PEO Perspective September 2022

As we head into fall and a new fiscal year, I am amazed by all that PEO EIS and the Army has accomplished this summer. Read on for some recent highlights and a sneak peek at more events on the horizon.

RECENT EVENTS AND ENGAGEMENTS

EBS-C Industry Day

PEO EIS’ Enterprise Business Systems – Convergence (EBS-C) Product Office and the EBS Multi-Functional Capabilities Team hosted a virtual industry day Aug. 30, broadcasting from the Forge facility here at Fort Belvoir, where I was fortunate to join senior leaders, including Dr. Raj Iyer, Army chief information officer; Mr. Young Bang, principal deputy, assistant secretary of the Army (Acquisition, Logistics & Technology); Mr. Robert Thurston, director, Army G-4 Enterprise Support; and MFCT director Brig. Gen. Michael Lalor.

EBS-C is the largest business system convergence endeavor the Army, and possibly DOD, has undertaken, and industry will be crucial throughout the process. We received over 100 comments and requests for information from the draft prototype project opportunity notice (PPON) released in June, and we continue to work those responses. We plan to release the next version of the draft PPON this month, and it will have some major changes based on your input.

You can view the recorded event on our YouTube channel, and we encourage you to stay tuned to the Events page here on the PEO EIS website for updates on the next PPON.

AFCEA TechNet Augusta

One of the highlights of August was seeing Army and industry colleagues in person again at AFCEA TechNet Augusta a few weeks ago. This conference continues to grow impressively each year — despite the in-person pause for COVID-19 the last couple of seasons — and this year was a great success for PEO EIS.

This year, it was my honor to participate in a Joint-PEO panel, and to provide a keynote address, where I touched upon my current priorities and our integral support for the Army’s Unified Network Plan, continuing efforts in cloud migration, and some of the advances we have made in business management systems. Additionally, Col. Jay Shell, project manager (PM) for Integrated Enterprise Network; Sergio Alvarez, acting project director for Enterprise Services; and Col. Mark Taylor, PM for Defensive Cyber Operations participated in a network-centric PM panel, and product manager Global Enterprise Network Modernization – OCONUS (GENM-O) participated on the Understanding How Small Businesses Can Support Acquisition in Support of Unified Network panel.

TechNet is always a great opportunity for us to meet with colleagues and industry and to share capabilities. This year, I am proud to announce that we held an astonishing 83 meetings with industry partners as part of my commitment to meeting with industry and gaining valuable insights to help us bring cutting-edge technologies, solutions and capabilities to Soldiers.

To our industry partners -- thanks for bringing your best ideas and innovations. 

UPCOMING EVENTS AND ENGAGEMENTS

AUSA 2022 Annual Meeting & Exposition

We are looking forward to again participating in the Association of the U.S. Army’s annual conference, scheduled for Oct. 10-12 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C.

IPPS-A Change of Charter

The Integrated Personnel and Pay System – Army (IPPS-A) is one of the Army’s top priorities, and we are close to our Release 3 target, promising essential personnel services and talent management abilities to active duty, Reserve and Guard Soldiers. IPPS-A Project Manager Col. Rob Williams has led this enormous and critical effort for the last three years; this month, on Sept. 30, we will be conducting a change of charter ceremony as he enters a well-deserved retirement.

I can’t say enough how much I appreciate the important and difficult work that Rob has done to get this capability to Soldiers. Thank you, Rob for your great service to PEO EIS and the Army!

Stepping into the role of project manager is old friend and colleague, Col. Robert “RJ” Mikesh. Many of you may remember that RJ was the project manager for the Army Enterprise Systems Integration Program before we renamed it Army Data and Analytics Platforms; you may not be aware, however, that he is also a Fed 100 recipient for his work on Operation Warp Speed, the White House’s national program to accelerate the development, manufacture and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines, therapeutics and diagnostics. As the IT component’s leader, he was responsible for developing logistics systems to ensure that vaccine orders were received, shipped and tracked — an enormous undertaking that helped save countless lives. I have every confidence that RJ can lead IPPS-A to future success!

AFCEA Belvoir Industry Days

If you missed us at TechNet, you will have another opportunity to catch great speakers, panels and networking at the annual AFCEA Belvoir Industry Days, this year at the Westfield Marriott in Chantilly, Virginia, Nov. 7-9. This is our signature annual engagement, with full participation from PEO EIS leaders. More details to follow as the program is finalized — we look forward to seeing you there!

September Observances:

Patriot Day

Sept. 11, 2022 marks the 21st anniversary of the terrorist attacks on American soil resulting in the loss of more than 3,000 lives.

Out of the devastation at the Twin Towers, the Pentagon and Shanksville, Pennsylvania came stories of bravery that brought us together as a nation and reminded us of who we are. Those killed will never be forgotten, and because of them, the Army continues to remain vigilant and ready to meet any future challenge. Every year is an opportunity to reflect on the tenacity and resilience of our people and why we do what we do to ensure their freedom. America's Army is the strength of the nation, and its men and women in uniform continue to epitomize resiliency, strength and commitment to the country.

Suicide Prevention Month

The Army is committed to preventing suicide among Soldiers, Civilians, family members, retirees and our community. Seeking help is a sign of strength, not of weakness. We encourage all those who are struggling to reach out to their command team, leaders, teammates and family members. Additionally, we all have a responsibility to check in with each other and look out for each other.

In July, the nation rolled out a new three-digit National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Individuals in crisis can obtain support by dialing 988 and then pressing 1.

National Hispanic Heritage Month

Celebrated from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, this observance pays tribute to the generations of Hispanic Americans who have positively influenced and enriched our nation and society.

Today, more than 139,000 Hispanic Americans serve in the Total Force. Hispanic Soldiers are the fastest growing segment of the Army and now make up 17% of the force. The Army recognizes not only the significance of individual contributions but also the value of diversity and an inclusive environment during National Hispanic Heritage Month.

As it is also National Preparedness Month, I want to remind you and your families to please be safe and vigilant, and make a plan for preparedness.

Thank you for all you do to support Soldiers, our Army and our nation.

Ross R. Guckert, Program Executive Officer, PEO EIS

Connecting the Army. Working for Soldiers.