Page 9 - SRNS_Today_August_2021

AUGUST 2021 | SRNS TODAY | 9

Investing >$1B in small

and diverse businesses

SRNS is dedicated to the advancement of small and diverse
businesses, both locally and nationally, having committed more than
$1 billion to these companies over the last four years.
This level of financial support continues to validate SRNS’ dedication
to small businesses, especially in nearby communities.
Contract to date, SRNS has received 17 awards with 15 presented in
the last three years.
“Our buyers work tirelessly to find opportunities for small and
diverse suppliers, which is reflected in our committing nearly 80%
of all dollars to these companies, ”said Sean Alford, SRNS Chief
Middle school students Administrative Officer.
SRNS has also committed talented personnel to continue to build on
learn from CyberCamp these achievements.
Small Business Liaison Officer J. Alex Agyemang is one of these many
Local middle school students experienced the world of cybersecurity dedicated staff members. In July, Agyemang was appointed to the
during the Air Force Association’s CyberCamp, held this year at the National Minority Supplier Development Council’s (NMSDC) Supplier
University of South Carolina Aiken (UofSC Aiken). Diversity Advisory Committee.
This standing committee assists the NMSDC Board of Directors
Sponsored by SRNS, the week-long event covered numerous topics
including cybersecurity careers, threats and ethics, online safety, in carrying out its work, providing expertise and advice in supplier
virtual machines, account management, file protections, programing diversity and development. Only a small number of companies have
and security related to graphical user interfaces. experienced this national honor, each representing organizations
that have been leaders in their industry for supplier development.
The camp takes students with limited knowledge and trains them to Examples include Coca-Cola, United Parcel Service, Proctor and
understand the basic principles of cybersecurity, concluding with a Gamble, Wells Fargo and Dell.
fun, yet challenging, competition.
Agyemang said that his appointment to the NMSDC Supplier Diversity
According to Jeff Krohn, SRNS Chief Information Officer at SRS, Advisory Council was made possible through the support of his
national security is becoming increasingly more dependent on the management team. “In my tenure as the SRNS Small Business Liaison
talent and skill of cybersecurity professionals with each passing Officer, the SRNS Small Business Program has enjoyed consistent
year. “The importance of educating and training our young people and dedicated assistance from our company’s executives.”
in this area is critical,” said Krohn. “It’s difficult to place a value on
camps and workshops such as this one at the Ruth Patrick Science “Our posture on supplier development has been unwavering,” said
Education Center (RPSEC), but certainly it’s one of many steps we Alford. “We have always been committed to our small business
need to take towards ensuring the future welfare of our country as partners. It’s a part of our culture.
all jobs do have a cybersecurity component.” “In fact, the Carolinas-Virginia Minority Supplier Development Council
According to Security Magazine, there are more than 2,200 recognized SRNS leadership in the region with its 2019 appointment
cyberattacks each day across the nation. That’s nearly one of Jay Johnson, SRNS Senior Director of Contracts, to the Council’s
cyberattack every 39 seconds. Additionally, malware infects nearly Board of Directors,” added Alford.
20 million websites worldwide on any given day. Yet currently, only SRNS supports numerous small businesses, including CTI and
about half of available U.S. cybersecurity jobs have been filled. Associates, a DOE small business-protégé company. CTI is
a demolition and destruction, remediation and environmental
“Kids often lack complete awareness of online safety and the
potential risks involving cyberattacks,” said John Hutchens, Director services contractor. They reduce the footprint at SRS while
of Special Programs, UofSC Aiken RPSEC. “With an ever-increasing preparing the Site for new missions. To date, CTI workers
reliance on smart devices and online applications, basic cyber have demolished nine buildings at SRS, advancing the Site’s
awareness is now more important than ever. We’re trying to make a environmental cleanup program.
difference in their lives.” SRNS has also executed the DOE’s Office of Small and Disadvantaged
It’s already made a difference in the life of Augusta Christian School Business Utilization’s strategic plan, which has more than quadrupled
eighth grader Sophia Smits. “This is hands on stuff that we can use the Service Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business goal.
later in life as our world evolves,” said Smits. “If I do choose a career “At Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, we have made supplier
in cybersecurity, it’s going to help me a lot. This may even help me to development a value we pursue daily,” said Fred Freeman, SRNS
get scholarships.” Director, Supply Chain Procurement.