ROCKVILLE, Md., March 29, 2004 (PRIMEZONE) -- Bob Merkl, President and COO of Secure IT, the federal division of staffing firm COMSYS Services LLC, participated on a panel about security clearances in government contracting last week. The panel was one of many featured at "Access to Federal Procurement Conference 2004," an event sponsored by U.S. Congressman Tom Davis (VA-11th) and focused on how organizations can more effectively do business with the federal government.
Joining Merkl on the security clearance panel were Donald C. Williams, Regional Administrator for the U.S. General Services Administration's (GSA) National Capital Region; Chad Stocker, Chief of Security Clearances for the Defense Security Service (DSS); and representatives from ManTech International and DataSystems Analysts.
Panelists discussed the steps necessary to obtain and administer security clearances under the National Industrial Security Program. With both government and business industry representatives on the panel, attendees learned how an organization should prepare to participate as a prime or subcontractor in a classified contract effort.
"There is an enormous backlog of highly qualified, domestic IT talent trying to negotiate the current security clearance process. Many have been discouraged from even seeking work in this sector because of the significant barriers to entry," said Merkl. "Congressman Davis is spearheading a much-needed interaction between the public and private sectors to determine effective ways to remove these barriers without compromising our legitimate security requirements. It was a privilege to be a part of this thought leadership discussion."
Attended by more than 500 people, the one-day program gave an overview of current and upcoming procurement opportunities in the federal government. Attendees also learned how best to navigate the government procurement process. Other panel topics included: GSA Federal Supply Schedules - Marketing Tips for Schedule Contractors; Successful Teaming Arrangements and Subcontracting; and Budgeting and Planning for IT Procurement Opportunities.
About Secure IT
Secure IT, the federal division of COMSYS Services LLC, offers information technology consultants interested in opportunities in the federal government market with a one-stop resource for job openings, professional development and market insight. By building alliances with systems integrators, federal contractors and small businesses, Secure IT and its consultants help government agencies meet their mission-critical technology, telecommunications and network requirements. Secure IT's management team has in-depth experience in the Department of Defense and federal civilian markets. For more information, visit www.secureitservices.com.
About COMSYS
COMSYS Services LLC (www.comsys.com) is a subsidiary of COMSYS Information Technology Services, Inc. Leveraging more than 30 years of experience, COMSYS has built upon its core competency of staff augmentation by creating offerings that bring cost-effective, client-centric solutions to specific markets. Our offerings and products include contingent staffing, vendor management, project services, network services and project management. COMSYS markets to the government, healthcare, financial/insurance, energy and telecommunications industries and currently serves over 35 percent of the Fortune 500 and over 70 percent of the Fortune 50 companies.