Who’s Hiring
Cybersecurity Pros More Than a Geek Squad
The Christian Science Monitor has a feature on the crisis in cybersecurity hiring. It laments Congress’ failure to pass the Cybersecurity Act of 2012, which included provisions for federal workforce cybersecurity training and cyber scholarship for service programs. The article notes that agencies aren’t waiting for congressional action to ramp up hiring efforts. The NSA is partnering with universities to help train cyber analysts and private companies including Northrop Grumman are also partnering with universities to increase their ability pump out professionals with in-demand cyber skills.
While the headline of the article notes “Help Wanted: Geek Squads for Government” the reality is what the government needs is more than a geek-squad level technician. In-demand cyber professionals garner six figure salaries and possess security clearances. The challenge for hiring managers is finding the right combination of salary, purpose and interesting work to convince an individual to make a move. And it’s competing directly with the federal government to do so.
Who’s Firing
Northrop Grumman Cuts Staff in Colorado
According to a WARN notice filed in Colorado Northrop Grumman is laying off 35 internal service desk positions located at its offices in Lafayette. Few details are known outside of the notice, although Kim E. Monachino, director of human resources for Northrop Grumman’s Civil Cyber and Security Business Unite wrote, "Because of the nature of this action, we anticipate that these layoffs will be permanent.”
If you follow the news you might think only defense industry jobs are on the line as a result of sequestration. But that’s far from the case. Both government employees and contractors as well as local governments will be impacted. Military personnel are the only ones exempted from the massive cuts.
Who’s Acquiring:
DCS Corp Acquires HUMINT Research Muscle
Alexandria-based DCS Corp has acquired Infoscitex Corp for an undisclosed amount. Based in Waltham, Ohio with offices in Dayton Infoscitex has garnered a number of government contracts in recent years, with a significant amount of work in support of the Air Force Research Laboratory. Infoscitex is a database management systems and integration, visualization and support products maker. It just received a $46.9 million contract to provide research for the Human Measurement and Signals Intelligence Program.
Who’s Partnering:
Big Business Reaches Out
Small businesses looking for clearance sponsorships or strategic partnerships may find new opportunities in today’s fiscal climate. As defense contractors look to squeeze out profits wherever possible, they’ll also be looking for strategic relationships that bring in new ideas, talent, and win over government favor.
Defense contractor Northrop Grumman recently announced that it has signed a Department of Defense Mentor-Protégé agreement with Juno Technologies, a woman-owned small business which specializes in developing commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) information technology for government. As a part of the 24-month agreement Northrop Grumman will aid Juno Technologies in business development, foreign military sales and product development.
Lindy Kyzer is the editor of ClearanceJobs.com. She loves cybersecurity, social media, and the U.S. military. Have a conference, tip, or story idea to share? Email editor@clearancejobs.com.
