http://www.dai-solutions.com/site/index/ Communications, Human Capital, and Learning Solutions en pleinbach@dai-solutions.com Copyright 2010 2010-09-02T21:24:45+00:00 http://www.dai-solutions.com/site/news/delrs_release/ http://www.dai-solutions.com/site/news/delrs_release/#When:20:02:03Z DAI TO SUPPORT DEFENSE EMPLOYEE AND LABOR RELATIONS SYMPOSIUM ALEXANDRIA, Va. – DAI, in partnership with Serco NA, has been awarded a contract by the Department of Defense (DoD), Civilian Personnel Management Division, Labor and Employee Relations Division, to support the 2011 Defense Employee and Labor Relations (DELRS) Symposium. This will be DAI's fourth year supporting the Department with this important conference of employee and labor relations professionals from DoD and across the federal government.As part of this engagement, DAI will provide lifecycle conference management and communications support. This includes planning the entire experience, from developing conference themes and seminar focus areas to conference execution. DAI's communications expertise will be called upon in developing the symposium-related branding materials, including a website.“This award is very important to DAI because it shows that we are increasingly being turned to for event management and associated communications planning,” said DAI's Executive VP, Paula Antonovich. “Our return for a fourth DELRS conference is a testament to the trust placed in DAI to plan an instructive, relevant and seamless event for attendees.”The DELRS symposium is attended by federal labor and employee relations managers and practitioners, and is known for creating a dynamic training environment − through a variety of seminars and workshops − on topics affecting the labor and employee relations communities. It is also a premier networking event and an opportunity to share best practices and information on federal organizations’ latest initiatives. About DAI DAI is a dynamic, woman-owned consultancy providing expertise in communications, human capital and learning solutions. In its second decade of operation, DAI has provided its specialized services to public agencies, not-for-profit organizations and corporations of all sizes—helping them effectively manage change, strategically refine processes and ultimately build solid foundations for growth and success.  News 2010-09-02T20:02:03+00:00 http://www.dai-solutions.com/site/news/dai_named_to_inc._5000_list_of_fastest-growing_companies/ http://www.dai-solutions.com/site/news/dai_named_to_inc._5000_list_of_fastest-growing_companies/#When:11:56:21Z DAI NAMED TO INC. 5000 LIST OF FASTEST-GROWING COMPANIES ALEXANDRIA, Va. – DAI announced today that it has been named to Inc. magazine’s 2010 Inc. 5000 list, an annual ranking of the nation’s fastest-growing private companies. The prestigious list, with many notable alumni like Microsoft, Oracle and Timberland, ranks companies according to percentage of revenue growth over a period of three years. The 2010 list covers 2006 to 2009, during which DAI showed a tremendous 72 percent growth rate.“It’s an honor to have DAI’s growth and success recognized by Inc. magazine,” said DAI's President and CEO, Sherilyne Dougherty. “While it’s a great tribute to the hard work of our team members, it also suggests that our reputation for insightful solutions and client collaboration is distinguishing us from others in the field.”The Government Services sector—in which much of DAI’s work is performed—had the largest growth on the list, growing 33 percent in terms of number of companies included. This sector was also the second-fastest-growing in median revenue growth, with a 202 percent gain over the three-year period. More than half of these companies are based in Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C.With its inclusion on the list, DAI joins a community of corporations that has created more than 1.4 million jobs during a time of great economic challenge for the country. “The leaders of the companies on this year’s Inc. 5000 have figured out how to grow their businesses during the longest recession since the Great Depression,” said Inc. president Bob LaPointe. “The 2010 Inc. 5000 showcases a particularly hardy group of entrepreneurs.”The complete list, along with company profiles, can be found online at: www.inc.com/5000.About Inc. MagazineFounded in 1979 and acquired in 2005 by Mansueto Ventures LLC, Inc. is the only major business magazine dedicated exclusively to owners and managers of growing private companies that delivers real solutions for today’s innovative company builders. With a total paid circulation of 712,647, Inc. provides hands-on tools and market-tested strategies for managing people, finances, sales, marketing, and technology.About DAI DAI is a dynamic, woman-owned consultancy providing expertise in communications, human capital and learning solutions. In its second decade of operation, DAI has provided its specialized services to public agencies, not-for-profit organizations and corporations of all sizes—helping them effectively manage change, strategically refine processes and ultimately build solid foundations for growth and success.  News 2010-08-24T11:56:21+00:00 http://www.dai-solutions.com/site/news/dai_a_proud_graduate_of_vedp_aim_program1/ http://www.dai-solutions.com/site/news/dai_a_proud_graduate_of_vedp_aim_program1/#When:20:07:50Z DAI is a proud graduate of the Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) Accessing International Markets (AIM) program.  Along with 17 other companies that successfully completed the year-long program, DAI was recognized at a special ceremony held on July 21, 2010.  Read more. DAI was one of nine Virginia companies accepted into the AIM program in June 2009.  In October 2010, DAI 's President and CEO, Dr. Sherilyne Dougherty, traveled to Canada as part of a Group Market Visit to Montreal and Toronto.  “We are delighted to have been selected to participate in this program to further develop an integrated and strategic approach to providing our services internationally, particularly within a target market segment – Canada.  The program provided us with invaluable resources and opportunities to establish strategic partnerships with VEDP and other local, state, and international business leaders,” said President & CEO, Dr. Sherilyne E. Dougherty. News 2010-07-28T20:07:50+00:00 http://www.dai-solutions.com/site/news/dai_awarded_department_of_the_navy_contract/ http://www.dai-solutions.com/site/news/dai_awarded_department_of_the_navy_contract/#When:23:44:53Z DAI was awarded the Department of Navy SeaPort-e contract with a five-year option.  SeaPort-e is the Navy's electronic platform for acquiring efficient and cost-effective access to professional support services in 22 functional areas.  SeaPort-e supports the Navy Systems Commands, the Office of Naval Research, the United States Marine Corp, and the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA). DAI's services under this contract vehicle include:  Training Support Functional and Administrative Support Public Affairs Multimedia Support “We are delighted by the opportunity to broaden our existing collaborative partnership with the Department of Defense through a procurement vehicle that provides immediate access to a range of services at a competitive value,” said DAI’s President & CEO, Sherilyne E. Dougherty. To learn more about our capabilities, or to discuss possible partnership opportunities, please contact us. News 2010-07-16T23:44:53+00:00 http://www.dai-solutions.com/site/news/dai_to_attend_2010_national_veteran_small_business_conference_and_expo/ http://www.dai-solutions.com/site/news/dai_to_attend_2010_national_veteran_small_business_conference_and_expo/#When:17:43:23Z DAI to Attend 2010 National Veteran Small Business Conference and Expo DAI will be attending the 6th Annual National Veteran Small Business Conference and Expo on July 19 – 22, 2010 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Conference participants will include representatives from Veteran-Owned and Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Businesses, prime contractors, and the federal government who share the common goal of leveraging best practices about how to do business together. DAI will be connecting with business and government officials and showcasing its expertise in its communications, human capital, and learning solutions practice areas. News 2010-06-09T17:43:23+00:00 http://www.dai-solutions.com/site/news/dai_a_proud_sponsor_of_smartceo_circle_of_excellence_awards/ http://www.dai-solutions.com/site/news/dai_a_proud_sponsor_of_smartceo_circle_of_excellence_awards/#When:17:36:18Z DAI a Proud Sponsor of SmartCEO Circle of Excellence Awards DAI was a proud sponsor of the SmartCEO Circle of Excellence Awards ceremony held in Washington, DC, on May 27, 2010. SmartCEO is a Washington-area publication that focuses on the spirit, drive, and growth of local companies and highlights innovation to inspire decision-makers. The Circle of Excellence is a group of 10 CEOs who posses a particular aspect of leadership that makes them unique in the Greater Washington business community. DAI ’s President and CEO, Dr. Sherilyne E. Dougherty, served on the Choice Award committee and was honored to announce the Brava! Women Business Achievement Choice Award, highlighting female entrepreneurs who build a stronger community through leadership. News 2010-05-27T17:36:18+00:00 http://www.dai-solutions.com/site/news/dai_participates_in_act-iac_2010_management_of_change_conference/ http://www.dai-solutions.com/site/news/dai_participates_in_act-iac_2010_management_of_change_conference/#When:17:26:21Z DAI Participates in ACT-IAC 2010 Management of Change Conference DAI attended the American Council for Technology (ACT) - Industry Advisory Council (IAC)’s Management of Change Conference held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, from May 23 – 25, 2010. ACT-IAC is a partnership dedicated to improving the government using technology and serves a forum where both government and private sector representatives can collaborate. This event continued this tradition in allowing government practitioners to connect, share information, and work with industry experts. DAI’s participation is commensurate with our emphasis on collaboration and building solid relationships to foster growth. News 2010-05-26T17:26:21+00:00 http://www.dai-solutions.com/site/news/dai_awarded_contract_to_support_large-scale_program-based_training_effort_a/ http://www.dai-solutions.com/site/news/dai_awarded_contract_to_support_large-scale_program-based_training_effort_a/#When:02:00:02Z DAI Awarded Contract to Support Large-Scale Program-Based Training Effort at VA DAI was awarded a contract to support the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in the development and delivery of program-based training on a variety of topics affecting over 260,000 VA employees.  In partnership with SRA International, Inc., in addition to providing a variety of learning solutions to support the large-scale training effort, DAI will develop Point.Click.Learn, a comprehensive marketing and communications campaign to inform VA employees of available learning opportunities.  The total contract is valued at approximately $22M. “This win speaks volumes to our experience blending all three of our core practice areas – communications, human capital, and learning solutions to support large federal agencies,” said DAI’s President & CEO, Dr. Sherilyne E. Dougherty.  “We are thrilled by the opportunity to support VA in a number of related capacities based on three new contract wins in the last two months – including a contract to support the development and launch of a first-ever virtual VA Human Resources (HR) Academy and a contract to support VA's Corporate Senior Executive Management Office (CSEMO).” News 2010-05-20T02:00:02+00:00 http://www.dai-solutions.com/site/news/dai_awarded_contract_to_support_va_in_the_development_and_launch_of_first-e/ http://www.dai-solutions.com/site/news/dai_awarded_contract_to_support_va_in_the_development_and_launch_of_first-e/#When:01:53:52Z DAI Awarded Contract to Support VA in the Development and Launch of First-Ever Virtual HR Academy DAI was awarded a contract to support the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in the development and launch of a virtual Human Resources (HR) Academy – the first of its kind in the federal government. The Academy will directly support more than 3,800 VA HR professionals. In partnership with SRA International, Inc., DAI will provide a variety of integrated strategic communications and marketing services to inform and educate HR professionals on Academy resources and learning opportunities designed to foster a more consultative HR workforce and a world-class learning organization. The total value of the overarching contract award is approximately $2.6M. “We are thrilled by this opportunity to support one of VA’s major human capital initiatives aimed at not only improving the level and quality of service provided to our nation’s veterans, but also establishing a best practices framework for use across the entire federal government,” said DAI’s President & CEO, Dr. Sherilyne E. Dougherty. News 2010-05-20T01:53:52+00:00 http://www.dai-solutions.com/site/news/NIH_Awards_DAI_BPA_to_Provide_Wide_Range_of_Professional_Services/ http://www.dai-solutions.com/site/news/NIH_Awards_DAI_BPA_to_Provide_Wide_Range_of_Professional_Services/#When:15:35:57Z NIH Awards DAI BPA to Provide Wide Range of Professional Services DAI has been awarded a Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to provide a wide range of professional services solutions: Consulting Graphic Design Training Writing/Editing “We are thrilled by this opportunity to not only expand our reach within the civilian government market, but to also provide immediate access to critical services through a procurement vehicle that provides a best value to the customer.  The award demonstrates our proven commitment, experience and capability to provide a wide range of services across our three practice areas to government and commercial clients,” said DAI’s President & CEO, Sherilyne E. Dougherty. To learn more about our capabilities, or to discuss possible partnership opportunities, please call: 703-838-0093, ext. 206, or email: info@dai-solutions.com. News 2010-05-06T15:35:57+00:00 http://www.dai-solutions.com/site/news/department_of_veterans_affairs_awards_dai_contract/ http://www.dai-solutions.com/site/news/department_of_veterans_affairs_awards_dai_contract/#When:13:27:48Z Department of Veterans Affairs Awards DAI Contract to Provide Full Spectrum of Program Management, Training, Communications, and Consulting Services DAI has been awarded a contract by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to support its Corporate Senior Executive Management Office (CSEMO) with a variety of integrated work streams centered on meeting OMB and OPM certification requirements for its senior executive performance management systems.  The CSEMO is responsible for recruiting, developing, and managing the performance of VA’s senior executive cadre.  Certification of the senior executive performance management systems would provide the CSEMO with enhanced recruiting and retention opportunities through access to higher pay grades and aggregate pay limits. In addition to providing subject matter expertise and consultative support in meeting this objective, DAI will also support an aggressive timeline to provide program and project management services to guide the overarching effort; develop evaluation metrics to track progress; create a comprehensive communications strategy and corresponding marketing materials; produce training curricula and apply a variety of learning strategies to rapidly deliver a series of workshops and other training activities throughout the U.S.; and provide one-on-one performance management consulting support to senior leaders and executives. “We are thrilled by the opportunity to apply expertise from all three of our core practice areas – communications, human capital, and learning solutions – to ensure VA’s executive-level cadre understands performance expectations and is equipped with the skills and tools necessary to help VA fulfill its overarching mission to provide world-class service to veterans and their families,” said DAI's President & CEO, Dr. Sherilyne E. Dougherty.  “We are poised to successfully support the CSEMO in this area based on our many years of practical performance management experience helping federal agencies, such as the USDA, DoD, and PBGC, set clear and concise employee expectations, develop and implement performance management systems, meet mission and organizational requirements, and drive continuous improvement through accountability and transparency.” To learn more about our performance management services and capabilities, please review our Performance Management fact sheet. News 2010-03-26T13:27:48+00:00 http://www.dai-solutions.com/site/news/dai_a_proud_supporter_of_capital_area_food_bank/ http://www.dai-solutions.com/site/news/dai_a_proud_supporter_of_capital_area_food_bank/#When:16:54:46Z DAI A Proud Supporter of Capital Area Food Bank DAI was a proud supporter of the Capital Area Food Bank (CAFB) through a recent employee-run food drive to collect monetary and food item donations from CAFB's Most Wanted Items List.  CAFB is the largest non-profit hunger and nutrition education resource and food bank in the Washington, DC metropolitan area, distributing 20 million pounds of food each year to more than 700 member feeding programs throughout the metropolitan area.  DAI has also recently supported other charitable organizations, including providing a monetary contribution to Doctors Without Borders back in January 2010 to support the Haitian disaster relief effort and organizing an internal holiday toy drive each year to support the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program, including most recently in December 2009. News 2010-03-22T16:54:46+00:00 http://www.dai-solutions.com/site/news/dai_a_proud_sponsor_of_training_officers_consortium_2010_annual_institute/ http://www.dai-solutions.com/site/news/dai_a_proud_sponsor_of_training_officers_consortium_2010_annual_institute/#When:18:18:39Z DAI A Proud Sponsor of Training Officers Consortium 2010 Annual Institute DAI is a proud sponsor and exhibitor at the Training Officers Consortium (TOC) 2010 Annual Institute on April 25-28, 2010 in Roanoke, Virginia.  DAI was also selected by TOC's Board of Directors to serve in two key positions as “Chairman of Events” and “Master of Ceremonies.”  The three-day event features a wide range of skill-building workshops, seminars, and networking sessions centered on learning methodologies and technologies to support change management and transition activities, maximize individual and organizational performance, and sustain long-term success.  TOC is a non-profit organization that has provided a variety of learning and networking opportunities to trainers, educators, and human resource professionals within government, private industry, and academia in and around the Washington, DC metropolitan area for over 70 years.  News 2010-03-18T18:18:39+00:00 http://www.dai-solutions.com/site/news/gsa_awards_dai_contract_to_add_new_sins_to_aims_schedule_5411/ http://www.dai-solutions.com/site/news/gsa_awards_dai_contract_to_add_new_sins_to_aims_schedule_5411/#When:18:32:01Z GSA Awards DAI Contract to Add New SINs to AIMS Schedule 541 The General Services Administration (GSA) has awarded DAI a contract to modify its existing Advertising and Integrated Marketing Solutions (AIMS) Federal Supply Schedule 541 to include two new small business set aside Special Item Numbers (SINs):  Conference, Events, and Trade Show Planning Services (541-4D) and Commercial Art and Graphic Design Services (541-4F). The GSA AIMS Schedule 541 is designed to help agencies efficiently access quality communications and marketing services from pre-screened vendors that specialize in these areas.  Learn more. “This is an exciting time of growth at DAI, and this contract award further underscores our experience and expertise as a quality provider of communications and integrated marketing services.  This modification allows us to now offer a fuller and broader array of our communications and learning solutions to organizations through a streamlined procurement vehicle that provides more efficient access to needed communications services through pre-qualified vendors,” said DAI's Vice President Paula Antonovich. Under the terms of its GSA AIMS contract, DAI has been pre-approved to provide services in the following areas:  Advertising Services (541-1) Public Relations Services (541-2) Market Research and Analysis Services (541-4A) Integrated Marketing Services (541-5) Conference, Events, and Trade Show Planning Services (541-4D) Commercial Art and Graphic Design (541-4F) Other Direct Costs (541-1000) Click here to access our GSA AIMS Federal Supply Schedule 541. News 2010-03-11T18:32:01+00:00 http://www.dai-solutions.com/site/news/dai-serco_team_produce_first_web-based_course_for_dod/ http://www.dai-solutions.com/site/news/dai-serco_team_produce_first_web-based_course_for_dod/#When:23:00:10Z DAI-Serco Team Produce First Web-Based Training Course for DoD DAI, in partnership with Serco Inc., created and recently launched a first-ever web-based General Schedule (GS) training course for the Department of Defense.  The course - GS 101, which is available via the National Security Personnel System (NSPS) website - was highlighted in a GovExec article dated February 17, 2010.  Supporting the NSPS Transition Office, the DAI-Serco team designed the course to help nearly 226,000 employees transition from the NSPS to the GS. The course provides a general overview of the GS system, covering topics such as classification and compensation.  In addition, there is a module on performance management and the importance of aligning employee work with organizational goals and priorities.  The course serves as a comprehensive learning aid for those who are unfamiliar with GS and as a “refresher” for those who are already familiar with the system.  The February 17, 2010 GovExec article included a statement from an interview with John Palguta, Vice President for Policy at the Partnership for Public Service:  "Because the training already has been designed and paid for, it would be cost effective for the Office of Personnel Management to adopt it for government-wide use.” Recently, DAI helped the NSPS Transition Office launch the redesigned NSPS website that focuses information on two areas:  (1) Working under NSPS - NSPS Connect, and (2) NSPS Transition - information about the transition.  As part of the website launch, two additional communications/learning products were developed and posted to the site:  Managing My Performance – A Guide for Employees – a print product that discusses the basics of performance management regardless of which system the employee is covered by. Managing Employee Performance – A Guide for Supervisors – a print product that discusses the basics of performance management regardless of which system the supervisor manages performance under. In the coming months, DAI will launch additional communications and learning products focused on classifying positions under GS, conversion processes and performance management. DAI has extensive experience supporting performance management and personnel systems. In addition to GS 101, it has designed several instructor- and web-based courses and other communications and learning products to promote and explain various other personnel systems, including the Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System (DCIPS) and the Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) alternative personnel system and demonstration project.  News 2010-02-18T23:00:10+00:00 http://www.dai-solutions.com/site/news/dai_hires_experienced_account_executive_to_lead_business_development_effort/ http://www.dai-solutions.com/site/news/dai_hires_experienced_account_executive_to_lead_business_development_effort/#When:16:02:43Z Experienced Account Executive Joins DAI to Lead Business Development Efforts DAI is pleased to announce the hire of Aaron T. Jones as Business Development/Account Executive.  Mr. Jones brings over 18 years of account management experience to DAI, where he is responsible for establishing new business, managing multiple client relationships, qualifying leads, and ensuring client satisfaction.  Prior to joining DAI, Mr. Jones served as Senior Federal Business Developer at a services and recruiting firm in the Washington, DC metropolitan area and has previously held a number of progressive sales and account management positions in the private sector. Mr. Jones started his professional career in the U.S. Army as an Assistant Relief Commander, where he was responsible for the protection of the U.S. Secretary of Defense and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.  His dedication and professionalism to these highly distinguished endeavors allowed him to later transition into successful roles in sales and account management. News 2010-02-15T16:02:43+00:00 http://www.dai-solutions.com/site/news/dai-serco_team_support_nsps_transition_office/ http://www.dai-solutions.com/site/news/dai-serco_team_support_nsps_transition_office/#When:15:44:56Z DAI, in partnership with Serco Inc., will support the NSPS Transition Office and the DoD Components with transition-related activities and National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) requirements through a series of communications, consulting, and learning activities. The Department of Defense recently announced the change in designation of the National Security Personnel System (NSPS) Program Executive Office (PEO) to the NSPS Transition Office and the appointment of John H. James as the new Director, NSPS Transition Office. DAI has extensive experience supporting performance management and personnel systems, including previously supporting the NSPS PEO. Since 2005, DAI has led efforts to train a variety of DoD employees, including managers, supervisors, and senior leaders on NSPS, educate employees and other stakeholders on the system’s characteristics and proposed benefits, and to spearhead all print, online, and event communications about NSPS to a range of audiences, including Congress, the media, and the general public. Read more about our efforts under Success Stories. To learn more about the NSPS Transition Office and related activities, please visit the NSPS website. News 2010-01-21T15:44:56+00:00 http://www.dai-solutions.com/site/news/haiti_relief_effort1/ http://www.dai-solutions.com/site/news/haiti_relief_effort1/#When:15:20:55Z DAI is proud to announce that a contribution on behalf of its employees has been made to Doctors without Borders to support the Haitian disaster relief effort. Doctors without Borders is an international medical humanitarian organization that works in more than 60 countries to assist people whose survival is threatened by violence, neglect, or catastrophe. DAI's contribution will go to support the important work of this organization, in concert with so many others that are working to address the immediate and long-term needs of Haiti. News 2010-01-20T15:20:55+00:00 http://www.dai-solutions.com/site/news/dai_hires_seasoned_human_resource_practitioner_to_support_dcpds/ http://www.dai-solutions.com/site/news/dai_hires_seasoned_human_resource_practitioner_to_support_dcpds/#When:16:04:30Z Seasoned HR Practitioner Joins DAI Team to Support DCPDS Phillis M. Neal, a 32-year human resource veteran in the areas of personnel systems management, personnel staffing and EEO compliance, personnel classification, and systems administration, has joined DAI as Senior System Analyst.  Ms. Neal has extensive experience supporting DoD components, performing application testing for the Defense Civilian Personnel Data System (DCPDS), and assessing, evaluating, and developing functional requirements for DCPDS.    Ms. Neal serves as a lead action officer for all DCPDS-related activities affecting the proper execution of DCIPS enhancements to DCPDS functionality and processes, including maintenance upgrades, functionality enhancements, testing and communication of all software changes. Ms. Neal has served in numerous progressively challenging positions in support of DoD components, including Personnel Management Specialist, Personnel Staffing and Employee Relations Specialist, and HR Specialist.  Additionally, she has received numerous accolades and special recognition awards for her exceptional performance and contributions, including the Exemplary Civilian Service Award. News 2010-01-19T16:04:30+00:00 http://www.dai-solutions.com/site/news/dai_holiday_toy_drive_to_support_toys_for_tots_program/ http://www.dai-solutions.com/site/news/dai_holiday_toy_drive_to_support_toys_for_tots_program/#When:15:34:50Z DAI was a proud contributor to the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program. DAI employees organized a two-month holiday toy drive, and collected and donated dozens of new, unwrapped toys to area children. News 2010-01-01T15:34:50+00:00