Task Order
Seaport e Task Order
MSCG Team
Management Solutions Consulting Group
MSCG is Woman-Owned Small Business (WOSB) that has provided technology-based solutions to Federal government clients for 15 years. We are known for our ability to analyze requirements and successfully integrate mission-oriented program needs with information technology services that result in innovative solutions. We received multiple exceptional CPARs from clients, including the Department of Defense, Department of Justice and Department of Health and Human Services. Our work includes life cycle development of web-based applications using GUI front-end interfaces and back-end databases in SQL Server and MS Access, Internet/Intranet web services, data warehousing and mining, information systems security support solutions, and information technology systems engineering and integration. MSCG provides technical writing for web content, system and user documentation, and training course curriculum. Additionally, we provide comprehensive user support through Help Desk, one-to-one training and webinars, user documentation, online technical help through FAQs, and application help text. MSCG’s non-technical strengths are also note-worthy. We have provided onsite administrative support to the Office of the Chief Prosecutor at the Office of Military Commissions and Victim-Witness Assistance Program, which involves a pool of 30 administrative assistants located throughout the East coast and Guantanamo Bay, Cuba who are readily available to be deployed upon the government’s request for onsite support at five military installations and Cuba. MSCG is exceptional in our ability to motivate and manage large teams of non-profit organizations, attorneys, and consultants located throughout the United States and territories to support our government contracts with Health and Human Services and U.S. Department of Agriculture. We will use our decade of experience in managing large and complex teams to effectively and efficiently manage our team of subcontractors to support SeaPort-e task orders for the Department of the Navy and U.S. Marine Corps.
Capabilities/Areas of expertise
- System Design Documentation and Technical Data Support
- Software Engineering, Development, Programming, and Network Support
- Quality Assurance Support
- Information System Development, Information Assurance, and Information Technology Support
- Training Support
- Functional and Administrative Support
MSCG’s Systems Development, IS Development, IA, and IT Support on the BPHC Contract
MSCG employed an Adaptive Software Development process of the Agile Modeling methodology as an efficient and dynamic means to develop a web-based technical assistance (TA) request system (TARS) for BPHC staff and grantees. We chose this process because of its flexibility and adaptability to BPHC’s changing environment—both in its organization and assignment of new CORs to our contract, as well as the changing user requirements brought about by policy changes (e.g., ACA). As part of our adaptive cycle planning in 2008, when the project was initiated, we used the customer’s mission statement, and certain project constraints of quick turnaround times and system descriptions defined by BPHC’s non-technical user community to define the set of release cycles for the TARS. The initial team comprised a certified web applications developer, QA monitor, and the BPHC COR as the customer representative to assess the usability and compliance of the TARS. This short-reiterative-cycle approach enabled MSCG to respond to System Change Requests within a 24-48-hour window while maintaining product quality assurance. Throughout the six-year contract, MSCG adapted the TARS to increase efficiencies with new time- and cost-saving modules, tracking tools, and reports. The modules consisted of databases maintained on MSCG’s server that recorded and tracked the 1) 1300+ task assignments requested each year, and 2) 1400 comprehensive consultant profiles, including areas of expertise, background checks, copies of current credentials and certifications, current availability for assignments, and metric-based performance evaluations. The system allowed BPHC authorized users to obtain ad hoc and standard reports on TA trends indicating where additional training may be needed; MSCG staff, consultant, and task performance evaluations, and status of tasks. Through MSCG’s agile model approach, TARS evolved into a comprehensive and effective centralized mechanism for managing BPHC task requests.
Cost and Time Saving Tools Built Into TARS - During the final year of the contract, MSCG designed, developed, and delivered two new automated online tools for TARS that significantly reduced time, reporting errors, and thereby cost for BPHC. The first was an Online Site Visit Report required for every training and TA assignment delivered by MSCG. MSCG replaced BPHC’s Word template with an online reporting mechanism that reduced data entry time by up to four hours per report. The new Site Visit Report also significantly reduced data entry errors, which saved up to one day of editing and acceptance cycles for each report. MSCG resolved another costly issue by developing and implementing an online e-Voucher System. BPHC’s Excel version allowed calculation errors that required another level of QC support by MSCG. The new e-Voucher System was integrated with the TARS data, which eliminated any out-of-scope costs (e.g., adding extra days to a site visit without authorization), eliminated any unregulated travel expenses because the e-Voucher contained the latest FTR allowances for per diems, air travel, transportation and lodging expenses, and reduced common mathematical errors by users. The e-Voucher also shortened the cycle time for expense QA reviews and reimbursements.
MSCG provided system development and programming support to the HIV/AIDS Bureau (HAB), Office of Rural Health Policy, and the Office of Health IT and Quality—all within the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). Each Bureau and Office had different system requirements.
MSCG developed a comprehensive QA/QI program for the Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), Office of Health IT and Quality (OHITQ), which has been consolidated with the Office of Planning and Evaluation since the expiration of our contract. The purpose of this project was to develop tools, online training, and technical assistance resources to accomplish several objectives. HRSA provides funding to community based organizations located across the U.S. and its territories (e.g., health centers and clinics), which must demonstrate improved quality of patient care based on 12 core clinical measures defined by HRSA. The mandated measures of quality healthcare required an understanding of quality assurance and continuous process improvement principles, which proved to be a challenge to clinicians practicing at the health centers. MSCG was tasked to develop self-paced training targeted for clinicians—ranging from no QA knowledge to expert levels that just needed access to tools to aid in complying with these program requirements. MSCG developed a set of 17 autonomous learning modules on the different phases of QA/QI in community healthcare settings. The modules were subdivided based on the knowledge and skill levels of its users. Additionally, we developed and provided the online technical assistance resource to help the clinicians better understand the baseline performance indicators of the HRSA Clinical Core Measures so that health centers may implement and track effectiveness of their treatment protocols for their patients. This was accomplished by tracking any improvements in specific health parameters. For example, quality improvement in treatment outcomes for diabetic patients was improved A1C levels. MSCG’s testing of our QA/QI program required OMB Clearance, which we successfully obtained in order to validate the program’s effectiveness in the field. The program is still being used today (add website) with tremendous success and avoided costly onsite technical assistance by consultants traveling to each grantee site.
MSCG has experience conducting various types of training topics in a number of formats for its government clients. For our clients at the Department of Health and Human Services and Department of Justice, we are able to support face to face sessions, audio and webinars. MSCG utilizes the GoToMeetings’ GoToWebinar technology for all the online trainings, webinars and other forms of audiovisuals. Our online meeting management capabilities include: audio streaming conference which supports a large geographically diverse audience over the Internet, Net conferencing which allows all participants to view the meeting documents over the Internet, Listen Only and/or Q&A sessions, Secured call to ensure privacy and control the entry of registered only participants, Master list file of call participants, and Transcription and/or digital recording of conference. MSCG also develops 508 compliant transcripts and PowerPoint presentations for webinars, webcasts, and conference calls. MSCG has also collaborated and cooperated with other contractors to facilitate training using other technologies. For example, our customers at HRSA use the Adobe Connect platform managed by their Office of Information Technology. MSCG has extensive experience with organizing and facilitating skills building training sessions with our federal clients. We provided skills building, organizational development, quality improvement and technical assistance (TA) services to State and Regional Primary Care Associations (PCAs) and National Cooperative Agreements. Through this work, PCAs enhanced their ability to develop methods, approaches, and skills to improve capacity to effectively maintain and strengthen health centers. The following is a sample list of the training topics that MSCG developed and delivered to our clients at HHS, USDA, DOJ, and Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board:
- New Project Officer Training for HRSA Project Officers (HHS)
- IT systems training for web-based applications (HHS)
- Fisscal Management Training (HHS, state and local government organizations)
- How to Conduct an Operations Site Visit (HHS)
- Governance of Community-Based Organizations (HHS)
- HIT and Meaningful Use Training (HHS)
- Sliding Fee Scales (HHS)
- Patient-Centered Medical Home Training (HHS)
- Cultural Competency (HHS)
- Consultant Professional Standards and Expectations
- EEO Coaching (USDA, NGB, FDA)
- Teambuilding and Leadership Coaching (Justice)
- Diversity Awareness (FDA)
- Special Emphasis Programs for LBGTQ; Black History; Asian Pacific, etc. (DFBSB)
CRW & Associates, LLC
CRW & Associates, LLC is an award-winning, full-service consulting firm specializing in designing and implementing customized solutions to meet the needs of our government, nonprofit and corporate clients. Our highly qualified and dedicated staff brings extensive experience in the areas of Management Consulting, Organizational Development including Executive and Professional Coaching, Technical Assistance and Training, Outreach and Education and Information Technology. As a woman-owned (WOSB) and CVE-Verified, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB), we are also certified in the Federal SBA 8(a) program, the Maryland State MDOT MBE/DBE and the Virginia State SWaM programs. CRW is dedicated to providing effective support through goal-directed planning, quality performance, timely submission of deliverables, and effective cost control for our clients. CRW & Associates was the recipient of the 2014 Top 100 MBEs in the Eastern Region of the United States. The businesses are selected based on outstanding achievement in four key areas: business development, client satisfaction, professional affiliations and community involvement. Over 4,000 nominations were received this year and CRW & Associates was selected as one of the winners. Our success is truly attributed to the personnel that support CRW and the exceptional service we provide.
Capabilities/Areas of expertise
- Software Engineering, Development, Programming, and Network Support
- Quality Assurance Support
- Information System Development, Information Assurance, and Information Technology Support
- Training Support
- Program Support
- Functional and Administrative Support
CRW & Associates provided Cystic Fibrosis Foundation full technical data support: database design and development services; data solutions implementation; data loading, and integration support for enterprise data software. CRW analyzed, mapped, and loaded data using ETL processes as part of the enterprise data software support. Responsibilities, tasks, and accomplishments included: • Utilized implementation scripts, utilities, and tools to enhance database performance. • Provided post implementation support: analyzed client reported issues and performed troubleshooting of processes and code to identify problems and propose solutions. • Provided database administration for development, test and production environments as well as database application support to development teams. • Coordinated development activities with the client’s software development teams on database optimization and engaged in ongoing database performance tuning efforts to assure optimal performance for database applications. • Created and modified primary database storage structures and primary objects (tables, views and indexes) after application developers designed their application. • Enrolled users and maintained system security. Monitored user access to the databases. • Maintained archived data and generated various reports by querying from databases as required. • Performed all duties related to on-going operations of the database infrastructure including database backups. • Met deadlines and successfully handled multiple projects simultaneously. CRW achieved its goal of continuity of operations by assuring improved client access to its existing legacy data storage systems throughout the design, development, and testing of a more modern and efficient data storage and access system.
CRW & Associates provides end-to-end IT services and network support to Cornerstone Government Affairs. We are their sole provider for all IT needs for their onsite and seven other remote locations. This support includes operations and maintenance of network equipment (firewalls, routers, and coordination of Internet service installations and upgrades), server hardware and software, 70 user workstations, and mobile device access to company resources (email and shared files). We also: 1) facilitated the creation of seven remote sites for the client and ensured continued Virtual Private Network access to the client’s main location; 2) worked with client to evaluate and update or upgrade user software as business needs evolved; 3) configured and assisted in the ordering of clients’ IT (server hardware, workstations and mobile devices), and 4) provided user training and documentation for the client’s technical infrastructure. Key outcome was maintaining a high level of information systems infrastructure availability, both in the client’s headquarters and for their remote users.
CRW & Associates provided comprehensive IT support for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation computer systems infrastructure, including infrastructure planning, operations, maintenance, upgrades, and fixes. Relevant areas supported included:
- Network engineering services: hardware and software support, installation and integration support, project management, writing reports, oral presentations, supporting data warehouses, business analysis, developing and maintaining documentation, vendor management, developing end to end testing processes and solutions, workflow analysis, and operational support.
- Network hardware support: Cisco ASA devices, Linksys routers, various models of Ethernet switches and hubs, as well various Internet Service Provider devices. Duties also included the maintenance of the client’s Wide Area Network.
- Microsoft engineering services: configuration and maintenance of Microsoft Server 2008 as well as Exchange email services and the associated hardware required to support several hundred users across 70 remote locations.
- Project management: written reports, oral presentations, business analysis, development and maintenance of documentation, vendor management, developing end-to-end testing processes and solutions, and workflow analysis to enable the client to take full advantage of their infrastructure.
- Integration services for Macintosh products.
CRW & Associates was contracted to develop leader and employee training seminars based on the results of a Global Organizational Engagement Survey. Analyzed, synthesized, and translated results in order to develop training focused on applying and leveraging outcomes to strengthen engagement at the unit, department, division, and region level. Developed a series of customized Power Point presentations, hand-outs, and activities for both classroom and web based training and action planning tools to elevate scores; a session was also developed for senior leaders dedicated to understanding organizational culture and integration of engagement principles. Trained a cadre of internal super trainers to deliver the materials, facilitated a global webinar to illustrate web session process, training globally and completion and submission of action plans by leaders with SMART goals which led to dedicated follow-up training and mentoring. Follow-up and measurement over 6-months demonstrated significant gains.
Point of Contact: Charlisa WatsonLeading Edge Solutions, LLC
Leading Edge Solutions, LLC, a minority owned service disabled veteran-owned small business headquartered in Alexandria, VA, is a provider of Human Capital solutions, organizational and workforce performance analysis, training, and staffing support services to Government and commercial customers. LES has extensive experience in human capital planning, training and Quality of Life programs specifically policies which influence work life balance. Additionally, LES executives have extensive experience in leadership development, recruiting, and managing a federal workforce. LES was founded by CAPT Bernard Jackson, a former Deputy Military Plans and Policy Directorate Chief of Naval Operations staff (OPNAV N13) where he provided leadership in establishing policy and governance for the recruitment and retention of the military workforce to include policy influencing sea shore rotation. He also served as Executive Secretary for the Navy Human Resources Board of Directors with responsibility for policy review of recruitment, diversity and retention programs. As a Chief of Naval Operations Strategic Studies Group Fellow, Mr. Jackson’s team developed the crew rotation model that is currently being utilized for the former Littoral Combat Ship. Mr. Jackson led the merger of legacy Navy training and human resources organizations into a single integrated organization with a workforce of 12,000 and a budget of $67B. Leading Edge has over 70 combined years supporting the Navy to include OPNAV N1, N13, N12, N4, N96, N8, BUMED, CNIC, NAVSEA PEO IWS, Military Sealift Command, Navy IG, Office of Naval Research and ASN M&RA.
Capabilities/Areas of expertise
- Quality Assurance Support
- Training Support
- Program Support
- Functional and Administrative Support
Leading Edge Solutions (LES) developed and delivered mediation training to regional Offices of Civil Rights (OCR) in support of the Department of Education with an average customer satisfaction rating of 4.6 out of 5 for all attendees. The LES team developed and delivered tailored courses entitled” Federal Human Resources Management for Supervisors and Managers” for Camp Covington and Anderson Air Force Base in Guam.
Bernard Jackson of Leading Edge Solutions served as the Program Manager for a study sponsored by OPNAV N-1. (Mr. Jackson’s resume is provided in Appendix A.) The study functioned as a starting point for civilian management best practices and catalogued best practices of DoD, Federal-non DoD, and private industry which were compatible with the Navy’s Human Capital Strategy and the CNO’s Strategy For Our People. The desired end state was the identification of innovative personnel practices and flexible career management processes to deliver a more agile and responsive civilian workforce. The team reviewed current Navy civilian management practices to include the National Security Personnel System (NSPS), metrics, and governing documents to establish a baseline understanding of the “as is” environment. In the next phase of the study the team identified community management practices from a variety of external organizations, including military, civilian, government, both defense and non-defense, and private industry. The study identified 26 best practices associated with workforce planning, recruiting, career management, retention, competency management, strategic sourcing and work life balance. Several of the recommendation classified as “Quick Wins” have been implemented by the Navy staff.
Bernard Jackson, President of Leading Edge Solutions, was Deputy Director MPT&E Directorate where he executed manpower force reductions while maintaining proper personnel readiness levels. This required the use of force shaping policy and force shaping tools to maintain proper cohort group manpower levels. He made recommendations on the most efficient ways to utilize resources to improve organizational performance. The implementation of innovative policy changes combined with oversight of cohort group readiness levels resulted in the reduction of 43,000 billets over a five year period and generated over $300 million in savings in a two year period. Additionally, he completed a complex organization assessment of SEA-21, which incorporated a combination of matrix, functional, and hierarchical design features. Reorganization efforts led to the realignment of 65 billets which improved functional alignment, streamlined span of control, and eliminated excessive duplications.
Point of Contact: Bernard JacksonShorter Solutions Consulting Group, Inc. (SSCG)
Shorter Solutions Consulting Group, Inc. (SSCG) is a certified Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business firm with expertise in operational administration, program management and systems technology. SSCG was founded by Byron Shorter, a Navy veteran and a retired senior Navy civilian. Mr. Shorter’s executive training includes the National Defense University, Asian Pacific Center for Security Studies, Brookings and a graduate of the Defense Leadership and Management Program (DLAMP). SSCG’s experience includes 28 years working with DOD leadership that includes the Secretary of the Navy, Chief of Naval Operations N98, N2/N6, Naval Air Systems Command, Naval Sea Systems Command and the offices of the Joint Chiefs J-5 and J8. SSCG team’s subject matter experts provide management of weapon life cycle, logistics, open architecture, acquisitions, IT programs and a variety of administrative services. In addition, SSCG has international working experience with coalition partners and regional relationships in the political military arena.
Capabilities/Areas of expertise
- System Design Documentation and Technical Data Support
- Software Engineering, Development, Programming, and Network Support
- Quality Assurance Support
- Information System Development, Information Assurance, and Information Technology Support
- Training Support
- Program Support
- Functional and Administrative Support
Point of Contact: Byron Shorter
Vital Sciences, Inc. (VSI)
Vital Sciences, Inc. (VSI) was founded in 1999 by its current CEO, Faruk Ansari, who has 24 years’ experience in managing large, complex IT solutions for federal, state and commercial businesses. The Indiana-based company is a Woman-Owned Small Business (WOSB). VSI’s expertise includes Data Architecture, Database Management and Database Development on Oracle, MS SQL, and MySQL platforms.
Capabilities/Areas of expertise
- System Design Documentation and Technical Data Support
- Software Engineering, Development, Programming, and Network Support
- Quality Assurance Support
- Information System Development, Information Assurance, and Information Technology Support
- Training Support
- Functional and Administrative Support
Vital Sciences, Inc. (VSI) provided over 13 years of experience at the U.S. Census Bureau in application architecture, design, development, testing, rollout, and support. We developed and maintained the system and user documentation for the early systems developed in Lotus Notes for over 10 years. When the Bureau decided to retire the Lotus Notes environment, well-maintained documentation enabled VSI to efficiently rewrote the applications for the web environment, which also were documented for systems administration and user support. VSI performed similar work for the U.S. Department of Agriculture where they architected, developed and supported a large scale Document Tracking and Control (TNC) System for the hundreds of surveys that the USDA runs every year. VSI developed a comprehensive set of system documentation for USDA as well.
Vital Sciences, Inc. (VSI) provided over a decade of software development, programming, and engineering support to the U.S. Census Bureau located in Indiana, and performed similar work for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). For the Census Bureau, VSI supported their Lotus Notes application environment for over ten years and wrote and supported several mission critical applications for them during that period. These included: Automated Procurement System; Project Management System and Time Tracking. When the Bureau decided to retire the Lotus Notes development environment, VSI rewrote several major applications for the web environment using MS Visual Studio. We also architected and developed several survey related applications for the Bureau and played a very important role in both 2000 and 2010 Decennial Censuses. Other applications architected and developed by VSI for the Census Bureau included a multitude of Oracle and Forms and Reports survey related applications. We completed a major milestone for the Bureau by migrating all of the Oracle forms and reports from Oracle 6i to Oracle 11g for Automated Tracking and Control software used to track Census surveys. For the USDA, VSI architected, developed and supported a large scale Document Tracking and Control (TNC) System for the hundreds of surveys that the USDA runs every year. TNS included support for authoring and tracking of complex, flexible and configurable process models, integration with bar code technologies, services interface to integrate with external applications to receive tracking information. Platform & Services for this application included: Windows Server 2008, IIS, Visual Studio .NET, .NET Framework SDK 4.0, C#, ASP.NET, Silverlight 4.0, ADO.NET, XML, XSLT/XPATH, CSS, JavaScript, MySQL and LEAD Tools.
Point of Contact: Faruk AnsariVulcan Group
Vulcan Group is a leading provider of Engineering technology and Information Technology professional services. We are dedicated to delivering best-in-class service and solutions based on your business requirements. As a provider of design services, Vulcan Group and our staff are committed to providing the highest quality IP & System solutions at an affordable price. Our team of architects, designers and developers are some of the best in the industry with many years of industry experience. Integrity & professionalism are the hallmark of all our customer engagements.
Capabilities/Areas of expertise
- System Design Documentation and Technical Data Support
- Software Engineering, Development, Programming, and Network Support
- Quality Assurance Support
- Training Support
- Program Support
- Functional and Administrative Support
Point of Contact: Shoaib Mastoor
Quality Assurance Program
MSCG's Seaport-e operations concept focuses on complete customer satisfaction. All Seaport-e Program staff will continually seek ways to meet or exceed the agency’s expectations for quality, productivity, and cost efficiencies. QA for the Seaport-e Program will include systematic observations, reviews, and inspections; QA audits; identification and correction of discrepancies; inspection and correction of historical files; and polling agency managers to determine the perceived service quality. MSCG will maintain project activities at optimum performance levels through continual collaboration refinement with Seaport-e.
Risk Management - MSCG understands that to a customer, problems or issues equal risks. Because we understand that all programs have risks, MSCG uses a clearly defined risk assessment and mitigation approach for technical services, costs, schedules, and performance. We believe that it is critical that the PgM integrate risk identification and mitigation into the technical work plan. Our program management methodology requires that a risk management plan be developed for the program and used as a formal method of identifying and mitigating program risks. Our risk management approach for the Seaport-e will implement processes to define risk and problem areas and to develop corrective actions.
Points of contact for information related to the SeaPort program
Phone: 301-577-3100
Ramana Kariveda (Program Manager)
Byron Shorter (Deputy Program Manager)
Juanita Walker (Business Development Director)
Kelly Burks (Corporate Manager)
Lloyd McCliggott (Contracts Manager)
