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Reforming Naval Education — From the Schoolhouse and Pentagon to the Fleet and Beyond, mid-May 2019

This event, originally scheduled for April 11, will be postponed to mid-May 2019.

Please join us for a Conversation with Under Secretary of the Navy Thomas Modly to discuss his recently completed Education for Seapower study that is leading to a lot of changes in how the Department of the Navy educates and trains its leaders. From the establishment of a Naval University to the creation of a Navy Chief Learning Officer, the Navy is dramatically rethinking its approach to the education of its officers. This fireside chat conversation will be followed by a panel discussion of government, industry, and academic experts in the Chief Learning Officer (CLO) function to help inform the Navy as it establishes this position for the first time.

Transatlantic Industrial Interests and the Risk of Technological Gap in the Defense Sector

Jerry McGinn, executive director of the Center for Government Contracting at George Mason University’s School of Business, was invited to speak and participate in a discussion led by The German Marshall Fund of the United States. The discussion was held as part of an on-going Transatlantic Security Task Force project in Paris, France, from April 8–9, 2019. The theme of the discussion was U.S. Strategic Priorities and the New Terms of the Transatlantic Defense Partnership.

This program underlined the key challenges that will continue to frame debates on the transatlantic defense cooperation in an increasingly complex political and strategic environment. Jerry’s paper addressed the panel topic: “Transatlantic Industrial Interests and the Risk of Technological Gap in the Defense Sector.”

Media Mention — "Ripe for engagement: George Mason's 'GovCon' center targets massive
federal contracting market." Chairman John Hillen and Executive Director Jerry McGinn shared the history and direction of the Center for Government Contracting in an interview for the University-Industry Engagement Advisor, April 2019. Here is a link if you would like to subscribe to this newsletter and read the interview.

Industry Discussion — CFIUS Modernization: Implications for Government and Industry, with Heath Tarbert, Assistant Secretary for International Markets, U.S. Department of the Treasury — April 5, 2019. Secretary Tarbert shared insights on the reasons for recent reforms in the CFIUS process, including a pilot program regarding controlling investments and the process of identifying emerging and foundational technologies.

Alumni Happy Hour — Why we look forward to these events

The most recent Happy Hour for Alumni, held March 20, brought together alumni, faculty, and members of the Center's Board of Advisors. The chance to network and share ideas and interests has proven to be a highly sought after event. The background of the attendees ranged from junior, mid-level and senior practitioners in the industry. A point of pride for the Center is that this event attracts all Mason alumni who work in the GovCon industry, from the Business School, to Schar, and the Law Center.

Korn Ferry, Perspective — In search of 'cleared' talent

Jerry McGinn joined a discussion with Jon Barney, a senior client partner with Korn Ferry's Aerospace and Defense practice and a member of the Center's Advisory Board, on the challenge for technology companies to find "cleared" employees to add to their workforce. The article includes suggestions are how to hire and employ workers in face of this challenge. [February 29, 2019, article]

Federal News Network — New government contracting center aims to fill independent research, education void Jerry McGinn, executive director of the Government Contracting Center, talks to Executive Editor Jason Miller about the center's three-pronged approach to research, education, and collaboration. Interview Link. This February 20, 2019 interview also appeared in on ExecutiveBiz Blog.

Center for Government Contracting Launch Reception: A reception was held on January 30, 2019 to celebrate the launch of the School of Business Center for Government Contracting. The great crowd of attendees manifested our vision to be a nexus for government, industry, and academia to address issues in government contracting. Pictured above, from left to right: Sumeet Shrivastava, Maury Peiperl, Jerry McGinn, John Hillen, and Jerry Grossman. [Reception Photographs]

Can the shutdown lead to better government? A Commentary by Jerry McGinn and John Hillen in Washington Technology on January 22, 2019 that examines how government and government contractors are managing the shutdown and keys for the future. [link]

Government Matters: Interview with Jerry McGinn on how the public and private sectors are navigating the shutdown, and mitigating issues that could arise, January 17, 2019 [link]

Shrivastava GovCon Scholarship Recipient Committed to Serving Community as CPA, Business Owner: Karen Crosswhite, a Master of Science in Accounting student at the George Mason University School of Business, is the first student to receive the Shrivastava GovCon Scholarship. Crosswhite is also the founder of BAS Accounting Services, a small Certified Public Accountant firm located in Ashburn, Va. Sumeet Shrivastava, EMBA ‘94 and president and CEO of ARRAY established the scholarship. Shrivastava is also a member of the School of Business Dean’s Council and GovCon Advisory Council. In addition to providing funds to the scholarship awardee, the Shrivastava GovCon Scholarship includes a mentorship component. Crosswhite will receive support from the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship and the Center for Government Contracting. [announcement]

Have you seen our FALL 2018 Report on Center activities? Here is the link.

Congratulations to Mark Nevins and John Hillen, authors of "What Happens Now? Reinvent Yourself as a Leader Before Your Business Outruns You." This book was selected by Soundview as a 2018 Best Business Book. See their website for more information.

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