Leaders in Technology: Innovation in Acquisition with US Dept. of Navy and US Dept. of Treasury

The Government Business Executive Forum (GBEF) announced today the first of four quarterly Leaders in Technology programs. On March 28, 2019, at the Tower Club in Tyson Corner, the Assistant Secretary of the Navy Research, Development and Acquisition James (Hondo) Guerts and the Chief Procurement Officer for the Internal Revenue Service Harrison Smith will join Executive and General GBEF members to discuss Innovation in Acquisition.

In the federal tech sector, there are endless debates about the complexities around federal procurement further complicated by the speed of technological innovation. This program will showcase two leaders with acquisition responsibility for some of the country’s most important missions. Smith and Guerts will discuss how they foster innovation and operationalize new technologies within the confines of the Federal Acquisition Regulations and other acquisitions regimens.

Each quarterly program begins with insights and a market analysis delivered by this sector’s premier market research platform and GBEF partner, Govini. Members receive a hard copy of the full analysis, prepared exclusively for GBEF members.

Geurts and smith will be invited to continue the “Innovation in Acquisition” discussion at CES Government 2020 in January 2020.

These informal LIT discussions are among the key membership benefits and we encourage your attendance. A reception will follow the meeting where members have the opportunity to speak one on one with our speakers.

About James F. Geurts
Assistant Secretary of the Navy
Research, Development & Acquisition (ASN (RD&A))

On Dec. 5, 2017, Mr. James F. Geurts was sworn in as Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development & Acquisition (ASN (RD&A)), following his confirmation by the Senate November 2017. As the Navy’s acquisition executive, Mr. Geurts has oversight of an annual budget in excess of $100 billion and is responsible for equipping and supporting the finest Sailors and Marines in the world with the best platforms, systems and technology as they operate around the globe in defense of the Nation.
Mr. Geurts previously served as the Acquisition Executive, U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM), at MacDill Air Force Base (AFB), Florida, where he was responsible for all special operations forces acquisition, technology and logistics. In this position his innovative leadership and technological ingenuity provided rapid and affordable acquisition that positively impacted the USSOCOM acquisition work force and the special operations forces capability on the battlefield. These contributions were recognized by both private and public institutions during his tenure to include earning the Presidential Rank Award, USSOCOM Medal, William Perry Award and Federal Times Vanguard Award for Executive of the Year.

Prior to Senior Executive Service, Mr. Geurts began his career as an Air Force officer where he served as an acquisition program manager with engineering and program management leadership positions in numerous weapon systems including intercontinental ballistic missiles, surveillance platforms, tactical fighter aircraft, advanced avionics systems, stealth cruise missiles, training systems and manned and unmanned special operations aircraft. He has over 30 years of extensive joint acquisition experience and served in all levels of acquisition leadership positions including Acquisition Executive, Program Executive Officer and Program Manager of Major Defense Acquisition Programs. Mr. Geurts is a distinguished 1987 ROTC graduate from Lehigh University where he received a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering. He holds a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering from Air Force Institute of Technology, Wright-Patterson AFB and in National Security Resourcing from Industrial College of the Armed Forces, National Defense University, Washington, D.C. Mr. Geurts also attended executive leadership and international studies programs at Harvard Kennedy School and George Washington Elliot School.

About Harrison Smith
Chief Procurement Officer, Internal Revenue Service, US Dept. of Treasury

Harrison Smith is the Chief Procurement Officer (Acting) at the Internal Revenue Service within the U.S. Department of the Treasury. Mr. Smith is responsible for all acquisition programs and contractual commitments for equipment, supplies, and services for IRS and Treasury Departmental Offices (approximately $2.4 billion annually).
Prior to joining the IRS, Harrison served in various roles at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Naval Sea Systems Command. As the Industry Liaison for DHS, he was responsible for providing leadership and direction for DHS offices and outside officials for all aspects of the DHS industry engagement program. He also promoted rapid and innovative approaches to solving complex problems and served as a principal advisor to the Chief Procurement Officer on matters relating to all aspects of procurement.

Harrison has over 15 years of operational procurement experience, including acting as the Contracting Officer for several multi-billion dollar IT procurements. As the Director of the Enterprise Acquisitions Division with DHS, he was responsible for a portfolio of 25 strategically-sourced contracts with a cumulative value of $68 billion. He has also worked in policy and strategic analysis positions for the U.S. Congress, and has supported the Special Assistant to the Secretary of the Navy for Business Initiatives and the Chief of Naval Operations Executive Panel under the auspices of the Presidential Management Fellows program.Harrison holds a B.A. in International Relations and an M.A. in U.S. Foreign Policy from The American University, and an M.B.A. from George Washington University. Harrison brings a wealth of leadership, acquisition, and operational experience and a high standard of professionalism.Currently, Harrison is focusing on leveraging the financial underpinnings of major IT agreements to accelerate and amplify the value of IT projects, and creating a repeatable and flexible structure for deploying innovative processes to support the government’s contracting needs..

Helpful Links:

US Department of Treasury
https://home.treasury.gov/

National Defense Business Operations Plan
https://cmo.defense.gov/Publications/NDBOP.aspx

US Department of Navy
https://www.navy.mil/

US Marine Corps
https://www.marines.mil/

About Government Business Executive Forum

The Government Business Executive Forum (GBEF) is a premier network of top government and technology professionals in business and government. Anchored in the United States, global in its reach, the GBEF builds an integrated program designed to bring influencers of government and technology together at its flagship event, held in partnership with CES- CES Government.

This event is available to Executive Committee and General Members by invitation only. For more information on joining the GBEF.

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