The GovCon Grove - Good Government supported by Great Companies – January 9

During 2022, OrangeSlices played observer, watching and capturing what we and industry had identified as #doingitright . The recent #Elev8GovCon awards is one part of this. In 2023, we want to be a driver of conversation, to understand better what it looks like to have or to be moving toward a better company culture, and we want to share that insight so industry, Federal clients and employees can find those #goodpartners #goodplacestowork and those achieving #successingovcon . Have something to share? Connect with us and let’s ramp this up.??????

2023 Elev8GovCon Honorees Announced??

We are pleased to announce the 2023 Elev8 GovCon Honorees ! This list of GovCon partners, whose nominations were supported by both employee and partner contributions, represent companies who are #doingitright . Demonstrating a major competitive edge, to include higher levels of employee and customer engagement and loyalty which translate into higher growth and profits, the companies recognized, and the leaders guiding these teams forward, understand what it takes and are models of #doingittherightway . These honorees set the bar for all those who know it is time to #elev8govcon . Congratulations to all.??See the full list of winners here.

Did you miss the nomination announcement? Do you think you work for or with a company that deserves to be on this list? As this is a new recognition, for this year only we will be adding a mid-year on-ramp to this list. Nominations will open and be announced this Spring. Follow us if you want to take part in the conversation to #elev8govcon .

In case you need inspiration, here is recent insight from one growing team and Elev8GovCon honoree on culture, success and partnering:??

• The Growth of one 8(a) STARS III Prime based on Bold Trust and a Focus on Like-minded Partners ??

Included below we continue to shine a light on the good stuff, highlighting a few weekly examples of leading GovCon firms and executives who are proving that they understand it is not just about winning, but about building a lasting corporate culture, embracing employee engagement and wellbeing and giving back.??????

• GenTech Associates, Inc. is kicking off the new year with something we love - a company-wide step challenge. GenTech shared that this year they are focused on getting active and supporting physical and mental well-being and motivating participation among the team with a grand prize. #fitnessforall #letsgetmoving ?
• Appreciation and recognition of your team ensures they know they are seen and valued. One way is eTelligent Group ’s public identification of a Company MVP, Rookies of the Year and Employee Choice Awards . #celebrateemployeesuccess #seetheindividual Another way to ensure stickiness includes promotion, recognition and training . REI Systems combined it all in 2022 promoting 178 employees; seeing 108 earn training certificates; and awarding 505 employees for extraordinary work. #careersuccess #growthfromwithin ??
• One takeaway from this agile six employee interview are the words of CEO, Robert Rasmussen - “Though we care about what we do here, and we care about our work, I care about all of you first. Please take care of yourself first .” #cultureofcaring #peoplefirst ?#leadership
• Come on... A Chief Culture Officer who looks like this ? Nicely done Easy Dynamics Corp Dynamics. #daveweneedadog ?
• In the spirit of making giving back part of your corporate culture and DNA, TISTA Science and Technology Corporation started the year donating $500,000 to the Montgomery County Coalition for the Homeless (MCCH) to help veterans transition from unsafe and unstable street life to permanent housing and reengage with treatment services . #supportveterans #givingback ?
• Setting the pace for the year ahead the Nakupuna Companies team got together to support Neighbors Together, Inc ., power washing, painting, serving meals, organizing their clothing shop, and painting some walls around the Neighbors Together headquarters and they are already setting up more events with Neighbors Together for later this year . #givingback #2023goals ?
• As we head into a new year, it is worth a reminder that we can gather for a cause. We shared multiple examples of this during 2022 and here is one to start you thinking... Trustwave hosted a charity dinner while in Las Vegas for the EDGE23 conference. Bringing together 70 members from the GovCon community this year, this annual dinner raised money for the “Race for the Cure” curebaintumors.org #curebraintumors #eventswithpurpose ?
• Now, let us tell you the tale of a family, Maveris , whose holiday season was filled with team building and cheer . From desk decorating to a technical skill-based capture the flag, this work family competed, played, cheered and had fun. Their families at home joined in for virtual karaoke, while their avatar selves gathered around fires, held a poker night and watched movies. Encouraged to be active in their communities serving others, they took themselves out to lay wreaths, provide toys for kids and participate in a sensory friendly Santa event. #creativeteambuilding #holidayspirit ?

Are there organizations your company cares about and that you would like to see spotlighted to raise awareness. Connect with us and let’s talk about how we can do that.?

Speaking of understanding and knowing partners, the latest OS AI Know Thy Competitor segment:?????

• This rapidly emerging SDVOSB and #VA partner, that specializes in using #hcd to modernize and transform #cx and #employeeexperience , proved it is showing up ready to play in 2023 as it was not only recognized for the first time on the #Inc5000 , and for its commitment to Veteran hiring and retention, but also added several key strategic executive level team members in 2022. Is #T4NG2 next??Do you know this VA CEDAR IDIQ Prime contract holder, who can lay claim to Prime past performance on an SBIR Phase II contract for Rapid Mobile Application Development Platform Service? Check the answer here - https://bit.ly/3WVvHeP ???

OrangeSlices Tip of the Week?????????

Inspiration and goals can come from many places. This recent post by ?? Molly Cain , Associate Director for Digital Innovation with the IRS shares that “everything happening at Southwest Airlines is coming straight for your organization too”. Phrases such as archaic talent management procedures; how it’s always been done; preventative innovation; and hiring more people who qualify as a #mindfuldisruptor give us all something to think about. The new year is all about resolutions and change. As an organization, now is the time to think about what you need to be doing differently moving forward. How can you enable and encourage culture? Where are you succeeding or where are you hitting the mark? How do you change your hiring and retention focus to ensure you attract good people – and they stay???

Are you signed up yet to receive the new weekly OrangeSlices AI product update newsletter, The Peel ????

• Just a few of the topics covered in this week's edition include:?100M DHS CyberSec / NIH Data Mgmt Opps; 8(a) WOSB AI/ML firm strikes alliance; 25 Top Fed Health HUBZone players; Elev8 GovCon Announced; AND more...?

The GovCon Grove is compiled and published by Heather Seftel-Kirk ,?OrangeSlices AI’s Exec VP and our own Corporate Culture Champion charged with making sure we don’t just talk the talk, but we walk the walk. Follow Heather and connect if you are a leader passionate about employee experience and #doingittherightway ?

About OrangeSlices AI??????????????

Developed by a team of government and industry contracting subject matter experts, the OrangeSlices AI data driven platform is a publicly available searchable listing of the top information technology and consulting services contractors doing business with the Federal government today. Driven by a robust and comprehensive set of authoritative and trusted data sources, the OS.ai tool is intended to help government and industry leaders find the right partner to help deliver on the important missions of the Federal government. Learn more about how you can engage with OS AI here.? ???????????????