Hardware Configuration Army Officer

JOHN MICHAEL KAYS

** ******** ** *********, ** **374

Cell: 443-***-****

********@*****.***

Retired GS-15 with 22+ years in Award Winning Corporate and Government Experiences comprehensive of: Strategic and Tactical Leadership, Complex Project Management, Extensive High Level Executive Communication; Development of Critical Influential Relationships in the Federal Marketplace and across leading IT Industry Providers; Contract Development, Negotiation, and Closure; Full Spectrum Operations & Management; Development and Execution of Market-to-Win Strategies; Customer Focused and Value-Based Sales; Development of Business Budgeting; Design, Development, and Engineering Services of IT solutions; and Logistics & Sustainment.

EDUCATION:

Bachelors of Science (BS) in Systems Engineering,

United States Military Academy, West Point, NY – 1997

Masters of Science (MS) in Technology Management,

Stevens Institute of Technology, Hoboken, NJ – 2005

Masters of Business Administration (MBA), Finance

Stevens Institute of Technology, Hoboken, NJ – 2007

Masters of Strategic Studies, Leadership and Program Management

United States Army War College, Carlisle, PA - 2010

PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATIONS:

Sales & Acquisition Management Level III (Expert)– Program Management (PM) – Defense Acquisition University (DAU) - 2007

IT Engineering Management Level III (Expert)– Systems, Planning, Research, Development, and Engineering (SPRDE) – 2005 Defense Acquisition University (DAU) - 2007

Operations & Maintenance Level II – Logistics and Operations – DAU - 2006

OPERATIONAL TRAINING:

MILITARY / CIVILIAN AWARDS:

Continuous Process Improvement / Lean Six Sigma

Airborne Parachutist Badge

Air Assault Badge

Master Fitness Trainer

Mission Command System Portfolio Courses (2002-2009)

TOP C4ISR Employee of the Year 2011 – APG Campus

Army Achievement Medal (w 2 oak leaf cluster)

Army Commendation Medal (w 2 oak leaf clusters)

Civilian Achievement Medal

Army Commendation Award for Civil Service

Superior Civil Service Award

CAREER OVERVIEW / SUMMARY:

Date

Career Activity

Description

Location

June 1997– Feb 1998

Field Artillery Officer Basic Course

Technical Systems IT/ Leadership / Operations

FT Sill, OK

Feb 1998 – Mar 2002

US Army Officer – 18th Airborne Corps

Various Leadership Positions /2LT - Captain

Fort Bragg, Fayetteville, NC

Mar 2002 – Feb 2003

Systems Engineer Contractor

Computer Sciences Corp

Eatontown, NJ

Feb 2003 – June 2014

Government Civilian – Multiple Executive, Engineering, and Program Management positions

Started as a high level GS-12, retired as a GS15

Fort Monmouth, NJ

and APG, MD

June 2014– June 2016

Senior Client Executive - Federal

Vistronix Corporation

Reston, VA

June 2015 - Present

CEO/Majority Owner, SDVOSB

RTFT

Tabernackle, NJ

Aug 2022 – Present

Operations Chief - HCR

Operations Chief

Raleigh, NC

EXPERIENCE:

OPERATIONS CHIEF

Homefix Custom Remodeling (HCR), LLC

3800 Gateway Centre Blvd, Suite 310

Morrisville, NC 27560 (Aug 2022 – PRESENT)

Current: Leads, manages, and coordinates all sales, marketing and installation for the HCR Raleigh Office. Develops and supervises business development plans and leads the team execution with targeted quotas, goals and objectives. Manages the sales force of over 8 sales representatives generating over $2 million of revenue each month. Develops individual performance plans for each subordinate and respective training plan to optimize potential.

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER (CEO) / Majority Owner

Real Time Fault Tolerant (RTFT), LLC,

Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB)

Tabernackle, NJ (JUNE 2015 – PRESENT)

Current: Develop strategic partnerships across the Federal marketplace branding RTFT as a premier and leading engineering service provider for software design and development, system and network architecture, data assimilation, and IT enterprise management for DoD customers. Develop both short term and long term Strategic company initiatives. Set priorities, develop budget, create and implement Marketing and Price to Win strategies, lead Sales and manage pipeline, build a team of high performing employees, and contracts for all efforts and opportunities.

Accomplishments: Successfully growing business and closing numerous strategic sales in a Senior Executive role for a fast growing and integral Federal Marketplace Industry Firm. Won 2 of 2 bided contracts.

SENIOR CLIENT EXECUTIVE / FEDERAL SALES ACCOUNT MANAGER,

Vistronix Corporation, Reston, VA 22311 (June 2014 – June 2016)

Responsibilities: Lead business development efforts across the Federal marketplace, DoD Agencies, Commands, Programs, and Organizations. Collaborate with all service line account managers and business units to ensure best of breed solutions across the Federal Marketplace and Commercial Information Technology (IT) Enterprise. Development of market growth and capture management strategy including client relationship management, industry partnerships, solution architecting, proposal management, price-to-win strategies, and project quality assurance. Develop profitable account growth, overall customer satisfaction, and self-sustaining operations including marketing / sell strategy, systems engineering and designing of solutions to meet client requirements, business teaming relationships and execution, and client deliveries and services management.

Accomplishments: Developed relationships of trust with critical stakeholders, industry partners and multiple federal clients branding Vistronix as a leading software developer and services provider capable of design, modification, and engineering services exceeding client requirements. In 2014, increased revenue in assigned territory by 30% winning contract awards across multiple Vistronix accounts. Worked with both existing and newly acquired clients in identifying and shaping IT requirements, developing data and system architectures, orchestrating solutions across Vistronix disciplines, and ultimately closing multiple deals with strategic partners and clients. Increased revenue by over 35% in 2015 despite the significant federal spending cuts and sequestration; recognized and awarded by Vistronix for exemplary efforts. Lead both prime and sub efforts, expanding client base, and positioning Vistronix on multiple contract vehicles in preparation for high probability Task Order awards. Developed solidified expansive pipeline for the next 5-7 years.

PROJECT MANAGER (Deputy), ARMY MISSION COMMAND

Department of Defense, US ARMY

Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD (December 2010 – June 2014)

SUPERVISORY ELECTRONICS ENGINEER (1500 Personnel)

Grade: GS 15 / NH-0855-04

Responsibilities: Deputy of Project Management, Mission Command, providing overall direction and guidance a workforce consisting of 600 core, military, matrix, and contractor personnel in support of the nation's mission command systems. Developed and executed an annual budget exceeding $350 million dollars across over 13 product lines and all associated business, engineering, and logistics for the development, acquisition, testing, product improvement, and fielding for the Army's mission command software applications and infrastructure. Set Priorities, leads, and manages, four subordinate Product Management Offices (LTC/GS 14 led). Responsible for cradle to grave program execution including cost, schedule, performance, and supportability of two Acquisition Category I, two ACAT II, and five ACAT III and other programs, including specific systems of Command Post of the Future (CPoF), Command Web, Global Command and Control System - Army, Advanced Field Artillery Tactical Data System, and Battle Command Sustainment Support System.

Accomplishments: Led the development of the new Mission Command Technical vision incorporating a new open standard framework utilizing cloud technologies governing the development and standardization of applications and widgets. Led the Tier 2 Command Post Computing Environment (CP CE) tasked with merging Operations and Intelligence capabilities for a more robust Common Operational Picture. Developed a Human Capital Strategy and professional development training for workforce including Price-to-Win Strategies to execute tasks within budget, Continuous Process Improvement, value-based engineering efforts, and Lean Sigma initiatives. Developed a Contract Strategy consolidating multiple contracts across the Product Officers into one centralized contract, thereby eliminating redundant contractor overhead and gaining efficiencies in terms of contract support personnel and dollars.

PROJECT DIRECTOR, TACTICAL NETWORK INIATILIZATION, PEO C3T

Department of Defense, US ARMY

Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD (MARCH 2010– DECEMBER 2010)

SUPERVISORY ELECTRONICS ENGINEER (180 Personnel)

Grade: NH-0855-04 (GS 15)

Responsibilities: Project Director, responsible for cost, schedule and performance, chartered to deliver initialization capabilities for the tactical network for all Army and Marine Corps systems. Responsible for generating and developing the Lightweight Data Initialization Format (LDIF) product within the Unit Set Fielding guidance and $60 million dollar annual budget. Responsible for leading diverse organization consisting of government civilians, military, government matrix civilians, SETA contractors and prime contractors.

Accomplishments: Reduced FY12 budget needs by 33%. Reduced time to develop FY11 data products by 20% while continuing to meet mission requirements. Established the technical vision to achieve dynamic initialization. Led the development and delivery of the Warfighter Initialization Tool to enable the warfighter with the ability to add, modify or delete the delivered LDIF enabling Unit Task Reorganization capabilities. Led the effort to merge the Upper Tactical Internet and the Lower Tactical Internet databases in order to establish governance and enable dynamic initialization development. Led the effort to compete a consolidated data product production effort in order to generate an estimated 15% savings.

CHIEF SYSTEMS ENGINEER, DIVISION LEAD

Project Management Office, MISSION COMMAND, PEO C3T

FT Monmouth, NJ (April 2008-March 2010)

SUPERVISORY ELECTRONICS ENGINEER (22 Core Personnel)

Grade: NH-0855-04 (GS-15 Division Chief)

Responsibilities: Chief Systems Engineer, responsible for leading and managing all System of Systems (SoS) design, development, integration, test and sustainment for PM Battle Command. SoS efforts include developing, synchronizing and delivering a certified baseline encompassing all lifecycle management functions. Supervises core, contractor and matrix staff executing systems engineering process/governance, integration, test, configuration management, architectural design, and standardization. Interfacing with industry partners in communicating the new SoS vision and contractual opportunities in which contractors could bid on and support new emerging operational and enabling requirements with prototypes.

Accomplishments: Established and led the Systems Engineering staff responsible for SoS engineering, integration and test, Developed and led the Battle Command Configuration Control Board (CCB) establishing the governing body to adjudicate and control all BC products. Developed and Executed of the first comprehensive BC Integrated Master Schedule, Risk Assessment/Mitigation Plan, Work Breakdown Structure, Integration Event Matrix, and Test Plan. Developed a Department of the Army-accepted policy regarding self-certification for capability insertion into the Army software baseline, thereby reducing schedule and saving cost

TECHNICAL MANAGEMENT DIRECTOR

Assistant Product Manager Joint Tactical Common Operational Picture Workstation

Project Management Office, Tactical Battle Command (TBC), PEO C3T

FT Monmouth, NJ (March 2005-April 2008)

SUPERVISORY ELECTRONICS ENGINEER (80 Personnel)

Grade: NH-0855-04 (GS-14)

Responsibilities: Technical Management Director, responsible for leading and managing all engineering, research, design, development, integration and test for the Tactical Battle Command Product Management Office, which encompasses 4 critical tactical systems: Maneuver Control System (MCS), Joint Tactical Common Operation Picture Workstations (JTCW), Command Post of the Future (CPoF), and the Battle Command Common Services (BCCS), worth over $360 million and over 80 personnel. Responsible for directing and developing ideas which form a basis for research and/or development by subordinates and contractors within the constraints of the budget and fiscal matters. Regularly relies upon extensive knowledge of multiple C4ISR products/technologies/business areas, customers, use of innovative thinking, and a very high level of communication and political savvy to succeed in developing a joint product between the Army and the United States Marine Corps to merge and enhance the tactical and strategic C2 system currently utilized in both OEF and OIF. This work involves areas in rapidly advancing technology and science in the field of electronics, computer software engineering, systems engineering, horizontal fusion integration, satellite communications, net centricity, and web/discovery services. Establishes milestones, assesses risks, and develops risk mitigation plans to monitor the progress of sub-IPTs throughout the total acquisition life cycle while addressing the need for product improvement and material readiness. Develops and reviews technical engineering programs, plans, objectives. Provides technical guidance to subordinate engineers of various engineering disciplines: systems engineering, software engineering, architectural design engineering, and hardware engineering. Routinely communicates program status directly to Product Manager TBC, Project Manager BC and PEO Executives through program reviews and executive summaries.

Accomplishments: Forecasted, developed, and defended Army JTCW budget for FY 08-13. Re-designed the JTCW program management and technical vision by creating a new strategy and goals thru: a missions statement, vision, roles, functions, objectives, criteria, charters, data flows, and use cases in order to execute an effective product development IAW the Systems Engineering Plan (SEP) for lifecycle management thereby saving an estimated $75 million. Led the System Engineering IPT Chair, responsible for coordinating over 10 jointly-organized functional teams (testing, training, integration, design/development, etc) each with numerous sub-IPTs, moving towards an aggressive, joint endstate, that meets Software Blocking schedule constraints and Battle Command Migration expectations. Engineered the merger of the MCS and CPOF client thereby saving an estimated $10 million annually through leveraged development, integration, testing and sustainment costs. Routinely briefed 2 and 3 Star GOSCs and AMCBs on the progress of JTCW. Authored the SEP for PdM TBC and the System of Systems SEP for PM BC.

LEAD SYSTEM ENGINEER

Project Manager Distributed Common Ground System-Army (PM DCGS-A), PEO IEWS,

Ft. Monmouth, NJ (MARCH 2004- APRIL 2005)

SUPERVISORY GS-13 (5 Personnel)

Responsibilities: Lead Engineer, whose ideas form a basis for research and development, responsible for project management and execution of all engineering matters related to Science and Technology for PM Distributed Common Ground Systems – Army (DCGS-A), the Army’s sole intelligence system which fuses all intelligence types into a common enemy situational picture. Used broad and professional knowledge of the various disciplines, theories, principles, and techniques of the DoD Life Cycle Systems Engineering Process in performing duties that influence major projects, proposals and direction of work with complex C4ISR systems. Leads the DCGS-A technology strategy to bridge the functionality, architecture, and technology gaps between current Programs Of Records and the desired end state/product for PM DCGS-A to include: net centricity, mapping, intelligence fusion, web services, discovery services, and architectural design. Responsible for developing, managing, and leading the technology transfer and integration into the DCGS-A software baseline. Plans, defines, directs, coordinates, manages, and reviews all Science and Technology Objectives (STOs), Advanced Concept and Technology Demonstrations (ACTDs), and other concepts for continuance/abandonment of work for potential C4ISR applications and projects for the PM.

Accomplishments: Successfully led the research and development of the Communications Electronic Attack with Surveillance And Reconnaissance (CESAR) Science and Technology Objective by demonstrating its Technology Readiness Level 6 and acquiring a Technology Transition Agreement from the CECOM Research Development and Engineering Center (CERDEC) into the DCGS-A baseline. Additionally, led the insertion of critical CESAR technologies into the Multi-sensor Aerospace-ground Joint ISR Interoperability Coalition (MAJIIC) project, a multinational effort (Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Spain, and the UK) focused at maximizing the military utility of surveillance and reconnaissance resources through the development and evaluation of operational and technical means for interoperability of a wide variety of ISR assets.

PROGRAM MANAGER / SYSTEMS ENGINEER

Command & Control (C2) Systems - Foreign Military Sales,

CECOM, FT Monmouth (02/09/2003-10/11/07)

Grade: GS-801-12

Responsibilities: Program Manager/Lead engineer responsible for program execution and all engineering matters related to assigned C4ISR Systems and projects for Foreign Military Sales (FMS). Relied upon broad and professional knowledge of the various, complex disciplines, theories, principles, and techniques of the DOD Life Cycle Systems Engineering Process in performing duties with a high degree of initiative and effectiveness to include planning, directing, coordinating approving group work, assign tasks, review work, and resolve conflicts. Decisions impact FMS customers' future and are made independent of supervisory review, full authority as the program manager with the customer/stakeholders. Applies knowledge of advanced engineering principles and practices in evaluating, reviewing, approving, and coordinating projects to ensure program meets established requirements related to weapons systems including the management of developmental and product improvement material readiness programs, system integration, interoperability, sustainment, training, indigenous architecture, and communication servers. Insures a realistic balance and time phasing of technical events and actions during the time span of assigned projects including: Advanced Field Artillery Tactical Data Systems (AFATDS), Joint Automated Deep Operations Coordination System (JADOCS), Forward Observer Software (FOS), Pocket-sized Forward Entry Device (PFED), the Gun Display Unit (GDU), Force XXI Battle Command Brigade & Below (FBCB2), Command Post of the Future (CPOF), Patriot Software Support Systems, CENTRIX Network Hardware/Software, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Capability, and customized C2 Architectures uniquely developed for foreign nations.

Accomplishments. As the Program Manager, successfully executed the Turkish AFATDS FMS contract thru: Program Management Reviews focusing on budget execution, deliverables, schedule, milestone deliveries, and risk management. While dual hatted as the US Government Technical Lead, led all technical evaluations focusing on integrating the Turkish version of the US Army AFATDS with the Turkish indigenous FM radio and unique data initialization. Personally traveled to Ankara, Turkey on multiple occasions to ensure a streamlined fielding to the Turkish Army Chief of Staff. As a result, was accommodated by both the Turkish government, as well as the Security Assistance Management Directorate for delivering AFATDS to the Turkish government under budget and earlier than the Statement of Work dictated.

SYSTEMS ENGINEER (03/15/2002 - 02/08/2003)

Computer Science Corporation, 15 Christopher Way, Eatontown, NJ 07724

Responsibilities. Systems Engineer, responsible for engineering, integration, test, hardware configuration, requirements analysis and functional decomposition in support of assigned C4ISR Systems by the SAMD government lead.

Accomplishments. Coordinated and conducted FMS site surveys, installations, and fielding requirements for Turkey, Bahrain and Egypt FMS customers. Developed acquisition strategies for business development opportunities on existing programs. Managed program milestone progress for total systems lifecycle effectiveness. Prepared acquisition requirements and engineering analyses for software and hardware platforms, training, technical data, repair and return, and services. Performed analytical duties related to the program and resource management of systems and equipment acquisition. Conducted Site Surveys for Turkey in Anakara to determine their unique C4ISR system requirements to include: vehicles, hardware platform, software, communication and equipment integration, architecture layout, and installation/training requirements. Provided programmatic and technical guidance to foreign representatives and DOD / DA agencies.

US ARMY OFFICER, 2LT - CAPTAIN (02/01/1998-03/15/2002)

Army Field Artillery Officer, 1st Battalion, 377th Field Artillery Regiment, SUPERVISOR

18th Field Artillery Brigade, Fort Bragg, NC 28307

Responsibilities. TOP RATED on all annual Officer Evaluation Reports out of 8 to 12 officers. Responsible for leading and executing the fire development planning for the maneuver commander as the reinforcing fire support combat power consisting of 18 howitzers and all its munitions. Resident expert in both technical and tactical artillery operations for direct support, reinforcing, general support, and general support-reinforcing artillery. Expert knowledge on howitzer operations, airborne and air assault operations, maneuver techniques, strategic and tactical operations, artillery munitions, logistics, and administration. Provided the Fire Support Plan for all Battalion Military Decision Making Process. Plans, coordinates, and supervises all consolidated fire direction training, section certifications, ammunition management, ammunition allocation, and digital integration. Regularly briefs Battalion and Brigade Commanders on unit combat power and allocation of unit assets.

Accomplishments. Led the Battalion readiness of over 18 howitzers, ammunition and associated software and hardware configuration, and subordinate Battery Fire Direction Centers; was the recipient of the top Battalion Fire Direction Officer (FDOs) across the Brigade, competing against 5 other Battalion FDOs. Hand selected to test the Army’s newest artillery munition (worth over $300m), the Seek and Destroy Armament in Ft Greely Alaska; was awarded the Army Achievement medal for precise fire computation and execution of the operational test. Led the Battalion’s successful readiness evaluation at the National Training Center in Ft Irwin, California; was awarded the Army Commendation Medal for being the Hero of the Battlefield by the 101st Division Commander for accurate and timely reinforcing fires. Trained and prepared the Battery FDC’s; as a result, all units were ready to support both the 82nd Airborne Division and the 101st Air Assault Division on a 24 hour readiness alert status.

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