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Some of today’s national and global challenges are far too big and complex for single-faceted solutions. They require the input, attention, expertise, and technology from multiple problem solvers and stakeholders, often spanning both the private and public sectors, and sometimes involving the participation of other countries.

Booz Allen Hamilton’s approach to these multi-dimensional challenges is to bring together subject matter experts from across the landscape of a complex issue. Sometimes called mega-communities, these groups identify specific problems and the linkages between them, using their collective knowledge of an industry, technical expertise, and client relationships to attack these large challenges.

In August 2007, Booz Allen co-sponsored the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) Homeland Security Conference, held at the Naval Post-graduate School in Monterey, California. The conference brought together representatives from US government agencies concerned with security and law enforcement, thought leaders from across academia, and cutting-edge technologists from small businesses to address homeland security issues and solutions.

Don Vincent

“Our mission was to make it easy for academia and small business to share their best thinking and technologies with agencies in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS),” says Don Vincent, Booz Allen Vice President. “The conference brought these groups together to network, build relationships, brainstorm, and discuss new technology ideas with each other and the government.”

Powerful Connections for Small Businesses

There were several powerful outcomes from the conference. For example, small businesses that are unfamiliar with how to get their products in front of homeland security officials had the chance to share ideas with these officials face-to-face. At the same time, the government was able to clarify the kinds of technologies and the maturity of those technologies that DHS is looking for. “It was very powerful for the participants to hear what strategies would give a company’s technology a greater chance of being adopted, evaluated, and maybe funded for enhancement,” says Vincent.

Another beneficial outcome for the small businesses participating was the chance to acquaint Booz Allen with their technologies and expertise. The firm actively seeks out small businesses with unique capabilities and technologies to be sub-prime team members on large projects. Booz Allen has established its Small Business Office to encourage small companies who would like to partner with the firm.

“We’re always looking for small businesses with special capabilities and new ideas,” says Vincent. “Not only are they important to the economy, but they are important to the criteria the government is looking for in big contracts. When we find good companies, we nurture them and get them out there with us.”

story posted February 25, 2008

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