Business Developments L-3/TechWise Mentor/Protege Agreement
The SBA sanctioned a Mentor/Protégé agreement between TechWise and L-3 GS&ES, a relationship that began almost two years ago. The two companies have since formed a joint venture for a recent acquisition, and continue to explore opportunities within the Department of Defense and other Federal Agencies on which TechWise and L-3 GS&ES can work together. In our relationship with our Mentor, we receive guidance on a range of activities, including financial and contracting practices, business development, proposal preparation, ISO 9000 implementation, human resources programs and policies, and program management. We like to encourage all of our employees to take advantage of this outstanding opportunity to excel and advance with the help of our Mentor. TechWise Wins Fires Center of Excellence Contract at Fort Sill, OK
 In March 2010, TechWise was awarded the Fires Center of Excellence (FCoE) ID/IQ Contract, located at Fort Sill, OK. The United States Army FCoE’s mission is to provide the Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) with long-range training concepts and strategies, training development, and support products for FCoE Forces. The FCoE Primary Task Areas are Concepts and Capabilities Support; Training Development Support; Doctrine Development Support; Organizational Development Support; Instructor and Training Support; Simulation Support; Evaluation Support; and Information Technology Support. TechWise supports initiatives in development, assessment, analysis, staffing, integration concepts, doctrine development, organization requirements, material requirements, and production of training and doctrine products. We support training by leveraging technologies, developing issues, seeking solutions, demonstrating alternatives, and coordinating projects. TechWise has been actively recruiting potential employees and gaining exposure to the Fort Sill Community. We expect Task Order activity in the very near future. TechW ise Wins Logistics Contract at Fort Carson
 In July 2009, TechWise was awarded the 4th Infantry Division Divisional Support Team (4ID DST) Contract at Fort Carson, Colorado. Twenty-four TechWise employees supported Brigades in pre-deployment preparation and training. TechWise supported 4ID training operations and exercises, developed and maintained training calendars, and attended training conferences and meetings. TechWise worked closely with 4ID Staff and external agencies to conduct deployment scheduling, planning, and training of 20K+ Soldiers. TechWise was able to establish 20% cost reduction, saving the Government over $400K in a six month period. The Government was very satisfied with TechWise and we received a superior rating on our Customer Performance Assessment Surveys. The 4ID DST contract was active for six months and ended in December 2009; we use this valuable past performance to pursue more logistics work for the future.
TechWise in the News 
November 29, 2009 Shawnee Huckstep started TechWise eight years ago in Colorado Springs as an IT training company. Within a few years, she had to refocus and restructure the company, while struggling to pay down $1 million in debt. Today, the company is vibrant and debt-free, with a dramatically different focus."We used to teach people how to keep their networks secure," she said, "but now we teach people how to come home alive." Huckstep recently took time to tell CSBJ about herself and her company. Organization: TechWise founder, owner, and CEO.
Hometown: Stephenville, Texas
How long have you lived in Colorado Springs: 14 years in February.
Education: Bachelor's degree in computer science from Baylor University.
A few words about your company: TechWise brings the best of world- class technical and professional services to government and commercial clients. We help with training, growing and deploying a skilled, knowledge-based work force.
Recent accomplishments: During 2008, TechWise exceeded $10 million in revenue while maintaining double digit profits.While still supporting current contracts, TechWise joined the War Fighter Focus team supporting the military through a series of task orders to prepare our soldiers. TechWise was awarded contracts to provide theater-specific readiness training at Fort Hood, mission support activities at Fort Benning and support to the 21st and 50th Space Wings in Colorado Springs.During 2009, TechWise has experienced continued growth in the volume and complexity of task orders supporting the WarFighter Focus team. Earlier this year, I was nominated for the 2009 Entrepreneur of the Year by the American Business Defense and Advisory Council.
Biggest career break: I transitioned the business from a transactional IT training/consulting firm to a government contractor from 2004-06. This transformation was equivalent to starting a new company while being a million dollars in debt on day one -- not the most optimal place to be.
The toughest part of your job: Needing someone to vent with and bounce sensitive ideas off. Finding people in similar positions who understand my struggles and needs has been difficult.
Someone you admire: My husband, Arran. His love of learning and making the world a better place has been the basis for everything he does.
About your family: My husband is working on his PhD in molecular biology. We have three boys Pax, 10, Caden, 6, and McCoy, 2.
Something else you'd like to accomplish: Someday, my husband and I would like to support medical research. Our plans are for Arran to be the head scientist while I run the business side.
How your business will change during the next decade: We have to continue to grow and flourish as a mid-market company. Our goals are to continue to build our work force into a group of multi-talented "A-team" players as we strive to be the "desired" competitive business within our areas of expertise.
What book are you currently reading? "Let's Get Real or Let's Not Play" by Mahan Khalsa.
What is the one thing you would change about Colorado Springs? The airport. I am a direct flight gal. I would love to see more direct flights into Colorado Springs and a larger variety of carriers. TechWise Designated Primary Employer! The Colorado Springs Regional Economic Development Corporation (REDC) is a privately-funded organization whose purpose is providing primary employers with complementary expansion services including comprehensive city comparisons, information regarding building and land availabilities, site visit assistance, and incentive analysis to identify any benefits available to companies. Because TechWise has contracts across the Nation and we are constantly bringing revenue into Colorado from other states, REDC designated our Company a Primary Employer in the Colorado Springs area. This recognition is a major differentiator: TechWise, a Small Business acknowledged as a Primary Employer. CEO Joined Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors!  The Colorado Springs Chamber of Commerce has been an Advocate for Business and Industry for more than a century. The Chamber is an accredited member of the US Chamber of Commerce. With long-term/strategic leadership provided by volunteer boards, a broad-based volunteer Ambassadors Group, and a paid professional staff, the Chamber is the second largest in the state of Colorado. In 2010, TechWise CEO and President, Shawnee Huckstep, joined the Chamber Board of Directors. Shawnee has the opportunity to contribute guidance and knowledge to other Small Businesses and Professionals in the Colorado Springs Community and gain exposure for TechWise.
TechWise CEO Graduates Leadership Pikes Peak  Leadership Pikes Peak is a Colorado Springs nonprofit organization founded as part of Citizen's Goals of the Colorado Springs Community, Inc. Each year, a diverse group of Business, Government, and nonprofit Professionals have been selected to come together for an in-depth exploration of the most important issues facing the Community while learning from the Community's most knowledgeable and dynamic leaders. The Leadership Pikes Peak Signature Program offers participants a chance to network with other citizens of diverse backgrounds and professions and gain knowledge of the challenges and opportunities facing the Pikes Peak Region. TechWise is very proud to announce that our CEO Shawnee Huckstep is part of the 2009 Leadership Pikes Peak graduating class. Through this program, Shawnee is able to communicate and exchange ideas with other local business owners and professionals, and contribute to the Community.
TechWise is Involved  The National Defense Industrial Association is America’s leading Defense Industry Association promoting National Security. Its Mission is to advocate for cutting-edge technology: superior weapons, equipment, training, and support for the Warfighter. The Association promotes a vigorous, responsive, Government – Industry National Security Team and an avenue to provide a legal and ethical forum for exchange of information between Industry and Government on National Security issues. Working together with NDIA since 2007, TechWise is a Corporate Member of the Association and participates on the leadership board. Our CEO and President, Shawnee Huckstep, contributes to NDIA as their Vice President of Publicity. In this role, TechWise is responsible for website maintenance, web-based troubleshooting, registration support, social-networking maintenance and support, and other assistance as needed. TechWise receives valuable exposure to beneficial luncheons, sponsorships, and events along with the opportunity to support an established and reputable Association.
 Starting in 2000, the Industry Military Annual Golf Event (IMAGE) has grown in size every year and provides the opportunity for Military and Industry to play a round of golf for a good cause, meet Industry and Military leaders, and gain a better understanding of issues and opportunities facing our community. National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA), Armed Forces Communications Electronics Association (AFCEA), and Air Force Association (AFA) all work together to raise money for science and engineering scholarships for local high school and college students. Each year they collectively award over $60,000 to deserving students. This event provides a major portion of those funds. The IMAGE Golf Tournament has become one of the largest networking events within the defense marketplace in Colorado Springs. Last year, TechWise not only participated in this event as a hole-sponsor, but sponsored the IMAGE website and registration site taking responsibility for website maintenance and registration assistance. For the upcoming IMAGE event in August 2010, TechWise has assumed the same roles, continuing to support this outstanding event.  Colorado Procurement Technical Assistance Center Colorado Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) assists Colorado businesses in becoming informed Government vendors. PTAC assists local companies with determining suitability for Government contracting, securing necessary registrations, researching procurement histories, networking & business development, identifying bid opportunities, bid/no bid decision making, teaming or joint venture arrangements, proposal preparation, Government contract performance issues, and preparing for audits. PTAC is assisting 178 Veteran-Owned Businesses and 301 El Paso County Businesses and currently has 887 active clients with over 5,400 jobs created by Government Contracts won by PTAC clients. Just this quarter, PTAC has held over 78 outreach events throughout the State. TechWise CEO and President Shawnee Huckstep financially supported the Chamber of Commerce in 2009, establishing a Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) in Colorado, to further help business in the Colorado Community.
Day after day for an entire year, decision makers use The Book of Leads (formerly the Book of Lists) to find sources and suppliers of goods and services. This publication is the most used business reference for the Colorado Springs area. TechWise was featured in the 2009 Colorado Springs Business Journal’s Book of Leads as one of the top five Colorado Springs Department of Defense Contractors. TechWise is included in The Business Journal’s 2010 Book of Leads under the same category.  Women in Defense (WID) traces its roots to 1979 when a group of women saw the need for women in the Defense Industry and Military to have a network to expand their knowledge of National Security issues and the Defense Community. Membership is open to professional women and men whose primary professional activities relate to National Security. Members are typically from defense companies and other businesses, small and large; all branches of the US Armed Forces; Federal Government Agencies; and Academia, Associations, and Professional Services. The Rocky Mountain Chapter of Women in Defense is a source of networking, professional development, and mentoring for women leaders in the Colorado Springs area. TechWise CEO and President, Shawnee Huckstep, played a vital role in WID-RM since the very beginning as a founding board member and continues to be a valued member of the organization today.
TechWise Sponsors 254th Army Birthday Ball 
Fort Carson celebrates the anniversary of the US Army each year with a ball in honor of the service and sacrifice made by so many in defense of this great Nation. The sponsorship dollars raised in this effort were used to offset the cost of the ball so that Soldiers and their Spouses may attend at a greatly reduced ticket price. In June 2009, TechWise sponsored the 234th Army Birthday Ball for the Colorado Springs Community and Service Members in the area. As the Community sponsor, our Company funded a large portion of this event in an effort to show our appreciation for the US Army Service Members in our area. TechWise Speaks at Local Project Management Meeting
 In June 2009, Dr. Glen Scott represented TechWise at the local PMP Chapter meeting. Dr. Scott gave a presentation on Art Versus Science: Project Management Lessons from Supporting an Army Battle Command Team in Pre-Deployment Training at Fort Carson and Pinon Canyon. Dr. Scott spoke about the challenges in replicating for training the complex environment Soldiers face conducting tactical operation in the Afghan theater. He presented our lessons learned beginning with tailoring the statement of work to provide more flexibility during execution; through recruiting; background checks; logistics housing, processing, escorting, and feeding role players; cultural/ethnic considerations; and exercise/training execution. Colorado Springs Lone Wolves Group
The Colorado Springs Lone Wolves Group was formed in 2005 to establish an informal forum for small business participants to exchange ideas, provide mutual support, and receive mentor advice. The group has over 70 Corporate Members who meet on a bi-monthly basis. The Lone Wolves Group is a premier organization within the defense contracting market fostering growth and success of small businesses through the collaborative effort of a unified voice. TechWise is not only a valued member of the group, but also sponsors the website and contributes to the exchange of knowledge and ideas.  The Air Force Association (AFA) is an independent, nonprofit, civilian education organization promoting public understanding of aerospace power and the pivotal role it plays in the security of the Nation. AFA publishes Air Force Magazine, conducts National Symposia and disseminates information through outreach programs. It sponsors professional development seminars and recognizes excellence in the education and aerospace fields through National Awards Programs. AFA presents scholarships and grants to Air Force Active Duty, Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve Members and their Dependents; and awards educator grants to promote science and math education at the elementary and secondary school level. AFA publishes a wide range of materials on www.afa.org. TechWise’s Corporate Membership supports the Association’s Mission to educate the public on the importance of aerospace power through the AFA magazine, website, expos, events, scholarships, initiatives, and grants. TechWise sponsors numerous Air Force related events: Armed Forces Week is traditionally scheduled to coincide with Armed Forces Day on May 20th and offers an opportunity for our community to express its gratitude to the Military for their dedication and service to the Nation. Armed Forces Week celebration is one of the largest of its kind in the country and comprises of two anchor events—a concert and a luncheon. During these activities, we honor the outstanding enlisted men and women. TechWise was the Patron Sponsor for the AFA Luncheon and Concert. Our contributions provided 400 free tickets for Enlisted Members and Families of our Community to attend this event.
 Thanks Troops’ goal is to offer Soldiers recreational opportunities that ease the transition into post-deployment life. Thanks Troop provides and introduces opportunities and tools to Service Men and Women encouraging them to overcome their disabilities, promote their social involvement, promote social support, and provide activities for these individuals as an appreciation for their service. TechWise is sponsoring the 3rd annual Thanks Troops Golf Tournament. Our sponsorship supports participants’ entire day: golf, food and drink, and several gifts.
 Sponsoring events during Space and Cyberspace Warfare Symposium 2009 was an excellent opportunity to gain corporate recognition with a select audience of senior Government and Industry leaders. Last year, the Lance P. Sijan Chapter of the Air Force Association supported over 100 activities in our Community. In 2009, TechWise contributed to the Space and Cyberspace Warfare Symposium by sponsoring four Airmen for the event. Our sponsorship contributed to the activities hosted by the symposium, supporting our Air Force Service Members.
TechWise Sponsors Army Ten-Miler WASHINGTON - Soldiers and leaders of the 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson traveled to Washington for the 2009 Association of the United States Army Meeting and Exposition at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center Oct. 5-7. "AUSA is a great event; it's the crossroads of the Army," said Maj. Gen. David G. Perkins, commanding general of 4th Inf. Div. and Fort Carson. The event is a unique opportunity for Soldiers to experience the Army Community and for some it is their first time in the Nation's Capital or at an Army event, he explained. "The AUSA conference is a good time to celebrate the fraternity of being warriors, sharing successes, sacrifices and experiences with one another," Perkins said.AUSA is a private, non-profit educational organization that supports America's Army - Active Duty, National Guard, Reserve, Civilians, Retirees and Family Members. The annual exposition is held in Washington, showcasing presentations, discussions and forums for key Army and Department of Defense leaders, in addition to numerous workshops and meetings. The three-day event also includes industry and military exhibits and presentations hosted by senior Army leaders and DoD representatives. This year's theme for the conference was "America's Army: The Strength of the Nation. Noncommissioned Officers: The Strength of the Army." Military leaders including Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates; Secretary of the Army John M. McHugh; and U.S. Army Chief of Staff Gen. George W. Casey, Jr., led discussions addressing contemporary topics that ranged from Afghanistan to Force Modernization and Army Families. The Mountain Post sent its own compliment of leaders and Soldiers to represent the 4th Inf. Div. and Fort Carson team at the event, and manned a military spirit tent to showcase "Ironhorse Pride" during the Army's traditional 10-mile run near the Pentagon in Washington. "It is great for NCOs to be here to represent the 4th Inf. Div and Fort Carson at the largest event for the United States Army," said Command Sgt. Maj. Daniel A. Dailey, the Mountain Post senior enlisted leader. The 4th Inf. Div. and Fort Carson Family Readiness Groups also attended the AUSA Military Family Forums. Army Ten-Miler Photo (right) credited to ASI Photography.
TechWise in the Community  Community Partnership for Child Development (CPCD) provides more than 1,900 children living in poverty or challenged by special circumstances with an early childhood education through Head Start, Early Head Start, and the Colorado Preschool Program. This year, CPCD was voted Best Nonprofit Organization in the Colorado Springs Community. The Community Partnership Child Development Breakfast was recognized as the Best Event, raising over $145,000 for CPCD’s Early Head Start program. TechWise is part of Team 17, a group that contributes to CPCD through an annual sponsorship. The family services team reduces the stress that most of the community’s children go through each day. Team 17 provides balanced snacks and meals, ensuring the community’s youth receives proper nutrition.
In August 2009, TechWise sponsored the local Welcome Home Parade for the Troop s in our area. Contributions from our Company went towards the general funding for the event and provided our Community with the opportunity to show our appreciation for local Military Service Members. The people of Colorado Springs gathered to let our Troops and their Families know how important they are to us and how very happy we are to welcome them home. Troops from every local base, joined by bands and floats created by civic groups from all over the area, marched in the parade to celebrate.  In 2009, TechWise donated desks, chairs, computers, and other office supplies to the Southwest Autism Research and Resource Center, assisting in the development and advancement of our
Community’s youth that is affected by autism.
Community Relations Tour The US Air Force hosts tours for Community Leaders to give them a first-hand look at the many different Missions the Air Force carries out around the world, every day. Guests pay their own expenses. General C. Robert Kehler invited our CEO Shawnee Huckstep to join the Community Relations Tour 28-30 June 2009 to experience how Air Force Space Command executes their Mission to defend our Nation. Shawnee traveled from Peterson AFB to Vandenberg AFB on a Military Aircraft, and toured a Space Launch Complex and the Joint Operations Space Center. A Minuteman III ICBM test launch was scheduled before the trip continued on to Nellis AFB in Nevada, again via Military Aircraft. At Nellis AFB, Shawnee saw the Predator, Space Aggressor Squadron, Thunderbirds, Air and Space Operations Center, and the Threat Training Facility. Shawnee returned home safely to Peterson AFB by Military Aircraft.
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