How to Get Over Those Winter Blues A Glimpse Into The Innovators and Pioneers of Black History and Women’s History Months
NEWSLETTER
FEBRUARY 2024
VOLUME 5 / ISSUE 1
Find Our Fun Facts Sprinkled Throughout
RET TELSWEN
Approach the New Year with resolve to find the opportunities hidden in each new day.
- Michael Josephson
CHEERS
To the New Year!
Every new year brings new beginnings and new opportunities! What 2024 brings to Hartwood will depend largely on what WE, AS A TEAM, will bring to the new year! Hartwood has a track record of success spanning over 16 years. We are proven to deliver results for our customers. We’ve been able to anticipate challenges and help prepare our customers for the future. As a company, we want to make a difference every day! With your knowledge and expertise, we will continue to drive government organizations forward with quality services, sustainable solutions, eliminating inefficiencies, and improving business processes through technology. Determine how you will make an impact this year. Strive to be highly certified experts, proficient in every action, provide new ideas, methods, products, and solutions that have a significant, positive influence for our customers and this company. Hartwood’s growth and success depend on you! There are several growth initiatives to tackle. Most importantly, we will overhaul our SharePoint portal to create a centralized hub for internal communication, collaboration, and improved processes. It will also implement compliance with the DoD Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC). We will leverage several Marketing strategies with more definition, to demonstrate the great work we do. Stay tuned for modifications to our website, social media, newsletter, and cache of slick sheets. Middle managers will continue to emphasize quality and excellence in the products and services we deliver, staff will train in emerging areas such as Artificial Intelligence. We will work to refine and increase our portfolio of products to market. The goal is to add $5M in new sales this year. The Business Development (BD) team is diligently working to identify opportunities that expand our existing customer base, adds new partners and organizations to the fold. We’ll be calling on your subject matter expertise to lend support in the process for research and discovery, reviewing solicitations, and writing to our capabilities/your subject area in proposals. If we are all moving forward together towards our goals, we will be successful! The state of the company is strong. Working together, it will be stronger!
Here’s to another year of growth, success, and new beginnings! Cheers to 2024!
- Hartwood Managing Di r ectors
IN THIS ISSUE 3 Welcome Message 4 A Note From HR 6 HCG News Corner 10 Health Spot 12 Business Development 14 Innovators & Leaders 16 ARDB RM & DFR Contracts 18 DPRI Contract 20 WWR Contract 21 DOI Dam Safety Contract 22 AETC Contract 23 Last Rounds CLICK on any topic above to visit the page. CLICK on any bottom corner page number to return to the Table of Contents. Confidential & Proprietary -- Not for Distribution
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Human Resources A NOTE FROM HR
“With the right mindset, we can’t lose, we either practice what we’ve learned, or we learn what we need to practice.” Take a moment to reflect on our collective goals and the incredible potential each of us possesses to contribute to our success here at Hartwood. As we navigate through our tasks and projects, I encourage you to embrace a growth mindset—an approach that is critical to our success and can significantly impact personal and professional development. A growth mindset is rooted in the belief that abilities can be developed through dedication, effort, and a commitment to learning. It goes beyond mere talent, recognizing that challenges are opportunities for growth and that setbacks are steppingstones toward success. Here are a few ways you can cultivate and embrace a growth mindset in your daily work: 1. See Challenges as Opportunities: Approach challenges with the mindset that they are opportunities for learning and improvement. Your ability to navigate through challenges contributes to your growth and skill development.
2. Learn from Feedback: View feedback as a valuable tool for growth, not as criticism. Embrace constructive feedback as an opportunity to refine your skills and enhance your performance. 3. Set Stretch Goals: Challenge yourself by setting goals that require effort and continuous improvement. These goals should inspire you to go beyond your comfort zone and contribute to your long-term development. 4. Celebrate Progress: Take a moment to acknowledge and celebrate your progress, even if it’s incremental. Recognizing the journey and learning process reinforces the idea that improvement is a continuous and rewarding experience. 5. Adapt to Change: Embrace change with a positive attitude. A growth mindset thrives in an environment that welcomes new ideas, methodologies, and embraces the opportunity to adapt.
Consider the differences between a fixed mindset and a growth mindset and determine where you fall.
Fixed vs. Growth Mindset Avoid challenges Refuse to recieve criticism or feedback
Embrace constructive feedback
Focus on proving yourself
Focus on the process, not the end result
Feel threatened by others’ success
Be inspired by others’ success
Can’t accept failures or mistakes Shy away from unfamiliar things Believe that talent is static
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View challenges as opportunities
HCG Newsletter January 2024, Volume 5 / Issue 1
Learn and grow from failures Always step out of the comfort zone Believe that talent is ever-improving
2024 We value your success at Hartwood. Determine how our values align with a growth mindset and use them as steppingstones. Our principles encourage you to innovate, collaborate and embrace challenges, maintain integrity, learn from experiences, and continuously strive for improvement through learning and development.
CARING FOR PEOPLE
As we grow, we don’t lose sight of what’s important - people. Hartwood was built by family and caring for others is at the heart of the business. We are committed to creating a culture that supports work and life balance and provides benefits programs to manage health, and well-being, and plan for a financially secure future.
RESPECT
We value our people and customers and treat them with kindness and courtesy. In our interactions, we show empathy, actively listen and encourage others to share ideas. We embrace diverse perspectives and treat everyone the same.
INTEGRITY
We approach all work with honesty and consistency. We do the right thing even when no one is watching. We provide services you can depend on, that leads to real, value-added change.
INNOVATION
HAPPY
BIRTHDAY Harry G. - 01/19
FEB.
OUR VALUES
WE EMBRACE DIFFERENCES AND WORK TOGETHER to deliver quality services to our customers with integrity, passion, and innovation.
MAR. JAN.
What we Believe
Cody K. - 02/11 Cristian - 02/14
Alana - 03/16 Brandi - 03/23
HAPPY
ANNIVERSARY
February: Shawna C. -02/16 (1 year) Justin F. - 02/17 (3 years) Harry G. - 02/21 (1 year)
March: Roberto Z. - 03/23 (1 year)
We embrace uncertainty and provide unmatched value to our customers through inventive processes and solutions. We foster intuitiveness and creativity in the work environment and challenge ourselves to continually improve our processes and services.
UPCOMING COMPANY EVENTS
TEAMWORK AND COLLABORATION
02/20 – HCG Warm Feet for Warriors -Sock Drive
We work together and combine our talents and resources to provide quality services to our customers.
ACCOUNTABILITY
We take pride in our work and honor our commitments. Our customers can expect excellence through setting clear expectations, achievable goals, finding solutions together, and reliable communication.
CONNECTEDNESS
Our people are the most valuable human resource. We foster a positive work environment and build relationships through meaningful interactions. We celebrate our success, encourage professional development and make connections inside and out of the work environment.
QUALITY RESULTS
Every product produced and service offered is held to a high standard. We are committed to service delivery with excellence and exceeding the expectations of our customers.
(See page 7)
Click here for Amazon link
02/26 – Coffee & Convo, @11 AM EST - MS Teams 03/01 – Quarterly lunch @ 11:30am Sake Thai & Sushi Bar 65 Dunn Dr, Stafford VA https://sakesushithai.com/
03/20 – Showcase & Review 11-11:30 EST- MS Teams meet up
03/25 – Coffee & Convo, @11 AM EST - MS Teams
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HCG News Corner STRAIGHT FROM THE HORSES MOUTH This past December, HCG employees and family, gathered and celebrated at the Charbroil Grill Brazilian Steakhouse. Talk about a “MEAT-UP”! Thanks to all those that were able to join us for this special holiday party!
PARTY
VIRTUAL
The virtual HCG virtual Christmas party was full of cheer and cheers! Special thanks to @CleanComedyConnection (pictured below right) for opening the night with lots of laughs and congratulations to all of the contest winners!
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HCG Newsletter January 2024, Volume 5 / Issue 1
WARM FEET
FOR WARRIORS Sock Collection Drive
2024
Kick off the New Year, by kicking off your SOCKS and donating them! Well um ... we don’t actually want your old socks but we’d love to have a new sock donation. HCG is going to ship a box of socks (did I just say that?!?!) to the Soldiers’ Angels charity located in San Antonio, Texas. From there our socks will reach U.S. Soldiers in need, at home and abroad. Our goal is just 100 pairs of socks. Enough with the small talk, let’s see if we can ROCK THIS SOCK DRIVE! You can click the Amazon link below or feel free to visit the Soldiers’ Angels charity website here to learn more about the great things they are doing.
WHO: All Hartwood employees, friends or family. Feel free to share the link below! WHAT: Soldiers’ Angels: Warm Feet for Warriors Sock Collection Drive for current and retired Military members.
WHEN: February 20th – March 31st, 2024 WHERE: Just click on our Warm Feet for Warriors’ HCG AMAZON sock wish list link here.
HOW: Select the Amazon link above, add socks to your cart, at checkout select the
address (in the drop down) “HCG - Warm Feet for Warriors’ Gift registry”. It’s that simple and HCG will ship our socks to the charity headquarters.
Provide comfort for brave soles. Believe it or not, one of the items that is most requested from Service Members and Veterans is socks!
SNOW Days January 2024 finally brought the first winter storm in over 2 years to the DMV Metro area covering DC, Maryland and Virginia! We had two snow storms in one week which led to school closings and other delays. Luckily HCG didn’t skip a beat, one of the bonuses of REMOTE work. Even our Tennessee folks got snow! We asked for your FUN SNOW DAY photos of family, pets and kids. Confidential & Proprietary -- Not for Distribution 7
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HCG News Corner HARTWOODIE HAPPENINGS Let’s welcome and congratulate all the new hires, transfers and promotions for the new year!
WELCOME TO HARTWOOD
Bertha Montes – AETC Seamstress/Tailor Ms. Bertha returns to the Alterations floor having worked for AETC under a prior company. She is an experienced sewer who didn’t miss a beat when getting back into the fray of day to day. She loves staying busy and spending time with her family. Cristian Almazan Diaz – DCI Sr. Data Governance Systems Engineer Taking the helm to lend his keen proficiency and expertise in Azure, M365, AI and Cybersecurity, Cristian recently completed 9+ years of service as a Marine Officer in the best military branch (USMC). He enjoys church and family life, running, playing golf and the guitar. For over 12 years, he has played electric guitar for local churches and still serves as a USMC Reserve Officer. Cristian best describes himself as compassionate, thoughtful, and grateful.
HELLO
AGAIN!
Sam Shannon – ARDB Project Manager Back by popular demand from ARDB government leaders, we are happy to have the former USMC Captain leading the charge of ARDB Records Management. Outside of work, Sam enjoys being a dad, golfing, exercising, and spending time with family. Three words to describe himself, “REALLY BAD GOLFER.” Sam lived in Japan for over two years and traveled to several other countries while there.
CONGRATULATIONS ARE IN ORDER Roberto Zamora – ARDB RM Program Support Specialist to AETC Program Manager Retired Air Force veteran and dynamic leader with proven ability, Roberto is well suited to lead a team of 20 to alter and fit uniforms for new AF recruits/trainees, coincidentally, in the same building where he last worked prior to retirement. When not mired in the day to day of AETC, Roberto enjoys deep conversations with his children. “They’re way smarter than I was at that age.” After 20 years of building bombs for his country, he now gets genuinely excited about blind stitch sewing machines. Three words he uses to describe himself, “use less words!” Justin Forrester – ARDB Project Manager to DC,I Microsoft Purview Systems Engineer Soon to celebrate 3 years of service at Hartwood, Justin demonstrates a remarkable commitment to excellence, while leading and motivating others. His ability to embody Hartwood’s core values of teamwork, collaboration and innovation will be a great assest to the DC,I team. Outside of work, Justin enjoys spending time with his family on the lake either boating or relaxing, learning new technology, refactoring his knowledge of new tools and paths and video games such as Mass Effect series. He describes himself as adaptable, analytical and a visionary – all helpful when he assumes the self-slated role of Hartwood CEO.
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HCG Newsletter January 2024, Volume 5 / Issue 1
Gail Zamagni – ARDB-DFR Reports Program Analyst and Team Lead to DC,I Sr. CUI Policy Analyst Having received multiple awards and high praise for outstanding performance from government leadership, Gail’s move to Senior Analyst managing CUI policy for new customer DC,I will anchor the ship! In her 2+ years at Hartwood, Gail loves spending time with family, attending sporting events, sailing, fishing, hiking, writing, and managing her e-commerce business. She is a world champion equestrian, softball and beach volleyball athlete and lifelong Green Bay Packers fan. Three words to describe herself, “competitive, always hungry” (she really enjoys food:-). Alanna McCullough – DOI Information and Documentation Specialist to ARDB RM Program Support Analyst Alanna has exceeded expectations of our DOI government lead and delivers high quality work with professionalism and proficiency which will contribute nicely to the highly productive and collaborative ARDB team. In her spare time, she enjoys “mom life” to two boys, traveling, spending time with her family in the sunshine state, history, arts, cooking, and sports. She best describes herself as ambitious, caring and kind. Nico Siems – DOI Information and Documentation Specialist to ARDB-DFR Reports Program Analyst A high achiever with a knack for organization, process improvement, communications and advertising, Nico has served our DOI customer very well, often taking on team lead duties in addition to processing documents. He will be a welcome addition to continue the well-lit torch of ARDB- Reports. Having graduated with a BA in Communications, outside of work, he loves to go for runs, watch movies and travel to a different county at least once a year. He considers himself as smart and stubborn and interestingly, speaks both English and Spanish fluently with no noticeable accent in either language. Shawna Carey – COTF to WWR SharePoint Developer Turning the corner from providing impeccable service, SharePoint migration support and building custom Power App solutions for the DON COTF customer, Shawna will be a welcome addition to the stacked WWR team. Outside of work she enjoys painting acrylic on canvas and writing poetry. Often, she showcases her talents in art shows, gallery spaces and poetry open mic events. Recently she sold one of her art pieces and showed a painting to THE famous Erykah Badu. Shawna is the youngest of 5 and bunny mom of 2 mini lops. She best describes herself as caring, sweet and detail oriented.
2024 Marketing Metrics A VISION FOR THE FUTURE
Over the past two years we have been thinking of marketing strategies to make Hartwood more competitive in recruiting talented employees like you. We wanted to demonstrate our awesome work culture and spotlight our solutions and capabilities for clients interested in working with us. Some tasks we implemented were increasing our social media presence, updating the company branding via slick sheets, PowerPoint and Word templates, updating the company website, and creating unique Teams backgrounds. We also planned several creative local outings for employees and their families, hosted quarterly lunches, added virtual events (Coffee & Convo, Showcase & Review, virtual happy hours, HCG Book Club), and fitness competitions. We also strive to give back to the community with annual food drives, supporting local races like the Marine Corp Half, and now the sock drive for soldiers. This year we strive to make an even bigger impact. We will update our capabilities, add more custom solutions, update our marketing sheets, and website once again.
OCT. 2021
A social media campaign is started to increase followers and create engaging graphics on LinkedIn and Facebook. Goal is set for 1- 2 graphics per week.
FEB. 2022
HCG Teams Backgrounds are created thus continuing our company branding in a new aspect. Customers begin to take notice.
MAR. 2022
A new updated website is created with new HCG branding and launch coincides with National Small Business Week.
MAY. 2022
How
?
Can
HCG Newsletter gets new company branding. Goal 4-5 Newsletters per year will be produced.
You HELP
So glad you asked! Follow HCG on LinkedIn.
An internal HCG Marketing Team is formed and begins meeting every 2-3 weeks to discuss new initiatives and plan events for employees.
SEPT. 2022
We have an increase in LinkedIn followers with over 85 graphic posts ranging from new project awards, holidays, and HCG outings.
DEC. 2022
Our first Showcase & Review is held on Object Relational Mapping (ORM) and we posted about it on social media.
FEB. 2023
Teams backgrounds specific to projects are being created and customers are noticing them.
SEPT. 2023
LinkedIn followers have increased and over 160 graphic posts were made over the past 2 years. Over the past year, 1,450 LinkedIn page views, 667 were unique views and 49 of those clicked to look at our website. There were a total of 9,774 impressions of people just seeing our posts.
JAN. 2024
New branding for the HCG Newsletter and Implementation of 2024 Strategic Marketing Plan.
FEB. 2024
Ask a few of your followers to follow our page. Want to write an article for an HCG LinkedIn Post? Have something interesting you’ve been wanting to share? New technologies? Reach out to your manager or HR to submit ideas. We’d love to hear them. Change your LinkedIn background banner to an HCG banner. Find them under Employee Resources on SharePoint. Use a custom Teams background of your project. If you don’t have one yet, one will be created in the next few
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Health Spot GETTING THAT WINTER CHILL OUT OF YOUR BONES AND YOUR MIND! Spring is just around the corner but for some of us, it’s not soon enough! How do you fight off those winter blues, when it seems like old man winter has set up permanent residency at your place?!? More than half the people living in places where there are four seasons report having the “winter blues” – a mild depression characterized by a lack of motivation and low energy. These so-called blues can reoccur as an annual depression called seasonal affective disorder (SAD). How appropriate is that acronym? Studies suggest that women are often more affected than men. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has also performed clinical trials on SAD and have found that there is indeed a link to a seasonal pattern and the symptoms that occur. People living farther north than those living in New England or Alaska, where there are shorter daylight hours in the winter, seem to suffer more than those living in Texas or Florida. One study done in Northern Norway found that people who tried to change their mindset by embracing the winter instead of fighting it were less depressed. They did this by building snowmen, skiing, sitting by a fire, drinking hot chocolate, etc. This mindset research is increasingly finding that it doesn’t take much to shift one’s thinking. Consciously trying to have a positive mindset might be just enough to change it. But if you can’t get into this mind over matter/just think positive, then maybe you can try some of the suggestions we researched that might also help!
W
10
in
HCG Newsletter January 2024, Volume 5 / Issue 1
s e u l B r e t
Let the sunshine in!
Research shows that exposure to bright light upon awakening is very effective in treating winter blues. Light therapy can be very useful as it mimics natural light and has a positive effect on brain chemicals linked to mood. There are light units on the market that have been clinically tested for sale. Also, opening the blinds, trimming back tree branches, and sitting closer to windows can be helpful.
TREAT yourself!
Take time to plan things for yourself. Getting things on a calendar can increase happiness. So go ahead and plan it out. Treat yourself to a massage, a weekend getaway, special dinner, or concert. The possibilities are endless.
GET ACTIVE (outside)!
Exercise works like an antidepressant. If you can manage some outdoor exercise that’s even better. One study suggests that walking outside for 30 minutes 3 times a week will boost mood and increase alertness and enthusiasm.
2024 HCG provides a gym membership to One Life Fitness for its employees (Must be employed 90 days). For anyone interested in this benefit, please reach out to HR for more information. The Stafford location has a saltwater pool and whirlpool. For locations near you, check here: https://www.onelifefitness.com
Find something you LOVE and do it. Have you been thinking about learning something new, taking a class, picking up a new hobby? It’s the perfect way to give your mind a boost of good energy.
ASK for help. Drink lots of WATER.
It’s important to stay hydrated, so get your DRINK ON! Drinking 64 oz. of water daily can help to keep your skin glowing, remove toxins and waste, prevent headaches, and even reduce joint and muscle pain. Keeping up this water intake can also significantly affect energy levels, brain function and mood. Add a slice of lemon, lime or cucumber for increased flavor!
LAUGH and get social.
Let’s face it, laughter just makes us feel better. It can decrease stress hormones and lighten your mood. Watch funny movies, play board games, or meet a friend for coffee.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help. You can speak to your doctor or even inquire about references for specialty doctors or programs. If your symptoms are severe, there are different forms of therapy like mind and body yoga, cognitive behavioral therapy, or medications that can be very helpful.
Turn on the TUNES.
A 2013 study at the University of Missouri reported that listening to upbeat or cheery music significantly improves mood in both the short and long term. Turning up the music especially while doing chores like cleaning or cooking might just boost your spirit and put you in a better mood.
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Business Development LOOKING AHEAD 2023 Contract Summary Overall, we have had a good year in terms of what I believe is redefining and development of our core skills alignment and target customer workflows. With a focus on dedicated customer outreach and engagement, we are actively working on identifying opportunities, customer education and relationship building, and actively socializing our capabilities within the USMC, DOI, HUD, T&E Centers of Excellence (CoE’s), and USAF (AETC-focused) customer areas. While we still have several recent IDIQ submissions outstanding (these being the GSA Polaris and GSA OASIS+ submissions), as a whole we have successfully moved Hartwood into mainstream GWAC zones via STARS III (with two (2) successful TO awards to the JV), placement under the FAA eFAST MOA for Hartwood and the JV (with these potentially being extended through 2029 for our use). We have an engaged strategy of outreach to all our customer zones with formal communications plans being executed across 60 DOI small business specialists and 23 HUD SB specialists; additional outreach/comms plans for the OPTEV-aligned and AETC-focused supporting areas are in progress.
C
ONTRACT
GOALS AND INTIATIVES
2024
1 NEW CONTRACT WINS!
As we move into and through the next year, we have multiple goals as well as milestone targets. First, we want to add five (5) new contract wins that further position Hartwood for long-term growth and success. In these wins, we must be aware of our capabilities to absorb “new growth” to prevent and manage issues that arise as a normal factor of corporate expansions (personnel, startup/stand up costs, etc.). We also want to increase the overall profitability of the company; this translates to healthier bottom lines, the ability to invest in ourselves, and increased reward structures for our employee base.
Relevent Metrics With a current historical win rate of 37.5%, we are slightly over the 50th percentile of all reported companies in terms of ACTUAL win rate(s), and as a comparative metric our win rate is on par with reported win rates from companies much larger than Hartwood. We responded to well over 52+ RFI/SS, proposals, and proposals initiated giving us an averaged response of almost 4.5 submissions per month. Hartwood was represented in about 120 industry-led and/or government-sponsored training, outreach, and business development events over the year. These events, sponsored and hosted by a range of industry executives/subject matter experts, covered the full range of the business and capture lifecycle offering widely diverse approaches for consideration and integration into Hartwood’s strategic planning designs. These events included multiple major governmentled conferences and webinar discussions as well, giving us both a voice and visibility within prospective customer spaces along with insights to customer needs, directions, and future opportunity planning.
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HCG Newsletter January 2024, Volume 5 / Issue 1
We have been actively continuing to refine our proposal response materials in terms of formatting and visualizations; continuing to introduce “best practices” as well as newly identified tools will be critical for workflow development in the BD lifecycle. Stagnation and/or complacency in work approaches can be crippling to growth factors; areas of focus for tool development and implementation include guides for vetting teaming partners/roles, refining opportunity validations for bid or no bid decisions, and beginning to implement/integrate artificial intelligence (AI) functions with the focus being to gain more insight into customer activities.
2024 2 RECOMPETES We also have existing contracts that will be coming up for recompete over the next year that we will be prepping ourselves for. While we feel that we are well-positioned within our customer base to retain this work, EVERY contract is typically well-competed and in today’s high-cost environment customers are easily swayed by their own cost restraints. We, as a company, must walk a fine line between cost pressures and quality requirements while supporting customer deliverables; planning and early preparations are key to earning our customer’s continued business as well as ensuring that staff are well cared for.
3
SUBCONTRACTING
FUN
We also see the opportunity for increased subcontracting over the next year. We have been VERY engaged in forming and establishing close contacts with new partners, cultivating those contacts, and actively seeking roles that we can pursue together. While most groups we work with are Small Businesses, we have placed a premium on several large groups as well as what we’d call “Mid-Size” businesses (large Small’s or small Large’s) with whom our skills/core competency areas compliment their respective skill areas.
Facts
4 SECOND JOINT VENTURE
We are also actively exploring establishing a second Joint Venture with a focus on expanding our work capabilities within the IT space. While we do have an existing JV that has been moderately successful, any partnership (be it professional or personal) is ONLY as successful as the relationships on which they are founded. To truly succeed, both partners must have an equal interest and investment to place that relationship (in this case, our JV) as a “first choice” consideration when evaluating new opportunities. We have several candidates in mind and are continuing to vet and evaluate these groups in terms of “fit”.
I have two (2) sons (Eric and Cody), and Cody I am proud to say works with us to support Hartwood under the Dam Safety contract. But I also have FIVE (5) GRANDSONS who we love to visit and enjoy time with – everything from skateboarding to axe throwing!
-Bruce Kirkland
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Innovators and Leaders Celebrating Black History Month February is Black History Month! What an amazing time to recognize and celebrate some of the most prolific inventors and developers, who forever made their impact on the tech industry.
Clarence “Skip” Ellis
Computer Scientist, Professor, Inventor Clarence “Skip” Ellis was the first African-American to earn a Ph.D. in computer science (he earned this degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 1969). While studying, Ellis worked on hardware, software, and the development of ILLIAC IV supercomputer. He had a long career at major tech companies like Bell Telephone Laboratories, IBM, Xerox, and more. At the Palo Alto Research Center where he worked from 1976 to 1984, Ellis spearheaded a group that invented Officetalk. It was the first office system to use icons and ethernet to allow people to collaborate from a distance. Ellis was a real pioneer in this field of operational transformation (examining the functionality in collaborative systems), which is found in computer applications today like Google Docs. Does that make him the grandfather of remote work? Perhaps. Ellis has had a hand in shaping the technology we use today.
Roy Clay Sr.
Roy Clay Sr. (1929)
Clarence “Skip” Ellis (1943-2014)
Computer Scientist, Inventor, Business Owner Roy Clay Sr. is often referred to as the “Godfather of Silicon Valley.” After graduating from Saint Louis University (where he was one of the first Black men to attend), he started working in computer programming. This was back in the ‘50s, when computers took up an entire room. He worked on writing software that demonstrated the spread of radiation after an atomic explosion. He wrote the software for the HP 2116A, the first computer to be sold by HP (about the size of a typewriter) and led the team that brought it to market in 1966. He established the HP software development facility, managed the computer division and he would eventually lead the team that engineered HP’s entrance into the computer market. Later, Clay formed his own company in 1977, Rod-L Electronics, to manufacture electrical-safety test equipment. In 2002, Clay was elected by the African American Museum and Library at Oakland as one of the most important African-Americans working in technology. In 2003, he was inducted into the Silicon Valley Engineering Council’s Hall of Fame. Clay released his auto-biography, Unstoppable: The Unlikely Story of a Silicon Valley Godfather, in 2022.
Evelyn Boyd Granville
Mathematician, Computer Software Developer, Educator In 1949, Evelyn Boyd Granville became the second African-American woman ever to earn a Ph.D. in mathematics (hers was from Yale). After working in D.C. using math to help develop missile fuses, Granville took on a role at IBM in 1956. This launched her career at NASA, since IBM was a contractor to NASA at the time. She was an instrumental part of the Project Mercury missions, designing computer software that helped analyze satellite orbits. She also worked on the Apollo program in 1962 before returning to IBM as a senior mathematician. She has had a passion for education, teaching in higher ed, elementary schools, and advocating for STEM education. Fun Facts: Granville was a D.C. native and a high school valedictorian, she lived to be 99 years old, she once taught computer programming at California State University, and she and her husband sold chicken eggs from their farm in Texas.
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HCG Newsletter January 2024, Volume 5 / Issue 1
Evelyn Boyd Granville (1924-2023)
Innovators and Leaders
INNOVATION
Celebrating Women’s History Month In March we are celebrating women pioneers who drove transformational change in medicine, science, and technology with their many inventions and contributions. You can thank women for GPS, coffee filters, windshield wipers, Wi-Fi, Monopoly, the car heater, the fire escape, and much more. Who knew!?!
Bessie Blount Griffin
Bessie Blount Griffin (1914-2009)
Nurse, Physical Therapist, Inventor and Forensic Scientist Bessie Blount worked with wounded soldiers during World War II, which led her to invent an apparatus that enabled amputees to feed themselves. She then developed a portable version for which she received a patent in 1951. In addition to her medical career, in the 1960s she began working in law enforcement as a forensic scientist detecting forged documents. In the 1970s she became the chief document examiner at the police department in Portsmouth, VA. She trained and worked at Scotland Yard in 1977, reportedly the first African American woman to do so. Bessie Blount continued to operate as a forensic science consultant into her eighties, verifying the authenticity of documents related to slavery, the Civil War, and Native American treaties with the United States.
Ada Lovelace
Known as the “The First Computer Programmer” In 1843 Lovelace translated a French paper that Italian mathematician Luigi Menabrea wrote about the Analytical Engine. She also added thousands of words of her own notes to the paper. Lovelace realized that the Analytical Engine could carry out an extensive sequence of mathematical operations. The example she wrote of one such sequence—how to calculate Bernoulli numbers— is regarded by computer historians as the first computer program. She even speculated that the Analytical Engine could be used to perform operations on Ada Lovelace “other things besides number,” such as musical notes. Her remarkable vision (1815-1852) and understanding of computing was lightyears ahead of its time. Only a small piece of the Analytical Engine was ever built, and Ada Lovelace died in 1852. Her fame lives on, however. She gave her name to the Ada programming language. Every year on the second Tuesday in October, the contributions of women to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) are celebrated on Ada Lovelace Day.
Marie Curie
Marie Curie (1867-1934)
Scientist, Inventor, Two Time Nobel Prize Winner Marie Curie is remembered for her discovery of radium and polonium, and her huge contribution to finding treatments for cancer. Curie was the scientific genius behind radioactivity and X-rays as we know them today. As far as inventions go, Curie invented the first “radiological car” – a vehicle containing an X-ray machine and photographic darkroom equipment – which could be driven right up to the battlefield where army surgeons could use X-rays to guide their surgeries. Not only did she become the first woman to ever win the Nobel Peace Prize in 1903, but she also became the first person in 1911 to ever win it twice, for her work to extract pure radium. Fun fact: Marie Curie was good firends with Albert Einstein!
Confidential & Proprietary -- Not for Distribution
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ARDB - Records Management RECORDS, REPORTS, DIRECTIVES, AND FORMS MANAGEMENT Records Management (RM) is a critical function that ensures the proper creation, maintenance, organization, and disposition of official records and documents throughout Marine Corps’ (USMC) operations and activities. Records management encompasses a systematic approach to handling records, to ensure legal compliance, operational efficiency, historical preservation, and the ability to retrieve and utilize information when needed. Hartwood Consulting Group (HCG) has undertaken a comprehensive range of initiatives this year, encompassing various areas including training, policy development, RM system enhancement, Capstone modernization, and technology migration.
Metrics • • • •
Increased CROSS compliancy from 33% to 52% Registered 4,456 users to CROSS. Trained 400 users across 216 commands through Community of Interest and CROSS events. HCG staff have responded to over 846 customer messages successfully.
Achievements • • • • •
The ARDB contract welcomed 4 new staff members to the team; bolstering the capabilities of the HCG contract. Completed 4 quarterly Capstone Outreach, identifying each General Officer in the Marine Corps. Migrated CROSS to SharePoint Online from SharePoint 2013. Updated the MCBUL 5210 and created the initial version of the MCO 5210.11G. Began redevelopment efforts of modernizing CROSS with the Microsoft Power Platform.
Contract Goals for CY24 • • • •
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Refine RM training by updating current training materials with modern technology. Expand outreach and CROSS compliance. Finalize the MCO 5210.11G Redevelop and deploy CROSS in the Power Platform environment.
HCG Newsletter January 2024, Volume 5 / Issue 1
The advancements achieved by the RM program in the past year are truly remarkable. Our efforts encompassed a complete overhaul of CROSS onto a modern platform, automating a majority of functional program requirements. Additionally, we broadened our approach to RM training and command outreach. This concerted endeavor resulted in unparalleled growth for CROSS in the past year, coupled with heightened programmatic compliance. While this year posed its share of challenges, HCG effectively paved the way for comprehensive Capstone and general RM compliance within M365. As we continue to refine and expand our program materials and outreach strategies, HCG is well-positioned to provide customized training, system solutions, and policy implementation to the entire enterprise. Collaborating closely with ARDB, HCG is dedicated to successfully ushering Marine Corps RM into the modern era.
- Justin Forrester
The ARDB team supports Mr. Dave Spenner, Ms. Kristen Meehan, and the Records, Reports, Directives & Forms Management Section of Headquarters Marine Corps (ARDB, HQMC) located at the Pentagon. Starting in February the RM team will be comprised of Sam Shannon, Samuel Kelly, Patrice Billingsley, Alexander Wynn, and Alanna McCullough. The DFR team is now comprised of Alyssa Schwegal, Nico Siems, and Anthony Vandergrift.
FUN
Facts
In an incredible exploration of family roots, Rob Zamora’s cousin, a dedicated genealogist, delved deep into his lineage, spanning almost 100 generations. Unveiling his French heritage, he was aware that his grandmother was the second generation born in the US. However, the true revelation came when his cousin unearthed a fourtimes-great-grandfather who proudly served in Napoleon’s army as part of the ordnance troop. Not only did he discover detailed information about his ancestor, including a captivating portrait, but he also illuminated an unexpected connection. Remarkably, Rob continued the legacy as part of the explosive troop in the Air Force—a fascinating thread binding his family narrative across centuries.
Picture above discovered of Roberto’s ancestor. Great (x4) Grandfather Pierre Renaud was born in Claudon, Vosges, France in 1770, to Pierre Renaud and Marie Monayer. He would later become Head Artillery Specialist of the 26th Dragoons of Napoleon’s Army.
ARDB - DFR DIRECTIVES, FORMS, AND REPORTS (DFR) The 2023 calendar year (CY23) was a busy and productive year for the HQMC ARDB Directives, Forms, and Reports (DFR) contract. Collectively the DFR contract team responded to over 1,500 customer inquiries and published over 98 official NAVMC forms, 22 directives, and 26 public information collections for the Marine Corps. A total of 2 SharePoint portals were launched and 11 slick sheet references, 9 training briefs, 9 training videos, and 8 fillable templates were developed and published to assist customers across the Marine Corps Enterprise with their assigned duties. DFR team members assisted their Government counterparts with fully revising their program policies and assisted with over 65 legal and policy review taskers in ETMS2 for HQMC-level policy and information collections. All team members received multiple kudos throughout the year from customers, supervisors, or Government colleagues for their hard work on the contract, and the Reports team received an Ambassador of Quality award from AR Division. As we transition into CY24, the DFR team is currently working 74 directives, 19 forms, 6 public collection processing packages. The Forms and Reports programs are conducting a joint full database and Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) review initiative on all active official NAVMC forms. The review has resulted in over 600 database corrections and the removal of 75 duplicative or cancelled collections to date. After establishing a solid program foundation in the previous contract year through policy revision, customer education, and formalization of processes, the strategic direction for CY24 is centered around business process improvement through technology integration, automation, and interdepartmental communication. The Public Information Collections Request (PICR) app, developed in conjunction with the Reports Program and Hartwood developers Alex Wynn and Patrice Billingsly (thank you!!!), is expected to launch in CY24 to assist both Forms and Reports customers with public collections requests or renewals to build their administrative packages for Office of Management and Budget. A collaborative master inventory initiative is also in development as a joint resource for the Directives, Forms, and Reports programs to increase the efficiency of compliance reviews and engage policy sponsors on required forms or reports actions sooner in the Directives Review Process to reduce directives customer processing wait times. I can’t thank Alyssa Schwegal, Kaila Botsford, Anthony Vandergrift, and Maggie Gibbs (our honorary substitute Forms Analyst) enough for coming to work every day the past CY with a positive attitude and strong work ethic to tackle whatever challenge the customer throws their way. Your contributions are integral to the success of your individual programs, your Government counterparts, and the entire Marine Corps!
- Gail Zamagni
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DPRI DEFENSE POLICY REVIEW INITIATIVE Our team is comprised of three Hartwood employees, Ms. Emily Styles, Mr. Mike Brown, and acting PM, Reed Siems. We provide Executive Program Management Office (EPMO) support to the HQMC Pacific Division in the main areas of Knowledge Management, SharePoint Development and Administration, Integrated Master Planning (Scheduling), And Financial Management support across the entire DoD Planning, Programming, Budgeting, Execution, and Audit process. Summary of 2023 contract activities: During 2023, the team was able to build the Enterprise Decision Support Tool (eDST) on SIPR and then rebuild it in M365 using SharePoint, Power Automate, and Power BI. The team worked hard to identify, collect, and improve a wide range of data from across the enterprise. The graphic below shows the breath of data elements that we have identified and are collecting. This graphic was developed post a two-week Operations Planning Team (OPT) we supported in Hawaii to show how successful we were in making contacts with the data owners shown in red.
This coming year, we are moving towards utilizing eDST for a 1,3,5 year OPT in April that will show the current data vs various Courses of Action (COA) that we can update the same day and republish for the following day. We will be working very hard on going down the proverbial rabbit hole with examining the data provided and continuing to clean it up and transform it into workable information and knowledge. The more issues we find, the stronger the overall product will be.
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HCG Newsletter January 2024, Volume 5 / Issue 1
Some of our goals outside of the data is working with stakeholders to utilize Power Automate to speed up the import of data and we are already working with the Okinawa Base Consolidation (OKICON) stakeholders to build out a site for them to load and maintain data that we can leverage as well.
- Reed Siems
UPGRADE
DESIGN
2024
This past year eDST got a design facelift! The logo was redesigned, a new color palette was implemented, and a new user interface was designed. Several new slicksheets and a newsletter were also developed.
HCG CEO Reed Siems led the Showcase & Review this past Fall. He demonstrated the impressive eDST tool that was conceptualized and built by HCG team members. The eDST provides a centralized location for relevant data to be compiled, analyzed, related, and exported for presentation at an executive leadership level. Monthly Showcase & Reviews are a popular platform for our HCG team members to demonstrate products and promote idea sharing across contract staff to produce the best possible products for our customers. If you are interested in presenting, please reach out to your manager.
Confidential & Proprietary -- Not for Distribution
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WWR BPA & MCWIITS Wounded Warrior Regiment: Business Process Analysis and Support; Technical Analysis and Web-based Application Programming Our team directly supports the Wounded Warrior Regiment (WWR) by providing technical and administrative services towards the design, programming, and refinement of WWR’s non-clinical case management system, or MCWIITS. In addition, we support MCWIITS by generating revised business processes, with a structured approach to Knowledge Management. Our team WWR BPA & MCWIITS Wounded Warrior Regiment: Business Process Analysis and Support; Technical Analysis and Web based Application Programming consists of Brandi Harrigan, Thad Ashe, Matt Humphrey, Marlin Johnson, and Harry Greenblatt. Shawna Carey will join the team in February 2024. IMKM: Reed Siems completed business process analysis of several WWR processes that would be later integrated into M365. Completed Information management Program Systems (IMPS), which is a custom M365 integrated application that links many diverse components/capabilities into one information management product. M365 Automation: Harry Greenblatt and Thad Ashe continued to refine and build within M365 environment through the expansion of new tools and applications to integrate with WWR’s processes. News tools implemented within the M365 environment include TAD Tracker, Information Management Program System (IMPS), Procurement Package Plus Tracker, IT Support Tracker, WWBn-W FPR trackers for Alpha, Bravo, and Charlie companies as well as MS Teams / SharePoint Integration. MCWIITS: Our software developers, Matt Humphrey and Marlin Johnson, continued their efforts expanding MCWIITS portal capabilities with various new enhancements and capabilities to include section leader dashboard, Medcell workflow, case manager dashboard, and TSGLI form migration and overall. Strategic Communications: Provided support for the WAR-P data summit and strategic communication plan revamp. Support of various communication product development to
include newsletters, briefs, website support, fact sheets, and special event products for the Marine Corps Trials, Warrior Games, and the creation of Wounded Warrior Battalion-West brochure. Travel: the team participated in multiple site visits to both Wounded Warrior Battalion- East and Wounded Warrior Battalion-West to conduct demos of new tools and conduct interviews with various MCWITS and M365 stakeholders on upcoming enhancements. Looking forward to FY 24: Our team is attending the Leadership Summit in January to support planning across leadership initiatives for improving the referral process, care coordination, strategic communication, and information data architecture. For our MCWIITS team, we will be turning our focus to the LOO/CRP development roadmap with the first LOO – transition. For M365, we will be focusing on better registration solution for special events like the Marine Corps Trials, continuing to automate several business processes, and wrap up the complex workflow for WWBn-West FPR tracker. For strategic communication, we hope to release a new strategic plan, Comm Strat playbook, migration of our public-facing website, and the revamp of several key publications.
- Brandi Harrigan
Pictured left: Examples shown of the great visual communication and design work; ranging from newsletters, briefs, website support, fact sheets, and special event products. These all span the array of the different materials developed.
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HCG Newsletter January 2024, Volume 5 / Issue 1
DOI BOR DAM Safety Dam Safety Department of the Interior (DOI) This contract supports the Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) located in Denver, Colorado. BOR is a water management agency with approximately 600 dams in the 17 western states. The team is comprised of Lisa Bedford, Alanna McCullough, Cody Kirkland, and Nico Siems, who provide records management (RM) support through the categorization of an extensive number of organizational records, varying in length, to a centralized electronic records repository according to established workflows/processes, naming conventions and other specified RM information contained within each record. In the 2023 CY, the Dam Safety Team was tasked with and accomplished the following: • Analyzing files to determine their status’ as relevant records for the Bureau of Reclamation (BOR). • Renaming and downloading the relevant files based on established naming convention guidelines and discarding the non-records and duplicates. • Uploading the renamed records to the new BOR electronic database platform (ECS Facilities). • Tracking the allocation of every file in the DOI HGC SharePoint database. • Creating monthly status reports that cover all file allocating activities, tracked overall progress, and addressed any concerns. • Regularly attended weekly meetings with BOR point of contact to discuss any outstanding issues. • Attended Monthly meetings with HGC supervisor to provide updates on contract progress. Relevant Metrics: The team processed 89 out of 138 assigned dams (64.02%) and allocated nearly 20,000
files across the provided BOR and HCG electronic platforms. A DOI SharePoint database was created to assist in total progress tracking and provide further accuracy in the monthly status report. This new platform provided further depth to the file categorization and helped eliminate statistical anomalies. CY 2024 Contract Objectives: The goals for the dam safety team include taking on more responsibility as far as solving issues present prior to HCG involvement in the contract, and increasing dam completion output as we learn more about what to look for when analyzing files. The monthly status reports and SharePoint database features will also continue to evolve with experience and become more efficient and straightforward. As a team, we will work together to improve communication and collaborative efforts as we get to know more about one another over the year. This includes collaborating to improve our processes for input to the monthly status report, SharePoint progress tracking, or any other aspects of the contract we determine could use improvement.
- Nicolas Siems
FUN
Interesting fact: Arizona gets on average only 12 inches of rain each year and yet has 26 major dams. The National Inventory of Dams defines any “major dam” as being 50 feet (15 m) tall with a storage capacity of at least 5,000 acre-feet (6,200,000 m3), or of any height with a storage capacity of 25,000 acre-feet (31,000,000 m3). This shows how dependent Arizona is on water coming into the state from rivers vs naturally occurring rain fall.
Facts
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AETC Air Education Training Command (Alterations and Fittings) Hartwood’s AETC Team consists of various Tailors and Sewing Machine Operators, along with personnel from subcontractor TechSystems, who provide Alteration and Fitting services for the United States Air Force. Their Air Force Clothing Initial Issue Facility is located on a Joint Base in San Antonio (Lackland AFB) and directly supports Air Force Basic Military Trainees and Prior Service Personnel. Four to five flights, with 50-60 personnel arrive each day, Monday-Friday, for uniform issue and to receive alterations. AETC staff have been hard at work keeping the pace and rigor of providing same day alterations to hundreds of trainees. Despite shifts in manpower this past year, upticks in the number of recruits and numerous special adjustments requiring additional time and labor, the team has managed to impressively complete their mission to provide same day alterations with 97% accuracy in quality and fit. Hartwood invested in additional used blind stitch machines to reduce the bottle necks in hemming trousers, provided staff with training on safety in the workplace and with changes in the female trousers, how to mark and fit them correctly.
Management System (TRIMS) to automate data collection for tracking the alterations process of each trainee’s service uniform. He will work with staff to overhaul operational processes and implement a cross-training program that teaches staff more complex sewing methods such as tapers on dress blue service coats.
The staff bid “Farewell and best wishes” to Program Manager Maria Kirby, who had been in the role for the past 12 years and ushered in a new guard, Roberto Zamora, to back fill. Thad Ashe spent two weeks at AETC to facilitate a smooth transition and inventory, order assets and supplies. Several meetings and discussions were conducted with government staff on process and procedures and to resolve HR matters for both Hartwood and TechSystems staff. New staff were hired for both companies as Hartwood welcomed Ms. Bertha Montes.
LOOKING AHEAD TO 2024 The team will continue to ensure quality in all services and products. Roberto will lead and manage the re-design and implementation of the Tailoring Request Information
Staff enjoying the holiday season with beautiful décor, team building games and lunch at Red Lobster.
Components of an old model blind stitch machine before set-up.
Pictured Above: Roberto Zamora, takes on his new role as PM, meeting with his new team.
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HCG Newsletter January 2024, Volume 5 / Issue 1
Last Rounds
A Special
Dam Safety Department of the Interior (DOI)
THANK YOU
A special thank you to Dela Ashe and her daughter Amanda Ashe for representing HCG this past December, when they volunteered at the annual Wreaths Across America event held at Arlington National Cemetery. What a meaningful way to REMEMBER those who have fallen, HONOR those who serve, and TEACH the next generation the value of FREEDOM.
Congratulations to Madison Gibbs (Maggie’s daughter) who recently was accepted into a juried art show called Off the Wall at the Art Factory gallery in downtown Manassas, VA. Her piece titled Uncomfortable Emotions (9x36 Acyrlic), was on display for 6 weeks, and won an honorable mention.
CONGRATS! Who says you can’t pack 19,000 ornaments in 5 hours?!? HCG’s own Maggie Gibbs and Brandi Harrigan along with their daughters Madison, Chloe and Grace (Left to right) helped spread holiday cheer this past December at the Sempre Fi & America’s Fund Ornament Packing event. Ornaments were sent out to service members as a reminder that they are never alone during the holidays.
What an amazing way to celebrate! The AETC team celebrated the holidays in style with beautiful decorations, fun, and food!
HOLIDAY CHEER! Confidential & Proprietary -- Not for Distribution
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RET TELSWEN
IN THE END, THERE IS NO END.
We’ll see you next quarter!
Senior Visual Designer/Writer: Maggie Gibbs Content Editor/Writer: Dela Ashe Thank you to all the managers and staff who made contributions. We couldn’t do it without you!
Confidential & Proprietary -- Not for Distribution