Everyone agrees that you have to spend money to make money. But that’s easier to say when cash is flowing through a business. When the contracts end, bids are lost, or defense strategies shift, it’s a natural move for leadership to look for ways to tighten budgets. Anything that eats into overhead costs is fair game. It’s more important now than ever for HR leaders to manage cost-cutting strategies and the impact they have on talent. With rising inflation costs, hiring budgets can go under the microscope. It’s always better to anticipate pushback before you experience it. If everything is a priority, then nothing will be. Make sure talent needs are regularly assessed. But, the biggest thing leaders can do is constantly communicate with corporate leadership. Get program managers to offer client feedback about hiring needs or successes. Check in regularly with programs and executive leadership to make sure hiring and retention strategies are in alignment. If you keep all chains of communication open, you’re less likely to get blindsided by cost-cutting measures.
Layoffs: Allied Universal Security Services
Out in Seattle, WA, Allied Universal Security Services is laying off over 1200 employees due to a recent contract shift with Amazon. The layoffs are permanent and begin December 19, according to the WARN notice filed in Washington. Amazon has yet to confirm who will be the next vendor. Employees facing layoffs will have the option to jump ship to the contract with the new vendor.
Hiring: Electric Boat
Large contracts can drive growth in certain towns and increase hiring. That’s exactly what’s happened with General Dynamics Electric Boat’s Navy contract for ballistic missile submarines. Electric Boat already has over 12,500 employees between its Growton and New London locations. However, by 2033, Electric Boat expects hiring to almost double in Connecticut in order for them to meet contract obligations.
The submarine industrial base has had hiring booms before, but it’s been a while. Kevin Graney, president at General Dynamics Electric Boat said, “We are in the midst of a once-in-a-generation expansion. And frankly, it may be the biggest in our history.” Graney called their hiring needs persistent and long-term.
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Opportunity to Watch
Lumen Technologies won a $1.5 billion contract from the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) to provide essential network transport and communications services in the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command Area of Responsibility. Lumen is providing the network infrastructure backbone to the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, the oldest and largest unified geographic combatant command charged with integrating U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps forces within a region that contains more than half of the world’s population. The indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract has a $1.5 billion ceiling over its 10-year period of performance and represents new business for Lumen.
“Lumen is extremely proud to serve the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command with essential mission services that help protect and defend U.S. territory, our people and America’s national interests,” said Zain Ahmed, senior vice president, Lumen public sector. “We’re delivering the always-on network infrastructure so the U.S. Department of Defense can focus on its mission to enhance the stability of the Asia Pacific region, promote security cooperation with our allies and partners, respond to emerging situations, deter aggression and if necessary, fight to win.”
