News Archive
September 2007
Cherokee Information Services, Inc. joins the BAE CEOSs Team
Cherokee Information Services, Inc. has joined the BAE Commercial Enterprise Omnibus Support Services (CEOss) Team. CEOss is an Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract vehicle established to server as the Marine Corps Systems Command’s (MCSC’s) primary means for acquiring contractor support services. The contract is divided up into four primary domains: Engineering and Scientific Services (ES); Acquisition, Logistics and Administrative Services (ALA); Business and Analytical (BA); and, Specialty Engineering (SE). BAE holds a prime contract in the Engineering and Scientific Services domain.
Cherokee Information Services, Inc. wins contract to provide DSCR with Professional Acquisition Support
Cherokee Information Services, Inc., as a member of the DP Technologies Services, Inc. Team, was awarded a contract to provide the Defense Supply Center Richmond’s Aviation Supplier Operations Directorate with Long-Term Contracting Support, Tailored Program Support, and Supplier Relationship Management Support. The contract’s period of performance is a base plus four option years with a total value of approximately $14M. Cherokee is excited to be working with DP Tech and to have the opportunity to continue providing support to DLA at DSCR.
Cherokee Information Services, Inc. wins
OSM Help Desk Technical Support Task Order Under GSA 8(a) STARS
Cherokee Information Services, Inc. was awarded a GSA 8(a) STARS Task Order to provide the Department of Interior’s Office of Surface Mining with Help Desk Technical support. This contract will provide OSM with Help Desk and Desktop Support at their headquarters in Washington, D.C.; the Appalachian Regional Office in Pittsburgh, PA; the Mid-Continent Regional Office in Alton, IL; the Western Regional Office in Denver, CO; and the Division of Financial Management in Lakewood, CO. Cherokee is pleased to continue its relationship with OSM and assisting the organization in supporting its mission.
Cherokee Information Services, Inc. wins DLA IDoc Processing Support Contract.
Cherokee Information Services, Inc. was awarded a contract to provide the Defense Logistics Agency with analyst to support Order Fulfillment and IDoc processing and procedures. This contract will require the placement of analyst at the Defense Supply Center Richmond, Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Defense Supply Center Columbus, and Defense Distribution Command in New Cumberland Philadelphia. This is a one year contract valued at approximately $250K.
Cherokee Information Services, Inc. Wins OSM IT Administrative Support Task Order Under GSA 8(a) STARS
Cherokee Information Services, Inc. was awarded a GSA 8(a) STARS Task Order to provide the Department of Interior’s Office of Surface Mining, Office of the Chief Information Officer with Information Technology Administrative Support to the Technical Support Branch. This support will include Local Area Network and Active Directory Administrative Support; Administrative Support for Messaging, Collaboration, COOP and System Backup; Local Area Network (LAN) and Wide Area Network (WAN) Support; and other projects as required. The period of performance is one base year and 4 option years and has an estimated initial value of $2M.
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May 2007
Cherokee Information Services, Inc. is awarded additional task order to expand support to the Navajo Area Indian Health Services
The Navajo Area Indian Health Services (NAIHS) recently awarded Cherokee Information Services, Inc. (Cherokee) a new task order, under GSA 8(a) STARS, to provide network convergence support. This task order expands the scope of a previous award that provided Wide Area Network (WAN) hardware and convergence services for six of their service units and the Navajo Area Office by adding additional service centers and medical sites in Northern New Mexico and Arizona. The overall scope of this project is to support the convergence of NAIHS’ data, voice and video services from three existing networks into one and help prepare them for the transition from IPv4 to IPv6. To provide these services, Cherokee is teamed with strategic partner, Emagine IT, Inc.
The benefit of this program was recently demonstrated when NAIHS began to experience problems with the microwave transmission of data for the Arizona Telemedicine Program (ATP). It was discovered that the issues were due to equipment deterioration and environmental factors. The Cherokee Team was asked to find a way to reroute the data through the network to alleviate the problem. Working diligently, the team was able to develop and implement a solution. Due to their efforts they were lauded in an email from Stephen M. Friedman, MD; Chief, Diagnostic Imaging Service; Gallup Indian Medical Center who wrote: “Thank you very much for your help with our problem…getting our ATP traffic over to the DS3 has made a huge difference in the level of care that we can provide.”
NAIHS is responsible for the delivery of health services to American Indians in portions of Arizona, New Mexico and Utah (a region known as the 4 corners Area of the US), NAIHS is primarily responsible for healthcare to members of The Navajo Nation and Southern Band of San Juan Paiutes, but also provides care to other Native Americans, including the Zuni and Hopi.
Cherokee Information Services, Inc. Network Engineers overcome challenges through Remote Administration.
Cherokee Information Services, Inc. (Cherokee) once again demonstrated its ability to provide creative solutions and value-added services to its customers. Recently, the Surface Deployment and Distribution Center (SDDC) project team, under the leadership of Mr. Raul Johnson, successfully demonstrated the ability to remotely perform final cluster configurations and implementation of a new UNIX Sun cluster system for the Global Freight Management (GFM) production environment. This event provided confirmation that Cherokee’s methodologies and strategies for the design, configuration, test and deployment of the GFM production system at Scott AFB, scheduled to take place later this year, are sound. The system Cherokee will implement at Scott AFB will be more complex as it will involve connections to a new Storage Area Network (SAN), a new network, and will basically be a deployment of a remote UNIX cluster system with passive and active fail over.
This cluster implementation, originally planned to occur in the SDDC Northern Virginia facility, was performed by Cherokee and SUN system engineers located in Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Northern Virginia. Cherokee system engineers, who have extensive experience in utilizing remote system administration techniques, engineer this capability into all of their system design projects. Remote access for software development and application administration personnel can also be implemented if required. Utilizing remote administration techniques, Cherokee is able to provide its customers with efficient and cost effective solutions for their system administration requirements whether these requirements are local, regional, or national. Mr. Johnson states, “While we still need onsite visits for the physical aspect of our work, we can perform our administration duties from basically any location as long as we abide by the customer’s security regulations.”
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April 2007
Lockheed Martin Team is awarded a U.S. Army Information Technology Enterprise Solutions – Services (ITES-2S) contract.
Cherokee Information Systems, Inc. (Cherokee) is part of the Lockheed Martin Team that was recently awarded a U.S. Army Information Technology Enterprise Solutions – Services (ITES-2S) contract.ITES-2S is a nine year, Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ), performance based contract established by the Army’s Program Executive for Enterprise Information Systems. It is designed to be used by the Army and other Federal agencies to obtain Information Technology services, products and solutions. The estimated ceiling of the ITES-2S contract vehicle is $20 billion.
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January 2007
Cherokee Employee, Robert Desilets Is Recognized For His Outstanding Service.
On Wednesday January 10, 2007, Mr. Robert Desilets was recognized by Cherokee’s President, Mr. Pug Gutridge for sustained outstanding customer support As one of our most senior contracting specialists, Bob has excelled in his ability to meet difficult requirements and get the job done. Already meeting performance numbers rarely seen in the acquisition arena, Bob has become the “go to” guy for this customer’s procurement office, a Department of Homeland Security Agency. He is constantly called upon to handle highly complex tasks often on extremely short notice. With the recent closeout of the fiscal and calendar budget years, Bob proved his true dedication working repeated nights and weekends to earn a reputation acknowledged by the agency’s Director.
In a recently received letter of appreciation the customer wrote, “Just wanted to extend my appreciation to you and your staff, specifically Bob Desilets, for the very quick turn around on the modification to our contracts. Bob's immediate attention to that matter was critical and very much appreciated by the Department and the vendor.” Another one wrote, “You [Bob] are so good! Thank you for getting my orders out so quickly - I
really appreciate it!”
In his comments Pug thanked Bob for his service and told him that this is the type of recognition that we would like all Cherokee employees to receive.
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October 2006
Cherokee Information Services, Inc. Hosts a Delegation from the Japanese Information Technology Alliance (ITA)
On Monday, October 02, 2006, Cherokee hosted a delegation of 33 members of the Information Technology Alliance (ITA) who were visiting the United States on a business trip. The ITA is a business alliance group composed of 14 of the fastest growing Japanese system integrators, software houses, and network operators dedicated to the improvement of Japanese information network infrastructure. ITA specialists work closely with many leading Japanese corporations as well as government institutions to build the necessary information infrastructure.
Cherokee’s President, Pug Gutridge, began the session with a brief overview of Cherokee’s capabilities. He then asked if there were any questions. Most questions were focused on how business is conducted in the United States and what is required tocompete in an extremely competitive environment. They were also interested in physical and computer security. At the end of the session Pug commented that he was encouraged that business is apparently universal but discouraged because we face many of the same business challenges both here and in Japan.
The ITA delegation became aware of Cherokee through their association with the Information Technology Association of America (ITAA), where Cherokee is an active member.
Cherokee Information Services’ CEO, Michael I. Hodges is awarded the 2006 SBA National 8(a) Graduate of the Year.
On Tuesday, October 17, 2006 a ceremony was held at the Small Business Administration (SBA) Washington Metropolitan Area District Office (WMADO) to announce the 2006 SBA National 8(a) Graduate Award. This year’s award was made to Mr. Michael I. Hodges, CEO of Cherokee Information Services, Inc. The award was announced by Mr. Joe Loddo, the WMADO District Director. Although unable to attend, Mr. Hodges was very honored to have been nominated and very appreciative of the award. Cherokee graduated from the 8(a) program in November 2004.
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August 2006
Cherokee Information Services, Inc. wins contract to support the Navajo Area Indian Health Services.
Cherokee Information Services, Inc. was recently awarded a contract by the Navajo Area Indian Health Service (NAIHS) to provide Wide Area Network (WAN) hardware and convergence services for their six service units and the Navajo Area Office. This support will assist NAIHS in bringing data, voice and video services from three existing networks into a single network and help prepare them for the transition from IPv4 to IPv6. NAIHS is responsible for the delivery of health services to American Indians in portions of Arizona, New Mexico and Utah (a region known as the 4 corners Area of the US), NAIHS is primarily responsible for healthcare to members of The Navajo Nation and Southern Band of San Juan Paiutes, but also provides care to other Native Americans, including the Zuni and Hopi.
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June 2006
Mentor Protégé Agreement
Cherokee Information Services, Inc. (Cherokee) and Phacil, Inc. Announce Mentor Protégé Partnership Agreement - Partnership Strengthens Companies' Presence and Position with the Federal Government.
Cherokee announced they have formed a partnership with Phacil, Inc. under the Small Business Administration's (SBA's) Mentor-Protégé Program. The SBA Mentor-Protégé Program enhances the capability of 8(a) participants to compete more successfully for federal government contracts. The program encourages private-sector relationships and expands SBA's efforts to identify and respond to the developmental needs of 8(a) clients. This agreement formalizes an informal mentor-protégé relationship that the two companies have enjoyed over the last six years.
Cherokee Information Services, Inc. is awarded a task order to support the Department of Interior’s National Business Center.
Cherokee Information Services, Inc. (Cherokee) has been awarded a task order under the Department of Interior’s (DOI) GovWorks Federal Acquisition Center Acquisition Support Contract. This task order will assist the DOI in conducting a Contract File Review at the Boise Branch of the National Business Center, in Boise, Idaho.
Cherokee Information Services, Inc. is named one of the Federal Times’ Top 100 Professional Services Contractors.
Cherokee Information Services, Inc. (Cherokee) has been named as one of the Top 100 Professional Services Contractors by Federal Times. This recognition is based on contract revenue earned in fiscal year 2005. Cherokee was ranked 99th , with $43 million in revenue.
Cherokee Information Services, Inc. is awarded a Navy SeaPort-e Contract.
Cherokee Information Services, Inc. has been awarded a contract by the Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) under SeaPort-e. Cherokee is joined by its team which includes: Smartronix, Inc.; AQIWO; DP Technology Services, Inc; IDL Solutions, Inc.; IVIS psc; Millennium Corporation; Pluribus International Corporation; and WOOD Consulting Services, Inc. SeaPort-e provides the Navy and other services with engineering, technical, programmatic, and professional support services through all phases of ship and weapon system life cycle - technology development, concept exploration, design, specification development, construction/production, test and evaluation, certification, operation, maintenance, improvement/modernization, overhaul and refueling, salvage and disposal. The scope of the contracts also includes professional support services to assist in the development, review and execution of search and salvage, diving, underwater ship husbandry, and pollution control program areas.
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April 2006
Cherokee Information Services, Inc. wins DOI GovWorks contract.
Cherokee Information Services, Inc. was recently awarded a contract by the Department of Interior’s (DOI’s) GovWorks Federal Acquisition Center. This five year Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (ID/IQ) contract will provide GovWorks with acquisition support to include pre-award and post-award contract activities. GovWorks is a “service-for-fee” organization located within DOI that provides acquisition support to both civilian agencies and to the Department of Defense. GovWorks awards and administers contracts based on requirements that are generated from the operating budgets of its various Federal clients. GovWorks provides acquisition services from cradle to grave, including the billing and invoicing activity with the contractor.
Cherokee Information Services, Inc. wins contract to support the DOT.
Cherokee Information Services, Inc. was recently awarded a contract by the Department of Transportation’s (DOT’s) Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation (SLSDC) to conduct a Certification and Accreditation audit of its Financial Management System. Cherokee will perform the audit with team member Integrated Communications Solutions, Inc. (ICS) of Frederick, Maryland, under the General Services Administration’s 8(a) STARS contract. SLSDC is a wholly owned government corporation and an operating administration of the DOT. It is responsible for the U.S. portion of the St. Lawrence Seaway between Montreal and Lake Erie.
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March 2006
Booz Allen Hamilton Team is awarded an Army Strategic
Services Sourcing (S3) Contract
Cherokee Information Services, Inc., as part of the Booz Allen Hamilton Team, was just awarded an Army Strategic Services Sourcing (S3) contract. S3 is an Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) type contract with a 10 year period of performance and an anticipated value of $19.25 billion. It will provide the Army’s Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C4ISR) Community with a broad range of support services to include: Systems Engineering, Engineering, Research and Development, Maintenance, Software Development, Sustainment and Support, Program Management and Analysis, Business Functions, Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Technical Field Assistance, Test and Evaluation, Modeling and Simulation, Information Operations/Assurance Support, Fielding and Training, Facilities Management, and Administrative Support.
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February 2006
Cherokee Information Services, Inc. is Assessed at CMMI Level 2
On Friday, February 10, 2006, Cherokee Information Services, Inc. (Cherokee) successfully completed a Standard CMMI Appraisal Method for Process Improvement (SCAMPI) that resulted in Cherokee being officially assessed at CMMI Maturity Level II. Capability Maturity Model® Integration (CMMI) is a process improvement approach that provides organizations with the essential elements of effective processes. It can be used to guide process improvement across a project, a division, or an entire organization. CMMI helps integrate traditionally separate organizational functions, set process improvement goals and priorities, provide guidance for quality processes, and provide a point of reference for appraising current processes. The SCAMPI was conducted by Dr. Eugene McGuire and Ms. Karen McKeown of ProcessWorks, Inc. and looked at Cherokee’s Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) Defense Integration and Management of Nuclear Data Services (DIAMONDS) project.
After Dr. McGuire announced that Cherokee had achieved this milestone, Mr. Pug Gutridge, Cherokee’s President, praised the Cherokee Team for their hard work and the effort that went into preparing for this appraisal. He said “This has been a long standing goal for Cherokee and reflects the hard work of many, many people. It validates the way that Cherokee approaches all of its projects” He went on to say “This is only the beginning. We now want to push hard to move to the next level which will provide additional value to our customers and ourselves.”
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