow Day Policy Reminder.............................. 8 2018 Payroll Schedule..................................... 10
Kriston Myers of JSP Recognized for CMMI Certification.............................................. 8 January-March Holiday Schedule 2018...... 10

Outstanding Service...................................... 5

SOLUTIONS WITH VELOCITY TM

Board of Director’s Corner and setting the standard for
excellent performance.
As we close out American Cyber’s We also initiated pursuit of a CMMI We also expanded our
sixth year, it is nice to reflect on Level 3 appraisal for Services. To operations into additional states
what we achieved this past year. support these annual audits and such as Arizona and Pennsylvania.
We expanded our customer base in processes, we hired Mr. Scott On the marketing side, we invested
three ways: (1) by winning another Findley as our Compliance Manager, in a make-over for our website, and
Prime contract with the Army, (2) which was a significant investment. also in a new 10’x10’ display for
by starting new subcontract work exhibition/conference booths. Our
supporting new prime contractors, Our progress over recent years goal is to make American Cyber a
and (3) by adding additional continued to be recognized with well-known brand in the Information
staff where we are already industry awards from Washington Technology and C4ISR/Cyber field.
subcontractors. We continued to Technology and Smart CEO Lastly, we have several proposals
mature our corporate capabilities Magazines, the Inc.5000 list, the in the Government source selection
and processes by undergoing three Virginia Chamber of Commerce, and process at this time, and we hope
International Standard Organization the Department of Defense for our that we come out on the winning
(ISO) Certification audits for ISO excellent results in the DoD Mentor end when the results are tallied.
20000 (IT Service Management), Protégé Program. Our personnel As we enter 2018, we have
ISO 9001:2015 (Quality also continued to be recognized by some key plans in place to continue
Management), and ISO 27001 our customers to grow and evolve our operations
(Information Security Management). for exceeding and corporate capabilities. We
expectations will complete our CMMI Level 3
for Services Appraisal in Spring
HR Updates of 2018, which will complement
our existing ISO Certifications and
American Cyber partners with C2 who participate in 401(k), 403(b), give us a competitive advantage
Essentials (“C2”) for human resource most 457 plans, and the federal as we compete for additional work
services. This partnership allows government’s Thrift Savings Plan and contracts.
American employees to access will increase to $18,500. We look forward to an exciting
personal information, benefits, PTO PP The §415 limitation for defined year ahead, and as we grow, we
balances, and payroll data online contribution plans will increase always look for ways to continue the
through the C2 portal at https:// to $55,000 for 2018. professional development and career
www.c2connection.com. Once 2017 PP The dollar limitation used growth of American Cyber employees
W-2’s have been completed, they in the definition of a highly who are doing such a great job
will be available online. You may also compensated employee will delivering results for our customers
access W-2’s from previous years! remain at $120,000. in a collaborative and teamwork-
PP The catch-up contribution limit oriented fashion. Keep
The Internal Revenue Service for those persons age 50 and up the great work, have
has announced cost of living over will remain at $6,000. a happy and safe holiday
updates for tax year 2018. season with family and
Highlights of the notices include: HR Updates continued on page 3 friends, and best wishes
to you and yours for a
PP The elective deferral or prosperous and healthy new year!
contribution limit for employees
—Laurie M. Winkler,
CEO and Board Chair

2 American Cyber Wire Volume 12, Issue 4

SOLUTIONS WITH VELOCITY TM

NSBA Councils continued from page 1 voting on legislation and reforms,” understand the challenges and
explains Winkler. pitfalls of marketing to the Federal
the needs of small businesses are Government. It is very different
addressed when shaping legislation “In addition, this will give than marketing to private sector
and policies. As a highly respected me an opportunity to help small companies,” Winkler continued.
leader in the Washington, D.C., area businesses in the technology field
business community, Winkler brings understand how to do business with Winkler will meet monthly
a wealth of federal acquisition, the Federal Government. So often with other committee members to
policy and technical experience to entrepreneurs have fantastic ideas address new issues and continue
the Council. and have invented very valuable to promote the organization’s
systems or tools but they don’t existing priorities.
In addition to the Leadership
Council, Winkler will be a member NSBR
of the Small Business Technology
Council (SBTC). This council focuses National Small Business Association
on educating members, government
officials and large companies August 24, 2017
relative to the value and significance
of small business participation, Gary Winkler
which is often responsible for American Cyber, Inc.
cutting edge technologies. The SBTC 11324 Chapel Road
also works with small businesses, Clifton, VA 20124
encouraging collaboration in
research and development (R&D) Dear Gary:
as well as transitioning these
cutting-edge technologies into the On behalfNSBA and our all-small-business all-volunteer Board ofTrustees, I want to
commercial marketplace. thank you for your commitment to small business and your generous support.

“Membership in the NSBA and As I am sure you are aware, moving legislation forward continues to be a challenge in
participation in the Leadership and Washington. But with your help, we can cut through the "noise" and make sure that the real needs
Technology Councils is an excellent of small businesses get addressed. As it's made more clear by the day, our government is plagued
opportunity to ensure that the by partisanship. However, we stay focused on the fact that support for small business-the
federal government understands beating heart of the American miracle-should in no way be seen as a partisan special interest.
the role of small business in the As such, we are making real progress in making sure that any tax reform addresses the real needs
nation’s economy and incorporates ofsmaller companies, and we are beginning to see progress in our efforts to roll back the
our concerns when developing and regulatory state.

HR Updates continued from page 2 The work and effectiveness of our association-much like the economy overall-does
not begin in Washington, D.C. NSBA's national membership continues to work together on a
If you have HR-related non-partisan basis to produce solutions to the problems we face. The membership response to
questions, please contact our HR NSBA surveys provides the Congress, the Executive Branch and the media up-to-date
and Export Compliance Specialist, information on the health of the small business community. Member participation on various
Lois Session, at (202) 577-9573 or committees and councils provides us with input helping to shape policy. NSBA members also
[email protected]. You testify before Congress on a regular basis on critical small business issues. In addition, letters sent
may also contact C2 directly at to Members ofCongress through NSBA's Action Center has been essential in communicating the
(703) 444-0096. message to Capitol Hill.

These efforts individually and combined sends a strong message to decision makers. But,
we could not do this without you. I want to again thank you for your support and look forward to
our continuing relationship.

Sincerely,

Todd McCracken
President & CEO

115615th Street, NW • Suite 502 • Washington, DC 20005 • (202) 293-8830 • www.nsba.biz

Fall 2017 American Cyber Wire 3

SOLUTIONS WITH VELOCITY TM

Corporate Staff Visit to IPPS-A

In late September, American Cyber capabilities will, for the first time, work station. This will allow
corporate staff members sponsored enable any Army personnel action Soldiers to view and retrieve their
a luncheon for company employees to automatically trigger and update Soldier’s Record Brief (SRB) on a
working at the Integrated Personnel the soldier’s pay. This will ensure 24 x 7 basis, as well as providing
and Pay System–Army (IPPS-A) that once a change is made (e.g., the ability for leaders, commanders
at the Polk building in Crystal City, promotion, deployment, change in and administrators to access
Va. The luncheon gave employees dependents, etc.), the commensurate the records.
the opportunity to meet and payroll change will be made in a
socialize with the corporate staff timely and accurate manner. IPPS-A, managed by the
and other IPPS-A/American Cyber Army’s Program Executive Office
team members. The web-based system will Enterprise Information Systems
improve access to personnel and (PEO EIS), is being developed and
IPPS-A, a complex multi-billion- pay information via a self-service deployed incrementally in five
dollar enterprise system, provides portal accessible from any Common phases with completion scheduled
integrated pay and personnel Access Card (CAC) authenticated for FY2020.
services to the active duty Army,
Army Reserve and Army National IPPS-A Employee Luncheon­: Employees from the Integrated Personnel and Pay System—Army
Guard service members. American (IPPS-A) met corporate staff members for lunch in Alexandria. From left to right are IPPS-A employees
Cyber currently has 12 employees Kelly Matthews, Danny Boes, Vince Parisi, Amy Wilson, Zack Brickhouse, Kevin Hayes, James Wheeler
providing project support (Executive to the President), Ashley MacFarlane, Roger Harville, Gary Winkler (American Cyber
to IPPS-A. President), Laurie Freeman (American Cyber VP, Operations), Rob Couch and Lisa Blackwell.

“There are a lot of different Security Tip
contractors working on this
system. With so many people, it When you detect suspicious actions that require reporting, contact
is hard to know who works for the American Cyber Facility Security Officer, Tom Buesing, tbuesing@
which contractor,” explains Laurie americancyber.com, (703) 869-8348 to file your initial report quickly,
Freeman, American Cyber Vice and provide more specific details in follow-on reporting.
President of Operations. “We
realized employees working in REMEMBER: Our united ability to counter these cyber threats
offices next to each other did not improves directly with the timeliness of your detection and reporting,
know they were both American and strengthens our collective National Security.
Cyber employees. This luncheon
brought everyone together,
enabling them to identify and visit
with fellow employees as well as
get to know the corporate staff,”
she continued.

When completed, IPPS-A will
subsume more than 50 legacy
systems and will touch every Army
service member from the beginning
of their military career to discharge
or retirement. The integrated HR

4 American Cyber Wire Volume 12, Issue 4

SOLUTIONS WITH VELOCITY TM

Kriston Myers of JSP Recognized for Outstanding Service

Kriston Myers, a Help Desk Kriston Myers (left) of American Cyber was development, offering resources and
Technician at the Joint Service honored by the HDI Association for outstanding certification programs to promote
Provider (JSP) Office at Ft. Detrick, efforts in support of his the JSP during ceremonies organization-wide success through
Md., was one of 20 support December 8th in Greenbelt, Md. Attending the exceptional customer service.
personnel selected to represent the ceremonies with Myers was Laurie Freeman,
Greater Washington, DC, area at American Cyber’s Vice President of Operations. The HDI Awards Program
the HDI Analyst of the Year Award honors the very best professionals
Ceremony at Greenbelt, Md., on the Washington Area. Being one of in the support field via a variety
December 8th. only a select group is an amazing of industry awards. The program
accomplishment considering the recognizes individuals, teams,
Myers was nominated by competition and we are extremely and organizations that have most
Melvin Braswell, acting Operations proud of Kriston for being enhanced the image of the support
Manager for JSP for this prestigious recognized for his outstanding profession by attaining the highest
award for his exemplary service, work,” she continued. standards of quality and customer
including nine near perfect satisfaction. The Analyst of the
quality assurance rating in the HDI, a Professional Association Year Award recognizes front-line
last year. During that time, Myers dedicated to promoting the support Help Desk personnel who provide
accomplished an overall average industry, is the technical community’s outstanding service and support for
of 93 percent accuracy, which acknowledged source for professional internal or external customers.
significantly surpasses the Service
Desk goal and ranks him in the top Myers joined American Cyber
echelon of his peers. in June 2015 as a Tier 1 Help Desk
Technician. A native of Maryland, he
“It is a great honor for Kriston is a Naval Reservist and is attending
to be recognized by the HDI for this University of Maryland at University
award,” explains Laurie Freeman, College. In his spare time, Myers
American Cyber’s Vice President enjoys working out and playing
of Operations. “There are several basketball and football.
hundred people working in the
technical support field throughout Congratulations to Kriston
Myers for this outstanding honor!

GSA PSS Schedule Award in 2018

On November 4th, (IDIQ) multiple award schedule Schedule 70 which enables us to
American Cyber offering Federal agencies access provide IT related services and
submitted to more than 3,300 experienced products,” explained Tom Buesing,
documentation contractors who provide a range of American Cyber headquarters staff.
to the General commercial professional services “Adding the PSS contract will enable
Services Administration (GSA) to such as budgeting, business us to compete for work outside the
obtain a GSA Professional Services support services, strategic planning, IT arena. In addition, it will allow us
Schedule (PSS) contract, further engineering and integration, to offer total innovative solutions
positioning American Cyber to bid on training, testing and integrated to the government rather than
additional contract opportunities. consulting services. restricting us to IT segments of a
The PSS is an indefinite contract,” he continued.
delivery/indefinite quantity “We currently have an
Information Technology (IT)

Fall 2017 American Cyber Wire 5

SOLUTIONS WITH VELOCITY TM Volume 12, Issue 4

American
Cyber
Holiday
Party

More than 90
employees,
friends, family
and business
associates joined
to celebrate the upcoming
holidays at American Cyber
Founders Gary and Laurie
Winkler’s home Saturday,
December 5th. Music was
provided by DJ J. Loops who has
played for numerous American
Cyber events. An on-site chef
prepared a variety of tantalizing
appetizers as well as the
delicious buffet of roast beef,
turkey and dressing, salad and
an array of side dishes. A great
time was had by all!

6 American Cyber Wire

SOLUTIONS WITH VELOCITY TM

Photography by John Dwyier and Nancy Self.

Fall 2017 American Cyber Wire 7

SOLUTIONS WITH VELOCITY TM

JSP Help Desk Customer Appreciation Day CMMI Certification

On October 5th, Vice President decreasing resources, customers By Scott Findley
of Operations Laurie Freeman rely heavily on automation and
and Executive Officer to the instant communication. JSP’s With our ISO 20000 registration
President James Wheeler visited unique approach to customer audit successfully completed,
fellow employees at the Joint support, ensures a rapid American Cyber is now working
Service Provider (JSP) Help Desk response and resolution of user towards achieving a CMMI
at Ft. Detrick, MD. Light breakfast problems, quickly restoring their (Capability Maturity Model
refreshments were provided to automated capabilities. Integration) rating for Services
show appreciation for JSP’s hard at Level 3, which is required by
work and excellent service, as well The JSP team at Ft. Detrick many United States Department
as to meet and socialize with the takes calls throughout the day, of Defense (DoD) and U.S.
team members. troubleshooting and resolving IT Government contracts.
issues on Windows 7 and 10 and
JSP provides the full range of Mac OS running on HP and Apple By achieving the Level 3
information technology equipment, hardware. They perform ticket rating, we will demonstrate that
services, solutions, and customer documentation and quality assurance American Cyber complies with
support to the Office of the Secretary checks on assigned tickets, provide the internationally acknowledged
of Defense, the Office of the Deputy advanced service support and CMMI service framework, with
Chief Management Officer, and service delivery functions, support a comprehensive set of defined
Washington Headquarters Services customer IT needs via remote access service processes.
to meet mission and business and provide desk-side support or
requirements. In this information installation of hardware and software To receive the rating, American
age, with increasing demands and when required. Cyber will undergo two appraisals
—a SCAMPI (Standard CMMI
Snow Day Policy Reminder Appraisal Method for Process
Improvement) B, which will give us
Inclement Weather an understanding of our process
performance relative to the CMMI,
Employees working at a client’s facility should follow and then a SCAMPI A, which is the
the lead of the facility where the employee works when formal appraisal that results in a
determining whether the employee is excused from work rating. We expect to complete the
based upon local weather conditions. appraisals in March of 2018.

The safety of our staff is our number one priority. The scope for our CMMI
If you feel you cannot travel to work during severe appraisal will be our staffing service.
weather and your work location remains open, then
you should contact your American Cyber supervisor to For more information on
determine whether you should: American Cyber’s CMMI initiative,
contact Scott Findley at sfindley@
1. Take paid time off or leave without pay; americancyber.com.
2. Work at home with the permission of supervisor; or
3. Make up the time within the current

time-charging period.

The CEO or Director of Finance and Administration may grant administrative
leave for extreme weather conditions or extenuating circumstances.

8 American Cyber Wire Volume 12, Issue 4

SOLUTIONS WITH VELOCITY TM

American Cyber Welcomes New Employees Employee
Recognition
American Cyber added five International for the Defense
new employees during the past Logistics Agency in Philadelphia. American Cyber is pleased to
quarter. Let’s welcome these new Jerryd is a National Guard reservist recognize the following employees
employees to the team! where he is a trained Military for outstanding service:
Intelligence Systems Maintainer/
AnTonio Booth Integrator. Jerryd will graduate Kudos to Daniel
with an Associate of Science degree Boes who recently
AnTonio Booth in Computer Information Systems assisted with a
brings eight years from Cochise College in Douglas, medical
of experience Ariz, this year. emergency at
to the American IPPS-A when a
Cyber team as Steve Burkhalter government employee collapsed.
an IT Desktop Support SME for Once he saw medical care was
IPPS-A in Crystal City, Va. Before A native of Texas being provided by fellow
joining the team, he has used his who served over 14 employees, he contacted building
support technician experience at Ft. years in the United security and made arrangements
Belvoir, Walter Reed Army Institute, States Army, Steve for emergency medical personnel to
Guantanamo Naval Base and for Burkhalter joined gain immediate access to the highly
Advanced Systems Development. He American Cyber as a Computer secured building. Danny’s quick
resides in Lanham, Md., and enjoys Help Desk Technician at JSP in Ft. thinking and intuition saved
listening to music and reading in his Detrick, Md. With over 16 years of IT valuable time during a critical
free time. experience, he has begun working situation. Great job Danny!
on a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer
Lisa Blackwell Science at Grantham University.
Steve has been awarded several
PHOTO A resident of medals and ribbons for his service Jonathan
during his Army career. Pagonis
NOT Lanham, Md., PHOTO
AVAILABLE Lisa Blackwell Jasmin Garland
has joined NOT was the JSP
Jasmin Garland AVAILABLE Service Desk’s
American Cyber joined American
Cyber as an RockStar for
as an Asset Manager for IPPS-A. Administrative the month of
Support Specialist September. He processed an
She brings extensive experience, for IPPS-A. She was previously astonishing 716 calls, exceeding
employed by TIC Security as a the First Call Resolution Goal with
knowledge and skills in the Logistics deployment coordinator and the a 73% resolution rate. In addition
United States Army National Guard to exceeding the resolution goal,
Management Analysis field from as an Administrative Support Jonathan’s Quality Assurance
Specialist. She is currently working score was 99%! All of this was
working with companies such as to obtain her Associates in Human achieved while Pagonis had zero
Resources/Management from the tardies, zero call outs and with a
Chenega, Engility, Engineering American Military University. positive and supportive attitude.
Thank you, Jonathan, for your
Solutions and Products, and L3. superb performance!

Jerryd Ward

PHOTO Jerryd Ward
NOT recently joined

AVAILABLE American Cyber
as an End

User Support

Technician with Universal Solutions

Fall 2017 American Cyber Wire 9

SOLUTIONS WITH VELOCITY TM

2018 Payroll Schedule

LEGEND:   Payroll   Holidays

Happy Birthdays January February March

December Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa
1 23456 123 123
Amy Wilson —Dec 3
Joseph Kim—Dec 7 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Tamara Schwartz—Dec 14 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 11 12 13 14 15 16 17
Trish Smith—Dec 17 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 18 19 20 21 22 23 24
Scott Wagner—Dec 17 28 29 30 31 25 26 27 28 25 26 27 28 29 30 31
Andrew Patrick—Dec 26
Wes Westfall—Dec 27 April May June

January Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa
1234567 1 2345 12
John Kephart—Jan 26 8 9 10 11 12 13 14
15 16 17 18 19 20 21 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 3456789
February 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 10 11 12 13 14 15 16
29 30 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 17 18 19 20 21 22 23
Frank Young—Feb 1 27 28 29 30 31 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
Scott Findley—Feb 1
Travis Barriga—Feb 1 July August September
Vincent Parisi—Feb 3
Roger Harville—Feb 9 Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa
John Dwyier—Feb 20 1234567 1 234 1
Nancy Self—Feb 25 8 9 10 11 12 13 14
15 16 17 18 19 20 21 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 2345678
March 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
29 30 31 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 16 17 18 19 20 21 22
Zack Brickhouse—Mar 4 26 27 28 29 30 31 23 24 25 26 27 28 29
Dustin Glidden—Mar 10 October 30
Desiree Williams—Mar 12 November
Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa December
Harry Ko—Mar 12 1 23456 Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa
Amy Martin—Mar 14 1 23 Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa
Jose Guadron—Mar 19 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 1
14 15 16 17 18 19 20 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Like us on Facebook! 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 2345678
28 29 30 31 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
Don’t forget to check 25 26 27 28 29 30 16 17 18 19 20 21 22
us out on Facebook! 23 24 25 26 27 28 29
Stay current on the 30 31
latest American
Cyber news and events. Also, view January-March Holiday Schedule 2018
more of the holiday party photos
on our page! https://facebook. Mark your calendars for the upcoming holidays:
com/americancyber
New Year’s Day.............................................................................. Monday, January 1
Martin Luther King Day.............................................................Monday, January 15
Presidents Day.......................................................................... Monday, February 19

10 American Cyber Wire Volume 12, Issue 4