Rod Witschey and and Ed Adelman are knee-deep in exhibit 300s, using the processes they have developed and honed over the past five years. They have been meeting with the federal project managers to assist in streamlining operations.  We are looking forward to building stronger communication channels the newly-placed PMO. As a result of good teaming, relationships and partnerships, the contract has been extended through August.

Exciting times at the Department of Energy! It seems that transition and change are frequently happening and both our CIO and CFO teams are faced with new environments and different requirements on a daily basis. In true M Squared style, anticipation and agility have persevered and we continue to be successful in supporting our clients and their initiatives including program management, marketing and strategic communications, and cyber security. We would also like to welcome back Shannon Schreiber from maternity leave, new mom extraordinaire.

With the arrival of a new CIO and a Deputy CIO appointment, change is in the air at the DOE OCIO. M Squared Strategies looks forward to continuing to support the OCIO and the renewed interest in leveraging technology and partnership to move the Department forward. It is exciting to be part of a team that has evolved so much and to work under leadership who have not only set clear priorities, but also provided the tools to get the job done. An aggressive agenda for 2011 has been laid out, and we will continue to find ways to carry out these plans in an effort to drive change and fulfill the executive agenda.

Much like the OCIO, the OCFO is also facing retirements, transition and imminent change. Due to Ed Adelman’s diligence, the team is in a great position to continue its support of our clients and even potentially grow into new areas as our additional expertise gains recognition.

The DOE team finds that they see a future of continued value working with an 8(a) partner, as well as finding the opportunity to persist in the CIO space with a new team on the ITSS re-compete. The program support in divining the essence of policies, and in being key providers of marketing and communications is respected and sought after. The management team has identified new opportunities that push beyond the CFO and CIO constellations, as we reach for new offices and become sought after by new partners.

On September 20, two things happened at DOE: the first is that our contract supporting the OCIO ended, and the second is that we are still supporting the OCIO through our OCFO vehicle. The OCIO contract began in October 2008 with 4 resources and at its peak there were around 12 resources all contributing in valuable ways to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of IT Support Services through multiple projects. Both Evan Olson and Whitney Starring will continue to provide their outstanding skill and support to the OCIO at their clients’ request. And, thank you to Andrew MacDonald for his strong engagement leadership skills and continued support through this transition.

As the team continues to deliver exceptional service and solutions to our clients, we move within one quarter from the conclusion of the current DOE OCIO contract. Although we have no concrete indication of the client’s intent from a continuity perspective, the team and corporate leadership continue to explore available options and create possible alternatives for the current arrangement. The only thing certain is that there will be more to report in the next newsletter!

Just in case the current transition was not enough for us all, each of the team members is keeping things interesting with lifestyle adjustments of their own. First, congratulations to Evan on the birth of his second child, Benjamin David Olson! Second, Whitney has taken on the corporate marketing responsibilities in the only way she knows how… with immediate impact. She is churning impressive output while maintaining her full-time efforts at DOE.

And finally, a farewell to Jessica who has accepted a position elsewhere. Jess leaves the company having successfully supported various clients at DOE while being instrumental in supporting the development of the AMP Program. We all wish Jess the best of luck with this new chapter in her career.