GovCon

Leading figures in the DC Government Contractor Industry to discuss challenges and strategies on eve of potential federal government shutdown

czmuda — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 19:48:26 GMT

Fourth Annual Microsoft Government Contractor Summit to Feature Keynote by the Honorable Thomas M. Davis, III

WASHINGTON, March 14, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The Microsoft Dynamics Government Contractor Solution Center today announced that the Honorable Thomas M. Davis, III will be the keynote speaker at the Fourth Annual Microsoft Government Contractor Summit to be held on Thursday, March 17 at the Marriott Fairview Park Hotel in Falls Church, VA. Greg Myers, Microsoft Federal's General Manager for Civilian and Healthcare Agencies, will kick off the event.

The Government Contractor Summit is a unique opportunity for government contractor executive, finance, and business professionals to get their questions answered about Microsoft's strategy for the government contractor vertical market and to see all of the advancements in the firm's multi-billion dollar Dynamics business software solutions product line. In light of recent federal budget delays, attendees will also hear from Davis, Microsoft executives and other industry experts on their strategies and specific recommendations in planning for a potential shutdown of the federal government

Davis, whose career spans the fields of technology and politics, currently is a director with Deloitte Federal Government Services. Long known and respected as a tech-savvy leader and a dedicated public servant, Davis is a unique speaker with a unique perspective on the issues facing The Federal Government and how it works with its service providers. In the U.S. Congress, Davis was a leader in promoting the President's Management Agenda and maximizing the performance of government agencies. In addition, Davis led several subcommittees, including the Subcommittee on Technology and Procurement Policy where he sponsored legislation on e-government, information security and critical infrastructure.

The event will also feature a panel discussion on insourcing, contract competition, and other pressing government contractor issues moderated by Federal News Radio (1500AM) morning anchor Tom Temin. The panel will be comprised of leading government contractor executives including Bob Burleson of Software Process Technologies Inc., Tony Jimenez from MicroTech, David Kriegman of Jacobs Technology, Inc, Ajay Madan of, OST Global. Also, leaders at some of the fastest growing government contractors will speak on how Microsoft Dynamics enterprise business software has helped them better run their companies.

Lisa Malone, Microsoft Partner Account Manager and Industry Market Development Manager, has seen how government contractors have gravitated to Microsoft technologies for the past decade.

"The interest in utilizing Microsoft Dynamics solutions to better optimize contracts, provide real-time reporting, and integrate with other Microsoft technologies grows on a daily basis. At the Government Contractor Summit, executives will have a great opportunity to learn about everything related to Dynamics solutions as well as hearing some fabulous speakers and making important business connections."

She continued, "We are also very excited to have Tom Davis keynote the event for us. He has a unique pulse on the challenges facing government contractors and will provide valuable insight into how to provide optimal service to the government agencies they service."

Bernard Mustafa, Chief Executive Officer at Microsoft Dynamics Partner Pleasant Valley Business Solutions, has been the platinum sponsor for all four events.

"Government contractors are facing many challenges today from expected budget cuts to in-sourcing to competitive threats. The Summit will provide a forum to address some of these topics and to show how best-of-breed business solutions can help them grow and improve their operational capabilities."

About The Microsoft Government Contractor Summit

The Microsoft Government Contractor Summit will bring top government contractor executive, business and finance leadership together to learn about and discuss the critical organizational issues facing them today. To register for the Microsoft Government Contractor Summit, go to: http://dynamicsgovcon.ning.com/page/microsoft-government. To sponsor the Summit, please email lisa.malone@microsoft.com.

About Microsoft Dynamics

Microsoft Dynamics is a line of financial, customer relationship and supply chain management solutions that help businesses work more effectively. Delivered through a network of channel partners providing specialized services, these integrated, adaptable business management solutions work like and with familiar Microsoft software to streamline processes across an entire business.

About Microsoft

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq: MSFT) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.

SOURCE Microsoft

Government Contractors Can Tap into a Few of the Great Minds of Government–March 17th at the Microsoft Gov Con Summit

czmuda — Fri, 25 Feb 2011 15:47:45 GMT

Register to attend Microsoft Government Contracting Summit to gain insights that can drive your government contracting business!

February 24, 2011 (Washington, DC)— Former Congressman Tom Davis will be the lunchtime keynote speaker at the Fourth Annual Microsoft Government Contractor Summit on Thursday, March 17 at the Marriott Fairview Park Hotel in Falls Church, VA. Karen Evans, former administrator of the Office of Electronic Government and Information Technology at the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and a leading figure in Federal Government IT, will also host a discussion on current Federal IT trends. Pleasant Valley Business Solutions (PVBS) is the platinum sponsor for the fourth consecutive year.

The Honorable Tom Davis, whose career spans the fields of technology and politics, is respected as a tech-savvy leader and a dedicated public servant, Davis is a compelling speaker with a unique perspective on the issues facing The Federal Government and how it works with its service providers. In the U.S. Congress, Davis was a leader in promoting the President’s Management Agenda and maximizing the performance of government agencies. In addition, Davis led several subcommittees, including the Subcommittee on Technology and Procurement Policy where he sponsored legislation on e-government, information security and critical infrastructure.

Another highlight will be a presentation led by Karen Evans. Evans was often referred to as the Federal Government’s unofficial CIO or e-gov czar. According to Government Technology magazine, she’s “a results-oriented IT administrator who had the sometimes impossible task of improving how the world's largest government deployed IT. Evans…improved government by enforcing enterprise architecture for government IT and setting standards that streamlined how workers identified themselves on the vast networks of government.”

NetSuite CEO Says Deltek Is Struggling

czmuda — Wed, 09 Feb 2011 15:47:51 GMT

This came across my desk and while Dynamics GP is not typically the solution we see for government contractors, it is interesting to see NetSuite take a stab at competition. While we are seeing Microsoft Dynamics NAV and Microsoft Dynamics SL chosen over Deltek, we do not often see Netsuite in evaluations for government contractor financials. The complexity of cost pools for government services and product businesses as well as the government reporting requirements have not played into NetSuite’s strengths. We still see good momentum across all products and expect to have a strong fiscal year.

Here’s what came across my desk and some supporting evidence that GP is doing quite well:

Before the Dynamics fans rise in a roar, what NetSuite CEO Zach Nelson said during yesterday’s earnings webcast was that Dynamics GP is disappearing as a competitor. He’d discussed that alleged trend before, but this time he put it in context. The words themselves are worth the jarring impact “The one prediction I will repeat is the continuing demise of Microsoft Dynamics Great Plains.” The elaboration came in answering an analyst question about which products NetSuite runs into. Nelson said that in the first half of 2010, GP was an important competitor, but that the product disappeared as a challenger for new business and has become a replacement target. The fact that Nelson spent more time trash-talking GP than SAP suggests he and his company smell blood. And I’ll simply repeat his description of the GP channel. “Their partners are leaving the sinking ship.” Hey, I’m just the messenger. I will note that I have publicly said over the last three years that GP was the most vulnerable of the Dynamics products because its more generic than Dynamics, less international than Dynamics NAV and AX and less sophisticated than AX and it’s more subject to pressure from QuickBooks Enterprise Solutions. While I would not say there’s no future for Dynamics GP, I’d say there’s little future for anyone who wants to be a new GP reseller. However, Nelson generously shared his barbs. He said the company plans on focusing on government services where “Deltek is struggling” and in quoting SAP as saying that Business By Design is a category killer he continued that “The category they are killing is SAPs core business.”

Here’s what Microsoft is saying:

Quote from November Press Release:

“We have seen unprecedented momentum for Microsoft Dynamics GP 2010, having recently added more new customers in one quarter than any previous quarter in the history of the solution,” said Crispin Read, general manager, Microsoft Dynamics ERP

http://www.microsoft.com/Presspass/press/2010/nov10/11-18MSDynamicsGP2010PR.mspx

Product Launch News:

GP 2010 was launched in the first half of 2010 to sell out crowds. Microsoft led 25 event across the US with over 4000 registered customers and standing room only crowds. Our partners were right there along with us hosting over 50 of their own events

SP 1 was released in September and we continue to innovate with GP R2 which is expected to release in Q2 of this calendar year.

http://blogs.msdn.com/b/gp/archive/2010/11/18/microsoft-announces-microsoft-dynamics-gp-2010-r2.aspx

GP has tens of thousands of customers. A vibrant VAR and ISV ecosystem. Proven industry functionality that goes deep in many key verticals

Join us for the 4th Annual Microsoft Government Contractor Summit – March 17th, 2011

czmuda — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 20:13:12 GMT

You’ve heard the buzz about business transformation but what does that really mean to you as a Government Contractor? What do you need to know to respond quickly to the challenges facing the industry? This year’s much anticipated Microsoft Government Contractor Summit continues to build on the tradition of the ‘not-to-be-missed’ industry event by taking Government Contractors to the heart of what business transformation means to their business.

To Register: https://microsoft.crgevents.com/MSContractorSummit2011

Where: Fairview Park Marriott 3111 Fairview Park Drive, Falls Church, VA

The event-filled day features a keynote by the Honorable Tom Davis, panel discussions by some of the leading figures in the government contracting market, and networking opportunities to meet people you need to do business with. Plus, you’ll get a first hand view of the Microsoft Dynamics ERP and CRM solutions that are taking the government contracting world by storm.

By attending you will:

1. Get an understanding of Microsoft’s strategy, investments and insight on technology trends for government contracting..

2. Learn best practices from peers who are utilizing technology to optimize their day to day business processes and gain real time insights Hear The Honorable Tom Davis speak on trends facing government contractors. As former congressman and noted technology leader, he will share Government Contractor strategies and vision.

3. Gain insights from well-known Government Contractor CEOs on important hurdles facing the industry and how to overcome them.

4. Meet with industry leading Microsoft partners who are bringing the best of breed government contractor solutions to the market.

Recommended Audience: Government Contractor C-Level and Business Executives

Price: $75 USD NOTE: Space is Limited! This event will sell out. Click here to register.

Agenda *

· 7:30-9:00a Registration and Networking

· 9:00a Kickoff and Microsoft Keynote
Greg Myers, General Manager, Civilian and Healthcare, Microsoft Federal

· 10:00a Government Contractor Technology Panel

· 12:00p Industry Keynote Luncheon
The Honorable Tom Davis, former congressman from Northern VA, who has been recognized as one of the most knowledgeable congressmen in history on technology topics and the government.

· 1:00p Government Contractor CEO Panel
Hosted by Federal News Radio Morning Anchorman Tom Temin
featuring Tony Jimenez, MicroTech CEO, David Kriegman, Senior Vice President, Jacobs Technologies, and others.

· 2:00p Industry Solution Breakouts

*Agenda subject to some change.

Click here to register.

Microsoft Hiring Cleared Services and Sales Resources for Microsoft Public Sector Consulting

czmuda — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 20:50:14 GMT

Microsoft has ongoing needs in several areas across the Public Sector Services business. Many openings will be in the Washington, DC Metro, the Baltimore, MD Metro and NYC Metro areas but we will have openings around the country and around the world. In most cases a clearance is highly desired so individuals with clearance or who can get cleared quickly should send their resume to czmuda@microsoft.com . All positions require US Citizenship.

New law puts contractor performance in the public spotlight

czmuda — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 20:47:11 GMT

Technorati Tags: Supplemental Appropriations Act for Fiscal 2010

2010 Supplemental Appropriations Act allows public access to Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System

By Matthew Weigelt
Aug 05, 2010

A new supplemental appropriations law has given the public access to the most comprehensive contractor database, rekindling the debate about limits to transparency in government.

The Supplemental Appropriations Act for fiscal 2010, which President Barack Obama signed into law July 29, allows the public to access the Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System (FAPIIS) on the Web. Agencies can block only contractors’ past performance reviews.

Stan Soloway Speaks on Budget Spending and Insourcing Trends at Unanet’s Recent User Conference

czmuda — Tue, 11 May 2010 04:09:46 GMT

Stan Soloway, CEO of the Professional Services Council, presented a market and policy briefing at the Unanet Annual Customer Meeting in Tysons Corner, VA on April 30. Unanet provides project management software which complements Microsoft Dynamics and event attendees included more than 100 government contractors and other professional service providers.

Stan touched on a range of topics and highlighted the issues of budget spending and insourcing. Focusing on a “tidal shift,” Stan noted that the interest on debt will dominate the overall deficit and is becoming the fiscal issue. Stan also brought up what he refers to as “The Three Insourcing Silos,” which consists of Legislation, Budget Directives and Agency Reviews, and the SecDef Initiative; citing that early evidence suggests that most insourcing is not what leadership intends.

Stan’s overview for Unanet customers also touched on other important challenges including OCI, Personal Conflicts of Interest (PCI), and DCAA policy and elevation procedures, among others. Stan closed with an emphasis on the importance of customer and workforce engagement.

A copy of Stan Soloway’s briefing is available at: http://www.unanet.com/Presentations/Customer%20Meeting%202010/2010PSCMarketBriefing03-31-10.pdf

Technorati Tags: Stan Soloway,Secdef Initiative,Insourcing trends for government contracting,Dynamics SL Unanet

“Reaching the Next Level” Best Practice Panel for Government Contractor Executives to be held May 18th – 6pm at the Tower Club, Mclean, VA

czmuda — Mon, 03 May 2010 21:03:48 GMT

Government contractor execs looking to reach the next level are often slowed by early decisions that now hinder growth. For example, many early-stage government contractors implemented entry-level accounting solutions, such as QuickBooks, just to get started. They also deployed rudimentary insurance and accounting practices that were enough to cover the firm in its early days.When growth comes, the executive team realizes that it needs to implement more sophisticated practices and systems...and fast. At this exclusive C-level reception, we'll address some of these strategies.

Agenda:
6pm: Registration, Reception, Networking
7pm: Reaching the Next Level: Strategies for Growing Government Contractors (Panel Discussion)
8pm: Networking

Microsoft, PVBS, Goodman & Company, and Rutherford have helped thousands of companies grow. This event will feature a panel of experts speaking about strategies, systems, best practices, and solutions growing government contractors need to consider to reach the next level. It is only open to C-suite executives at growing government contractors.
You'll hear how some of the top government contractors in the industry have dealt with the critical issues that abound concerning growth.
To register, please send an e-mail to Michelle.poggi@pvbs.net with your name, company name, and phone number.

Technorati Tags: Executive Event Government Contractor

Tune in to listen to an informative session on DCAA Compliance – what it takes and helpful tips on how to engage with DCAA

czmuda — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 21:19:08 GMT

Being audited by the DCAA is a necessary outcome of doing business with the government. Tune into this month’s Gov Con Straight Talk with Microsoft to learn what to expect during a DCAA system audit and what government contactors can do today to help ensure they successfully pass when faced with an audit. The panel will also address how CFOs of government contractors can set their organizations up for success by building a financial management foundation with growth options in out years. Listen here for an on demand broadcast.

Featured Guests:

Christine Zmuda- Government Contractor Engagement Manager, Microsoft
Ken Bricker- Senior Partner, Government Contracting Services Group
Bernard Mustafa- CEO, Pleasant Valley Business Solutions (PVBS

Federal Contractor Achieves DCAA Compliance And Accelerates Growth with ERP Solution

czmuda — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 20:36:00 GMT

“It’s a key success metric for us to have systems and business processes that are DCAA compliant. That was the first accomplishment that we can credit to implementing Microsoft Dynamics NAV.” – Steven Miller, CFO Powertek Corporation

For a federal contractor like Powertek Corporation, efficient financial management and compliance with Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA) requirements was a critical need. As the company matured and grew to pursue larger and more competitive markets, Powertek decided to engage with Microsoft Gold Certified Partner Pleasant Valley Business Solutions (PVBS) to optimize its technology infrastructure. Powertek implemented Microsoft Dynamics NAV for Government Contractors from PVBS, which facilitates complex reporting, compliance, and financial management; passed a DCAA audit; and now confidently pursues larger contracts. Executives rely on real-time business intelligence to manage growth, and project managers have the insight to boost the performance of the company’s client commitments. With a robust business solution, Powertek is confident it can continue to grow with great success.

Technorati Tags: Microsoft Dynamics for Government Contractors,DCAA Compliance,Microsoft Dynamics NAV,Powertek Corporation