HMS TECHNOLOGIES, INC. Wins Chief Information Officer Solutions & Partners 3 Government Wide Acquisition Contract

Fri, 11 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

DATE: May 11, 2012

Contact: Angie Campbell

(304) 596-5583 (phone)

(304) 596-5589 (fax)

Martinsburg, WV - HMS TECHNOLOGIES, INC. (HMS) announced the award of Chief Information Officer Solutions & Partners 3 (CIO-SP3) Government Wide Acquisition Contract (GWAC), under the Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) classification, by the National Institute of Health Information Technology Acquisition and Assessment Center (NITAAC). This contract is a ten-year, $20 Billion, Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) with a Period of Performance through 2022. All Federal civilian and DOD agencies are eligible to place task orders against the IDIQ for their IT requirements.

The focus of CIO-SP3 is to provide Government agencies a mechanism for quick ordering required IT solutions and services at equitable and reasonable prices. In turn, qualified small businesses have a greater opportunity to participate in this requirement, which provides Government agencies a mechanism to help meet their socio-economic contracting goals.

HMS, as the prime, will provide advisory and assistance services to support the full range of IT services and health IT needs across the Federal Government. These services include support of: IT Services for Biomedical Research, Health Sciences, and Healthcare; Chief Information Officer (CIO) Support; Imaging; Critical Infrastructure Protection and Information Assurance; Digital Government; Enterprise Resource Management; and Software Development.

”This US Government funding vehicle represents a very significant and exciting opportunity for our Company” said HMS CEO Bill Kirkpatrick, “HMS has assembled a strong team to complement our offering as we continue to provide services to the Federal Government. This unique IDIQ contract vehicle is open to all Federal agencies to utilize and this award provides the opportunity to provide a wide range of IT services and solutions for the Institutes and Centers (ICs) of the National Institute of Health (NIH), for the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), and multiple others.”

To find out more about HMS, its products and services, visit our website at www.hmstech.com, or contact the number listed in this release.

About HMS TECHNOLOGIES, INC.

HMS TECHNOLOGIES, INC.(HMS) is a leading Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business IT prime contractor that possesses the know-how with proven results for integrating technology, partners, and clients for the common goal of teamed successes in both the Federal Sector and Commercial environments. HMS is also known for its quality service, responsiveness, speed to market, and the ability to sell hardware and software of choice that is the “best of the best” in information systems. HMS has received several distinguished awards. For the year 2009, #1 Washington Technology Fast 50, 45th among the INC 500 fastest growing privately held companies in America, the only SDVOSB in the country to receive the 2009 DHS Small Business Achievement Award, ranks 68th on the Federal Government’s list Top 100 Governmentwide Acquisition Contractors (GWAC), SBA’s Small Business of the Year for 2008 in WV, and was the first SDVOSB of the Year in DoD in 2007. HMS was founded in 2003 and is headquartered in Martinsburg, WV.

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“Old World Commitment Coupled With New Age Technology”

Modernizing Court Record Storage Reveals Berkeley Co.'s Colorful Past

Wed, 14 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT

(Photo Courtesy of Ric Dugan/Staff Photographer)

By MATTHEW UMSTEAD

9:56 p.m. EDT, March 14, 2012

MARTINSBURG, W.Va.—

The stories found within the hundreds of white file boxes of Berkeley County Circuit Court records from years past are much more colorful than their containers.

For example, there is an account of a legal fight that erupted when a man refused to marry a woman. A jury ultimately found him guilty at trial, because the woman had a baby by him.

And when the Norwalk Motor Car Co. went belly up in Martinsburg in the 1920s, the entire inventory of the luxury car maker — “every nut, bolt and nail” — was compiled among multiple civil proceedings that spelled out the company’s financial demise.

“A lot of the companies sued the Norwalk (company) for nonpayment,” said Betty Hutsler, a deputy circuit court clerk and former president of the Norwalk Antique Car Club.

While Hutsler has been working to obtain copies of all of the Norwalk-related court action to preserve the story of its unraveling, the records are also among millions of circuit court records dating back more than 150 years that are being digitally preserved as part of an ongoing scanning project.

The scanning operation is under way where the records are being stored in the former county administration building in the 100 block of West King Street. The county awarded the records project to Martinsburg-based HMS Technologies Inc. in December 2010.

And it has been a grimy job at times, said Circuit Clerk Virginia M. Sine, who is the custodian of the court records.

“My hands were black. I mean black! That’s how dirty they were,” said Sine, recalling her work on some of the larger cases to be scanned.

Since starting the work last year, Sine said the scanning process has proved to be tedious and complicated by unexpected discoveries.

“They opened up a box (of records to be scanned) the other day, and it was wet,” said Sine, recalling “several leaks” in the building.

And Sine said some of the papers have been so fragile that once you touch them, they start to disintegrate in your hand.

The duplication of the records does not mean the county can automatically dispose of the paper files, because state law still requires that any record of court actions involving real estate be preserved, according to Sine.

“Eventually, down the road you could get rid of some,” Sine said.

But you have to have someone literally review every document to do that, she noted.

Juvenile records, for example, can be disposed after 20 years have passed, but the county still has to transfer certain information about such cases to a card index system, Sine said.

While the scanning project is expected to be done this summer, Sine said she expects it will take several years for all of the old records to be docketed and available for the public to research via the county’s computer system.

While the circuit clerk is responsible for recording and maintaining all circuit court records, the county commission is obligated to provide adequate storage space, according to state law.

And Sine said she is rapidly filling space in the county’s judicial center, which opened in 2006.

Faced with growing storage space concerns, county officials have been lobbying the Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia to allow counties some relief from having to keep paper records, which has been recognized as a problem statewide.

At least with the digital copies, Sine said has some comfort in knowing there is a backup to the paper files, which she said are not being properly stored in a fireproof vault as required by state law.

“I’m responsible for these records. What if we have a fire?” Sine asked.

HMS TECHNOLOGIES, INC. Earns Prestigious ISO 9001 Certification

Wed, 07 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT

HMS TECHNOLOGIES, INC. Earns Prestigious ISO 9001 Certification

Martinsburg, WV – HMS TECHNOLOGIES, INC. (HMS) announced today that it has received ISO 9001:2008 certification. The formal certification reflects HMS’ commitment to its rigorous quality management system, continuous process improvement, and delivery of the highest level of customer satisfaction.

“This certification coupled with several others like CMMI Level 2 and the large numbers of PMPs we have in the organization tell our clients how serious we are about the quality of our work,” said HMS President and CEO Harry M. Siegel. “When a customer trusts us with their business, they know we will see them through with integrity and quality.”

ISO 9001:2008 certification is granted to organizations that adhere to international standards for quality management that ensure the organization fulfills and achieves continual improvement of its performance in pursuit of the customers’ requirements, applicable regulatory requirements and enhancement of customer satisfaction. Companies gain certification by implementing policies, procedures and systems that follow and meet ISO standards, which are assessed by a third-party certification body. As part of the certification process, an auditor performed a series of audits and will continue ongoing assessments to monitor compliance.

“Obtaining ISO 9001 certification would not have been possible without a committed team,” said Kim Hough, Quality Manager at HMS. “Each and every HMS employee, from the CEO and executive management, to the project and operations managers, to the temporary project support staff, was dedicated to taking their award-winning work to an even higher level.”

Ms. Hough began pursuing the certification process for the company in 2010; a daunting task of planning, documenting, and dedication to detail.

“Although certification is a substantial achievement by HMS,” added Ms. Hough, “it is really a reinforcement of our commitment to the 5 C’s we practice on a daily basis: Country, Clients, Colleagues, Corporation, and Cost-Control.”

To find out more about HMS, its products and services, visit our website at www.hmstech.com, or contact the number listed in this release.

About HMS TECHNOLOGIES, INC.

HMS TECHNOLOGIES, INC. is a leading Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Business IT prime contractor that possesses the know-how with proven results for integrating technology, partners, and clients for the common goal of teamed successes in both the Federal Sector and Commercial environments. HMS is known for its quality service, responsiveness, speed to market, and the ability to sell hardware and software of choice that is the “best of the best” in information systems. HMS has received several distinguished awards. For the year 2009, #1 Washington Technology Fast 50, 45th among the INC 500 fastest growing privately held companies in America, the only SDVOSB in the country to receive the 2009 DHS Small Business Achievement Award, ranks 68th on the federal government’s list Top 100 Government Wide Acquisition Contractors (GWAC), SBA’s Small Business of the Year for 2008 in WV, and was the first SDVOSB of the Year in DoD in 2007. HMS was founded in 2003 and is headquartered in Martinsburg, WV.

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“Old World Commitment Coupled With New Age Technology”

Flagship Project - New Generation Study

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT

HMS conducts VA’s largest, most comprehensive health surveillance of veterans and reports on the effects of long-term and multiple deployments, the rise in PTSD and TBI, and many other health issues experienced by our nation’s OEF/OIF veterans.

Between 2009 and 2010, HMS was honored to conduct the National Health Surveillance for a New Generation of U.S. Veterans for the U.S Department of Veteran Affairs. This study was prompted because VA found that veterans returning from the most recent conflicts had significantly different health concerns than those of the past.

Comparing data collected from past studies to the New Generation data meant that special considerations had to be taken when designing the questionnaire and in the cleaning and interpretation of the collected data to ensure appropriate comparisons could be made not only between the past and present data, but also with data collected from future surveys.

The largest of its kind, the New Generation study surveyed 60,000 veterans of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom including both male and female veterans from all branches and components. Offered in paper, online, and telephone response options, the complex health questionnaire provided validated data (verified by the collection of medical records from consenting respondents) to VA allowing them to determine the long-term effects of extended and multiple deployments and to plan for caring for these veterans in the years to come.

The following link to VA’s WRIISC (War Related Illness and Injury Study Center) website provides more details about this important study.
http://www.publichealth.va.gov/newgenerationstudy/index.asp

HMS Receives Sole Mentor Protégé Team Award

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Martinsburg, WV - HMS TECHNOLOGIES, INC. (HMS) announced today the accolade of being named the sole 2011Mentor-Protégé Team of the Year by the Department of Treasury’s Office of Small Business Programs. Each year, the Department of Treasury picks one team consisting of a Mentor and it’s Protégée who has exemplified the meaning of partnership and ultimate success. This award was bestowed by Don Graves of the Small Business Office, during a ceremony held on December 15, 2011, and is the result of HMS’s mentorship/partnership to Central Research, Inc. a Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) of Lowell, Arkansas.

"It is a true honor to receive an award that promotes the real spirit of mentorship", said Harry M. Siegel, President and CEO. "We are proud of our support to the Mentor Protégé Program, and vow to continue our commitment to Treasury protégé vendors. Giving back to the small business community is the right thing to do."

HMS regularly provides mentoring and consulting to Central Research in the areas of contracts, finance, proposal development, and program management. HMS has also provided formal business development training to Central Research. Central Research is a successful contractor at Department of Treasury identifying fraud waste and abuse activities.

Governor Releases October "Open for Business" Report

Tue, 04 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Governor Releases October "Open for Business" Report

(M2 PressWIRE Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin today released the latest "Open for Business" report documenting the state's economic progress. The October 2011 report highlights projects and related announcements from businesses both large and small that will assist with the creation of new jobs and the preservation of existing jobs.

New Kureha PGA polymer plant begins operation in Kanawha County Officials from Japan and West Virginia gathered for the grand opening of the Kureha PGA LLC plant, co-located on the DuPont site in Belle, on Sept. 26. The polymer facility is dedicated to the production of polyglycolic acid (PGA), marketed under the trade name of Kuredux PGA. The high-performance polymer's high strength, biodegradability and low gas permeability make it suitable for use in beverage containers, food packaging, medical and electronic applications, oil recovery and other industrial products. Kureha will obtain its primary feedstock from the DuPont Belle facility, reported to be the world's largest glycolic acid plant. The plant, a $150 million investment, currently employs 35 workers.

Thai firm's first North American facility to create 25 jobs in West Virginia Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin announced that Precision Converting Solutions (PCS) LLC will open a manufacturing facility in the Charleston area. Plans call for PCS to begin operations in January 2012 in an interim center while construction of the new 20,000-square-foot clean room manufacturing/R&D center is completed. The new company is a subsidiary of Siam Precision Components, a Thailand-based manufacturer of precision laminated components. When fully operational in two years, the project is expected to create 25 high-technology jobs and represent an investment of approximately $6 million.

Siam Precision Components first learned about opportunities in West Virginia when they visited the state's exhibit at the Bio International Convention in Washington, D.C. in June 2011.

West Virginia ranks third for state budget health West Virginia ranks third out of 50 states in budget health, reports the non-partisan group State Budget Solutions. Only Wyoming and North Dakota ranked higher. State Budget Solutions rates states on criteria such as general fund surplus, per capita general spending increases and per capita total spending.

Eight West Virginia companies rank on Inc. 500/5000 2011 The 2011 Inc. 500/5000 list of top businesses includes eight West Virginia companies. The firms given rankings in the Top 5000 and within their industry are: Cenergy , Milton, Cabell County, # 622, Energy industry # 17; McKinley Carter Wealth Services , Wheeling, Ohio County, # 1372 , Financial Services # 69; KeyLogic Systems , Morgantown, Monongalia County, #1395 , IT Services industry #157; HMS Technologies , Martinsburg, Berkeley County, # 1450 , Government Services industry # 144; Reliable Environmental Transport , Bridgeport, Harrison County, # 1600 , Environmental Services industry # 22; digiBlitz Technologies , Martinsburg, Berkeley County, #2892 , IT Services industry # 362; PracticeLink , Hinton, Summers County, # 3287, Health industry # 290; and Advanced Technical Solutions , Scott Depot, Putnam County, # 3482 , IT Services industry # 453.

Harbor Steel plans $1 million expansion in Wayne County Metal service center and distributor Harbor Steel & Supply Corporation is planning a $1 million investment and expansion in Prichard. Harbor Steel is installing new equipment capable of handling larger pieces of steel, enabling the company to serve an expanded range of industries.

Wheeling firm produces steel used to rebuild World Trade Center Wheeling Corrugated Co. is producing steel decking being used to rebuild structures in New York City's Ground Zero. The company's steel decking contract includes Towers One, Three and Four, the Memorial Museum Pavilion, the Transportation Hub and a Vehicular Security Center. The material is being produced at the Beech Bottom plant in West Virginia and another facility in Virginia.

Wyoming County firm provides Port Security Barriers for U.S. Navy Truston Technologies is producing Port Security Barriers (PSBs) for the U.S. Navy. The U.S. Navy requires commercial shipyards to maintain U.S. Navy-approved barriers to deter terrorist attacks. At the center of the PSB fabrication process is the Truston facility in Pineville, which has 21 employees.

Nation's fastest growing 2010 household income in Monongalia County The country's largest increase in median household income in 2010 was in Monongalia County. The U.S. Census Bureau data shows the county's household income grew 27.3 percent over the past three years. Monongalia County's income grew from $33,010 in 2007 to $42,028 in 2010. The second fastest growing was Muskogee County, Okla., at 23.3 percent, followed by Scioto County, Ohio, at 22.2 percent.

Study reports state's venture capital fund generates jobs and business growth The West Virginia Jobs Investment Trust (WVJIT) has added a $4 million to $9 million economic impact on the state during the past decade, reports a recent study. The University of Charleston study found the companies in which WVJIT invested employed nearly 550 full-time workers last year. WVJIT has 18 companies located in 11 counties in its portfolio. The venture capital fund has loans and equity interests valued at $14.6 million last year. The state Legislature established WVJIT in 1994 with the mandate to invest in innovative, fast-growth companies.

West Virginia among top states for accurate unemployment claim payments West Virginia rates among the country's top states for least errors and fraud in its unemployment system. The state's fifth-place ranking is based on a Wall Street Journal analysis of state unemployment system data from the U.S. Department of Labor. Only 5 percent of the payments made through WorkForce West Virginia were considered erroneous or fraudulent payments for the year. Lowest ranked was Indiana at 60 percent.

WVEDA approves $1.2 million for expansion of Jefferson County business The West Virginia Economic Development Authority (WVEDA) approved new lease agreements during its October 2011 meeting: Summit Point Ventures, $1.2 million to finance the purchase of a manufacturing, warehousing and distribution facility to be leased to STaSIS Engineering. STaSIS designs, engineers, manufactures and resells performance enhancement systems for luxury vehicles.

In other action, WVEDA authorized the issuance of revenue bonds up to $2.7 million to Collins Hardwood LLC for expansion and improvements to its existing sawmill in Richwood (Nicholas County). WVEDA authorized the refunding of lease revenue bonds up to $5 million for the State Capitol Complex parking garage in Charleston (Kanawha County) and up to $9 million for a state office building in Huntington (Cabell County).

State launches new online contribution reporting system for employers West Virginia employers have a new online tool to file unemployment insurance quarterly wage and contribution reports. The Online Contribution Reporting system allows users to log in to a secure website and file wage reports, make payments and maintain employee records. Once registered to use the system, employers enter wage information for each employee. The system is accessible through the WorkForce West Virginia website at www.workforcewv.org .

Two state parks are finalists in filmmaker challenge Films made about two West Virginia State Parks are finalists in the national America's State Parks Filmmaker Challenge. The films "Prickett's Fort State Park" by Shannon Tinnel and "Blackwater Falls State Park" by Nora Sheridan are two of 19 finalists. Finalists were selected by contest judges. Fans can visit www.americasstateparks.org/filmmaker to view the films and vote for their favorites now through Nov. 1, 2011.

Contact Information Jacqueline Proctor or Catherine Zacchi 304-558-2000 or 304-957-9340 ((M2 Communications disclaims all liability for information provided within M2 PressWIRE. Data supplied by named party/parties. Further information on M2 PressWIRE can be obtained at http://www.presswire.net on the world wide web. Inquiries to info@m2.com)).

(c) 2011 M2 COMMUNICATIONS

HMS Ranks Among INC. 500/5000 Fastest Growing Privately Held Companies in America For Third Straight Year

Thu, 25 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT

HMS TECHNOLOGIES, INC. RANKS AMONG INC. 500/5000 FASTEST

GROWING PRIVATELY HELD COMPANIES IN AMERCIA FOR THE THIRD STRAIGHT YEAR

Martinsburg, WV - HMS TECHNOLOGIES, INC. (HMS) announced today that the company has made the prestigious INC. 500/5000 fastest growing privately held companies in America list for the third year in a row. The company placed at 1450 in this year’s annual ranking with a growth rate of 192 percent over the last three years and with revenues totaling 36.4 million in 2010. HMS continues to make its mark in joining other pedigree businesses with notable alumni such as Intuit, Microsoft, and Oracle.

“Making the INC, 500/5000 continues to validate our hard work, dedication and commitment to excellence in delivering top rated services and products to our clients and partners,” said Harry M. Siegel, President, CEO and Founder. “We are pleased to join in the ranks of those who have appeared on the list multiple times, and showing the world we are here to stay.” “Our past is magnificent, our team committed, and our future continues to be bright and unlimited.”

Carter Craft Receives on Behalf of President/CEO Harry Siegel, the “SDVOSB Veteran Business Award”

Tue, 23 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT

HMS TECHNOLOGIES, INC. Wins Award at the 7^th Annual Veterans Conference and Business Expo

Martinsburg, WV - HMS TECHNOLOGIES, INC. (HMS) announces it is the proud recipient of the Veterans Administration’s very firstExtraordinary Achievement Award to a Service Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business at this year’s 7^th Annual Veteran’s Conference and Small Business Expo. HMS has a long line of firsts in the program; First Ever SDVOSB of the Year for DoD, First SDVOSB to be ranked number one on Washington Technologies prestigious Fast Fifty, First SDVOSB to be awarded the DHS Small Business Achievement Award, and the First Small Business in America to be certified as a Mentor by GSA to name a few.

“While we have won many awards over the years, this one is extra special because it was awarded in front of most of my peers, and it’s from the VA where I’m not just a contractor, but a client as well”, said Harry M. Siegel, President and CEO. “We are honored and humbled by the award, and vow to continue our history of commitment to our government clients and veterans across the nation.”

Held at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, LA August 15-18, the award celebrated entrepreneurship and innovation in assisting government clients and helping them achieve their mission. Due to HMS’s exceptional work and dedication to best practices, HMS was awarded the honor for the “SDVOSB Veteran Business Award”. On hand to accept the award on behalf of President/CEO Harry M. Siegel, was Carter Craft, Vice President of Services for HMS.

The criteria for the award required that the nominee must be a verified SDVOSB as defined by standard established by the Small Business Administration, and performance had to include the ability to: (1) Assist the VA mission by implementing cost savings programs, and (2) Developing and implementing programs to enhance Veteran hiring and/or mentoring to other Veteran owned businesses. The awards ceremony was part of a week-long conference that included guest speakers and several sessions for equipping veteran owned businesses on how to win more federal contracts, to linking other small businesses that have already established themselves in the private marketplace.

HMS Chosen for SBA’s Top 100 Business Success Stories

Wed, 03 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT

HMS Technologies Inc.

HMS TECHNOLOGIES, INC. Headquarters Building in Martinsburg, WV.

Photo provided by: West Virginia Department of Commerce

Company Name:

HMS Technologies Inc.

Location:

Martinsburg, WV

Harry Siegal, a Service-Disabled Veteran Small Business Owner, used lessons from his military background to create his company, HMS Technologies, Inc. The company provides IT systems through commercial and government contracts. Its staff of more than 175 employees is comprised almost entirely of veterans. To date, the company has completed over $15 billion in contracting projects.

When HMS was in the early stages of growth, they needed funding to cover the payroll for their twelve employees. The company received its first SBA-guaranteed loan in 2005 for $200,000. Its second SBA-guaranteed loan helped the company move out of Siegal’s basement and into new office space.

Recently, the company has received multiple contract awards including a contract with the Department of Health and Human Services to provide Continuity of Operations Planning, a contract with the Department of Veterans Affairs for nearly $15 million each year, and U.S. Patent and Trade Office contract for $6 million annually. HMS Technologies was ranked first among the Top 50 Privately-Held Businesses in West Virginia in 2010.

HMS to Host Small Business Day

Wed, 03 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT

HMS to Host Small Business Day

08/03/2011

Small Business Day Set August 9 in Martinsburg

Managing Cash Flow and Growing Through Government Contracting Focus

MARTINSBURG, W.Va. – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and the Small Business Development Center of the Eastern Panhandle (SBDC) have teamed together to bring Small Business Day to Martinsburg on Tuesday, Aug. 9. This free event will be held in the main conference room at HMS TECHNOLOGIES located at One Discovery Place in Martinsburg.

Small business will be the focus of this day-long event which kicks off at 9:30 a.m. with the SBDC program Managing Cash or Seven Ways to Improve your Cash Flow. The afternoon session, which begins at 1:30 p.m., is all about government contracting. Melissa Loder, Business Development Specialist, from the SBA will present how a small business can use government contracting to expand their business. Specialized SBA contracting programs geared to provide women, minorities, service disabled veterans and historically underutilized businesses (HUBZone) an advantage when it comes to securing a government contract will also be covered. The program will conclude with an open forum from 3:30 to 5:00 p.m. where answers to small business questions will be provided.

“Anyone thinking about starting a business or escalating into government contracting should seriously consider attending Small Business Day,” said SBA West Virginia Director Judy McCauley. “Experts whose duty is to assist entrepreneurs start, grow and expand will be providing their insight on how to be successful small business owners.”

“In these tough economic times, businesses need to focus on managing their cash,” said Christina Lundberg, center manager for the SBDC Eastern Panhandle Center. “The workshop being presented will give business owners tools to help them succeed.”

There is no charge to attend Small Business Day. The event will incorporate a two hour window between sessions (11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.) for a lunch break. For questions or additional information, contact Melissa Loder at (304) 623-7448 (Melissa.loder(at)sba.gov) or Christina Lundberg at (304) 596-6642 (Christina.m.lundberg(at)sba.gov).

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The mission of the SBA is to aid, counsel, assist and promote the interests of small businesses by providing financial, procurement and business development assistance and advocating on their behalf within the government. All SBA programs are extended to the public on a non-discriminatory basis.

HMS Shows Support for Deployed Soldier

Sun, 31 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Showing support

Community helps soldier’s family through tough time

July 31, 2011

By Jenni Vincent - Journal staff writer (jvincent@journal-news.net) , journal-news.net

MARTINSBURG - Not surprisingly, sleep hasn't come easy to Kim Horst since she found out earlier this week her son, Spc. Uriah Horst, had been injured while serving with the Army in Afghanistan.

Fear of the unknown had always nagged at her, especially since she realized just how rough an area her son was stationed in, but news of his injury took that to a whole new level, she said.

"My first concern was that he had all his limbs," Horst said, still vividly able to recall the early morning call from her son that included a description of his trying to pick himself off the ground following the blast of an incoming enemy rocket.

A medic at the scene has been credited with saving his life, she said.

"He said he just started crawling to get to his radio since his leg was injured. He talked about how hard it was to even crawl. ... And in all honesty, I've had some meltdowns this past week since knowing what happened. But I guess as a mom that's to be expected, and the good news is that our church, prayers and a lot of people have made such a difference during this horrible time," Horst said.

"The support has been overwhelming. It started a lot with Facebook because we immediately sent prayer requests, and we were flooded with posts from our church, The Living Room, as well as people who posted it so that it was also reaching other churches - folks we didn't even know but we sure did appreciate," she said, adding that his plight had even reached Australia because church members are working there.

"It's transcontinental now, but Uriah has no clue," Horst said, shaking her head in amazement.

Local support was even more obvious when she looked out a window early Wednesday morning and saw a row of American flags that had been anonymously placed in her family's front yard - near the same limestone structure where her son was raised.

Each of the nine flags was accompanied with a typed flier praising her son as a hero and wishing him a speedy recovery.

"Thank you and your family for your service and sacrifice. God bless America," the fliers read.

"We have no clue who did this. I had gone to bed Tuesday night, because it had been a really bad day because it was the day we found out about Uriah. I just couldn't settle myself down and when I got up at about four in the morning, I happened to see what I thought were little flags when I looked out the blinds," Horst said.

"So when I actually went out to look at them, I was just blown away and I still am. We just don't know who did it, but it was amazing. And I really want Uriah to see it, because he's the guest of honor and not even here. It's all about him," she said, adding that her son wouldn't want a fuss made about him but would appreciate all the prayers and kindness.

"In the end, I think Uriah will say he was just doing his job," Horst said.

Family friend Mike O'Connell agrees that something special has been at work here.

"The main thread of all this is the faith that not only the family shares but the people around them - just a sense that even though Uriah was in harm's way, he was being protected," O'Connell said, recalling another time when the young soldier was spared while at war.

At that time, just a week before he was injured, his unit also was being fired upon when something came into his tent and went under another service member's sleeping bag but didn't detonate, he said.

"Obviously he was also very well-protected when the incident happened in his tent because if that would have gone off, it's more than likely he wouldn't be here," O'Connell said.

Co-workers at HMS Technologies, a service-disabled veteran-owned business where she and two of her adult children are employed, have been supportive since her son was deployed to Afghanistan - but especially now.

"I work with a lot of veterans, and when I found out Uriah was deploying, they were just so supportive that I still get very emotional about it because I was devastated when he left," Horst said.

Following Tuesday's news, her fellow employees brought lunch to the family because "they didn't want us to forget to eat while we sat by the phone waiting for the next word about Uriah," she said.

In the end, it all helped make a difference, according to Horst.

"We asked friends and family to flood heaven with prayers. It was not the only thing we could do, but it was the best we could do," she said.

- Staff writer Jenni Vincent can be reached at 304-263-8931, ext. 138, or jvincent@journal-news.net

HMS Sponsors Legion Poker Run to Benefit Toys for Tots

Thu, 28 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Legion poker run to benefit Toys for Tots

July 28, 2011

MARTINSBURG - The American Legion Riders Chapter 14 will host its second poker run this Saturday, which will benefit the Toys for Tots of the Eastern Panhandle.

A breakfast, which involves a donation of $6, will begin at 7:30 a.m., and the opening ceremony will kick off at 9:45 a.m. First riders depart at 10 a.m., and group riders leave a half-hour later.

The poker run route will consist of the VIP Sports Lounge, Martinsburg; the Rock Sports Bar, Martinsburg; Country Roads Restaurant, Hedgesville; the 19 Hole Cafe, Spring Mills; the Q Company, Martinsburg; and the American Legion Post 14, Martinsburg.

The cost is $20 per bike, T-shirts will be provided and prizes will be awarded to the best and the worst poker hands. Extra riders pay $5 with T-shirt and poker hand.

Sponsors of this event include HMS Technologies, Martin Distributing Co., Kent Parsons Ford, Busted Knuckles Custom Cycles, WRNR Radio, WEPM Radio, Rely Local, Graphic Tees, VIP Sports Lounge, the Rock Sports Bar, Country Roads Restaurant, the 19 Hole Cafe and the Q Company.

The Toys for Tots of the Eastern Panhandle, a Marine Corps Reserve program, is a growing nonprofit that provides toys to less fortunate children of the tri-county area of Berkeley, Jefferson and Morgan counties; as well as the counties of Grant, Hardy, Hampshire and Mineral, during Christmastime.

The American Legion Riders Chapter 14 support to the Toys for Tots program began last year when members conducted their first poker run. Last year more than $2,000 was raised, and this year many more riders are expected, with hopes of raising even more money.

Any business or individual who would like to support the American Legion Riders in this important fundraising effort can contact Director Brian Tolstyka at 304-754-0129 or Treasurer Jack Lauer at 304-754-0129.

- From staff reports

HMS Supports Dell in Providing $476M in PC Services

Wed, 25 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Dell to supply VA with $476M in PCs, services

Contract will provide VA with approximately 600,000 PCs and monitors.

By David Hubler
May 25, 2011

Dell Corp. will provide the Veterans Affairs Department with PCs, technology and services at more than 1,200 VA sites nationwide under a four-year, $476 million contract.

In a May 25 announcement Dell said it will provide the VA with approximately 600,000 PCs and monitors.

The company had been providing PC technology and support to VA under a previous competitively bid three-year contract.

Under this new award, Dell will provide deployment services and support to VA and assist the department as it continues to transform its end-user computing environment to improve access, manageability and security.

Using Intel’s latest technology, the new solutions also will improve flexibility and mobility among VA employees and enable the organization to more quickly transition to efficient solutions such as desktop virtualization, the announcement said.

Several service-disabled, veteran-owned small businesses will support the 1,200 sites, including Four Points Technology, HMS Technologies, Arma Systems, Cliveden and Alpha Ten.

Dell Corp., of Round Rock, Texas, ranks No. 11 on Washington Technology’s 2010 Top 100 list of the largest federal government contractors.

Harry Siegel Receives Regional Honors from SBA

Thu, 19 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT

[May 19, 2011]

Harry Siegel Receives Regional Honors from SBA [State Journal, The (Charleston)]

(State Journal, The (Charleston) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) MARTINSBURG - To say Harry Siegel got into some mischief as a child is perhaps an understatement. At the age of 9, Siegel said three significant events took place, two of which included burning properties to the ground. One involved him intentionally throwing a newspaper through a window.

Call it providence or divine intervention or something else, but whatever it was, Siegel said he found himself in a one-on-one with God, bargaining to live to age 10 with the promise to be the best kid around. Henceforth, Siegel demonstrated himself to be a "Boy Scout" in all his affairs, practicing integrity and living by a set of principles that continue to serve his best interest today as well as the 100 or so who work for him at his ever-growing HMS Technologies Inc. that topped out at $36 million in contracts last year.

"I kept my side of the bargain," Siegel said. "I live with honor and principle. When you look at yourself in the mirror before you go to bed each night, all you really have at the end of the day is your honor." Siegel is the founder and CEO of HMS Technologies, which since 2003 has been a certified Service Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business, or SDVOSB, providing information technology integration services to a host of clients from the federal government and commercial entities throughout the United States and abroad.

He is this year's recipient of Region III honors from the U.S. Small Business Administration for Entrepreneurial Success and will receive his award from SBA officials during a ceremony April 29 at HMS Technologies' headquarters, a state-of-the-art facility located in Martinsburg.

Siegel has more than 30 years of project resource management and marketing experience, the last 25 years of which have involved the direction of large organizations and multimillion-dollar operations. He holds a master's degree in computer systems from the Naval Post-graduate School, and a bachelor's degree in analytical management from the U.S. Naval Academy. He is a decorated Service Disabled Vietnam Veteran.

In 2010, the National Veteran-Owned Business Association named Siegel one of the National Vetrepreneurs of the Year. Siegel's national recognition for his artificial intelligence expertise is demonstrated by having served as international chairman for the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers Technical Committee on Expert Systems Applications for three and a half years and national chairman for the IEEE Task Force on Expert Systems, which included more than 2,000 professionals.

Siegel's expertise encompasses various areas, including AI software development; grants management automation program management; evaluation, development and implementation of databases; independent verification and validation; management information systems; automated data processing system design, maintenance and operation; and computer facility design.

He has received a string of awards and honors, including the Ronald Reagan Gold Medal in 2005 for Small Business Excellence, being named 2005 Business Man of the year by the NRCC and the SBA's Veteran Advocate of the year for 2006. He won the Congressional Medal of Distinction in 2007 for Small Business Excellence. He has been interviewed and profiled in a new national book on leadership and in articles on ethics in American Executive Magazine.

Siegel is quick to say he accepts the accolades on behalf of his employees. "It is an honor I very proudly accept. I consider them all team awards. You can't win for entrepreneurial success unless you have good employees. You don't get rewarded by being a company of one," Siegel said.

According to SBA district director, Judy McCauley, Siegel, who won his most recent award over other nominations in five states in his category, is most deserving of the award based on his intense support of other small businesses and involvement with various community and business development projects.

"Mr. Siegel is a very admirable man," she said.

Originally from South Carolina, Siegel has lived in the Eastern Panhandle for 18 years and currently resides in Falling Waters with his wife, Wendy, and son, Sloane. Together, the family owns and operates Maralie Farm, an animal rescue, and, for the past 12 years, have offered a riding program for underprivileged children and children with disabilities.

Siegel is a 32nd degree master Mason who is an officer in his lodge and is also a Knights Templar. He is also involved in the American Legion, AMVETS and Moose Lodge while also serving as tech advisory member for the West Virginia Chamber of Commerce, and technology adviser for the Technology Council for Jefferson County.

Siegel has been a board member for various organizations, including East Ridge Mental Health, FOCUS and Boys and Girls Club of America for West Virginia. He's also been involved with Thanks Plain and Simple, USA VETBIZ, Veteran Corps of America and the board of directors for the Berkeley County Development Authority and the county's ambulance authority.

Currently in California where he has been for the last three months with his son who is an actor, Siegel said the experience has cemented the idea that he has the best possible staff in place, generating what he hopes to be $50 million in revenues this year.

"There is no better confirmation that your team is good than when the business can run without ever missing a beat without you being there," he said.

Siegel will compete with the other regional, state winner, Clarksburg's Oliverio Italian Style Peppers, against other regional winners for national honors, which will take place May 18-20 in Washington, D.C.

(c) 2011 State Journal Corporation

Warrior Energy Inc. Sites HMS President/CEO in Journal Article

Sun, 15 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Warrior Energy signs to sponsor race team

Company receives SBA honor, eyes distribution abroad

May 15, 2011

journal-news.net

MARTINSBURG - Warrior Energy Inc. has big things in the works. The Martinsburg company recently signed a sponsorship deal with the Keystone Motorsports team in the NASCAR Nationwide Series. The drivers are Amber and Angela Cope, nieces of Daytona 500 winner Derrick Cope. The twins, heralded as the "first twins of NASCAR," have been featured in Sports Illustrated and have a lifetime of racing experience.

The sponsorship deal will garner national brand exposure for the Warrior Energy team and will help propel national distribution. The Cope twins have forthcoming appearances on ABC's news program "Nightline" as well as a feature in Maxim Magazine.

Warrior Energy is led by President and CEO Arthur Ebeling, Vice Presidents Chris Perkins and Brent Garrett, and COO Audra Grapes.

Ebeling was recently named the 2011 Small Business Administration Young Entrepreneur of the Year in West Virginia. The honor was recognized by U.S. Sens. Jay Rockefeller and Joe Manchin, acting Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin and U.S. Rep. Shelley Moore Capito. Martinsburg businessman Harry Siegel also was honored with the 2011 Entrepreneurial Success Award. Ebeling and Siegel have started a dialogue and hope to realize a working arrangement between Warrior Energy and HMS Technologies for product distribution in the government sector.

"Harry has demonstrated incredible success as an entrepreneur but remains so humble; the meteoric growth of HMS Technologies coupled with Harry's brand of leadership serve as inspiration to me," Ebeling said.

With the SBA acknowledgment has come other opportunities. The company has started working with the International Trade Administration under the U.S. Department of Commerce to realize international distribution. The company hopes to begin exporting this summer.

"We are blessed with tremendous opportunity, certainly founded on hard work and sacrifice. As we continue to grow, my hope is to use the business as a vehicle to help others and to give back to our community. A lot of people offer such promises but they are hollow - we are really committed to this principle, and for me this effort would not be worthwhile in the absence of giving back," Ebeling said.

More information on the company is available by emailing info@drinkwarrior.com or calling 304-264-0437.

SBA Selects Martinsburg CEO As Top Entrepreneur in Five States and D.C.

Thu, 05 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT

SBA Selects Martinsburg CEO As Top Entrepreneur in Five States

Harry Siegel of HMS TECHNOLOGIES Recognized at Regional Ceremony

The U.S. Small Business Administration’s Region 3 Administrator A. John Shoraka recognized Harry M. Siegel, president and CEO of HMS TECHNOLOGIES, INC., as the 2011 Regional Entrepreneurial Success Award recipient today. The award was presented to Siegel in a ceremony at the HMS TECHNOLOGIES headquarters facility, located at One Discovery Place in Martinsburg, in conjunction with the SBA’s National Small Business Week program. In addition to Siegel and Shoraka, ceremony participants included SBA’s West Virginia Director Judy K. McCauley and Nancy Ferner, business coach for the West Virginia Small Business Development Center – Eastern Panhandle who nominated Siegel for the award.

“I’m proud to say that SBA helped provided Harry Siegel’s HMS TECHNOLOGIES with capital to grow his Service-Disabled Veteran Owned company from a one person operation to a multi-million dollar company that has just been named winner of SBA Region 3’s 2011 Entrepreneurial Success Award,” Shoraka said. To be considered for the Entrepreneurial Success award, the recipient must own or operate a business that was initially defined as “small” under the applicable SBA size standards, developed into a large business and must have received SBA assistance to help the business grow.

“I have won many awards over the years and have proudly accepted each on behalf of those who work with me and consider them all team awards,” said Siegel. “You can’t win an entrepreneurial success award unless you have good employees. Companies of one rarely receive recognition. The better team you assemble, the easier it is to accept awards such as this on their behalf.” HMS TECHNOLOGIES is a certified Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Business founded in 2003 with three core lines of business: (1) Enterprise Information Technology Services, (2) Health Services and (3) Technology and Product Integration. The company is built upon the principles of duty, honor, and commitment to excellence. Its mission is to be the most responsive SDVOB systems integrator in the world. The corporation has grown over 2,000 percent and is engaged in multiple government and commercial contracts. HMS’s entire executive staff is composed of Army, Navy and Air Force veterans and has completed over $15 billion in projects.

“I’ve the pleasure of watching Harry grow his business from a one-man operation in the basement of his home to a company with over 200 employees and sales in excess of $35 million, all in the span of seven years,” said McCauley. “HMS TECHNOLOGIES is a phenomenal success story and one which SBA is very proud to have been able to help.” As the West Virginia recipient of the Entrepreneurial Success Award, Siegel along with six other West Virginia Small Business Week award recipients will receive their West Virginia awards at the 2011 Small Business Week Celebration luncheon on Tuesday, May 3, at the Tamarack Conference Center in Beckley. To register, visit www.westvirginiawbc.org or call 800-766-4556.

To learn more about SBA, visit their web site at www.sba.gov or contact the SBA’s West Virginia District Office at (304) 623-5631. More information on HMS TECHNOLOGIES can be found at www.hmstech.com.

Harry M. Siegel accepts the State Award for Entrepreneurial Success With His Leadership Team in Tamarack, WV

Tue, 03 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT

SBA Honors Seven W. Virginia Small Businesses & Champions

Governor Earl Tomblin Keynotes SBA Annual Small Business Event

BECKLEY, W.VA. – Judy K. McCauley, director of the U.S. Small Business Administration’s West Virginia Office, welcomed business leaders, commercial lenders and officials from all corners of the state to the Tamarack Conference Center in Beckley today to honor West Virginia’s top entrepreneurs and small business champions at the annual Small Business Week Awards Celebration.

“Small Business Week gives us the opportunity to recognize and honor the hardest working, most dedicated men and women in West Virginia,” said McCauley. “The 120,000 plus small businesses in the state have proven time and time again that the American dream is powerful, resilient and adaptable. It just makes sense for us to set aside time to recognize their contributions to our communities, state and country.”

The event was keynoted by Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin, who praised West Virginia’s small business community for their ability to persevere through the economic turbulence of the past several years and for helping to keep the state economically sound while other states faltered.

Judy K. Sheppard was recognized as the 2011 Small Business Person of the Year. Sheppard is the president and CEO of Professional Services of America, Inc., located in Parkersburg. Sheppard will also be honored at the 48^th Annual National Small Business Week gala in Washington, D.C. on Friday, May 20, where she will compete for the National Small Business Person of the Year Award.

Also honored at the 2011 West Virginia Small Business Week Awards Celebration were: Entrepreneurial Success Award winner Harry Siegel, president and CEO of HMS TECHNOLOGIES, INC., Martinsburg; Jeffrey Butland Family-Owned Business of the Year winner Deanna O. Mason and Mark F. Oliverio, owners of Oliverio Italian Style Peppers in Clarksburg; Financial Services Champion winner Melinda “Mindy” Walls, director of the WVU Entrepreneurship Center located in Morgantown; Minority Small Business Champion Jamila Jones-Fleet, president and CEO of Innovative Solutions Technology in Martinsburg; Veteran Small Business Champion winner Walter S. “Wally” Howerton, III, chapter president of the Elite Service Disabled Veteran-Owned Business Network of WV in Richwood; and SBA Young Entrepreneur winner Arthur Ebeling, president and CEO of Warrior Energy, Inc. in Martinsburg.

HMS TECHNOLOGIES and Oliverio Italian Style Peppers were also recipients of SBA’s Region 3 Small Business Week awards in their respective categories. SBA’s Region 3 encompasses Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Washington DC, and West Virginia. Receiving the West Virginia Director’s Excellence Award were James L. Estep, president and CEO of the WVHTC Foundation, and Guy Peduto, director of the INNOVA Commercialization Group, both located in Fairmont.

President/CEO of HMS in Martinsburg Receives SBA Award

Fri, 29 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT

April 29, 2011 · The U.S. Small Business Administration honored an Eastern Panhandle company founder today for his ability to grow his business.

The owner of HMS Technologies received this year’s Regional Entrepreneurial Success Award.
President and CEO Harry Siegel started HMS Technologies seven years ago in the basement of his home.

“I’m honored and thrilled to get this award not only for me but for my team here at HMS,” Siegel said.
To qualify for the award a person must own a business that was initially small by SBA definition but has grown large and has received assistance from the SBA.

“It’s not an easy feat to qualify, to be in the running and it’s a much more difficult feat to actually win the award and to win it for the region so that comes with a lot of bragging rights.” John Shoraka, SBA Region 3 Administrator, said.

HMS provides computer software services to both the government and private sectors.
Last year the company had $37 million in sales and now employs more than 200 people.

SBA of WV District Announces 2011 Small Business Winners

Mon, 04 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Business briefs: Parkersburg entrepeneur wins business award

by From staff reports

The U.S. Small Business Administration's West Virginia District Office has named Judith Sheppard of Parkersburg the 2011 "Small Business Person of the Year."

Sheppard is president and chief executive officer of Professional Services of America Inc.

Other 2011 awards and the winners:

"Young Entrepreneur of the Year," Arthur Ebeling, chief executive officer of Warrior Energy Inc., Martinsburg.

"Financial Services Champion of the Year," Melinda "Mindy" Walls, director of West Virginia University's Entrepreneurship Center, Morgantown.

"Minority Small Business Champion of the Year," Jamila Jones-Fleet, president, Innovative Solutions Technology, Kearneysville.

"Veteran Small Business Champion," Walter Howerton III, president and owner of WV Vet Tech, Richwood.

"Jeffrey Butland Family Owned Business of the Year," Oliverio Italian Style Peppers, Clarksburg. The business also has been selected as the award-winner in the Small Business Administration's Region III, which includes Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia and the District of Columbia.
Entrepreneurial Success," Harry Siegel, president and chief executive officer of HMS Technologies Inc., Martinsburg. Siegel also has been selected as the Region III award-winner.

All of the award recipients will be honored at the West Virginia Small Business Week Awards Celebration at Noon on May 3 at the Tamarack Conference Center in Beckley. The West Virginia Women's Business and Training Center will host the celebration. Cost is $40 per person. To register call Laura Harvey at 1 800 766-4556 or email her at lhar...@westvirginiawbc.org.

As the recipient of the "Small Business Person of the Year" award, Sheppard is in the running for National Small Business Person of the Year, to be announced in Washington, D.C., on May 20 during the Small Business Administration's 48th annual National Small Business Week.

HMS President/CEO Named SBA Entrepreneurial Success Award Recipient

Sun, 03 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Registration available now for small business awards event at Tamarack

The Register-Herald Sun Apr 03, 2011

BECKLEY — The 2011 West Virginia Small Business Week Awards Celebration will be May 3 at the Tamarack Conference Center.

Named as the 2011 Small Business Person of the Year for West Virginia is Judith K. Sheppard, president/CEO of Professional Services of America Inc. in Parkersburg. As West Virginia’s top entrepreneur, Sheppard is in the running for National Small Business Person of the Year to be announced during SBA’s 48th annual National Small Business Week event May 20 in Washington, D.C.

Others selected as West Virginia’s award recipients:

- 2011 SBA Young Entrepreneur of Year, Arthur Ebeling, CEO of Warrior Energy Inc., Martinsburg.

- 2011 Financial Services Champion of the Year, Melinda “Mindy” Walls, director of West Virginia University’s Entrepreneurship Center in Morgantown.

- The 2011 Minority Small Business Champion of the Year, Jamila Jones-Fleet, president of Innovative Solutions Technology, Kearneysville.

- 2011 Veteran Small Business Champion, Walter S. Howerton III, president/owner of WV Vet Tech LLC, Richwood.

- The 2011 Jeffrey Butland Family-Owned Business of the Year, Oliverio Italian Style Peppers, Clarksburg. Oliverio Italian Style Peppers was selected as the Regional Award Recipient for SBA’s Region III, encompassing the states of Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia and the District of Columbia.

- 2011 Entrepreneurial Success Award, Harry M. Siegel, president/CEO of HMS Technologies Inc., Martinsburg. Siegel was also selected the Region III Award Recipient as the Entrepreneurial Success honoree topping nominations from Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and the District of Columbia.

The celebration is hosted by the West Virginia Women’s Business and Training Center and will begin at noon May 3. Cost is $40 per person. To register, contact Laura Harvey at 800-766-4556, via e-mail at lharvey@westvirginiawbc.org, or register online at www.westvirginiawbc.org.

NaVOBA Member HMS TECHNOLOGIES, INC. Wins Major U. S. Coast Guard Contract

Fri, 11 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

TSA chooses HMS to support its Entrust encryption certificates

Fri, 2011-03-11 09:06 AM

By: Jacob Goodwin

Harry M. Siegel

TSA has awarded a contract worth $117,508 to HMS Technologies, Inc., of Martinsburg, WV, a service-disabled veteran-owned small business, to provide service and support to maintain more than 230 Entrust Certificates that encrypt communications between TSA’s servers and Web browsers.

TSA decided to stick with the Entrust Certificates it already owns, rather than run a new competitive procurement and shift to a different encryption provider.

“Selecting another brand other than Entrust will require extensive re-engineering, implementation, training, Certification and Accreditation (C&A), testing, and documentation that would result in an additional cost of $506,188 to the Government,” said TSA, in a document explaining its procurement strategy.

In January 2011, TSA performed market research and determined that there are more than two small business resellers of Entrust software that would be capable of providing the type of maintenance and support it requires. That support includes 24x7 support via phone or Web and the provision of certificates for use with Web-based Exchange services, such as Outlook Web Access.

“Trusted roots must be incorporated into major web browsers, such as Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Opera, Safari, etc. by default,” explained TSA.

HMS Technologies is an advanced IT systems integrator with business lines in technology integration, business process optimization and enterprise solutions. It was incorporated in 2003 as a certified Service Disabled Veteran-Owned Business (SDVOB), according to its own Web site.

The company’s CEO, Harry M. Siegel, is a 1973 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy who holds a master's degree in computer systems from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, CA. Siegel has over 25 years of project resource management and marketing experience, the last 20 years of which have involved the direction of large organizations and multimillion-dollar operations, says the company’s Web site.

The TSA contract calls for support during a base year for 220 “standard” certificates and 12 “UC” certificates. The contract also envisions two option years, during which HMS would support the same quantity of Entrust Certificates.

“Entrust Certificates provide TSA with the capability to manage the various certificates deployed within the infrastructure and the over 600 web-based applications accessed by the public and other federal agencies,” says the TSA, in a document it made public on March 10.

HMS Wins $46 Million Coast Guard Contract

Fri, 25 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT

HMS Technologies Inc. announced a major contract award with the United States Coast Guard (USCG) for the Enterprise Managed Telephony Unified Communications Systems Installations & Equipment Recapitalization project.

HMS has been selected as the single prime contractor for this program valued at more than $46 million. HMS will be responsible for IP-distributed telephony communications system that will deliver the benefits of network convergence and collaborative communications. The program will provide the foundation for a mission critical unified communications environment that will be relied on by millions of stakeholders worldwide.

“This is a fantastic win for HMS and its collaborating partners,” said Harry M. Siegel, finalist for NaVOBA’s Vetrepreneur of the Year for 2010 and president and CEO of HMS. “We are excited to be working with the U.S. Coast Guard again on such an important and high profile program

HMS Wins $2.3 Million VA Contract Featured in NaVOBA

Mon, 14 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT

NaVOBA Member HMS Technologies Wins $2.3 Million VA Contract

Martinsburg, W.V.- based HMS Technologies, Inc., announced February 10 that it won a Department of Veterans Affairs contract worth approximately $2.3M over the next five years. HMS will serve as a subcontractor to ACS Federal Solutions on what will be called the “VA Purchased Care Claims Administration”, project.

Both entities will be responsible for the document imaging of VA claims. When a veteran goes to a non-VA patient care facility, the facility will submit a claim to the VA for reimbursement. The claim paperwork will be scanned and then be processed with forms recognition and Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software to capture the “text” on the form.

The VA processes approximately 5 million eligible outpatient fee claims each fiscal year. The partnership between HMS and ACS will to streamline the process to make it more efficient for both the VA and our nation’s veterans.

To find out more about HMS TECHNOLOGIES, its products and services, visit www.hmstech.com.

HMS Supports Taste of the Panhandle 2011

Thu, 03 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Rotary club says thanks for community support

February 3, 2011

By Samantha C. Muncy, Martinsburg:

I want to thank all of the sponsors, participants and restaurants who supported the Rotary Club of Martinsburg's "Taste of the Panhandle" event. It was a fabulous evening with a sold-out crowd, and it was enjoyed by all. We had tremendous support from our local restaurants, HMS Technologies, Martin Distribution Co., and many businesses in the Panhandle.

I especially want to thank all of my fellow Rotarians in our local clubs for their support of the evening.

The 2011 Kelley Kisner Taste of the Panhandle event benefitted both Hospice of the Panhandle and Horses with Hearts, and it was amazing to see the way the community supported the event and these two fine organizations. Both Hospice and Horses with Hearts are an integral part of the Panhandle, and the community stepped up to the plate in support. Thank you!

The "Taste of the Panhandle" was a wonderful evening of great food and friendship. Rotarians strive to serve their community, and I want to thank everyone who supported this event for making it possible for us to help these two organizations. Thank you again to everyone involved in this wonderful event for their support.

HMS Among Subcontractors for Large Dell IT Contract

Thu, 27 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

FBI Selects Dell Services to provide IT Supply and Support

Agreement is part of largest ID/IQ contract vehicle in FBI history
FBI’s IT Triple S vehicle can be utilized throughout Department of Justice (DOJ)
Dell can provide services, support, and supplies

FAIRFAX, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has selected Dell’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Perot Systems Government Services (PSGS), a unit of Dell Services, as one of the 46 prime service and solutions providers for the agency’s indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity (ID/IQ) Federal Bureau of Investigation Information Technology Supplies and Support Services (FBI IT Triple S) contract. A prime services designation provides Dell Services with the opportunity to compete for a range of IT supply and support services at the FBI. The FBI IT Triple S vehicle has a ceiling value of $30 billion over a period of up to eight years.

“As a long-time FBI products and services provider, Dell knows the crucial role the FBI plays in ensuring citizen safety. We are proud to be providing products and services to enable the FBI’s critical mission.”

For more than 15 years, Dell has helped enable federal law enforcement and the intelligence community’s critical missions by providing a full range of IT products as well as services including:

applications services
business consulting
business process services
IT consulting
IT-as-a-service, including cloud-based and virtualization services
managed services

Within the FBI and the Department of Justice, Dell has provided technical services such as subject matter expertise on Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL) implementation, Microsoft Active Directory exchange design and implementation, virtualization design and implantation, storage installation and optimization, Oracle RAC tuning, client deployment management, and execution and data center modeling.

Dell will augment these capabilities with its expertise, high-quality personnel, mature processes and extensive corporate best practices, alongside its diverse team of specialized subcontractors, including: Alliance Micro Corporation; GTI Federal; Global World Technology, LLC; HMS Technologies, Inc.; Identification International, Inc.; Intelligence Decisions, Inc.; JHC Technology, Inc.; KST Data, Inc.; Mainstay Enterprises, Inc.; Pixel Systems, Inc.; RONIN IT Services, LLC; SNS One, Inc.; Systems Made Simple, Inc.

Quotes

Richard Pineda, Vice President, Dell Services Federal Government: “As a long-time FBI products and services provider, Dell knows the crucial role the FBI plays in ensuring citizen safety. We are proud to be providing products and services to enable the FBI’s critical mission.”

About Dell

Dell Inc. (NASDAQ: DELL) listens to customers and delivers worldwide innovative technology and business solutions they trust and value. Dell Services develops and delivers a comprehensive suite of services and solutions in applications, business process, consulting, infrastructure and support to help customers succeed.

Contacts

Dell Services Federal Government
Caitlin Carroll, 703-289-8135
Caitlin_Carroll@federal.dell.com

HMS Wins Bid to Electronically Store County Government Records

Wed, 05 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Berkeley Co. to store court records electronically

MARTINSBURG, W.Va.—

The Berkeley County Commission Thursday approved a $190,889 plan to make digital copies of millions of circuit court documents dating back to the 18th century to better preserve the records.

A $147,951 bid by Martinsburg-based HMS Technologies Inc., and $34,538 in overtime pay for the circuit clerk’s office to prepare the records for scanning, was unanimously approved by commissioners. An $8,400 software purchase for the project also was approved.

“It’s a dream come true,” said Berkeley County Circuit Clerk Virginia M. Sine after the commission awarded the project to HMS Technologies, which was the low bidder among seven companies.

While the circuit clerk is responsible for recording and maintaining all circuit court records, the county commission is obligated to provide adequate storage space, according to state law.

The digitization project, expected to be completed within 12 months, involves copying an estimated 4 million pages of records stored in about 1,800 file boxes, said Berkeley County Information Technology Director Gary Wine.

The file boxes have been stored in the former administration building at 126 W. King St., because Sine said she has little remaining storage space in the county’s four-year-old judicial center for new files, let alone older files.

The completion of the project will not free the county to dispose of the paper trail, but Sine said the digital copies produced at least provide a backup plan in the event of a disaster.

Wine said there would be digital copies in three different places when the project is complete.

Because of growing storage space concerns, county officials have been lobbying the Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia to allow counties some relief from having to keep paper records.

Wine said counties statewide are grappling with the storage-space problem.

In other commission action, Kickin Asphalt Paving & Sealing LLC of Strasburg, Va., was awarded a $29,270 contract to repave the county administration building’s Church Street parking lot. Commissioner Anthony J. “Tony” Petrucci voted against the decision in a 2-1 vote .

The company’s bid was about $2,100 higher than the low bidder, PRP Contracting LLC of Martinsburg, for the work, according to county officials.

PRP Contracting, however, failed to include a certificate of insurance, an affidavit attesting to no conflict of interest and no Occupational Health and Safety Administration fines and a copy of its business license in its bid submission, county Facilities Director Jay Russell said.

The commission, meanwhile, tabled Russell’s recommendation to award a bid for fencing the parking lot to Frederick (Md.) Fence Co. Inc, which submitted a bid of $32,673 for the security project.

The low bidder, Long Fence Co. Inc., submitted a $22,265 proposal to do the fencing, but Russell said the company failed to provide statements regarding OSHA fines and an affidavit of no conflict of interest.

Russell said the fencing was needed to address concerns with vandalism, people going through county trash and illegal dumping, among other issues.

Both the paving and fencing projects are expected to be paid for with money generated from a bonds issued for the renovation of the county’s new administration building, which is situated along South Raleigh Street and West Stephen and Church streets.

The consolidation of county offices in what is known as the Dunn building at 400 W. Stephen St., along with construction of the new judicial center, were projects that outgoing Commissioner Ronald K. Collins said Thursday “whetted his appetite” to run for office six years ago. At the time, Collins was serving on the Berkeley County Building Commission, a commissioner-appointed panel that holds the titles to the county’s real estate.

In parting remarks at the end of Thursday’s meeting, Collins said the bar had been set in his six years in office and challenged the new Berkeley County Council to continue to be an innovative, progressive leader among West Virginia’s 55 counties.

“Or you can try to reinvent the wheel and be regressive,” said Collins, who was defeated in his bid for re-election this year.
Collins, 71, presided over the last meeting of the three-member Berkeley County Commission as president. The county commission is being replaced with a five-member county council.

While recognized as a new political subdivision in state law, the Berkeley County Council will retain the same budget-balancing responsibilities and other duties as county commissions in West Virginia.

When the state law was proposed to allow for expansion of the county commission to five members, state Sen. John Unger, D-Berkeley/Jefferson, said constitutional lawyers advised lawmakers that the name had to change because a new tribunal was being created.

Del. John Doyle, D-Jefferson, said the legal argument “makes absolutely no sense,” because Jefferson County has had five commissioners for more than 100 years.

Doyle and Unger, however, agree that the new political subdivision could be used as a vehicle to get laws changed for Berkeley County by introducing legislative changes that only apply to counties with a county council. As of Jan. 1, Berkeley County will have the only county council.

“It gives us more opportunity to expand local control,” Unger said

HMS Supports Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA)

Mon, 06 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

CASA plans fashionable fundraiser

December 1, 2010

By Megan Fisher Journal Staff Writer

SHEPHERDSTOWN - Those who need to finish, or start, their Christmas shopping may be interested in attending the Holiday Tea and Purse Party from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Sunday at the Bavarian Inn Terrace Room.

Court Appointed Special Advocates will host the party, where 20 to 25 designer, first-quality purses will be auctioned off in a silent auction.

"These are not knockoffs," said Leslie Crabill, board president of CASA. "These came directly from the manufacturer."

Crabill listed several designers to be auctioned, including Bcbg, Coach, Capescade, Elliott Lucca, Orla Kiely, Vera Bradley, Brighton and Beijo.

A Coach handbag also will be raffled, and participants do not have to be present to win. Tickets for the raffle are $5 each or $25 for six tickets.

Tea, hors d'oeuvres, sandwiches and dessert will be served at the event, and Santa Claus will be available for pictures. According to Crabill, the party's theme is "Yes, CASA, there is a Santa!"

All proceeds from the event go toward CASA, an organization that helps abused and neglected children after they are removed from their home.

"There are just so many kids who fall through the cracks," Crabill said. "We are the one constant friend throughout the whole process. Our primary concern is that child's best interest. ... We can only take the worst cases, because we don't have the money or staff to take on more kids. Fundraisers like this allow us to take on more kids."

CASA's biggest sponsor so far has been HMS Technologies with a donation of $5,000, Crabill said. American Public University and Santa Barbara Law Offices also have donated $1,000 each.

"To the people who want to make a donation, maybe purses aren't their thing, but they can easily go to our website and donate. What's a better gift than to give a child a chance?" Crabill said.

Tickets are $35 each and must be reserved in advance by contacting 304-263-5100 or lisa@casaep.org.

More information on CASA is available at www.casaep.org.

- Staff writer Megan Fisher can be reached at 304-263-3381, ext. 132, or mfisher@journal-news.net

HMS CMMI Level 2 Confirmation Featured in NaVOBA

Wed, 10 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

NaVOBA Member HMS TECHNOLOGIES, INC. Confirmed as CMMI LEVEL 2 Organization

NaVOBA member HMS TECHNOLOGIES, INC. (HMS) announced recently that the company’s Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI), Level 2 Certification has been confirmed by the Carnegie Mellon’s Software Engineering Institute (SEI). This confirmation represents the corporation’s ongoing commitment to providing quality information technology services to its clients/customers around the world.

The SEI CMMI® is an internationally recognized rating used throughout the industry as a prerequisite for the acquisition of military and government programs with significant service and/or systems engineering content. To earn the rating, companies must have established defined, repeatable and effective standards for project management, products and services engineering and quality assurance, with a focus on continual process improvement.

The funding to support this important effort came from the Mentor/Protégée Program with the National Geospatial Intelligence Agency as the sponsor and IBM as the Mentor. HMS was awarded the prestigious Nunn-Perry Award for Mentor/Protégée excellence and support to our Nations’ warfighters this year.

So what does this mean for HMS? It means that the company operates at CMMI Level 2: has established standards, policies, procedures to implement and maintain a high level of quality delivered to the customers. The company’s strategic goal now is to attain CMMI Level 3 certification.

To find out more about HMS TECHNOLOGIES, its products and services, visit www.hmstech.com.

HMS Sited in Small Business GWAC Newsletter

Mon, 25 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Small Business In Focus
October 2010
Small Business GWAC Center
1500 E Bannister Rd. Room 1076 Kansas City, M www.gsa.gov/sb
(877) 327-8732Volume 4, Number 23

Director’s Corner

Steve Triplett, Director, Small Business GWAC Center

I would like to begin this quarter’s article by expressing my sincerest thanks to small businesses and everyone who advocates on their behalf. Each and every day small businesses are faced with challenges that must be overcome in order to keep the doors open and employees employed. Never has this been so evident as over the past two years as our nation struggled economically. I would particularly like to pay special homage to Small Business GWAC contract holders for continuing to elevate the bar while facing such adversity.

As a result of your undying commitment, the Small Business GWAC portfolio, 8(a) STARS, Alliant Small Business, COMMITS NexGen, and VETS, had another excellent year in providing total IT solutions to customer agencies. In addition to introducing new and innovative initiatives for both customers and industry partners, we sustained stellar customer satisfaction scores, expanded our customer base, and exceeded financial projections with nearly $1 billion in obligations.

The successes achieved are a result of our collective hard work and commitment to achieving a common goal. Looking onward, we must continue fostering our relationships and continue to lead the pack. We are diligently working to finalize strategies that expand customer offerings while providing industry partners with useful resources to assist their marketing efforts.

Great success means greater responsibility. We must stay vigilant in promoting our contracts and the capabilities that lie within our contract holders. FY11 promises to be a great year if we continue to stay focused and work towards the common goal of providing premier IT services for federal agencies.

Warm Regards,
Stephen Triplett
Director
Small Business GWAC Center

Kudos and Accolades

National Veteran-Owned Business Association (NaVOBA) Honors Vetrepreneurs of the Year

NaVOBA recently named 2010 Vetrepreneur of the year award finalists in the June edition of VETREPRENEUR Magazine. The Vetrepreneur of the Year award is bestowed annually to preeminent role models within the veteran commuinty. Lisa Wolford, CSSS.NET, VETS GWAC prime contract holder, was named VETREPRENEUR 2 Government (V2G) winner while Harry Siegel, HMS Technologies, VETS GWAC prime contract holder, was named V2G runner-up.

HMS TECHNOLOGIES Inc. Featured in Vetrepreneur Newsletter and Martinsburg Journal

Wed, 20 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

HMS takes No. 11 ranking in prestigious list

October 17, 2010

journal-news.net

MARTINSBURG - HMS Technologies Inc. announced this week that the company has again made the prestigious Washington Technology Fast 50, 2010, debuting at No. 11.

HMS' growth rate reached a total of 150.61 percent with revenues totaling 31.2 million in 2009.

With a mission to be the most responsive SDVOSB systems integrator in the world, HMS has held itself to the highest standard in the industry in supporting agencies and departments within the federal government to integrate technology solutions for the common goal of teamed success. Its vertical markets of product solutions, professional services and health services have enabled HMS to work with agencies such as the Department of Homeland Security, Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Commerce, U.S. Patent and Trade Office.

"Since we were No. 1 last year, we knew we had only one way to go but are proud that we have kept our numbers so high. This award is a result of the intersection of people, process and technology," said Harry M. Siegel, president and chief executive officer of HMS. "The quality staff we have been able to field, coupled with outstanding partners and clients, have made our delivery on the mark. Our speed to market and our attainment of Capability Maturity Model Level II delivery gives us an unequaled repetitive success rate. We work hard, we work smart, we work with honor, and we exceed our client's expectations."

HMS is a leading service-disabled veteran-owned small business IT prime contractor based in Martinsburg. More information is available online at www.hmstech.com.

- From staff reports

Washington Technology Revisits HMS

Thu, 14 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Former No. 1 keeps up winning ways

HMS Technologies still highly ranked at No. 11

By David Hubler
Oct 08, 2010

HMS Technologies Inc., a service-disabled veteran-owned small business, took the No. 1 spot on Washington Technology’s Fast 50 in 2009, with a five-year, compound annual growth rate of 258.6 percent.

Despite a year of economic recession in 2009, the Martinsburg, W.Va., provider of technology integration and business processing took in $31.2 million in government revenue in 2009, which dropped its CAGR to a not-too-shabby 150.61 percent, good for No. 11 on this year’s list.

"We’ll probably do about $50 million [in federal contracting] this year," said Harry Siegel, the company founder, CEO and president.

One of the wins spurring that growth is the federal Recovery Accountability and Transparency Board contract, a three-year, $8.5 million award to spot waste, fraud and abuse in stimulus spending.

“To date, we’ve been able to identify over $3 billion in fraud, waste and abuse that we believe the federal government can recover,” Siegel said.

He said the board, which reports to the Office of the Vice President, is contemplating doubling or perhaps tripling the contract based on the company’s performance so far.

And with almost $1 billion in contract bids outstanding, Siegel forecasts a spectacular year in 2011.

“HMS will probably double again" in federal revenue, he said. “We’re continuing to win almost everything we touch.”

As a result, the company has grown from 118 employees in 2009 to about 300 this year, working at headquarters or client sites in 11 states and the District of Columbia.

Siegel is especially proud of HMS’ designation by the General Services Administration as the first small business to be certified as a mentor to a smaller business, Veteran Corps of America, a provider of IT and homeland security services and products.

HMS 2010 Sponsor for Women of Distinction Luncheon

Thu, 30 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

‘Incredible women’ honored

Girl Scout Council hosts its annual awards luncheon

September 30, 2010

By Erienne Maczuzak, Journal Staff Writer

MARTINSBURG - A beloved Girl Scouts tradition was carried on Wednesday as three local women were honored for their remarkable achievements at The 2010 Women of Distinction Luncheon, held at the Holiday Inn in Martinsburg.

The event, hosted by the Girl Scout Council of the Nation's Capital, was emceed by Shepherd University President Suzanne Shipley.

Established in 2005, the luncheon celebrates three women who have been nominated by their peers for distinguishing themselves as community and business leaders, as well as role models for girls.

"The reason we're here today is to honor incredible women in our region," Shipley stated in her opening remarks.

"We feel that strong women make strong communities, and this is the perfect partnership between Girl Scouts and these women of distinction."

Those honored this year were Betty Lou Harmison, vice president of the Museum of the Berkeley Springs; Sheila M. Hamilton, advocate for education; and Rebecca "Becky" Linton, regional manager of City National Bank.

Diane Tipton, president of the GSCNC, described the past and present honorees as being "inspirational in all they do."

"They're of all ages, from all walks of life and they show the Girl Scouts of our region how to become the best they can be," Tipton said. "We feel that the Girl Scouts is the premiere leadership organization for all of our young women - and to be a part of this special event year after year, I think I have absolutely the best job in the whole wide world."

Jeanne Mozier, vice president of Travel Berkeley Springs, introduced Harmison to be recognized.

"It's hard to know what to say when you're describing a legend," Mozier said. "Betty Lou is a woman of grace, born and bred. She's a woman any of us would want to be like when we grow up."

Harmison, 84, was noted for her devotion to history, the arts, especially music, and for being named a West Virginia History Hero for her efforts to preserve and promote the Town of Bath.

Harmison is an active member of the Landmark Commission and assisted in getting Historic District status for Berkeley Springs. She works two jobs, selling art at the Ice House Artist Co-op Galley and serving as owner and operator of Bathkeepers Cottage.

"I was overcome when I learned I would be given this award," Harmison said. "Girl Scouts will be celebrating their 100 years and I'm almost there with them!"

Connie Perry, a 2009 Women of Distinction honoree, introduced Hamilton, by saying Hamilton was a woman who should get an "A" in all categories.

"I've worked with Sheila on various committees and it's always been a pleasure," Perry said, joking that she doubts there is another woman of distinction who can say she has carried the Olympic torch through Morgantown. "Her abilities have also been recognized by both Democratic and Republican governors of this state, and I think that's saying a lot."

Hamilton's involvement in education includes being elected president, vice president and secretary of the West Virginia Board of Education and serving on the West Virginia Holocaust Education Commission.

A proud mother of two daughters, she was inducted into the West Virginia Women's Hall of Fame and is currently the coordinator of the West Virginia Achievement Academy Program for Jefferson County.

"It's overwhelming (to be here today) and I just want to thank everyone for their generosity in making this possible," Hamilton said.

Lastly, Linton was introduced by Gina Miller, who was a 2009 Women of Distinction honoree.

"Becky has made such a significant impact on our community, bringing forth the full spectrum of human service," Miller said. "When I met her several years ago, I saw how energized she was and admired how, even though she gives so much of her time to help a lot of individuals, she wants to remain in the shadows for the things she does."

Linton, a graduate of Martinsburg High School and Shepherd College, is the founder and chair of the United Way's Christmas Cash for Kids Program, which provides assistance to more than 200 area children each holiday season.

She previously served on the board of Shepherd College Foundation and currently serves on the Main Street Martinsburg board. City National Bank employees named her Volunteer of the Year and she also was the West Virginia Main Street Board Member of the Year.

Like the two honorees who spoke prior to her, Linton used the word "overwhelming" to describe her honor.

"I'm so honored," she said. "I have a great family and I work for a wonderful company. I feel like I've won an Academy Award."

The Women of Distinction program supports the GSCNC Shenandoah Region Gold Award Scholarship, funded by Eva Woolridge and daughter Lynne Seibert of Martinsburg. The scholarships help local Girl Scouts who earned the Gold Award offset some of their college expenses. The net proceeds from the Women of Distinction event, up to $25,000, are matched by the Girl Scout Gold Award Scholarship Endowment challenge gift.

The Gold Award is the highest honor that can be achieved by a Girl Scout.

The Girl Scout 2010 Women of Distinction was sponsored by BCT, Bank of Charles Town; Pennington Auto; The Meltzer Group; and HMS Technologies Inc.

- Staff writer Erienne Maczuzak can be reached at 304-263-8931, ext. 183 or at egreene@journal-news.net

HMS CEO V2G Runner Up, Vetrepreneur of the Year

Mon, 19 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

V2g Runner-Up - Harry M. Siegel
HMS Technologies, Inc.
Giving back - Harry Siegel personifies generosity and commitment to make a difference in his community.
Company: HMS TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
Location: Martinsburg, W.Va.
Additional Sites/facilities: Rockville, Md., Tyrone, Penn., Vancouver, Wash.
Year founded: 2003
WebSite: www.hmstech.com
2009 Revenues: $31 million
Number of Employees: 75
Military/Veteran Employees: 32
Vetrepreneur: HARRY M. SIEGEL
Age: 60 Military Service: U.S. Navy, 1968-1981
Highest rank attained: Lieutenant (O-3)
NaVOBA Member Since: 2007
The most successful vetre-preneurs are those who share their success with others. One of the canons of the Vetrepreneur of the Year is a distinct commitment to giving back to the community. Harry Siegel, finalist for the V2G category, embodies the philanthropic spirit essential to earn the title Vetrepreneur of the Year.
Martinsburg W.Va.-based HMS Technologies helps federal agencies, such as the Department of Defense (DoD), the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), solve information technology-related problems in the areas of healthcare, first responders and public safety. What began as Siegel operating out of his basement using his wife’s 401k money to float his efforts working as an independent consultant has grown to a firm that employs 75 people and has seen revenues nearly double over the last three years.
Sharing Success
Siegel’s commitment to giving back begins with the fact that nearly half of his employees are military veterans. In addition, he contributes to: the National Memorial for Fallen Police Officers, the Boys and Girls Clubs of America, the Apollo Theatre, the Fisher House Foundation, NBC Holiday Video-grams For Military Personnel Overseas, NBC Beijing Summer Olympics, NBC Torino Winter Olympics, local and state chambers of commerce, the Shriner’s Club/Children’s Hospital, Dragonheart Transplant Survivor Camp, HMS/Hagerstown Suns Scholarship Fund, as well as numerous national and local veteran programs.

Harry Siegel, president and CEO of HMS Technologies Inc.
Siegel conSulted with the U.S. Army in response to Hurricane Rita in 2005.
Siegel enlisted in the U.S. Navy 1968 and graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1973. Siegel served as an officer until 1981, leaving with the rank of lieutenant.
Siegel said the best advice he can share is to “seek advice from successful business leaders and then give back to the community when capable of doing so.” He has earned a reputation of being a “go-to guy” in the veteran-owned business community. He prides himself on never turning another vetrepreneur down when it comes to sharing his knowledge and experience.
To top it all off, Siegel also goes the extra mile by including veteran-owned small businesses in HMS Technologies procurement.
“We spend more than $2 million per year with veteran-owned businesses as vendors and subcontractors,” Siegel said, adding a bit of advice for up-and-coming vetrepreneurs. “Be leery of large businesses who offer to bring business and then tell you they need to perform more than half. Stand your ground.”

JUNE 2010 | VETREPRENEUR

Preserving Our Veteran’s Records for Future Generations.

Tue, 22 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

U.S. Army records set to be preserved

HMS Technologies Inc. demonstrates its work

June 22, 2010

By Jenni Vincent / Journal Staff Writer

MARTINSBURG - Just sitting on a shelf, the files may not look like anything special.

However, when HMS Technologies Inc. founder Harry Siegel and his staff begin to handle them, they come alive with the stories of the soldiers who fought for their country.

Now, thanks to a new initiative - the Casualty and Mortuary Affairs Operations Support Center - these Army records will not only be preserved but also will be more readily available, whether they are needed by officials or family members, according to Siegel.

Siegel, along with U.S. Rep. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., explained the new program Monday morning as corporate team members - veterans, service-disabled veterans and even their caregivers who've been hired to scan the documents - demonstrated the process to local business leaders and media representatives.

One of the project's employees was formerly homeless, he said.

"This is just an amazing project. It is the group for the United States Army that monitors all of the death records from World War I forward. The Army is the only service that to date has not imaged all of their death records," Siegel said. "And so, we have been entrusted with the honor of taking these records and imaging them so that those of you who would like to (can) do a Freedom of Information request to find out how your grandfather or another loved one died and where, as well as what kind of service record they had."

Some of the records date back to 1918 and are delicate because of their age, Siegel said.

"We have special equipment that allows us to scan without damaging these wonderful historical documents. ... Ultimately, the Army will be able to come up with the records of your loved one in a matter of seconds, instead of a matter of months. And it will cost very little compared to what it costs today," he said.

Moore was invited to Monday's ceremony because she played an important part in the new project's funding, thanks to the $1.25 million she generated in federal monies for it, Siegel said.

She agreed this improvement will make it easier for veterans and their families to access records, something that has become increasingly important as the World War II veterans age and begin to look back at their younger days.

"When they came home, they didn't necessarily care about their medals - they just wanted to get on with their life. But now they're looking back with their families and they want to re-create their military history for them, for the heritage and tradition," Moore said.

Recalling some of her own experiences dealing with these types of cases, she added, "You actually get a twinkle and a tear in the eye of the veteran, plus the family gets to see and sort of relive that part of their loved one's life."

The records are "part of our national history," Moore said, adding she was happy to help provide funding because the project also enhanced the local job base by adding 14 new positions.

Program manager Rich Crider, who served as a tour guide, answered questions from audience members as he explained each step of the document-imaging process.

Each individual's file is unique, and "you never really know what you're going to find," Crider said, adding that items such as dog tags had turned up.

"The 583 records that we have here today - roughly 1.3 to 1.4 million pages - are all MIAs (missing in action) and these records are still used today to identify remains, to identify crash sites, to bring remains home and return them back to their loved ones," Crider said.

"We take very special care in making sure they are taken care of, so that when it comes to us as a cohesive file, that's the way it is preserved and sent back," he said.

Once this imaging work is completed, the paper documents will be returned to the National Archives, Crider said.

Air Force veteran Alice Collins said she is "honored" to be part of this effort and also feels a sense of belonging.

"Veterans take care of veterans, because even when you're out, you really don't leave - you still care. And this is the perfect opportunity to continue caring," Collins said.

"It's giving back to people who gave the ultimate (sacrifice). A friend of mine told me a veteran is someone who issues a check to the United States government for up to - and including - their life. And that's what honor is about," she said.

- Staff writer Jenni Vincent can be reached at 304-263-8931, ext. 138, or jvincent@journal-news.net

Veteran’s Record Preservation; Capito Visits HMS in Support of Casualty and Mortuary Affairs Operations Center Opening Ceremony

Tue, 22 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Preserving Army Records Brings New Jobs to Martinsburg

by Charya Lon

MARTINSBURG, WV - About 15 more people are employed in Martinsburg thanks to a new project of preserving Army records.

Congresswoman Shelley Moore Capito was at HMS technologies on Monday to see how documents dating back from WWI are digitally saved.

Wounded soldiers and those related to them were hired to work on this ongoing project.

HMS is using equipment that can even read words off of documents. It costs about $1.2 million to fund this project.

"I'm thrilled," says Capito (R - WV). "The subject matter is not only inspiring, but it's important to our nation's history and to our families, that's the preservation of records, from as long as WWI."

Once the hard documents are saved they'll be transferred back to national archives in Suitland, Md.

Carter Craft and Roy Jones, Newly Appointed Vice Presidents at HMS Accept Certificates From Governor Manchin and the West Virginia Senate

Sun, 30 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Small businesses recognized

Berkeley County firms accumulate more than 1,000 years of service

May 30, 2010

By John McVey, Journal staff writer

MARTINSBURG - Several Berkeley County businesses with more than 1,000 combined years of service and production were recognized for their longevity and success at a reception Thursday evening by the Small Business Development Center of the Eastern Panhandle .

Hosted by Centra Bank on Foxcroft Avenue in Martinsburg, the reception and awards presentation were part of National Small Business Week, which runs through Saturday.

Certificates of recognition from West Virginia Gov. Joe Manchin and the West Virginia Senate were presented to the businesses.

State Sen. John Unger, D-Berkeley, and state Delegates Craig Blair, R-Berkeley, John Overington, R-Berkeley, Jonathan Miller, R-Berkeley, and Terry Walker, D-Jefferson, handed out the certificates.

Every year since 1963, the president of the United States has proclaimed National Small Business Week to recognize the contributions of small businesses to the economic well-being of America, according to a news release.

There is an estimated 27.2 million small businesses in America, according to the release, and more than half of Americans either own or work for a small business.

Small businesses create 60 to 80 percent of new jobs in the country, the release states.

In West Virginia, a business is considered small if it has fewer than 100 employees, officials said.

"This year, we decided we needed to recognize these businesses," Christina Lundberg, SBDC manager, told the gathering of about 50. "In this room, we have over 1,000 years of successful business owners."

SBDC of the Eastern Panhandle is the only center recognizing small businesses for their success, said Mary Jo Brown, Manchin's regional representative.

From Schewels furniture store and Brown Funeral Home with113 years of operations each to Ruza and Kay Papeskov of The Road & You with 11 years, 22 businesses were honored for their longevity at Thursday's reception.

Other businesses also were recognized for various accomplishments, including

Power Sonix for being named the West Virginia Small Business Exporter of the Year;

Lee Badger of Anvil Works for creating a stone-top table that was selected for the West Virginia juried exhibit;

Karen Sumner of Goin' Postal for opening a business that provides a variety of services;

HMS Technologies for its leadership role as a service-related disabled veteran business and for being named to Who's Who in West Virginia; and

Jonathan Moore of Rowdy Orbit for providing a website for minority video programmers to show their work.

It was apparent from the introductions that most of the businesses were family owned and operated and several are second-generation businesses.

"Families have passed on their work ethic," observed Nancy Ferner, SBDC business analyst. "The family plays a major role in their success and longevity."

- Staff writer John McVey can be reached at 304-263-3381, ext. 128, or jmcvey@journal-news.net

HMS CEO Announced as One of the Five National Finalists for the 2010 Lewis I. Shattuck Small Business Advocate of the Year Award

Wed, 19 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

NSBA Announces Finalists for Advocate of the Year

May 19, 2010

NSBA today announced the finalists for the 2010 Lewis Shattuck Small Business Advocate of the Year Award. The award winner will be announced during NSBA’s Annual Advocate of the Year Award Luncheon on Wednesday, May 26 at 11:30 a.m., which is the kick-off event for the NSBA Washington Presentation on May 26 and 27.

“Despite the many challenges of running and maintaining a business in what has been a very difficult economy, these five small-business owners have made extraordinary efforts to get involved and advocate on behalf of all small businesses,” stated NSBA President Todd McCracken. “I am honored to recognize such a distinguished pool of business owners."

Donna Childs – Founder and CEO of Risk Ready LLC, an advisory and social media firm in New York, NY building a community of resilient small businesses . Childs has been an ardent and outspoken advocate for small business. In addition to being a frequent commentator in the media on key small-business issues, Childs spends a great deal of time volunteering her services to help ensure small businesses are prepared in the case of emergency or disaster. Childs has written a book on preparedness and was even featured in an on-line campaign of the Department of Homeland Security, “Ready for Business.”

Michael Mitternight - President/Owner of Factory Service Agency, Inc., a commercial air conditioning service and construction company in Metairie, La. Located just outside New Orleans, Mitternight has faced myriad challenges in the last few years with optimism and pragmatic determination. He has testified before Congress on various issues and stays in close contact with his Senators and Representative on key small-business legislation. In the last year, Mitternight testified six different times before various committees and subcommittees of the Louisiana legislature, and has been a valuable resource for countless reporters and journalists.

Harry Siegel –President, CEO of HMS Technologies, Inc., an IT systems integration business in Martinsburg, W.V. Siegel has achieved astronomical growth in his company since its inception six years ago. A highly-respected business owner in the federal contracting arena, Siegel has spent hours mentoring other small-business owners new to federal contracting. He has served as a guest speaker at many small-business conferences, and HMS Technologies was the first ever service-disabled veteran-owned small business (SDVOSB) of the year as named by the Department of Defense.

David Stetler – Principal of Stetler Associates, an employee benefits consulting firm in Westlake, Ohio. Stetler’s expertise in the small-business health care field has made him an outspoken and passionate advocate for fixing the U.S. health care system. Stetler has testified several times before the Ohio Senate and was recently named Volunteer of the Year for the second time by the Council of Smaller Enterprises (COSE) in Cleveland. His commitment to ensuring his clients are able to access affordable, quality benefits is matched by his drive to make these benefits more affordable for all small businesses.

Bhupesh Wadhawan – President and CEO of Link Solutions, Inc., an information technology and management consulting government contracting business in Reston, Va. Wadhawan has grown Link Solutions from one employee in 2006 to 65. He has put a premium on community service within the company, appointing a Community Advocate to help organize new charitable projects amongst the employees. A mentor to two smaller companies, Wadhawan is involved with local and national small-business groups, and has been outspoken in talking to members of the media about critical small-business issues.

The criteria used in determining award finalists was a commitment to small-business advocacy above and beyond policies that specifically impact their own business or industry; a proven history of volunteer efforts to advance and improve the overall small-business community; success in advocating for pro-small business policies; and success and growth as a small-business owner

HMS CEO Accompanies Governor Manchin

Tue, 11 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

U.S. Chamber Welcomes W.Va. Governor

Governor Joe Manchin joined the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the National Chamber Foundation on Monday in Washington for a bipartisan summit of governors from around the country to discuss the economy and job creation.

Steve Roberts, President of the West Virginia Chamber of Commerce, joined the Governor in Washington as the group released the National Chamber Foundation’s Enterprising States study, which focuses on how state and local policies can play a vital role in spurring job creation and economic growth.

"By embracing many of the strategies at the core of our free enterprise system — entrepreneurship, open trade, competitive tax rates — West Virginia is helping jumpstart our nationwide economic recovery," said Thomas J. Donohue, president and CEO of the U.S. Chamber. "Many of the new ideas, new companies, and new jobs will come from local initiatives that allow the free market to do what it does best."

Attending the event with the Governor was Dr. Harry Siegel, President and CEO of HMS Technologies, Inc. located in Martinsburg, W.Va.

“It was truly an honor, a privilege, and a pleasure to accompany our Governor at the Governor’s Summit for Creating Jobs, Economic Development, and Prosperity in Challenging Times at the National Chamber of Commerce facilities in Washington, DC. The information shared was thought provoking, and I believe West Virginia outshined our contemporaries on all counts. I was glad to do my part to continue to do good things for the Mountain State. Governor Manchin clearly speaks with his heart and has a passion for West Virginia that any state would be proud of,” said Siegel.

Also attending the event was Dr. Russell Kitchner, Associate Vice President for Regulatory and Government Relations of American Public University System, located in Charles Town, W.Va.

"It was a privilege to serve as one of the West Virginia business representatives at the recent Governors' Summit on Job Creation. In addition to the leadership skills that he has utilized in elevating the State's national standing, Governor Manchin clearly understands the importance of private enterprise as the foundation for a healthy economy. It was reassuring to note also that his counterparts from other states, regardless of party affiliation, seemed to share his commitment to fostering a political environment that is supportive of the business community's efforts to create and maintain meaningful employment opportunities for Americans in an increasingly competitive global marketplace,” said Kitchner.

Veteran Small Business Owner Achieves Success in West Virginia

Fri, 16 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

MARTINSBURG, W.Va. -- If Harry Siegel could speak to every veteran returning from the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, he would encourage them to make their home in West Virginia.

“West Virginia ‘gets it’ when it comes to veterans,” Siegel explained. “We have a large percentage of veterans as compared to other states, so you’re going to find people just like you who have the same kinds of feelings that you do about honor and duty and country. I think you will be treated with more respect and honor than you will in an average state where they don’t have a large veteran population like West Virginia does.”

Siegel, a service-disabled naval veteran of the Vietnam War, chose to make West Virginia his home 15 years ago. Although happy with his career as a government contractor, Siegel says that he wanted a lifestyle change. One Saturday morning he told his wife that he wanted to move from their Gaithersburg, Md., home and buy a horse farm. She responded by asking him how quickly they could relocate. “We wanted a life where you could see buthe stars at night, where people were kind and gentle.” After an extensive search, the Siegels found Maralie, a horse farm in Falling Waters, W.Va. Over the past decade and a half, Siegel and his wife have rescued more than 250 animals, including horses, dogs, cats, donkeys, goats, rabbits and a bull. “We have some creatures on the farm we don‘t even want,” he jokes.

When he is not spending time at Maralie, Siegel is president and CEO of a successful and award-winning company, HMS TECHNOLOGIES, INC., headquartered in Martinsburg. In the six years since he started HMS TECHNOLOGIES, the company has become a leader in information technology solutions and been recognized for multiple awards, including rankings on DiversityBusiness.com’s lists of top 100 privately-held businesses in the state, the top 100 disabled veteran-owned businesses in the United States and the nation’s top 500 veteran-owned businesses. In 2008, Siegel was named the West Virginia Small Business Person of the Year. This year, HMS has already received the 2009 DHS Small Business Achievement Award, the only service-disabled veteran owned small business in the country to do so, and been chosen for the second straight year by The State Journal as one of the "55 Good Things" about West Virginia.

Siegel attributes his success to two main principles. “There are two things that are absolutely crucial to me for us to be set apart and different than our competitors. One is the concept of responsiveness – every phone call, every e-mail, every day, everybody. I expect everyone in my corporation from the most senior to the most junior to operate that way,” he explains.

Secondly, Siegel employs the use of what he calls ‘the five C’s’ – Country, Clients, Colleagues, Corporation and Cost-Control. “It’s the way I run the company,” he says. “If something is not good for our country, or for the client that we’re getting ready to serve, or for my colleagues, teammates and/or contemporaries who will be working the effort, or my corporation or I can’t cost-control it, I will not go after it and will not perform the work.” Siegel likes to employ local talent whenever possible and sees West Virginia as a great recruiting ground. In fact, he says that he will be hiring service-disabled veterans like himself to work on a contract that is soon to be awarded to HMS TECHNOLOGIES. The company also is conducting a health care study that he says is arguably the most important and sophisticated longitudinal health care analysis ever awarded by the Veterans Administration (VA).

“We’re doing a study on 60,000 veterans, half of whom served in Iraq and Afghanistan and half of whom, for whatever reason, were not deployed to the theater. We’re looking at the health care differences between the two groups, and ultimately will be helping the VA plan for health care delivery for the next 50 years. This is pretty powerful stuff for a small company, and we won this in front of a lot of big companies.”

To find out more about HMS TECHNOLOGIES, visit the Web site www.hmstech.com.

HMS Wins Prestigious Nunn-Perry Award

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

At the Nunn Perry Award Ceremony pictured: Roy Jones- HMS TECHNOLOGIES, Laura Sucre - IBM, Harry Siegel –HMS TECHNOLOGIES, Gary Ambrose – IBM, Thomas Overbey - IBM

Martinsburg, WV - HMS TECHNOLOGIES, INC. (HMS) announced today the company’s award of the Prestigious Nunn-Perry Award as an outstanding Protégé small business under the Department of Defense (DoD) Mentor Protégé Program. Harry M. Siegel, President and CEO and Roy Jones Jr., Director of Contracts, along with representatives of its mentor IBM accepted the award in a ceremony held on March 10, 2010 at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland. Harry M. Siegel emphasized in his acceptance speech, “Support to the nation’s Warfighter is of the utmost importance as we are a nation at war. For HMS to be recognized nationally for excellence in the Mentor-Protégée Program and to be congratulated on our support to our country’s military personnel is a dream come true for us. We are humbled and honored by this
spectacular award, and will not only display it proudly at our corporate facility, but will attempt to earn it every day our doors are open. This award represents thousands of hours of hard work from many dedicated HMS employees, and validates our commitment to our military, our mission and our nation.”

The Nunn-Perry Award is named in honor of former Senator Sam Nunn and former Secretary of Defense Dr. William Perry. It was first awarded in 1995 to recognize outstanding Mentor- Protégé teams that were formed under the auspices of the DoD Mentor-Protégé program. This award honors teams that excel in quality technical assistance, return on investment and Protégé development.

To find out more about HMS TECHNOLOGIES, its products and services, visit our website at www.hmstech.com, or contact the number listed in this release.

Harry Siegel Receives Certificate from Governor Joe Manchin

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

MARTINSBURG - Timing is everything. Just ask Harry Siegel.

After winning numerous awards, Siegel joked that he wondered when Gov. Joe Manchin would be present to see him receive one of them.

It became somewhat of a running joke, said Siegel, who also insinuated that perhaps the problem was partly due to his own politics.

"There's been some fun and friendly banter between the governor and I. You guys that work here know we have a lot of awards in our trophy case, in large part because I've been fortunate enough to work with all of you and our awesome clients. But the governor had never been to any of those award ceremonies," he said Friday, speaking at a ceremony recognizing his latest business honor.

"I started to think that it was because I'm somewhat connected with the Republican Party, as most business people are. So I called (state Secretary of Commerce) Kelley Goes to ask her about the situation, and she assured me it was just a matter of scheduling. She also said, 'Trust me, he really likes you,'" Siegel said.

Seeing, however, is believing, he said.

Siegel almost got his chance Feb. 5, when both he and Manchin were slated to be at the Charleston reception where he was to receive his latest award - being named one of 10 Who's Who in West Virginia Business 2009.

He'd even received a note from Manchin telling Siegel that he would see him at the award banquet.

"I was still holding my breath waiting to see if it would happen. And sure enough, the big snowstorm came, so the governor was there, but I was not," Siegel said with a smile, pausing slightly as audience members laughed at the irony of his explanation.

It turns out that Manchin also saw the humor in situation and sent Siegel signed photos from the event.

One message specifically poked good-natured fun at Siegel's ill-timed - but understandable - absence, he said.

"I was there, where were you?" Siegel said Manchin wrote.

"So maybe if we're fortunate enough to get another award, perhaps we'll both be there at the same time. That would be great," Siegel said.

- Staff writer Jenni Vincent can be reached at (304) 263-8931, ext. 138, or jvincent@journal-news.net

HMS CEO Gets Who’s Who Award After Snow Storm

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

MARTINSBURG - Harry Siegel, founder of HMS Technologies Inc., is no stranger to being recognized for his business successes - an entrepreneurial track record that has put him on the map, both locally and nationally.

But it still means a lot to Siegel when he's recognized for his - and most especially his employees' - collective efforts.

That's one reason he was happy to be able to celebrate his latest accolade locally on Friday, when he was recognized as one of 10 state leaders named as Who's Who in West Virginia Business 2009.

Siegel originally was slated to have received the award, which is presented by The State Journal, a business newspaper published in Charleston, on Feb. 5. However, heavy snow made travel there impossible at that time, he said.

Although Friday's presentation came a little later than planned, it was special because it occurred in his corporate headquarters, a historic renovated barn near Martinsburg. Local business leaders also honored Siegel, while his wife, Wendy, and employees watched in the audience.

A sports enthusiast, Siegel said he recently was reminded of golf great Bobby Jones.

"Bobby Jones was arguably the best golfer to ever play the game, even if you're a Tiger Woods fan. He was an amateur golfer who won more titles than anyone and he never turned pro. He thought it was pure to play as an amateur," Siegel said.

"But one of the other great things he said was that people think golf is played on a large golf course, when in reality golf is played on a 5.5-inch course right between your ears," he said.

The same principle, but with a special twist, also holds true for business, Siegel said.

"Business is played on about a 5-inch golf course, maybe between your ears sometimes, but usually right here," he said, gesturing toward his heart.

"The way you guys perform, the way the company has performed, the reputation we've been able to build together and the issues that we've been able to tackle together and overcome is nothing short of magnificent. I appreciate you all. This award is not just my award, it's our award," Siegel said.

Nancy Ferner, a business analyst with the Small Business Development Center of the Eastern Panhandle, introduced Siegel at Friday's event. She said she's known him a long time and always has been impressed by his professional drive.

Jane Peters, representing the state Development Office, also presented Siegel with a certificate from Gov. Joe Manchin. The certificate was in recognition of Siegel's "many contributions to the economic development of Berkeley County," it read.

Kathy Mason, Berkeley County Development Authority business programs manager, said it was been a privilege to nominate Siegel for the award.

"I have so much respect for him and what he has done with his business," Mason said.

"There were only 10 people in West Virginia who received this award, so it is a big deal," she said.

Berkeley County Development Authority Executive Director Stephen Christian said he appreciates Siegel giving up his valuable time to serve as an authority board member.

"It's also exciting to be able to work with him on a whole host of initiatives that I hope one day will really create some excitement and value for all of you who are part of his business universe. Hopefully that will spur a visit from our illustrious governor," Christian said with a knowing glance at Siegel.

Speaking after he and Mason had presented Siegel with his award, Christian said it couldn't have gone to a more deserving person.

"I think you can do well by doing good, and Harry is a perfect example of that. HMS Technologies is also a perfect example of the kind of businesses that we are focused on trying to attract and grow here in the county," Christian said.

HMS Technologies is an advanced systems integrator, and its clients include a long list of federal agencies, such as the Department of Veterans Affairs, Defense Department and Department of Agriculture.

It was selected as one of Inc. Magazine's 500 fastest growing companies in the nation for 2009, primarily because the company experienced a growth rate of 2,700 percent during the last four years.

Also according to that magazine, the company was listed as the No. 1 fastest growing privately held business in West Virginia.

In the fall of 2009, Siegel also received word that his company had won one of the biggest government contracts in its then six-year history. The contract was worth $75 million over seven years with the federal Department of Health and Human Services.

- Staff writer Jenni Vincent can be reached at (304) 263-8931, ext. 138, or jvincent@journal-news.net

HMS Ranked #1 Top 50 Privately-Held Businesses in the State of West Virginia for 2010 by DiversityBusiness.Com

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Martinsburg, WV - HMS TECHNOLOGIES, INC. (HMS) announced today that it was ranked #1 among the Top 50 Privately-Held Businesses in the State of West Virginia for 2010 by DiversityBusiness.Com.

This win, coupled with the company’s prestigious win at the number one spot for the Washington Technology Fast 50 for 2009, once again places HMS on the fast track for another winning year in the business of information technology solutions.

This is the 10^th year that DiversityBusiness.com’s annual listing has been published. It named HMS TECHNOLOGIES, INC as the top business for the state of West Virginia as well as three other National awards throughout the United States. The companies listed on the Top Business Lists represent the Nation’s top multicultural earners and challenge the long-held notion that a privately held business is small or insignificant.

“Success and awards are sometime fleeting, but HMS has won awards in each and every year of our six plus year existence This is another great win for HMS, and we are proud and honored to be included with this list of great companies,” said Harry M. Siegel, President and CEO of the company. “HMS is proud to have had another banner year of success. We owe that success and outstanding growth to quality teammates, our hard working staff and the clients we serve.”

The List is produced annually by DiversityBusiness.com, linking large organizational buyers to multicultural product and service suppliers. Winners are sought after by major corporations wishing to increase spending with small businesses.

HMS Supports the Community Via Soap Box Derby sponsorship

Tue, 15 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

By Jerry Arndt / Special to The Journal

On June 12, 2010, at the 11th annual ROCS Classic Norwalk Soap Box Derby, racers will speed down South Queen Street in Martinsburg hoping to win first place in one of the three racing classes. It is an exciting day of organized soap box derby racing that is managed by volunteers who have been doing the races for the past 10 years.

Janie Butts, currently serving as president said, "As president of the derby, I have enjoyed watching our racers grow up and mature into fine young adults," said Janie Butts, current president. "The past 10 years have been a great and pleasurable experience for my family and me."

The races begin at the Martinsburg Public Library and end 630 feet later in front of the old St. Joseph's School. A special timing machine is used that can measure the time down to 1/1000th of a second, and some of the races in the past have been that close. Gravity fuels the cars, which are made from kits that are purchased from the All-American Soap Box Derby Association. This ensures fairness in the race, as all racers in the same division are racing in cars that are exactly alike except for the positioning of the weights and their body weight.

The magical interaction occurs between the young drivers and the adults who have a hand in helping them prepare for the race.

"It teaches children to commit to a long-term project and see it through," said Ron Butts, founder of the current race. "By and large it teaches the child to focus. It also teaches sportsmanship, learning basic construction skills and staying with a project from start to finish."

Butts added that the grownups who help build the derby cars, and attend construction clinics and trial runs with the derby participants are not always relatives. He also added that the derby is fun and a great competitive activity for children who are not athletically inclined or who have a health problem or other limitations that prevents them from playing other sports.

There are three divisions for the racers. The Stock Division is for racers who are 7 years old and not yet 17 years old and have a combined car and personal weight of 200 pounds. The Super Stock Division is for racers who are 9 years old and not yet 21 and have a combined car and personal weight of 240 pounds. The newest division, the Masters Division, is for racers who are 10 years old but not yet 21 years old and have a combined car and personal weight of 255 pounds, and must have raced before in a Stock or Super Stock race.

On race day, each racer competes at least two times, and the cars are capable of reaching speeds of up to 25 miles an hour. That sounds like a lot of fun to me.

Winners in all three divisions will go with their families to Akron for further racing with racers from all over the world. Our sponsors help pay for the family's expenses while they are in Akron as well as getting to and from Akron.

At Akron, they will have multiple chances to race down the hill against the other racers because of qualifying trials and double elimination races. In the past, in Akron, if the racer lost on the first round, they were not allowed to race again.

Dina Edwards, the local race director for the last two years, said, "Watching the kids' faces as they bring their cars in for inspections is exciting.

I also enjoy watching them search through the heat sheets and go check out the cars of their opponents. Race morning is the best, as I see the excitement on each face as they anticipate the day and hope that this year is the year they win."

She has been to Akron and said, "it is an experience of a lifetime for anyone who has an opportunity to participate."

We were very fortunate to have an international winner from Martinsburg, Garrett Keysar, racing a Masters car in 2006. What an honor for us here in the Eastern Panhandle!

The sport is for boys and girls, and the girls lately have shown the boys that they can be very competitive racers.

The only body parts that should be visible in the Stock and Super Stock cars are the racer's eyeballs and helmet when they are in a racing position. The racers in the Masters Division are lying down with a small window-like place on the car to view the raceway. Racers can compete in races in successive years if they do not win their division, so racing is not just limited to one year for most of the racers.

The race is conducted on a lane-swap basis, which gives equal advantage to all racers as well as at least two opportunities to race the cars down South Queen Street. Lane swapping means that each heat is run twice to possibly eliminate both lane and wheel inequalities. The racers are assigned a lane in the first race and then they are automatically assigned the other lane for the second race. The winner is determined by the larger margin of time or whoever wins both runs.

A week in advance of the race, a program is provided by The Journal, featuring all of the racers and their cars as well as a history of the race and other pertinent details. Very nice opening ceremonies are done before the race starts on race day.

The day after the race, a free recognition dinner for racers and their immediate families is held, honoring all of the racers. Savings bonds are given to all of the first-, second-, third- and fourth-place winners in each division. A swimming event follows at the park.

The final event to be held here before the winners leave for Akron is sponsored by McDonald's. The racers are picked up at their homes by a limo and driven through town to the North Queen Street McDonald's restaurant. WRNR covers the event on live remote as the racers are recognized for their accomplishments. Each of the winners has a chance to talk to the group and answer questions about the experiences in the races. Cake and drinks are served in their honor to round out the evening and the racers are off to Akron.

This year, it was a surprise to have an 8-year-old young lady, Emily Butts, win the 2009 Stock Division. "I was overjoyed because it was my first time to race," she said. "I was also overwhelmed with the size of the first place Stock Division trophy."

This year's 2009 Masters Division winner, Trey Knepper, says it best.

"The ROCS Classic Nowalk Soap Box Derby has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life," he said. "It has truly been a family sport, as my grandfather sponsored my first car back in 2004 through his appraisal business. My dad and other relatives have continuously helped me with the construction and preparation of the car, and now my sister and younger cousins are racing as well. I first met many of my good friends today through the soap box derby, and have made many lifelong memories since I began racing.

"I just loved every aspect that the racing entailed," he continued. "I loved to plan out my car setup, decide on the best line to drive, research every possible advantage that I could gain, experiment with new ideas, participate in friendly competition, paint a flying corn cob all over my master's car, and, of course, cruise down South Queen Street with family and friends cheering on both sides of the street. I was so relieved and excited that the many hours of hard work and determination finally paid off when I won the Masters Division this past year. It was something I had always dreamed about for many years, and I was simply overjoyed to finally accomplish the feat. But, while the trophy, savings bond, limo ride, radio and newspaper interviews, parade appearances and the trip to Akron were all incredible perks to winning, the coolest part of all is knowing that I will forever be a part of local history as a champion of the local soap box derby."

In the Super Stock division, Taylor Riner proved victorious in the 2009 race.

Registration kits this year can be picked up at Maxlock Locksmith Service, Meadow Lane Shopping Center in Martinsburg, (304) 267-8632; or Arndt-McBee Insurance Agency, 824 N. Queen St., Martinsburg, (304) 263-6906; Mid-Atlantic Protel, Spring Mills Town Center, Spring Mills (304) 264-3600; Dave Piepenbrink State Farm Agency, Hovatter Shopping Center, Inwood (304) 229-0029; or in Jefferson County at Smith-Nadenbousch Insurance, Hilldale Shopping Center, Charles Town (304) 725-7081. The cost to register is $30 per racer.

If you want to sponsor and build a car, or if you want to sponsor a car that is already built, or you have any questions about the race, you can get that information from Dina Edwards, race director, at (304) 267-8632. The derby organization has a bank of cars that were previously raced and are available to be loaned to new racers this year.

The ROCS convenience stores have been the Derby's Title Sponsor since the inception of the race in 2000. Other major sponsors to be with the derby all 10 years are The Journal, Jefferson Security Bank, Porterfield's Collision Center and BB&T bank. Other recent major sponsors who have helped are McDonald's Restaurants, Kelley Allstate Insurance Agency and HMS Technologies Inc.

The derby has had many people and organizations that have helped with services and donations for many years, and the board members want to take this opportunity to thank all of them, who are too numerous to list here.

See you at the races on June 10.

- Jerry Arndt has been associated with the ROCS Classic race since its inception. He is and has been the fundraising chairperson for the organization and he and his wife, Barbara K, have served on the Board of Directors. Barbara K is the publicity chairperson for this year's race.

Herald Dispatch Names Harry Siegel Who's Who in West Virginia

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Reynolds, Childers honored in State Journal awards

November 24, 2009 @ 10:55 PM

The Herald-Dispatch

CHARLESTON -- Two Huntington businessmen have been recognized by The State Journal as part of the weekly business publication's annual West Virginia business awards.

Marshall Reynolds, chairman of Champion Industries, has been chosen as the winner of the 2009 Lorenelle White Lifetime Achievement Award. Bob Childers of Structures Resources Inc. was named one of eight winners of the Who's Who in West Virginia Business Award for 2009.

Other winners announced in a special publication this week were Kenneth Allman of MountainPlex Properties in Hinton, Thomas Heywood of Bowles Rice McDavid Graff & Love in Charleston, Richard L. Slater of Dixon Hughes in Charleston, Kathy Clinton of Performance Results Corp. in Morgantown, Michael McWhorter of Landmark Forestry in Weston, Edwin Welch of the University of Charleston, and Harry Siegel of HMS Technologies in Martinsburg.

The newspaper's profile of Reynolds noted the growth of Champion Industries, which now includes more than a dozen businesses and The Herald-Dispatch, but also his contributions to the community and business in West Virginia.

Childers was recognized as the developer of several of Huntington's largest real estate projects, including Commerce Park on the West End and the East Hills Professional Center on Route 60.

All of the winners will be honored at a luncheon Feb. 5 at the Charleston Marriott. Reservations for the awards luncheon can be made online at www.statejournal.com or by calling Rebekah Hogue at 304 720-6527.

HMS Named GSA Mentor Protege

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

HMS TECHNOLOGIES, INC. DESIGNATED FIRST SMALL BUSINESS TO SMALLER BUSINESS MENTOR

Martinsburg, WV - HMS TECHNOLOGIES, INC. (HMS) announced today the company has received another first, in being named the First Small Business in the United States approved to be a Mentor as a Small to Smaller Business Mentor/Protégé. Mary Parks who is the Acting Associate Administrator for the Office of Small Business Utilization is GSA’s champion for the program. “We have seen firsthand how powerful and valuable the Mentor/Protégée Program has been over the years with large primes mentoring the smaller companies,” said Parks. “Moving forward with a Small to Smaller Business Program just makes excellent sense. After all, who can possibly be more empathetic to a small business needs and wants better than a successful small business such as HMS?”

This recent honor is the result of HMS’s application and approval by GSA to be a Small Business to Smaller Business Mentor. HMS applied for the program in accordance with 552.219-75 GSA Mentor Protégé Program and was approved October 2009. GSA’s Mentor-Protégé Program is designed to encourage and motivate GSA prime contractors to assist small businesses and enhance their capability of performing successfully on
GSA contracts and subcontracts. The program is intended to foster the establishment of long-term relationships between small businesses and GSA prime contractors and increase the overall number of small businesses that receive GSA prime contract and subcontract awards. The final rule was published in the Federal Register on August 14, 2009. HMS is also currently a protégé to IBM in a Department of Defense (DoD) mentor protégé relationship that is sponsored by the National Geospatial Intelligence Agency.

“This is somewhat historic, and we want to be great partners officially as we have been all along unofficially said Harry M. Siegel, President/CEO of the company. “HMS is now the only simultaneous mentor and protégé ever. The respect and rapport between GSA and the two companies is high, and Veterans Corps actually mirrors HMS in many ways”, said Siegel. “The value HMS has received from the program has been truly amazing, and it has allowed HMS to continue to grow at light speed, while keeping our commitments to our clients and partners.”

Mr. Siegel has already informally mentored more than 32 companies across the US. These companies range from providing Information Technology (IT), and Professional Services, to state-of-the-art Product Solutions that are true force multipliers to both the Federal government and private sector.
President/CEO of Veteran Corps of America Bill Wheeler, stated, "Veteran Corps of America is honored to be part of the first approved GSA Mentor Protégé partnership, especially as a protégé to Harry Siegel and HMS TECHNOLOGIES, INC. To date, our GSA Schedules and the VETS GWAC have been critical to reaching and expanding our customer base. Through the GSA's new Mentor-Protégé program and our partnership with HMS TECHNOLOGIES, INC, we expect we will be afforded significant new opportunities to expand our professional services capabilities and successfully grow our small business."

HMS’ goal is to assist Veteran Corps of America in maturing their business processes and helping them successfully develop their presence in various markets. To find out more about HMS TECHNOLOGIES, its products and services, visit our website at www.hmstech.com, or contact the number listed in this release.

HMS Wins $ 75 Million Posted in The Journal

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

HMS wins $75M contract

By Jenni Vincent

Journal staff writer

MARTINSBURG - It's been a good year for HMS Technologies Inc., especially with recent news that the local company has won one of the biggest government contracts in its six-year history.

Harry M. Siegel, HMS president and CEO, said the new contract, which will be worth $75 million over seven years, is with the federal Department of Health and Human Services. The focus will be on providing information technology support services for Continuity of Operations and Disaster Recovery, he said.

The scope of these support services is to "ensure that the operating divisions and staff divisions of DHHS are able to restore critical business functions to specific performance targets within specified time frames following a disruption," Siegel said.

HMS will serve as the prime contractor and will be partnering with NCI Information Systems Inc. of Reston, Va., and Valador Inc. of Herndon, Va.

While this contract is a major success, it has not come about without years of hard work and professional service, Siegel said.

"HMS spent the last six years building its experience and reputation as a quality contractor in the federal government and has put an extra focus in the federal health arena. While the corporation has enjoyed spectacular growth, it has been able to maintain the quality delivery required for all vendors to be successful in this marketplace," he said.

Earlier this summer, HMS Technologies was selected as one of Inc. Magazine's 500 fastest growing companies in the nation for 2009.

At that time, it joined an exclusive list that has included such well-known national companies as Microsoft and Oracle, firms that also gained early exposure as members of the Inc. 500 in previous years.

In this year's list, the company, which has had a growth rate of 2,700 percent over the last four years and revenues totaling $22.6 million in 2008, was ranked the 45th fastest growing private company.

The company, which Siegel first operated out of the basement of his Falling Waters home, is an advanced systems integrator. Its clients include a long list of other federal agencies including the Department of Veterans Affairs, Defense Department and Department of Agriculture.

HMS Technologies is also a service-disabled-veteran-owned small business, he said.

It currently has 49 full-time employees, but that number swells to about 200 individuals when part-time employees and consultants are included, Siegel said.

He said he is looking forward to this venture, partly because of the other companies that also are involved.

"Our partners NCI and Validor have fit seamlessly into our overall solution, and we believe our teams will be viewed as one team dedicated to the success of DHHS. The value of this win, both professionally and monetarily, is monumental for HMS' overall corporate strategy and future success," he said.

His enthusiasm was echoed by NCI Information Systems President Terry Glasgow, who said this work is important to DHHS.

"Work under this program is a core competency of NCI, and we are pleased to have the opportunity to bring our expertise, capabilities and best practices to support DHHS. We look forward to working with HMS on this important program," Glasgow said.

Valador Inc. President and CEO Kevin Mabie agreed.

"I am very excited about this opportunity to work with the HMS Technologies team in support of the Department of Health and Human Services," he said. "This effort will expand our existing capabilities in Continuity of Operations Planning and Disaster Recovery services."

- Staff writer Jenni Vincent can be reached at (304) 263-3381, ext. 138, or jvincent@journal-news.net

HMS TECHNOLOGIES Wins $75 Million DHHS Contract

Mon, 21 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Worth $75 million over seven years, HMS will be serving as the prime contractor and will be partnering with NCI Information Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ:NCIT) out of Reston, VA, and Validor, Inc., from Herndon, VA. The scope of the COOP/DR support services is to ensure the Operating Divisions (OPDIVs) and Staff Divisions (STAFFDIVs) of DHHS are able to restore critical business functions to specific performance targets within specified timeframes following a disruption.

HMS TECHNOLOGIES Sponsors Women of Distinction Event

Sun, 20 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

MARTINSBURG - Committee members are pleased to announce this year's sponsors for the 2009 Women of Distinction event.

The fifth annual event, which is hosted by the Girl Scouts of Shawnee Council, celebrates the achievement of outstanding women in West Virginia's Eastern Panhandle.

Maggie Witherbee, who is the chief executive officer for the Shawnee Council, said the sponsors of the annual luncheon demonstrate their solid support of girl leadership development through Girl Scouting and step forward to ensure recognition of the women leaders in the community.

The Leadership Sponsor is the Bank of Charles Town. This is the bank's third year as the major Leadership Sponsor with a $3,000 gift.

Robert Baronner Jr., president and chief executive officer of BCT, said it is important to support Women of Distinction.

"At BCT, more than 75 percent of our employees are women and we are strong advocates of individual development and achievement, both personally and professionally," he said. "We are honored to continue as the Leadership Sponsor for an event recognizing outstanding women in the Eastern Panhandle."

Courage Sponsors ($1,500) include Centra Bank, Girl Scout Council of the Nation's Capital Board, Girl Scout Council of the Nation's Capital Leadership, HMS Technologies Inc., Jackson Kelly, PLLC, Little Brownie Bakers, Miller's Electric, Minghini's General Contractors, Mountain State University, Shepherd University and Williamson Shriver Architects.

Confidence Sponsors ($750) include BB&T, Bowles Rice McDavid Graff & Love, LLP, U.S. Rep. Shelly More Capito, R-W.Va., Center for Orthopedic Excellence, Farmers & Mechanics Insurance Company, Girl Scout Leadership, MVB Bank, U.S. Sen. Jay Rockefeller, D-W.Va., and Rotary Club of Martinsburg.

Character Sponsors ($375) include Audiology Hearing Care Services, Bavarian Inn, Britt Reed Law Offices, Charles Town Races & Slots, CNB Bank, Cole and Associates, E. Ross Curtis, P.E., Dr. and Mrs. K.W. Gilpin, Hensell Realty Company, JayDee's Family Fun Center, Jefferson Distributing Co., Mary Lange Kalin, Martin & Seibert, L.C., Liz Oates, Old Mill Internists, Dr. Timothy Bowers, Pennington's Auto Center, Personal Reflections Day Spa, Lynne Seibert, Sunrise Rotary Club, United Bank, W. Harley Miller Contractors, West Virginia University HospitalsEast, Eva L. Woolridge and Yount, Hyde & Barbour.

The Girl Scouts and the Women of Distinction committee deeply appreciate the generous support, Witherbee said.

Funds raised support local Girl Scout troops, outreach programs and outdoor leadership opportunities.

The 2009 Women of Distinction honorees are Gina M. Miller, vice president of Miller's Electric Co., Connie Perry, Perry Realty, and Joanne Wadsworth, vice president of Centra Bank.

The luncheon event is set for Sept. 29 at the Holiday Inn, Martinsburg.

Tickets to the Women of Distinction event are $40 and can be purchased from the Girl Scout office. More information is available by contacting Witherbee at (304) 263-8833.

- From staff reports

HMS Ranked #1 on Washington Technology's Fast 50

Fri, 28 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Martinsburg, WV - HMS TECHNOLOGIES, INC. (HMS) announced today its debut at the number one spot for the Washington Technology Fast 50 for 2009. As the fastest growing government contractor in the business of Information Technology, HMS’ growth rate reached a total of 258.6% over the last four years with revenues totaling 22.6 million in 2008.

With a mission to be the most responsive SDVOSB systems integrator in the world, HMS supports a number of agencies and departments within the federal government integrating technology solutions for the common goal of teamed success. Our vertical markets of Products Solutions, Professional Services and Health Services have enabled HMS to work with agencies such as Department of Homeland Security, Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Commerce, U .S. Patent and Trade Office.

“This award is a result of the intersection of people, process, and technology, said Harry M. Siegel, President and Chief Executive Officer of HMS TECHNOLOGIES, INC. “The quality staff we have been able to field coupled with outstanding partners and clients have made our delivery on the mark. Our speed to market matched with our honor gives us an unequaled repetitive success rate. We work hard, we work smart, and we exceed our client’s expectations,” said Siegel.

HMS efforts have resulted in numerous recognitions and accolades, including most recently being ranked as number 45 in Inc. 500 and 7th in Government Services in the nation.

National Health Study for a New Generation of U.S. Veterans

Thu, 16 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS EXTERNAL LINKS

Fujitsu America President Visits HMS

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The president of Fujitsu America Headquarters recently visited the East Coast with HMS being one of the very few sites visited during his tour. “Fujitsu is honored to partner with HMS, an innovative and agile organization with deep roots in the best of American tradition…country, community and collegiality. My visit was an inspiration both professionally and personally, and I’m looking very forward to creating a bright future together.” Fujitsu and HMS have been partners for more than two years now, selling all that Fujitsu America now offers to include software, hardware and services.

HMS TECHNOLOGIES, INC. Wins Second Major Contract With USPTO

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

HMS TECHNOLOGIES, INC. (HMS) announced today that they have been awarded its second major service contract with the Department of Commerce, United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). This major award from USPTO is a GSA Schedule Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) worth up to $15 million over a period of five years.

This is a major success story for the company as it continues to grow its corporate portfolio as one of the premier Service Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSBs) in the nation.

HMS is working closely with its long time partner Grant Thornton, LLP the fifth largest accounting, business advisory and professional services firm in the world who is HMS’ subcontractor.

"USPTO has been an outstanding client. They are the watchdogs for new inventions in technology," said Harry M. Siegel, President and CEO of the company. “Our team has delivered with quality and honor and being awarded a second contract is a testimony to their fantastic work,” said Siegel.

The key tasks identified in the contract across the three support areas:

(1) Program Management; (2) Financial Management; (3) Business Management are intended to help the agency meet its growing program and project management needs, improve financial management practices, provide actionable cost information, enhance existing reporting capabilities, improve linkages to budgeting and performance, continue to comply with the relevant federal financial management mandates, and support ongoing business operations.

HMS TECHNOLOGIES, INC. WINS 2009 DHS Small Business Achievement Award

Thu, 14 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Martinsburg, WV - HMS TECHNOLOGIES, INC. (HMS) announced today that congratulations are in order as the company has received the 2009 DHS Small Business Achievement Award. HMS was among 14 other companies, and the only Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business in the country to receive the award in a ceremony held on Wednesday, April 29, at the General Services Administration Building in Washington, DC.

The award was accepted by President/CEO Harry M. Siegel, and Carmen Flores, HMS’ Product Manager during the ceremony. HMS was specifically recognized for work performed in fiscal year 2008 in support of the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration Customs Enforcement division whose mission is to protect national security by enforcing the nation’s customs and immigration laws.

During the year 2008 HMS provided ICE with software and hardware in support of vital DHS programs, creating win-win solutions that exceeded the requirements and expectations of the client.

“Receiving this Small Business Achievement Award is a great honor”, said William Kirkpatrick, Vice President of Product Solutions for the company.” It is good to know that the software/hardware solutions the HMS team provided is playing a vital role in supporting those programs that protect the immigration laws of the nation we serve, said Kirkpatrick.

In addition to exceeding the client’s expectation, HMS was able to foster a partnership/relationship that was nurtured with timely and professional service as a result of our outstanding quality of teammates within the company.

To find out more about HMS TECHNOLOGIES, its products and services, visit our website at www.hmstech.com, or contact the number listed in this release.

HMS Does it Again Winning Three Top Awards!

Fri, 01 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

HMS TECHNOLOGIES, INC. DOES IT AGAIN, WINNING THREE TOP AWARDS FROM
DIVERSITYBUSINESS.COM
Martinsburg, WV - HMS TECHNOLOGIES, INC. (HMS) announced today that the company has
once again been named as one of the top businesses in the United States by
DiversityBusiness.com, the nations’ leading business-to-business internet site.
This year’s trifecta of awards ranked HMS TECHNOLOGIES, INC. as:
• 7th among the Top 100 Privately-Held Businesses in the State of West Virginia.
• 22nd among the Nation’s Top 100 Disabled Veteran Owned Business in the United States.
• 78th among the Nation’s Top 500 Veteran-Owned Businesses in the United States
This is the 9th annual listing that names HMS TECHNOLOGIES, INC as a top business by
DiversityBusiness.com for the state of West Virginia and throughout the United States. The
companies listed on the Top Business Lists represent the Nation’s top multicultural earners and
challenge the long-held notion that a privately held business is small or insignificant. Winners are
sought after by major corporations wishing to increase spending with small businesses.
“Making the list is a great honor”, said Harry M. Siegel, President and CEO of the company.”
Considering the Nation has been in an economic downturn, HMS is proud to have had yet
another banner year of success. We owe that success of outstanding growth to quality
teammates, our staff and the clients we serve”, said Siegel.
This List represents the top small businesses in the U.S., in the areas of technology,
manufacturing, food service and professional services and us used throughout the country. The
List is produced annually by DiversityBusiness.com, linking large organizational buyers to
multicultural product and service suppliers.
To find out more about HMS TECHNOLOGIES, its products and services, visit our website at
www.hmstech.com, or contact the number listed in this release.
About HMS TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
HMS Technologies is an award winning established cutting edge leader in the business of information
technology solutions. Recognized as a leading Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business IT prime
contractor we possess the know-how with proven results for integrating technology, partners and clients for
the common goal of teamed successes in both the Federal Sector and Commercial environments. HMS is
known for its quality service, responsiveness, speed to market and the ability to sell hardware and software
of choice to penetrate an organization and then radiate with service. We seek the “best of the best” in
information systems hardware and software to integrate into a seamless client solution, whether designing,
building or deploying custom software to serve the need. The company in 2008 moved to 68th on the
Federal Government’s Top 100 GWAC contractors list. The company continues to stand on the principles of
being recognized for its award-winning quality and value of their work while living the priorities of the
organization through the five C’s in the following order: Country, Clients, Colleagues, Corporation, and
Cost-Control. HMS was founded in 2003 and is headquartered in Martinsburg, WV.
# # #
“Old World Commitment Coupled With New World Technology”

HMS TECHNOLOGIES is Honored to Support the National Health Study for a New Generation of U.S. Veterans

Mon, 06 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

National Health Study for a New Generation of U.S. VeteransThe U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is conducting the National Health Study for a New Generation of U.S. Veterans, a health surveillance study of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) veterans and those who served elsewhere during the same time period. This survey is one of the largest scientific research studies ever undertaken on the health of recent veterans. Through postal and on-line questionnaire surveys with 60,000 veterans, the VA is collecting information that will be used to find out about the health of the new generation of U.S. veterans, and why any health problems may have occurred. HMS TECHNOLOGIES INC., a Service Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business, along with Health Research and Analysis, LLC and ABT SRBI, Inc., has been contracted by the VA to support this National Health Study for a New Generation of U.S. Veterans. To learn more about the study, go to www.opinionport.com/vetwellness. Thank you for your interest in the National Health Study for a New Generation of U.S. Veterans.

To Contact a Study Representative:

Toll Free: 1 (877) VET-0088

Hours: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. (EST)

Email: vetwellness@hmstech.com

Visit: www.opinionport.com/vetwellness

Other Toll Free Numbers for Contacting the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

VA Benefits…………………………………………………………………………………………………1-800-827-1000

VA Health Revenue Center (for Health Care Benefits) …………………………1-877-222-8387

Telecommunications Device for the Deaf ………………………………………………1-800-829-4833

Crisis Hotline………………………………………………………………………………………………1-800-273-TALK (8255)

Principal Investigator…………………………………………………………………………………1-800-211-5272

Veterans and family members interested in VA’s web resources will find helpful information at www.va.gov.

An additional resource for veterans separating from the Armed Forces after serving in Operation Enduring Freedom and/or Operation Iraqi Freedom is www.oefoif.va.gov.

To access educational materials for veterans, who may be asked to take part in a VA research study, go to http://www.research.va.gov/programs/pride/veterans/default.cfm

A Barn Goes Back to the Future

Fri, 27 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

by Christine Kowalski

As one local technology company looks to the future, it has revitalized an icon of the past.

Last spring, HMS Technologies Inc. relocated to its new headquarters—a renovated eighteenth century barn in Martinsburg, W.Va. President and CEO Harry Siegel, whose initials form the HMS of the company's name, completed the nearly $750,000 project with his wife, Wendy.

The limestone barn that once sheltered cattle now houses a data center, offices and an auditorium for the company. Siegel, winner of the 2008 West Virginia Small Business Person of the Year award, anticipates that his company will secure $35 million in revenue for 2008.

In 1994, the Siegels moved their household to West Virginia, but they continued to work in the Washington, D.C., area.

"Over coffee one Saturday morning, my wife and I were sitting on our deck in Gaithersburg, Md,, and I looked at her and I said, This is not like a midlife crisis, but I'd really like to get out of here and go buy a horse farm,'" Siegel said.

The couple commuted for a decade before Siegel began HMS Technologies.

"What we decided was that there were lots of other quality people that were doing the same kind of commute we were and that if we had a company that was big enough and strong enough and could employ those quality people, we could give them half of their lives back and have them here with us," he said.

The company operated out of a leased facility in Martinsburg before the relocation.

"The other building was just too small for us. We outgrew it in the first six weeks we were there," Siegel said.

Siegel credits his wife for the design and decor of the new facility. He requested only that she incorporate the company's color scheme into the design and suggested that he would like the facility to "feel more like a spa than an office."

Wendy Siegel's design talent and attention to detail are apparent, from the rich, textured walls to the refined furnishings. The results represent her commitment to the historic atmosphere and enhance the remarkable features of the original barn. As often as possible, she incorporated the building's earliest details as stylistic elements in the remodeling. For example, the series of Roman numerals that aided eighteenth century builders in piecing together the massive barn framework remain exposed today on the hand-hewn logs that line the main hallway.

Many of the offices at HMS Technologies have at least one limestone wall. The company even retained the barn's gunports; contractors
used lasers to cut custom windows to fit the narrow openings.

The Siegels extend the beauty of the facility's natural selling to the indoor decorativeelements, incorporating "twig" lighting that blends harmoniously with the natural wood contours of the exposed beams.

Even the clean, modern lines of the auditorium are subtly punctuated with lighting that evokes a natural theme. Harry Siegel sketched the design he wanted for the unique sconces.

"I want you to design it out of metal to look like wood," he instructed the manufacturer, who offered a cost-cutting alternative. "We can make it out of glass to look like metal to look like wood," the manufacturer responded, which led to the creation of the attractive nature-themed lighting with a contemporary twist.

The exterior of the building, with its red, standing seam metal roof, cupolas and weather vane, blends seamlessly with the surrounding pastoral landscape. The campus can boast a silo as a dominating feature and has its own John Deere tractor for maintaining the grounds.

The facility has undergone previous renovations, including incarnations as a church and a television station. The latest renovation was completed in just six weeks, an immense undertaking which included the building of 43 walls and the replacement of all electrical wiring and eight heating and air conditioning systems. In addition, three bathrooms and a kitchen received floor-to-cei1ing remodeling.

"One of the things we're very proud of is, with one minor exception, we used all local talent to do the work on this facility," Siegel said. "It was important to me that if we were going to spend this kind of money that we spend it in our community."

In addition to relying on local craftsmanship, Siegel draws on nearby resources for other aspects of his business. He looks to Shepherd University as "a great resource for us to recruit bright, young talent," he said, and cites Mountain State University and James Rumsey Technical Institute as valuable resources for employees' continuing education. Siegel also tapped the local historical society for information about the company property.

Don Wood of the Berkeley County I listorica] Society helped the Siegcls research the history of the six-acre barn property. The couple has traced construction of the bam to the John Mong family, dating the building to the 1700s. The Historical Society provided them with a copy of a newspaper advertisement of the sale by which the property passed out of the Mong family in 1894.

Siegel began managing the renovation, but within a week he turned the project over to Cosner-Holben General Contracting Inc. of Martinsburg. The owners, Kevin Cosner and Charlie Holben, have been building locally for more than 20 years.

"They could pick up the phone and get a painter here...I don't have that kind of connection, where general contractors do," Siegel said.

"The schedule was incredibly—not aggressive, but ludicrous!" Siegel said. "But that was my fault, I'm the one who wanted it done quickly." Because the company was heading into a particularly busy time of year "I forced the challenge because of my desire to get it done and over with. I didn't want to disrupt our operation any longer than I had to."

While contractors worked nigh and weekends to meet the tigl deadline, the large scale of th project worked to the contractor advantage. With a 12,000-squan foot building, contractors could renovate sections of the building in phases.

"We could work different trades in different areas," Cosner said. There were as many as 14 electrical contractors working in the building at one time. "It's all about scheduling," he said. "If somebody falls out of line, it hurts the whole sequence,"

Small Business Seminar Matchmaking

Thu, 13 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Reporter: Chanel Caraway
Email Address: chanel@tv3winchester.com

The U.S. Small Business Administration held a federal contracting and small business matchmaking seminar.

Representatives from more than 60 organizations attended. The event provided small businesses with opportunities to market their companies to federal agencies and contractors.

"We recommend that small businesses work with their banker. SBA guarantees loans which makes a bank more likely to give that loan especially during economic tough times," says Melissa Loder, Business Development Specialist for SBA.

The federal government is the largest purchaser of goods and services in the world. Contracting is a good way for businesses to succeed during the economic downturn.

"The economic downturn is how you take it. with every bad side opportunity there's an upside opportunity. I believe the people who work hard and work smart, know where to go and what to do and know how to deliver are going to increase their corporations," says Harry Siegel, President & CEO of HMS Technologies.

HMS Technologies in Martinsburg, WV hosted the event

HMS Helps South Middle School

Wed, 29 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Lab promotes learning

A Martinsburg school unveils an outdoor classroom in memory of two former teachers.

October 29, 2008

By Jillian E. Kesner / Journal Staff Writer

MARTINSBURG - A dream became a reality Tuesday morning as South Middle School in Martinsburg unveiled the beginning of a living science lab in memory of two former local teachers.

Seventh-grade science teacher John Berry had a dream four years ago - to see the courtyard space in the center of the school that he can see from his classroom become an outdoor educational space with a pond, weather station and a butterfly sensory house.

"This will provide an opportunity (that students) wouldn't normally have," Berry said. "It's a nice thing for the students to be able to get outdoors and use all their senses."

The Kelly Butts and Clarence Clark Living Science Lab Memorial is being built in honor of two teachers. Butts was a computer technology teacher at South Middle School who died of colon cancer in Oct. 2007. Clark, who taught social studies at Shepherdstown Middle School for 28 years, passed away in June 2003 after sarcoidosis attacked his lungs. His wife, Rosa, is the secretary at South Middle School.

At the beginning of the school term this year, Ty Strauch, president of the Parent-Teacher-Student Association, asked the group what project they wanted to work on. Pat Brockway-Votel, assistant principal of South Middle, suggested the living science lab and showed Strauch the blueprints that Berry had created for the space.

Strauch said her main goal as PTSA president was to get students involved in doing something for the school.

"Instead of just doing an activity, I wanted them to participate in community project," she said.

Strauch raised $20,000 in one month, and she said it couldn't have been done without the desire of the community to see the project come to life in honor of Butts and Clark.

"It was just wonderful to see how the community wanted to do this," Strauch said.

Brockway-Votel said the project has already helped educate students.

"Our PTSA is a wonderful role model for our students ... about what happens behind the scenes to create successful events," Brockway-Votel said.

On Tuesday, family members were present as members of the PTSA showed the progress of the Living Science Memorial Lab. Already, a large pond has been built by Smoot's Landscaping. Plans for a sundial, memorial trees, vegetation and seating will also be incorporated into the environment.

"I'm glad to see the love and support of the community and the giving of their time and money to educate the children," Rosa Clark said. "Without education, we wouldn't have anything."

Yvonne Gray, Butts' sister, attended SMS and was present on Tuesday for the ceremony.

"It's very special; we have a great group of friends and co-workers here and are loved very much," Gray said.

So far, $20,000 in supplies and monetary donations have been given by local businesses including Smoot's Landscaping, Sensel Signs, Queen Family Dentistry, Lowe's, Power Mortgage, Medicap, Mid-Atlantic Protel, Norborne Garden Club and HMS Technologies, plus numerous individual sponsors.

Strauch said that the project is valued at $50,000, and more donations are welcome.

Donations for the living science lab can be sent courtesy of the South Middle School PTSA, 150 Bulldog Boulevard Martinsburg, WV 25401.

- Staff writer Jillian E. Kesner can be reached at (304) 263-8931, ext. 215, or jkesner@journal-news.net

HMS Technologies, Inc. Forms New Health Services Division

Sat, 18 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Martinsburg, WV - HMS TECHNOLOGIES, INC. (HMS) announced today it will be adding a new Health Services Division to its portfolio. This division will provide health research and ommunications for the federal government. Leading off this effort is a new project for the U. S. Department of Veterans Affairs which will consist initially of conducting a large health study (60,000) of Operations Iraqi Freedom, and Operation Enduring Freedom veterans.

The project is a multiyear, multimillion dollar project with a goal to provide increased understanding of the long-term consequences of military deployments, and how to provide better healthcare for the veteran community.

The new Health Services Division will be headed up by longtime colleague Meredith Williams. Meredith comes to HMS from the Academy of Educational Development (AED), an international healthcare communications firm based in Washington, DC. She brings with her a distinguished career enriched with experience in the Public Health community.

“I’m pleased to join the HMS Team and to be given the opportunity to head up such a prestigious project, said Meredith Williams, Vice President of Health Services. “I’m especially pleased when it aids in the support of providing the best healthcare to our nation’s veterans”, said Williams.

“I have known Meredith Williams for more than 15 years and am thrilled to have her join our management team,” said Harry M. Siegel, President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of HMS TECHNOLOGIES, INC. “This win marks a new advanced direction for HMS to combine our health related IT skills with our new health services capabilities. As we deliver on this contract requirement, we will be helping to increase the quality of life for thousands of veterans,” said Siegel.

HMS Welcomes Visitors to New Site

Wed, 13 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

One local company is saving many professionals the commute into DC.

HMS Technologies provides IT support for federal government clients and it's in Berkeley County, West Virginia.

"The jobs are well paying jobs. They're informational technology jobs and this is the kinds of jobs of the future that we want to attract in West Virginia," said Congress woman Shelley Moore Capito.

For CEO Harry M Siegel, keeping it local is an important motto.

For ten years we commuted down to DC where the money was. It wears you out. My philosophy was, personally, I didn't want to commute anymore if I didn't have to and I believed that there were a ton of highly qualified technologists here in the area," said Siegel.

Siegel founded HMS out of his home in 2003.

Six years later, the company has come a long way.

Tuesday, visitors toured the company's new building, a historic barn converted just for HMS' use.

'You can walk in as a life long resident and see what a wonderful building that this company has restored," said Mary Jo Brown.

The building isn't the only thing HMS Technologies is restoring. Siegel helping to restore the lives of many war veterans.

Siegel served in Vietnam and is working to help other veterans.

"He, through his company, has mentored veteran owned businesses, hires veterans, he understand veterans coming home," said Capito.

HMS is a certified disabled veteran-owned business.

Forty-five percent of the companies employees are veterans.

DocuSys Partners with HMS TECHNOLOGIES INC to Benefit the Federal Healthcare Sector

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--DocuSys, Inc., the leading anesthesia information management system (AIMS/ARK), medication management and presurgical care management systems provider, announced today that it has partnered with HMS TECHNOLOGIES, INC., a certified Service Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB), and its products have been approved for sale on the HMS GSA Schedule 70 contract, contract number GS-35F-0834R. This unique partnership will combine the award winning, proven performance of HMS along with the state-of-the-art technology and services of DocuSys, to bring new levels of patient safety and improved quality of care to the Federal healthcare sector.

“HMS prides themselves on finding and integrating the best of breed products, whether hardware, software or medical devices. The decision to partner with DocuSys was an easy one for us, as they have what we consider to be the best Anesthesia Information Management System (AIMS/ARK) in the market today,” said Harry M. Siegel, President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of HMS Technologies. “We are proud to be associated with a company that optimizes patient care, reduces medical errors in the operating room, while also providing a significant ROI to its customers.”

“We are very excited about this partnership and the opportunity to work with a company like HMS who has a vast experience working within the governmental sector. This partnership will allow us to bring better quality of care to the operating rooms of the Veteran Affairs (VA) and Department of Defense (DOD) facilities,” stated DocuSys President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Robert E. Watson.

About HMS TECHNOLOGIES

HMS TECHNOLOGIES is an established Service Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) that integrates technology, partners and clients for the common goal of teamed success in both the Federal and commercial environments. They seek of the “best of the best” information systems hardware and software to integrate into a seamless client solution. If that software is not readily available, they design, build, and deploy custom software to serve the need. Their mission is to be the most responsive SDVOSB systems integrator in the world that is recognized for the award-winning quality and value of their work while living the priorities of the organization through the five C’s in the following order: Country, Clients, Colleagues, Corporation, and Cost-Control. www.hmstech.com.

About DocuSys

DocuSys is the market-leading anesthesia information management system (AIMS), medication management system and presurgical care management system provider, maximizing both the quality of care and return on investment in surgery. The company provides solutions that address all stages of the anesthesia care delivery process, including the presurgical evaluation process. Additional benefits of the system include ease of use, billing and charge capture automation, and aligning such quality measures as CMS’ pay-for-performance (P4P) program with financial objectives. DocuSys’ modular design permits integration with existing hospital information systems, electronic medication dispensing cabinets, infusion pumps, physiologic monitors and other systems in those settings where intravenous drug delivery is key. The company has received 510(k) clearance from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to market its technology and is a registered medical device manufacturer in accordance with FDA guidelines. www.docusys.net.

HMS TECHNOLOGIES, INC Stays Rooted in Eastern Panhandle

Mon, 16 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Story by Beth Gorczyca Ryan of The State Journal

MARTINSBURG -- It’s becoming pretty easy to spot the people in Berkeley County who work at HMS Technologies Inc. All one has to do is look at their cars.

Each HMS employee is given a license plate with the technology company’s name on it. They also receive shirts, hats and letterman jackets with the company’s name on it.

“I do a lot of branding,” said Harry Siegel, president and CEO of HMS Technologies. “Everyone in Martinsburg knows about HMS because they see the license plates and clothes.”

And the branding, coupled with a lot of solid business savvy and a dedication to customer service, appears to be working.

Since Seigel started the company in his Falling Waters basement in 2003, HMS has grown into a powerful and well-respected federal contractor. The company provides goods and services to health-care professionals and first responders, including the Department of Defense, the Department of Veterans Affairs and the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

In 2003, HMS did about $137,000 in business. This year it is on track to do about $50 million.

“We have been a very successful company because we put together a cadre of people who care and who deliver at an alarming rate,” Siegel said.

And that success has been met with kudos not just in West Virginia but also from organizations throughout the country.

Earlier this year, HMS received three awards from DiversityBusiness.com, a Web site devoted to offering solutions and advise to both small and large multicultural businesses. During the event, HMS was praised for being the second-fastest-growing small business in West Virginia, one of the top 25 service-disabled veteran-owned businesses in the country, and one of the nation’s top 500 small businesses. In May, the West Virginia Small Business Administration honored Siegel personally as the Small Business Person of the year.

In addition, the company won the Ronald Reagan Gold Medal for Small Business Excellence in 2005, which was the same year Siegel received the Business Man of the Year award by the NRCC. He also was honored as the Empire Who’s Who IT Systems Integrator for 2005-2006. Siegel was the awarded the SBA’s Veteran Advocate of the year for 2006, and HMS won the Congressional Medal of Distinction in 2007 for small business excellence.

Siegel gives the credit for his company’s success to his employees — 45 percent of whom are military veterans.

“What Harry does is extremely inspirational,” said Nancy Ferner, a business analyst with the WV SBA. “He mentors other veterans and hired men who are veterans. He nurtures the underdog and encourages everyone to be the best. He’s the epitome of what a small business person should be.”

Siegel said he and others on the management team put effort into keeping morale high and encouraging employees to work as hard as they can to make the company as strong and successful as it can be. Turnover is low, and Siegel said he and other members of HMS’ leadership team place a special emphasis on praising employees. One of their favorite ways to show their appreciation to employees is to give them an old-school style letterman jacket when they’ve done something especially well.

He said the jacket is a simple but effective way of telling employees they are part of the HMS team, and, as with any team, every player is important.

“I believe the work ethic of true West Virginians is enviable,” he said. “They have a great, wonderful, classic work ethic that you just can’t find in other places.”

Siegel, who was raised in Anderson, S.C., said he decided years ago to start his business in West Virginia. The state has been a good home for Siegel, who lives on an animal rescue farm in Falling Water with his wife, Wendy, and son, Sloane, where the family runs a riding program for children who are underprivileged or have disabilities.

For a while he would commute from the Eastern Panhandle to Washington, D.C., but the four-hour round trip took its toll. And as he looked around the morning and evening commuter trains, it was evident that other people riding in to work felt the same way.

So when he started the company, the employees he tried to grab were ones who, like him, were losing 20 hours a week riding the Metro line to D.C.

“I tell them, ‘I can give you the same salary, equal benefits and half of your life back,’” he said. To Siegel, giving back to the state and his community is just part of what being a good company should do. It should provide good jobs, give back and make things a little better. And that is what he and other members of his HMS team struggle to do every day.

And why he is proudest when he sees another car drive by with his company’s name on the plate.

West Virginia Small-Business Awards Presented

Mon, 09 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The U.S. Small Business Administration's West Virginia district office presented its 2008 awards on Thursday at the state Cultural Center.

The SBA gave out the following awards:

Small Business Person of the Year: Harry M. Siegel, president and chief executive officer, HMS Technologies Inc., Martinsburg.

Financial Services Champion of the Year: Stephanie Ellingson, commercial banking officer, Huntington National Bank, Morgantown.

Minority Small Business Champion: Meena Ahluwalia, president, Padgett Business Services, Morgantown.

Small Business Journalist of the Year: April Kaull, statewide news coordinator, West Virginia Media Holdings/WBOY-TV, Morgantown.

Women in Business Champion: Jeanne Mozier, president, Star Theatre, Berkeley Springs.

SBA Young Entrepreneurs of the Year: Joshua F. Pearson, president, and Brian D. Canterbury, vice president, Mountaineer Packaging LLC, Dunbar.

Large National Bank and Lender of the Year: Huntington National Bank, Clayton Rice, president of West Virginia region.

Community Bank of the Year: First State Bank.

HMS Success Touted by the Martinsburg Journal

Wed, 28 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

With all the talk of air strips and shale pits and some of the negative feelings that some residents have about those business ventures, one can’t help but look at the example of area businessman Harry Siegel and be awed by the success he’s enjoyed in just five years’ time.

Siegel, owner of HMS Technologies, was recently named the West Virginia Small Business Person of the year. Siegel started the company, which bears his initials, in 2003, in the basement of his Falling Waters home. Later, he moved the fledgling company to Burke Street, and now, to the Lost Road complex formerly inhabited most recently by a church and previously by the county’s only TV station.

During a six-week renovation marathon early this spring, Siegel, his wife and a score of contractors transformed the 1700s-era barn into a magnificent high-tech facility.

To see what’s been done with this existing facility is nothing short of amazing. Anyone who visits the former TV station will quickly observe the high-energy staff hard at work at their computers all in a comfortably serene, but highly functional setting.

HMS, which integrates software and hardware, is the 24th largest veteran-owned company in the U.S. HMS clients include the Department of Veterans Affairs, the U.S. Coast Guard, Government Services Administration and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Siegel also can boast that 45 percent of his staff is made up of veterans.

That’s a wonderful testament to Siegel’s commitment to vets. Being a disabled veteran himself (he joined the military, became a gunner’s mate seaman and later attended the U.S. Naval Academy), clearly he has a soft spot for the area’s military men and women.

And it makes sense.

After all, the Eastern Panhandle in particular and the state of West Virginia as a whole certainly have a high percentage of veterans who live and work here.

Siegel began HMS in December 2003, with himself as the sole employee. He did about $137,000 worth of business that year. This year, with about 150 part-time and full-time employees, he expects he’ll do about $50 million worth of business.

Talk about growth.

Siegel is a hard-working, high-energy businessman who has the tools to make HMS succeed. In less than five years, Siegel’s been recognized with several awards, including the most recent statewide small-business award. Also in 2007, HMS was honored by the Department of Defense for being the service-disabled veteran-owned business of the year. Siegel also recently won awards from DiversityBusiness.com, which is a Web site that offers advice to multicultural businesses.

But for Siegel, it’s not the awards that keep him motivated, but instead, his staff and vision and mission for the future — to be the most responsive systems integrator in the world.

That’s a pretty strong mission, but one that Harry Siegel can accomplish, if anyone can.

Panhandle residents should be happy to have outstanding businesses like HMS here.

HMS TECHNOLOGIES INC. Gets a New Home

Tue, 27 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

MARTINSBURG — HMS Technologies Inc. has a new home — in a historic local structure — and founder Harry Siegel couldn’t be happier with his company’s change of address.

While he liked his former Burke Street office in downtown Martinsburg, renovating an old barn — one built in the 1700s, previously used as a TV station and most recently a church — allowed he and wife Wendy to really make it their own, Siegel said.

“I think you could say that we’ve come a long way since we started this company in the basement of our former house,” he said, gesturing to an auditorium that can seat 200 people and has its own sound booth.

It will also be used extensively since Siegel, who’s already an in-demand public speaker, is planning to host conferences at his firm’s headquarters.

Although this barn was the first he looked at when shopping for a new location, it wasn’t his first choice, but that eventually changed, Siegel said.

“When I first saw it here, there were all sorts of problems including the fact that even the skylights leaked,” he said.

But that changed quickly, thanks to an investment of about a half-million dollars in renovations and the work of some excellent contractors, Siegel said.

Since business has been good, Siegel said he was able to make the building’s improvements with “corporate profits” and he “didn’t have to borrow any money to make the renovations.”

The structure, which is located on six acres, is also unique in terms of the amount of local native limestone used in it — both on interior and exterior walls, Siegel said.

“I really love that so much original limestone is in this building,” he added.

History was also retained in the building since the barn’s four original gun ports were kept as part of the re-design. And an old hayloft ladder still hangs on an interior wall, Siegel said.

Not everything is old, an important fact since HMS Technologies is a high-tech firm and must be constantly accessible to the federal agencies they serve, he said.

“For example, it’s very important that our data center is always up,” Siegel said, adding that the center has various ways to access the Internet so that service won’t be interrupted.

Thanks to the recently repaired skylights, offices get plenty of natural light and employees can better appreciate the beauty of their rural location, he said.

“We didn’t want to be just one of the pack, we wanted to have our own corporate identity and we’ve definitely got that here,” Siegel said.

— Staff writer Jenni Vincent can be reached at (304) 263-3381, ext. 138, or jvincent(at)journal-news.net

The Journal: Finding Corporate Success

Tue, 27 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

MARTINSBURG — By anyone’s standards, Harry Siegel is a successful businessman.

But it’s a combination of his head — and his good heart — that is the real secret to his success.

His company, HMS Technologies Inc., which bear his initials and was founded in 2003, will do about $50 million in business this year. He still likes to muse about those early days, when his office was in the basement of his Falling Waters home.

“Old world commitment coupled with new age technology is our tagline. When I invented the company, I wanted to design one that people would feel comfortable doing business on a handshake — even though I also realize all of the other things it takes to be in business,” Siegel said.

“Call me old fashioned, but duty, honor and country still mean a lot to me, so I wanted to couple that with our high-tech offerings,” he said.

A veteran’s perspective

It’s also important to Siegel, who served in the Navy and graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy, that HMS is a certified Service Disabled Veteran-Owned (SDVO) small business.

“That’s what I am, a service-connected disabled veteran,” Siegel said proudly.

One of his “most unbelievable” honors, Siegel said, was being named the federal Department of Defense’s Service Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business of the Year in 2007.

“We are now the 24th largest veteran-owned company in the United States,” he said with a smile. His corporate vice president, Bill Kirkpatrick, is also a service-disabled veteran, and veterans make up 45 percent of the HMS staff, Siegel said.

Employees are not just workers, but are instead viewed as “valued team members, we’re a family here,” he said.

That kind of respect is contagious, according to Kilpatrick, who was in the Air Force for 21 years but now has a new calling at HMS Technologies.

“When I came here, I just knew this was it — I’m here. This isn’t just a job to me, it’s a passion and a lot of that has to do with Harry’s leadership,” Kilpatrick said.

Company growth

HMS is an “advanced systems integrator” whose clients include a long list of federal agencies such as the Department of Veterans Affairs, Defense Department and Department of Agriculture, Siegel said.

“We look for best of breed in hardware and software which we integrate them and craft them together in a way that we solve federal agencies’ problems,” he said.

“We sell hardware and software of choice to penetrate an agency or organization. Then once we get there, we do an incredible job and then we radiate with service,” Siegel said. “Building a relationship is key to our success.”

To accommodate this growth, a historic local barn has been renovated for the corporation’s headquarters. His firm now employs about 35 locally, but that figure swells to approximately 150 when consultants and part-time professionals are added to the mix, Siegel said.

Growing recognition

Photos of well-known politicians, both state and national, dot the walls of Siegel’s well-appointed office (one wall features native limestone) and awards are prominently displayed.

Perhaps not too surprisingly, Siegel continues to receive additional recognition — including having recently been named the U.S. Small Business Administration’s 2008 West Virginia Small Business Person of the Year.

Part of that celebration included a visit to the White House and an opportunity to meet President Bush. Next month, he will be honored in Charleston during the Small Business Week Awards Celebration.

But as much as things have changed, Siegel maintains that the really important things in his life remain the same — love of family, community, America and God.

He readily acknowledges that this devotion, to his family employees and nation, are the reasons for his success — both personal and professional.

And it’s a recipe that Siegel is passing on to his 7-year-old son, Sloane, with whom he often discusses the qualities of a leader.

An Anderson, S.C., native, Siegel loves living in the Eastern Panhandle and proactively works to see that his good fortune is shared locally.

“I’m a South Carolinian by birth but I’m a West Virginian by choice,” said Siegel without hesitation.

His community involvement has included working with various veterans’ groups as well as a number of nonprofit organizations including the Shriner’s Club, Girl Scouts of America, Apollo Theatre and Boys & Girls Clubs of America.

Siegel has also sponsored NBC holiday videograms that allowed military personnel serving overseas to send a special message to loved ones at home.

Additional information on Siegel and HMS Technologies can be found at the company’s Web site: www.hmstech.com.

— Staff writer Jenni Vincent can be reached at (304) 263-3381, ext. 138, or jvincent(at)journal-news.net

Martinsburg Veteran-Owned Company Named as 2008 Small Business of the Year

Wed, 07 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

CLARKSBURG, W.Va. – Judy K. McCauley, director of the U.S. Small Business Administration’s West Virginia District Office recently announced Harry M. Siegel, PhD, president and CEO of HMS Technologies, Inc. in Martinsburg as the 2008 West Virginia Small Business Person of the Year.

Siegel will be recognized for the development of an outstanding, growing business at the annual Small Business Week Awards Celebration on Thursday, June 5 at the State Cultural Center Grand Hall in Charleston, W.Va. He will also be honored for his hard work, innovative ideas and dedication to the community at the event, sponsored by the West Virginia Chamber of Commerce and being keynoted by Governor Joe Manchin, who will also present the award.

“The SBA is very excited to recognize HMS Technologies and Harry Siegel as West Virginia’s top small business,” said McCauley. “Harry has done an outstanding job taking his company to tremendous heights in just five short years. He is an excellent representative of entrepreneurship in West Virginia.”

Siegel, along with representatives from all 50 states, received national recognition at the SBA’s National Small Business Week event held in Washington, D.C. and New York City the week of April 21. The celebration included a visit to the White House to meet with President George Bush.

“I am both pleased and honored to receive such an esteemed award,” said Siegel during the national event. “While I’m dedicated to ensuring HMS Technologies performs at the highest level possible, the strength behind it is not just one man but a team of good professional employees, people and clients willing to work to get each job done, and done well.”

HMS Technologies, Inc. is an Advanced Information Systems Integrator with business lines in: technology integration, business process optimization, and enterprise solutions. Incorporated in 2003 as a certified Service Disabled Veteran-Owned Business (SDVOB), HMS is built upon the principles of duty, honor, and commitment to excellence. The company has grown over 2000 percent in just five years and is engaged in multiple government and commercial contracts. HMS Technologies entire executive staff is composed of veterans from the Army, Navy, and Air Force.

Adding to the numerous awards and commendations received by Siegel and HMS, the company sponsors an annual college scholarship for the child of an American service member who has served overseas, paid for “messages home from the front” for service members stationed overseas, and sponsored local sports teams for youth leagues. The corporation always lends a hand on all major fund raisers from the Boys and Girls Clubs or Shriners’ Children’s hospital drive and to local Chamber of Commerce charity events.

HMS was also recently recognized by DiversityBusiness.com, the nations’ leading multicultural internet site, in three Top Small Business categories.

· 2^nd among the Top 100 Service Disabled Veteran-Owned Businesses in the state of West Virginia.

· 24^th among the Nation’s Top 100 Disabled Veteran Owned Businesses in the U.S.

· 467^th among the Nation’s Top 500 Small Business List in the U.S.

In addition to Siegel, also being recognized at the June 5 celebration are: Stephanie Ellingson, Commercial Banking Officer, Huntington Bank, Morgantown, as Financial Services Champion; Meena Ahluwalia, owner and president of Padgett Business Services, Morgantown, as Minority Small Business Champion; April Kaull, Statewide News Coordinator/News Director, WBOY-TV, Morgantown, as Small Business Journalist; Jeanne Mozier, owner of the Star Theatre, Berkeley Springs, as Women in Business Champion; and Joshua F. Pearson and Brian D. Canterbury, president and vice president of Mountaineer Packaging, LLC, Dunbar, as SBA Young Entrepreneur’s.

We will additionally honor the top SBA lenders in West Virginia for 2007. Huntington Bank will be recognized as top small business lender in West Virginia; First State Bank as the number one Community Bank; and Superior Financial Group at the top Community Express lender.

The event will begin at 11:00 a.m. Cost will be $30 per person with seating limited to the first 150 registered guests. Visit the West Virginia Chamber of Commerce website at www.wvchamber.com or contact Kim Nelson at (304) 414-2474 (email: knelson(at)wvchamber.com) to register.

SBA’s participation in this cosponsored activity is not an endorsement of the views, opinions, products or services of any cosponsor or other person or entity. All SBA programs and services are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. Co-sponsorship Authorization # 08-0390-73.

Siegel's Secret to Success Is to Respect, Honor Customers

Fri, 02 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Siegel's Secret to Success Is to Respect, Honor Customers
The State Journal

5/2/2008

By Ryan, Beth Gorczyca
Harry Siegel has a simple rule to finding success as a small business owner: Treat your customers and your community with respect and honor.

So far, it has worked.

Siegel's corporation, HMS Technologies, which provides goods and services to healthcare professionals and first responders, has enjoyed phenomenal growth during the past several years. He started HMS Technologies in the basement of his Falling Waters home in December 2003 with just one employee. That first year, HMS did about $137,000 in business.

Fast-forward four years and HMS, a certified service-disabled veteran-owned business, now about 150 full- and part-time employees and consultants in West Virginia and other states, and is on track to do about $50 million in business this year.

The company's success, and Siegel's dedication to parlaying that success into helping others in his community, has earned Siegel the title of Small Business Person of the year by the West Virginia Small Business Administration.

"We have been a very successful company because we put together a cadre of people who care and who deliver at an alarming rate," he said.
The SBA award isn't the only praise Martinsburg-based HMS Technologies has received recently. Last week, Siegel and his family were in Orlando to pick up three awards for the company from DiversityBusiness.com, a Web site devoted to offering solutions and advice to both small and large multicultural businesses. During the event, HMS was praised for being the second-fastest growing small business in West Virginia, one of the top 25 service-disabled veteran-owned businesses in the country, and one of the nation's top 500 small businesses.

"His growth has been phenomenal and his management skills are, oh, just wonderful," said Nancy Ferner, business analyst with the Small Business Development Center of Blue Ridge Community and Technical College. "He's an all-around success."

Pinning on Praise
Siegel said none of HMS's success would be possible without his staff of employees and co-workers. Approximately 45 percent of the company's employees are veterans, and the company's leadership team is made up of fellow service-disabled veterans.

What Harry does is extremely inspirational," Ferner said, later adding, "He mentors other veterans and hired men who are veterans. He nurtures the underdog and encourages everyone to be the best. He's the epitome of what a small business person should be."

One way HMS tries to acknowledge workers who make a difference is by giving them old-school style, leather letter jackets with the company logo on it. When a person does something extraordinary, they receive the jacket, and then they get pins for different things they do that help the company become even better. A person may get a pin for heading a proposal team that just secured a contract, or for getting a simple thank you letter from a client happy with a job well done.

Because so many of HMS Technologies' employees are military veterans, the company specializes in working with the Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Defense. In fact, the VA is HMS' largest client right now. According to information from HMS's Web site, the company received five service contracts from the VA in a span of four months last fall to provide technology and support for several VA projects. The contracts combined were worth about $7.6 million.

HMS has also received contracts from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and other federal agencies.

The 'Secret Sauce'
Not long ago, U.S. Rep. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., set up a meeting between Siegel and Karen Evans, chief information officer and administrator of e-government and information technology for the federal Office of Management and Budget. Both people live in Martinsburg, and Capito thought it would be good for them to meet.

During that meeting, Evans told Siegel she checked on nine contracts he had with different federal agencies. Her sources at each of the agencies told her that HMS Technologies had been on schedule, on budget and on task.

"She asked me, 'What's your secret sauce?' I simply said 'We're good. Isn't being good enough?"' Siegel said. "When she said no, I told her if there was a secret sauce it's honor and speed to market. We meet our deadlines, we respect our clients and we return phone calls, even if it's at mid-night."

Ferner said Siegel's ability to be both a technology whiz and a solid sales person helped the company get off the ground.

"Selling to the government has always been a quagmire," Ferner said. "But he found a way to do it that made it look easy."

Achieving Goals
A native of Anderson, S.C., Siegel was an All-American athlete, Eagle Scout and class president in high school. His approach to life was to take each day as if his next merit badge depended on it, and tried to achieve all of the goals he set for himself.

One of those goals was getting out of Anderson. He joined the military, becoming a gunner's mate seaman, and later got an appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md. He graduated in 1973.

"It was an honor to go there," he said.

Siegel served eight years as a naval officer. He left the military after getting injured.

About 15 years ago, he moved to Martinsburg and spent the next 10 years commuting back and forth to Washington, D.C.

"(That) was where the money was," he said. "The commute was two hours down and two hours back; four hours a day I was commuting and that wears you down."

About that time, Congress passed legislation giving special preference on contracts to businesses owned by service-disabled veterans. HMS Technologies was born soon after.

"When I heard about the legislation, I was ready to go," he said.

Segal said employees are eager to join his company.

"I tell them I can give you the same salary, equal benefits and half of your life back," he said. "Think about it, four hours a day commuting equals 20 hours a week. Add that up and that's a lot of time you can have back."

Giving Back
But creating jobs isn't the only way Siegel has given back to the region that he, his wife, Wendy, and son, Sloane, call home.

HMS is a major donor in the Eastern Panhandle and surrounding counties in Maryland, Virginia and Pennsylvania. Each year, the company gives away thousands of dollars in scholarships, donations and in-kind services.

The company donated $70,000 to a project to fund Videograms for local soldiers serving overseas. The company also partners with the Hagerstown Suns, a local minor league baseball team, to fund a college scholarship for a son or daughter of someone in the military.

For Siegel, giving back to the community, creating jobs for the community and helping other veterans are just a part of who he is, and who he s trying to be every day.

"It's not magic. It's a common sense thing," he said. "I have my priorities: God, family, work, community and then saving the planet."
Copyright State Journal Corporation May 2, 2008

HMS TECHNOLOGIES, INC. Wins Trifecta of Diversity Business Awards

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Martinsburg, WV - HMS TECHNOLOGIES, INC. (HMS) announced today that in recognition of the economic power of multicultural businesses, DiversityBusiness.com, the nations’ leading multicultural internet site, recently named HMS TECHNOLOGIES, INC. in three Top Small Business categories.

This trifecta of awards ranked HMS TECHNOLOGIES, INC. in the following order.

2^nd among the Top 100 Service Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) business in the State of West Virginia.
24^th among the Nation’s Top 100 Disabled Veteran Owned Business in the United States.
467^th among the Nation’s Top 500 Small Business List in the United States

Both the Div500 and Div100 is the 8^th annual listing of the Nation’s small businesses. The companies listed in each of these divisions represent the top multicultural earners and challenge the long-held notion that a small business is small or insignificant. Members of each division are sought after by major corporations wishing to increase spending with small and diversity owned companies.

Siegel was recognized and received the awards during the 8^th Annual National Multicultural Business Conference held in Orlando FL. So what does this mean for HMS Technologies?

“As consumer demands and a growing economy continues to emerge, it places HMS TECHNOLOGIES, INC. on the cutting edge of technology as a front runner and leader in the small business arena for quality service and products solutions”, said Harry M. Siegel, President and CEO of the company. “I’m both pleased and honored to receive these new corporate awards,” Siegel said.

Affected by recent economic and demographic trends and changes, Small businesses contribute over $1.4 trillion in sales to the U.S. economy. To find out more about HMS TECHNOLOGIES, its products and services, visit our website at www.hmstech.com, or contact the number listed in this release.

HMS TECHNOLOGIES, INC. is an established Service Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) that integrates technology, partners and clients for the common goal of teamed success in both the Federal and commercial environments. They seek of the “best of the best” information systems hardware and software to integrate into a seamless client solution. If that software is not readily available, they design, build, and deploy custom software to serve the need. Their mission is to be the most responsive SDVOSB systems integrator in the world that is recognized for the award-winning quality and value of their work while living the priorities of the organization through the five C’s in the following order: Country, Clients, Colleagues, Corporation, and Cost-Control.

About DiversityBusiness.com

Launched in 1999, with over 35,000 members DiversityBusiness.com is the largest organization of diversity-owned businesses throughout the United States that provide goods and services to Fortune 1000 companies, government agencies and colleges and universities. Members use the sites technology to find and track new business opportunities. It also produces the country’s largest conference on diversity education and training for major corporations and small business. Its research on top businesses appears in Fortune, Forbes, Business Week and numerous magazines and media publications. The site has gained national recognition and has won numerous awards for its content and design. DiversityBusiness.com is produced by Computer Consulting Associates International Inc. (CCAii.com) of Southport, CT. CCA was founded in 1980 by CEO Kenton Clarke.

HMS TECHNOLOGIES, INC President/CEO Wins West Virginia Small Business Person of the Year

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Martinsburg, WV - HMS TECHNOLOGIES, INC. (HMS) announced today that congratulations are in order for Harry M. Siegel, President/CEO of the company for his win as the 2008 West Virginia Small Business Person of the Year.

The U. S. Small Business Administration recognized Siegel for his hard work, innovative ideas and dedication to the community in a ceremony held today at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Washington, DC, as part of the annual Small Business Week 2008.

“I’m both pleased and honored to receive such an esteemed award”, said Harry M. Siegel, President and CEO of the company. “While I’m dedicated to ensuring that the company performs at the highest level possible delivering above and beyond our clients and customers expectation; the strength of it all is not in one man, but is in a Team of good professional employees, people and clients willing to work to get each job done, and done well,” Siegel said.

National Small Business Week is part of a presidential proclamation that started in 1963. It is a time set aside when small business owners are recognized for their personal contributions and successes to our Nation. Small businesses represent more than 99 percent of all employers and provide new jobs generating a majority of American innovations.

HMS Tagged for Business Successes in MIT Article

Fri, 07 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

VETS GWAC Update - Military Information Technology
Please contact Kerrigan Media for a reprint of this article.

A General Services Administration program established a year ago to steer federal information technology services business to service-disabled-veteran-owned small companies has yielded $77 million in task orders so far.

By Harrison Donnelly
A General Services Administration (GSA) program established a year ago to steer federal information technology services business to service-disabled-veteran-owned small companies has yielded $77 million in task orders so far, with the Departments of Veterans Affairs, Defense and Agriculture leading the way.

If all options are exercised, the 37 task orders already issued through the Veterans Technology Services (VETS) governmentwide acquisition contract (GWAC) program will provide a total of $293 million to the service-disabled-veteran-owned (SDVO) small firms, according to Mary Parks, director of GSA’s Small Business Governmentwide Acquisition Contracts Center.

Backers of the VETS GWAC program describe it as an important element of a broader, presidentially directed effort to provide increased economic opportunity for those who have sacrificed to defend the nation. Many federal agencies reportedly have lagged in that effort, however, although GSA officials expect that their agency will meet the goal of doing 3 percent of acquisitions with disabled veterans this year.

“It’s been an exciting year for us,” Parks said of her work on VETS GWAC. “We’ve developed whole new relationships with a group of industry partners who are very eager to show government agencies how good they are. We’ve also met a lot of agency customers, contracting officers and program officials who are very eager to do business with service-disabled veterans as well. So it’s been an exciting time for us, and also for the service-disabled veterans—not only those on the contract, but also those who are teaming with the contract holders.

“There’s been a lot of interest. The industry partners have worked hard on getting the word out about the contract. GSA as a whole has also worked hard at getting the word out, through various venues and training events,” Parks continued.

A total of 15 federal agencies have issued task orders under the program, which has a five-year base period, with one five-year option, and a $5 billion contract ceiling. Forty-four small SDVO firms are eligible to participate as prime contractors in the program, of whom more than half have been issued a task order under VETS.

“It’s significant that more than half have received a task order in one year,” said Parks. “That’s really amazing, and shows how competitive these vendors are.”

The VETS program comprises two functional areas. Functional area 1, which represents the vast majority of task orders awarded, covers systems operations and maintenance. Functional area 2, with about $5 million in task orders, covers systems engineering and design.

“It’s understandable right now that more people will be spending money on systems that are already operational than on new systems,” Parks said. “But we hope that over time the new systems development will increase as well.”

As Parks noted, the executive order directing establishment of the program also called on all federal agencies to increase business with disabled veterans. GSA did about 1.45 percent in 2006, and reached 2.2 percent last year. “That’s a significant increase, and I think in 2008 we’ll be at the 3 percent level,” she said. “So that shows that we’re making progress, and I think that a lot of agencies are also making progress.”

The GSA official also pointed to the agency’s efforts to increase awards on the GSA Federal Supply Schedule to service-disabled veterans. There are a total of 797 service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses on GSA schedules now, covering every commodity and service that GSA has schedules on, including tools and appliances, facilities maintenance and general products. Total sales to service-disabled veterans on the GSA schedules program in 2007 were $789.7 million. In the first quarter of FY 2008, sales were $221.6 million, which would work out to more than $880 million over a full year.

Defense Advocates
Critical elements in the success of the VETS GWAC program, Parks emphasized, have been the support of agency officials and active marketing by participating SDVO companies.

“One of the key things that we’ve found is that the DoD small business specialists, especially for the Air Force and Army, have facilitated training sessions on VETS for their program officers and contracting activities, so we’ve been able to get in front of Air Force and Army customers, and train them on what VETS GWAC can do for them. That’s been a real key. The small business specialists in DoD have been real advocates for the service-disabled-veterans initiative,” Parks said.

A number of high-level DoD and other federal officials have voiced strong support for VETS and other veteran-focused procurement programs. Most recently, Secretary of the Army Pete Geren early this year issued a memo calling on Army acquisition professionals to aggressively include SDVO small businesses in contract solicitations.

In the memo, Geren acknowledged that the Army “has not yet achieved the goal” of having SDVO small businesses participate in 3 percent of the total value of all prime contract and subcontract awards for each fiscal year.

In addition, Shay Assad, DoD director of defense procurement and acquisition policy, released a statement last summer urging procurement officials to make greater advantage of VETS GWAC, and outlining procedures for its use. Other expressions of support for greater reliance on SDVO small firms have come from Air Force, VA and Office of Management and Budget officials.

GSA officials have also worked to raise awareness of the VETS GWAC program. “Any time you launch a new contract, getting the word out to customers can be difficult,” Parks said. “But the VETS GWAC Catalog [published by MIT in 2007] was a big help, and the small business specialists that have helped us get in front of their contracting staffs to talk about this have been very helpful as well. Both DoD and the civilian activities have been very helpful.

“The fact that the VETS GWAC contract holders have been so willing to market this vehicle and give this as their preferred contact has been very helpful to us, because they are willing to bring us opportunities so that we can sit down with the contracting office and talk to them about the contract and what you can and can’t do with it, and answer any questions they might have. Their ability to market the contract, and to team with us to help educate and train customers, has been the best thing about this contract,” she continued.

Marketing the Vehicle
Among the 44 VETS GWAC contractors, the most successful in terms of task orders won has been HMS Technologies, a Martinsburg, W.Va., firm that focuses on providing mobile computing, systems integration and Web-centric development services to the health care, first responder and public safety markets.

HMS has won seven task orders so far, compared with two for the next most successful company, according to Harry M. Siegel, HMS president and chief executive officer.

Much of HMS’s work has been with the VA. For example, the firm received a task order of about $4 million for the VA National Data Center program. “As prime contractor, we are designing regional data centers for the VA nationwide. They’ve decided to take the IT equipment out of the hospitals, and have each provider tie into a data center at a regional facility. That saves IT support staff funds, and is a better cost model for them,” Siegel said.

Another HMS effort involves the VA Enterprise Framework Initiative, with a $2.5 million task order to provide “a total national enterprise framework solution that is being deployed in two VA regions, which will set the tone for enterprise framework design for the entire VA,” Siegel explained. Tasks include field enablement, reporting and procedure support, network and systems management deployment, asset inventory tracking, service desk implementation, and project and technical delivery management.

Siegel attributes the success of his company with VETS GWAC to hard work and a commitment to marketing.

“One of the reasons we’ve been so successful is because we understand that in a GWAC, you need to market and bring work to the vehicle,” he said. “Ninety percent of the work that goes out on that vehicle has been marketed by someone. If you’ve marketed it, and understand more about the requirement from that client than your competitor, then you probably have an advantage when you write your proposal.

“In most of the work that we’ve been able to win, we’ve convinced clients that GSA is a wonderful organization, and that the VETS GWAC is a great vehicle. There are some advantages to government clients when they choose to use the VETS GWAC vehicle. One is that they know they are going to get one of the premier SDVO businesses in the country. It’s been vetted by GSA technically, financially and in terms of personnel,” he added.

Another important advantage of the program for federal officials, Siegel noted, is that task orders cannot be challenged by unsuccessful competitors, thus avoiding major delays that can affect many federal contract awards. “That’s very unusual,” he pointed out. “It can’t be protested either from the inside or the outside. Once they make the award, no one can stop them.”

Siegel expressed little sympathy for participating companies that have privately voiced disappointment with the amount of business they have received under the program. “The truth is that the companies that are disappointed need to look in the mirror,” he said. “The onus is on the competitor to go out and find the work. The companies that think this is a charity program are sadly mistaken. They need to go out and market opportunities and close business. If they’re waiting for GSA to hand them something, and give them work because they were injured in the line of duty, they are mistaken.”

Reaching the Ceiling
Looking ahead, Parks offered four predictions for the VETS GWAC program.

“The first is that the VETS GWAC will reach its $5 billion ceiling in the fifth to seventh year of the contract,” she said. “The fifth year is when we exercise the first option.

“The second prediction is that when we exercise the first option, all of the current contractors will be big businesses, and no longer small. So we’ll have to do a new contract,” Parks continued.

“Thirdly, I really believe that the current contract holders will continue to team with new and emerging SDVO small business firms that may not have been around when the original contract was developed and competed,” she said. “As new SDVO companies come into being, they will get opportunities to team and partner with the current vendors. Also, some of the vendors that lost out in the initial procurement will team with the contract holders to achieve success. I really believe that’s going to happen, because I see so many of the contract holders that are trying their best to achieve success for the whole service-disabled veteran small business community.

“The fourth thing is that we will have to issue a new solicitation at the time of the option, rather than just exercise the option, to get new service-disabled veteran contract holders in GSA’s world of GWACs,” Parks said.

Hagerstown Suns Announce Continuation of HMS Scholarship

Mon, 28 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Suns, HMS Technologies continue scholarship program

January 28, 2008 - South Atlantic League (SAL) Hagerstown Suns

Hagerstown, MD - HMS TECHNOLOGIES, INC., a leader in advanced IT Systems Integration, will once again team up with the Hagerstown Suns to provide area high school students whose parents have served overseas in the armed forces the opportunity to apply for the "Son or Daughter of a Serviceman Overseas Scholarship Fund."

As part of the Suns' "Serviceman Overseas" promotion, HMS TECHNOLOGIES, INC. will donate $5 into the scholarship fund for each run the Suns score during the 2008 season. "We were proud to sponsor this wonderful scholarship last year and are excited about doing this again this year. Supporting the children of our Armed Forces serving overseas is the right thing to do, and we are privileged and honored to do so. We look forward to culling thru the many qualified candidates and picking our ultimate winner this year. Best wishes to the Hagerstown Suns for an outstanding year," said Harry M. Siegel, President and CEO, HMS TECHNOLOGIES, INC.

To qualify as a potential candidate for the scholarship, an applicant must meet several standards: attend a public or private high school in Washington, Jefferson, or Berkeley County, maintain 3.0 G.P.A and have a parent who has served or is serving overseas in any branch of the United States Armed Forces or Active Reserves. Eligible students should submit a three-page essay on why they are deserving of the award along with SAT scores, transcript of grades and three non-family member recommendations on why they are worthy of the award. Applications are available by contacting the Suns front office. The recipient will be honored during an on-field presentation prior to a Suns game.

This past season Alisha Commer, a Clear Spring High School graduate, was awarded $3,200. In 2006, HMS TECHNOLOGIES, INC. presented Becky Funk, also a Clear Spring High School graduate, $3,000 to further her education at West Virginia University.

HMS TECHNOLOGIES, INC. is an established Service Disabled Veteran-Owned Business (SDVOB) that integrates technology, partners, and clients for the common goal of teamed success in both the Federal and Commercial environments. Their mission is to be the most responsive SDVOB Systems Integrator in the world that is recognized for award-winning quality and value of their work while living the priorities of the organization through the five C's in the following order: Country, Clients, Colleagues, Corporation, and Cost-Control.

The Hagerstown Suns are the South Atlantic League Class "A" affiliate of the Washington Nationals. The 2008 home opener is scheduled for Friday, April 11th. Ticket packages and sponsorships are available by calling 301.791.6266. The Suns are owned by Los Angeles based Mandalay Baseball Properties.

HMS CEO Praised for High Ethical Standards

Mon, 21 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Straight And Narrow: At West Virginia's HMS Technologies, Ethical Business Practices Are More Than Just A Myth (Harry M. Siegel '73)

21Jan08 - Regardless of religious affiliation (or lack thereof), most children are taught some variation of the Golden Rule, the one about treating people as you want to be treated.

Despite those early life lessons and the ethics classes required for many college degrees, ethical behavior in the workplace remains anelusive goal. Padding resumes to get a plum job or promotion, cooking the books to meet quarterly sales goals, backroom collusions among companies to fix pricing, and misleading customers to make a sale remain common business practices.

When a high-profile company or official gets caught in an ethical faux pas, changes get made at that company, and sometimes government steps in, creating the Sarbanes-Oxley accounting rules, for example. But do front-line, back-office, and managerial workers really grasp the ethics message?

According to the 2005 National Business Ethics Survey, more than 50% of workers surveyed have seen unethical behavior on the job, a slight increase over the 2003 study. However, companies are becoming more proactive about preaching ethics. The survey also shows that the prevalence of ethics policies is on the rise. The Ethics Research Center, which conducts the biannual survey, noted a 19% increase in five of six criteria of a formal ethics and compliance program.

Those criteria include written standards of conduct, ethics training, mechanisms to seek ethics advice or information, means to report misconduct anonymously, discipline of employees who violate ethical standards, and evaluation of employee performance based on ethical conduct. "I don't believe you can teach ethics," said Marlene Caroselli,an author and corporate trainer who founded the Center for Professional Development in Rochester, NY. "If someone is dishonest, they won't change their behavior after a full-day class on ethics."

Caroselli, author of The Business Ethics Activity Book (American Management Association, 2003), said companies can promote ethical behavior by making employees aware of the rules and the rationale behind them, as well as the possible consequences for breaking them. Although North American companies generally don't take management advice from Singapore, Caroselli clearly remembers being in flight to the island nation and having the pilot reminded passengers that the penalty for bringing drugs into the country was death. Fortunately, an ethical misstep in the US won't result in a worker or manager receiving the ultimate punishment.

"These aren't black-and-white issues," Caroselli said. "We need open, honest discussion about gray areas and what-if scenarios. Ethics starts at the top. Modeling appropriate behavior is good, especially if the exemplar is someone the worker respects."

Looking into souls

At HMS Technologies, Inc. in Martinsburg, W.Va., ethics begins andends with Harry Siegel, founder, president, and CEO of the service-disabled veteran-owned technology integrator. Siegel, who graduated from the US Naval Academy before serving in the Navy, has never taken an ethics class and has only read one book on the subject, which he bought on impulse at an airport bookstore.

Since Siegel founded the company in 2003, revenues have increased from $135,000 in 2004 to a projected $20 million by the end of 2007. HMS Technologies employs 18 in the corporate office and another 100 consultants. "I'm blessed to be able to look into the eyes of every person who works here," Siegel said of the company's hiring methodology. "By the time they get to me, they've been vetted and are competent,so I can just look into the soul of the person and determine whetherI want to work with this person."

The company's policy of returning every phone call and answering every e-mail every day before an employee leaves the office for the day "is not an acid test; it's the way of life here," Siegel said. "I've spent my whole life doing what I think was the right thing, even ifit turned out to be the wrong thing."

Siegel believes in creating an esprit de corps among employees, using apparel and other promotional items with the company logo to instill that camaraderie while increasing community awareness. His latestidea is awarding letter jackets to employees who deliver superior value to the organization, adding pins for subsequent accolades such asbeing named employee of the year, receiving unsolicited positive feedback from customers, or scoring 95 or above on a client evaluation. "Some people have a jacket and two pins, and I only have one," Siegelsaid.

HMS Technologies was founded as a C corp and operates under Sarbanes-Oxley reporting rules, even though Siegel could have founded the company as an S Corp or an LLC with fewer reporting requirements. The reason he chose a C corp, he said, was to extend the openness and honesty he practices in his personal life to his business.

Increased visibility

Ethics in business remains important for federal, state, and localgovernment entities. The state of Michigan founded its ethics board in 1973 to handle complaints, issue advisory opinions, and launch investigations of its own. However, Lynn Jondahl, chair of the seven-member State Board of Ethics, said the committee hasn't conducted any investigations in its 34-year history.

The board does not have jurisdiction over the legislative and judicial branches of government, limiting its scope of authority over state departments and agencies. "The function we serve has been very effective over the years," Jondahl said. "Some difficult cases have beenresolved before the board."

Meetings are scheduled quarterly, and Jondahl said the board considers three to five cases a year. There have been some years when zerocases went before the panel, members of which are appointed by the governor and approved by the Senate. Under ethics board rules, no morethan four members can be from the same political party, and Jondahl said decisions have not been partisan.

To make sure offices remain aware of the ethics board, the panel increased its visibility last year through new communications and marketing channels, including a brochure about how and when to contact the board.

Siegel from HMS Technologies considers ethical behavior a cornerstone of his business. "Ethics and honor are a code I live by, and I absolutely expect everyone else in my company to live by it, too," Siegel said.

Matt Bolch, mbolch@minspring.com, is a freelance writer based in Atlanta.

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December 1, 2007

US Army Issues Memo Supporting Contracting With SDVOBs

Wed, 09 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

SECRETARY OF THE ARMY
WASHINGTON
MEMORANDUM FOR SEE DIS'TRIBUTION
SUBJECT: Contracting with Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses
(SDVOSBs)
1. The U.S. Army Small Business Program supports the Warfighter while at the same
time strengthens America's industrial base. Over 12,000 Service-Disabled Veteran-
Owned Small Business firms are currently registered in the Central Contractor
Registration (CCR) database. This nurr~becr ontinues to grow. -The Center for Veterans
Enterprise maintains the VetBiz Vendor Information Pages (VIP), a sirr~ilard atabase
tracking small businesses in which veterans, to include those who are service-disabled,
are majority stakeholders.
2. Despite these accomplishments, the Army has not yet achieved the goal of having
SDVOSBs participate in 3 percent of the total value of all prime contract and
subcontract awards for each fiscal year, as established by the Veterans
Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development Act of 1999 (Public Law 106-50).
Therefore, it shall be a top priority for the Army contracting community to maximize
contracting opportunities for, and participation by, businesses owned by servicedisabled
men and women who served our Nation.
3. To increase procurement opportunities for veterans, Congress passed the Veterans
Benefits Act of 2003 (Public Law 108-1 83). This provides for procurement set-asides
for SDVOSBs. The rule implementing this Act grants Army acquisition professionals the
authority to use the set-aside program. Executive Order 13360 further emphasizes the
importance of meeting our 3 percent goal.
4. Army acquisition professionals at all levels must aggressively include SDVOSBs in
contract solicitations and increase outreach activities to meet our 3 percent goal.
Resources, such as the Veterans Technology Services (VETS) Government-Wide
Acquisition Contract (GWAC), CCR Database, and VetBiz VIPs, are available to assist
contracting personnel to satisfy acquisition requirements through the use of SDVOSBs.
The Army Small Business Office website (www.sellinqtoarmv.info) is another useful
resource to facilitate doing business with SDVOSBs.
Printed on Recycled Paper
SUBJECT: Contracting with Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses
(SDVOSBs)
5. Entrepreneurs who have defended America deserve the opportunity to compete for
Army contracts. Their expertise gained in years of service is an important resource we
ought to leverage. While I arrl proud of our past small business performance, I know
that the Army is capable of meeting and exceeding the 3 percent goal through
innovation and perseverance.
Pete Geren
DISTRIBUTION:
ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF THE ARMY, ACQLIISITION, LOGISTICS AND
TECHNOLOGY
COMMANDER, U.S. ARMY MATERIEL COMMAND
COMMANDER, U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS
COMMANDER, U.S. ARMY INTELLIGENCE AND SECURITY COMMAND
COMMANDER, U.S. ARMY MEDICAL COMMAND
COMMANDER, U.S. ARMY MEDICAL RESEARCH AND MATERIEL
COMMAND
CHIEF, NATIONAL GUARD BUREAU
COMMANDER, U.S. ARMY SPACE AND MISSILE DEFENSE COMMAND1U.S.
ARMY FORCES S-TRATEGIC COMMAND
COMMANDER, U.S. ARMY TEST AND EVALUA-I-ION COMMAND
DIRECTOR, U.S. ARMY CONTRACTING AGENCY

HMS Awarded Major Contract WithThe U.S. Patent And Trademark Office

Wed, 02 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

HMS TECHNOLOGIES, INC. (HMS) announced today that they have been awarded its first major service contract with the Department of Commerce, United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). This major award from USPTO is a GSA Schedule delivery order worth up to $9.5 million over a period of five years.

This is a major success story for the company as it continues to grow its corporate portfolio as one of the premier Service Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSBs) in the nation.

HMS is working closely with its long time partner Grant Thornton, LLP the fifth largest accounting, business advisory and professional services firm in the world who is HMS’ subcontractor,.

"USPTO is an entirely new client for the HMS team. They are the watchdogs for new inventions in technology," said Harry M. Siegel, President and CEO of the company. " We are certainly honored to serve and support the USPTO’s vision, as they ‘lead the world in providing customer-valued intellectual property (IP) rights that spark innovation, create consumer confidence, and promote creativity,'" said Siegel.

To assist the Office of the Chief Information (OCIO) of USPTO, the HMS Team will be providing support services in two different task areas for USPTO:

Business Management Office Support – financial management, project management, contract performance management, risk management and strategic planning that will include providing a role in assisting the Enterprise IT and Security Management Group (EITSMG) in developing best practices, governance and overall enterprise IT strategies.
Financial Management Office Support – will provide a supporting role in assisting the budget and finance staff with the execution of its organizational mission to include tasks under budget and resource management, and activity-based management model support.

Related article in WashingtonTechnology.com: http://washingtontechnology.com/articles/2008/01/02/wv-firm-gets-patent-office-contract.aspx

HMS Awarded Five New Large Federal Service Contracts With The VA

Thu, 20 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT

HMS TECHNOLOGIES, INC. (HMS) has been awarded five major service contracts over the last four months totaling more than $7.65 M with the Department of Veterans Affairs. This is a major success for the company as it continues to grow its corporate portfolio heading into the new calendar year 2008.

The contracts include the VA National Data Center Project, (NDCP), the Non-expandable Personal Property Inventory Validation/A-123 Compliance Study for MQAS, Enterprise Framework Initiative Phase II, Audit Service Phase II, and the Archive Service Phase II.

HMS is providing technology support such as Data Center Design Development and Migration, Architecture Analysis, and OMB A-123 Compliance. Also HMS fulfilled the role of honest broker to assist the VA in the area of archive and audit for the VA Agency.

“As a Service Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business, (SDVOSB) we are honored to continue to serve our nation”, said Harry M. Siegel, President and CEO of the company. “Enabling the VA to better take care of our nation’s veterans will always be a top priority for this corporation”.

The dynamics of each contract will give HMS the opportunity to expand it’s capabilities among more diverse service, software and hardware applications.

In November, HMS was the first to win the SDVOSB of the Year award by the Department of Defense, further recognizing HMS’ achievements in support of past, current and future war-fighters.

HMS TECHNOLOGIES, INC. is an established Service Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) that integrates technology, partners and clients for the common goal of teamed success in both the Federal and commercial environments. They seek of the “best of the best” information systems hardware and software to integrate into a seamless client solution. If that software is not readily available, they design, build, and deploy custom software to serve the need. Their mission is to be the

Capito Helps Recognize HMS

Thu, 15 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Both in an E-News Update Letter and at the Department of Defense SDVOSB Awards Ceremony, Congresswoman Capito has helped recognize HMS Technologies, Inc. The following letter is what she wrote in the E-New Update for November 9, 2007:

Friends and Colleagues,

This has been an exciting week for me as I saw a Martinsburg veteran recognized as one of the nation’s top service-disabled veteran small business owners, participated in a White House ceremony to honor a West Virginia artist and continued work on legislation to support long-term care for our seniors and help address our nation’s mortgage crisis.

Martinsburg Veteran Recognized

Harry Siegel is a service-disabled veteran small business owner from the Martinsburg area who was honored at a Pentagon awards ceremony earlier this week. Harry’s firm received recognition from Deputy Secretary of Defense Gordon England and was named one of the nation’s top veteran-owned small businesses.

I was honored to be invited to the ceremony and congratulate Harry on his success. It’s always wonderful to see West Virginians recognized as leaders in their field.

Sincerely,
Shelley
Member of Congress

DoD Honors SDVOB Awardees for 2007

Wed, 07 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Recipients represent eight Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business firms, six Department of Defense acquisition professionals, and five Defense prime contractors.

The Department of Defense honored 19 awardees, consisting of Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) firms that provide essential technologies to the Warfighter and have exhibited excellence in Department of Defense (DoD) contracting and subcontracting; defense prime contractors that met or exceeded three percent (3%) of their subcontract awards to SDVOSBs; and DoD acquisition professionals that advanced the directives of the President’s Executive Order 13360 to significantly increase contracts and subcontracts for SDVOSBs. In addition, awardees were selected for their participation in the veteran community, based on visits with injured veterans at the Walter Reed and Bethesda hospitals; providing educational, health care or quality of life assistance to the families of returning veterans; and participation in the activities of veterans’ service organizations. The Honorable Gordon England, Deputy Secretary of Defense delivered the keynote address and assisted The Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition & Technology, The Honorable James I. Finley, and The Director for the DoD Office of Small Business Programs, Mr. Anthony Martoccia, present each awardee with the 2007 SDVOSB award on Monday, November 5th during the 2007 SDVOSB Awards Ceremony at the Pentagon Library and Conference Center, located at the Pentagon. Awards were presented in the following categories and awarded to the companies or individuals listed below each category.

SDVOSB Achievement Awards

For recognition of outstanding business acumen and success in Federal procurement, the company's dedication to hiring veterans and service-disabled veterans, and the demonstrated support of the veteran and disabled-veteran community.

HMS Technologies, Inc. – Martinsburg, WV
J.M. Waller Associates, Inc. – Burke, VA
Lanmark Technology, Inc. – Fairfax, VA
M1 Support Services – Denton, TX
New World Solutions, Inc. – Chantilly, VA
Oak Grove Technologies – Raleigh, NC
Oberon Associates, Inc. – Manassas, VA
Quality Support, Inc. – Landover, MD

SDVOSB Golden Talon Awards

For recognition of the dedication and efforts made toward significantly increasing contracting and subcontracting opportunities for service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses and in furtherance of the goals and objectives of the Strategic Plan developed by the Office of the Secretary of Defense in accord with the President’s Executive Order 13360.

Mr. Jack Beecher, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers • DCMA Procurement Center, Defense Contract Management Agency • Mr. Laverne Johnson, Defense Logistics Agency • Ms. Kathleen Lockhart, U.S. Department of the Navy • Ms. Carol Ann Reichling, National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency • Mr. Reggie Selby, U.S. Department of the Air Force

SDVOSB Prime Subcontracting Awards

For recognition of the dedication and efforts made toward significantly increasing subcontracting opportunities for service-disabled veteran-owned small business.

Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc. – McLean, VA
CACI International, Inc. – Arlington, VA
Electronic Data Systems Corporation – Herndon, VA
Environmental Chemical Corporation – Burlingame, CA
L3 Communications Titan Group – Reston, VA

Congresswoman Capito Visits HMS

Tue, 09 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Congresswoman Shelley Moore Capito (R) stopped by HMS TECHNOLOGIES on Tuesday, October 9, 2007 to meet the crew and see how the corporation is doing so far this year. . HMS’ CEO Harry M. Siegel and Services Vice President George P. Davis III pictured with the congresswoman briefed her on contract wins to date during the first nine months of Calendar Year 2007. The corporation has a record $19.8M in wins so far this year in the Federal space.

The Journal: Flight Into Enemy Fire

Tue, 02 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT

At the height of the Vietnam War in 1967, when nearly half a million U.S. troops were fighting in Southeast Asia, many back home were hoping not get drafted to fight in the bloody conflict.

Retired Army Major George P. Davis III was the opposite. The 59-year-old Beckley native tried to enlist, but had been turned down by every branch of the U.S. armed forces because of a pair of bad knees from playing baseball and juvenile arthritis.

"They wouldn't take me when I tried to enlist," said Davis, who now works for HMS Technologies in Martinsburg. "Everybody else is avoiding it and I'm trying to get in."

Davis would spend the next few years attending college before trying to enlist again. It wasn't until he convinced his family doctor in Beckley to write a letter saying he was fit for service, that he was finally given a chance.

Davis' father was a World War II veteran, as was his uncle who flew B-17 bombers in missions over Europe, and part of the reason he wanted to serve was to mature before going back to school. His family's patriotism, which stretches across generations, was also a factor, said Davis.

"I've always been very patriotic going back to when I was a child. My father served in World War II and so it meant a lot to me to be able to serve my country," said Davis, who joined the Army at 19 and would spend the next 20 years there. Today, his son, 31-year-old George P. Davis IV, a Specialist 4th Class in the Army's 82nd Airborne Division, is currently serving in Afghanistan where he is a helicopter crew chief.

After basic training, Davis was sent to Ft. Holabird in Baltimore where the Army's Intelligence Center and School was located, and he decided about two years into his military career that he wanted to be an officer. After getting his commission as a second lieutenant in military intelligence, he went to flight school where he learned to fly both fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters. Davis would eventually fly an OV1 Mohawk, a non-armed, two-seat reconnaissance plane fitted with surveillance equipment such as airborne radar and infrared cameras.

It was only after being in the army for five years that he was sent to Vietnam in March 1972. There were less than 100,000 troops remaining there at that time as a result of the United States' Vietnamization policy that turned the bulk of the war effort over to U.S.-backed South Vietnamese forces, Davis said.

Davis was assigned to the 131st Military Intelligence Company Aerial Surveillance, flying reconnaissance missions in a Mohawk from an air base near Da Nang.

"All the missions that we flew were classified," Davis said. "Almost all the missions we flew were what we called out-of-country missions."

Missions the unit flew were at night over enemy territory in Laos, Cambodia and North Vietnam.

"Very few people knew we existed and most people even today, 40 years later, still don't recognize the airplane," Davis said of the Mohawk, which was unusual looking and built to be functional, not pretty. He would fly the Mohawk in nearly 100 combat missions that entailed surveillance of major enemy resupply routes, including the Ho Chi Minh Trail in North Vietnam and an area known as the Plain of Jars in the highlands of Laos, between March and October of 1972.

"It was what we called Indian country. There were no friendlies down there. They were all bad guys and we were flying in a twin turboprop aircraft, not a jet," Davis said. "The Air Force and Navy guys used to all think we were crazy."

The North Vietnamese had a nickname for the Mohawk crews. They called them the "whispering death," Davis said.

"It's not that we could kill them, but we were so quiet. The airplane was so quiet that they couldn't hear us coming until we were already by them," Davis said.

With the plane's sophisticated surveillance equipment, Davis' men could see the enemy and their equipment before they even knew they were there. After spotting the enemy, the Mohawk crews would call in air support to attack them.

"We ended up being the result of their demise," Davis said, adding that the Mohawk crews had a different name for their units - the widow maker.

The plane was not a friendly nor forgiving aircraft to fly, Davis said, adding there were no offensive weapons on the plane, and unlike other fixed-wing aircraft there was only one pilot. If the pilot was shot on a mission there was no else to fly the plane.

"It was a tremendous experience to fly it. Not just because the airplane was fun to fly, the mission was so much fun ...," Davis said. "Really going out and really trying to play hide and seek with the bad guys and figure out where they are and see how we could help them meet their demise - give their life for their country."

The Mohawk would live up to both nicknames, as is evidenced by the 79 names of Mohawk pilots and crew members on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington.

It was the only airplane in the army inventory then to have ejection seats. If the plane was shot down, crews had the option of ejecting if they had to. In Davis' case, it wasn't much of an option to bail out over enemy territory. All Mohawk pilots had $10,000 bounties on their heads.

"People always said I was a little bit nuts. The only armament we had on the airplane was what we carried on our survival vests, which was, for me, a .45 and a .38 pistol," Davis said, adding that many people thought he was joking when he always said he was saving the last bullet for himself. He was serious, he said, from his office in Martinsburg last week. He said he was not going to let himself be taken as a prisoner of war.

"That was the thing that was probably the most worrisome over there for me was the fact that a lot of Mohawks, a lot of airplanes, helicopters were shot down over there. We did lose a lot of crews," Davis said. "It was not a fun thought."

He said the worst part of combat missions was when enemy fighters would fire antiaircraft guns at his Mohawk. The rounds, which were, in reality, only as big around as a baseball, looked to pilots flying at night to be the size of beach balls. It was enough to get pilotsá attention real quick, Davis said.

In October 1972, the last Mohawk unit stood down and Davis was assigned to the D Troop 17th Cavalry, one of only four U.S. cavalry units remaining in South Vietnam in what was called Military Region 1. For the next four months until the end of the war and ceasefire in January 1973 Davis flew hunter killer missions in a UH-1 Huey helicopter and sometimes in a Hughes OH-6 helicopter, which was called a Loach by pilots. Together with Cobra gunships the helicopter would seek out the enemy and engage them.

"Anywhere we could find bad guys we'd go tangle with them and do what we did," Davis said. "The best thing about flying with them was I could now shoot back for the first time since I had been in."

Of course the missions had their own perils. Sometimes helicopter crews would steal North Vietnamese flags during flybys of their flag poles. Eventually the North Vietnamese began rigging the top of their flag poles with booby traps and explosives.

One mission resulted in the loss of four aircraft and four aircrews in one day.

"It was probably the worst day we had there," Davis said.

A mission to perform a medical evacuation of a South Vietnamese soldier in November 1972 would earn Davis and his crew the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with a Bronze Star for Valor.

"They couldn't get anybody else to come in and medically evacuate him to the hospital because he had a live grenade round lodged in his neck and they were all afraid he was going to blow up," Davis said.

Davis' crew accepted the mission, placing sandbags around his head before flying him to the hospital. Doctors operated on the man from behind a bulletproof wall and were able to get the grenade out. Miraculously, he survived.

"It was just one of many exciting things about flying a helicopter. It was never boring," said Davis, adding he stopped in to see the Vietnamese soldier the day after his surgery.

In the last three weeks leading up to the ceasefire of 1973, journalist Ed Bradley of CBS's 60 Minutes fame lived with Davis' unit, and at one point, Bradley, who Davis called Mr. 60 Minutes, interviewed him and asked if he would ever come back to Vietnam as a tourist.

"I said, you know Ed, I really don't think I could do that. It's a beautiful countryside. It was magnificent countryside, but there's just too many bad memories associated with that," said Davis who also could not bring himself to view the Vietnam Veterans Memorial until 1999, when The Moving Wall, a traveling half-size replica of the memorial, stopped in Clarksburg. He made the trip to Washington four years later.

He said thoughts of friends he lost in the war continue to fill his thoughts.

"You never put it out of your mind. It's real hard; it really is," Davis said. "You live with these guys day in and day out. You fly with them. You eat with them. You train with them. You party with them. And it's like in any war when you lose friends, it's really hard."

He credits the war's memorial with helping to keep alive the memory of fallen comrades.

"That's the one positive aspect of the Wall, is it doesn't allow you to forget and it doesn't allow the nation to forget them. Those were all individual young men, in some cases young women, that cannot be forgotten."

Today Davis is classified as 80 percent disabled and has been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder. Despite his losses, he said he has little to regret about his service.

"People have asked me a lot of times, would you go back and do the same thing all over again? I would do it in a heartbeat. I would go back today and do exactly the same thing I did in Vietnam."

- The Journal Staff Writer Edward Marshall can be reached at (304) 263-8931, ext. 215, or emarshall(at)journal-news.net

HMS Awards Scholarship Again

Tue, 11 Sep 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Hagerstown, MD - HMS TECHNOLOGIES, INC., a leader in advanced IT Systems Integration, and the Hagerstown Suns are pleased to announce Alisha Commer as the 2007 recipient of the "Son or Daughter of a Serviceman Overseas Scholarship Fund." The scholarship was developed as a way to provide college financial assistance to an area high school student whose parent has served overseas in the armed forces.

As part of the Suns "Serviceman Overseas" promotion, HMS TECHNOLOGIES, INC. donated $5 into the scholarship fund for each run the Suns scored during the 2007 season. This season the Suns scored 635 runs for a total donation of $3,175. HMS TECHNOLOGIES, INC. rounded the total up to an even $3,200.

To qualify as a potential candidate for the scholarship, Commer met several standards. All applicants must attend a public or private high school in Washington, Jefferson, or Berkeley County, have at least a 3.0 G.P.A and have a parent who has served overseas in any branch of the United States Armed Forces or Active Reserves. Eligible students submitted a three-page essay along with SAT scores, transcript of grades and three non-family member recommendations on why they were "deserving" of the award. Commer, a recent graduate of Clear Spring High School was selected as the recipient following an extensive interview process. She was honored as part of an on-field ceremony prior to the Suns final home game on September 1st.

"HMS TECHNOLOGIES INC was proud to present this award to Alisha Commer," said Harry M. Siegel, President and CEO. "Of all of our candidates this year, she far exceeded our expectations of the caliber of person we wished to win the award and represent the type of individual we believe will make a difference in our society. The fact that the Suns had an awesome win also made the event totally enjoyable. We are proud to be partnered with the Hagerstown Suns and wish them continued success."

The Journal: HMS Takes Off Like A Rocket

Thu, 30 Aug 2007 00:00:00 GMT

There are companies that start up and soon fizzle out in a short time. There are companies that start up, struggle and grow—slowly and maybe even steadily. Then there are companies that start up and seem to take off like a rocket heading upward, ever upward to the edge of the sky and even beyond. Such it seems to be for HMS Technologies.

Since HMS was incorporates in 2003 in Martinsburg, president and Chief Executive Harry M. Siegel has guided its steady growth, receiving awards every year and it has been in existence including this year’s CEO Congressional Medal of Distinction. Recently, Siegel opened a satellite office in Pennsylvania.

HMS has progresses just “from me and nothing to $20 million in sales,” Siegel said. He is the only owner of the business. HMS specializes in computer technology that helps health-care professionals and first responders. Mobile computing is the strength of the company. Five NASCAR teams are affiliated with HMS. It has many clients in the military and federal realms.

HMS is a certified service-disabled-veteran owned business. Forty-five percent of his staff are veterans. But Siegel just doesn’t hire veterans working for him, he mentors several veterans who are also small business owners. He doesn’t worry about them competing with him.

“Instead of growing competitors,” he said. “I’m growing teammates.” Siegel has always been a hard worker. Born in Anderson, S.C., he started working at age 6 at his uncle’s gas station. At age 9, he had three paper routes, and when he grew older, he went to work in his dad’s gun shop. As a Boy Scout, he became and Eagle Scout. Then he joined the U.S. Navy. He became a gunner’s mate seaman before entering the Naval Academy Prep School, then achieved his goal of becoming a midshipman. By the time he completed his training, he has acquired a master’s degree in computers.

After serving in the Navy for several years, Siegel went into private industry. He worked for small companies and for large companies before deciding to strike out on his own. “I tried to take the best in each,” he said. In spite of his military background, he hasn’t used his contacts to advance his business. Rather, he has grown steadily on the merits of HMS output.

Siegel has taken his work ethic and his training and translated both into everyday HMS practices. Because of that, he has developed an exceedingly loyal staff—and highly trained staff members at that. Some 95 percent of them have bachelor’s degrees, and 60 percent have master’s degrees. Siegel can’t say enough about his employees, of whom he is very proud, he said. To make them a more cohesive group, they have each received company letter jackets, and there are pins they can earn at all levels. Thus, when they are out in the community, they can be easily recognized and their accomplishments acknowledged.

HMS is very involved in the community and helps to support several organizations. But that doesn’t end at the job. Siegel’s own Maralie Farm is a rescue farm. He and his wife Wendy not only rescue animals, they rescue children too.

“My wife is a great woman who wants to save the planet,” he said. Siegel says he’s a pretty simple guy. Part of what keeps him running is that he doesn’t need more than two or three hours of sleep per day. When he’s awake his mind is constantly on the go, always thinking of ways to make things better. “I believe we have a company bound for greatness,” he said. When it is time for employee’s evaluations, they are evaluated by themselves, by their superiors and by their juniors, too.

For HMS Technologies, the basic tent is that, “If I don’t think something is good for the country, I’ll walk away from the work,” Siegel said. For Siegel, the bottom line is, “I like to look in the mirror at the end of the day and say it’s been an honorable day.”

HMS Hires New Services VP

Mon, 21 May 2007 00:00:00 GMT

HMS TECHNOLOGIES INC. is pleased to announce that it has hired George P. Davis III formally of Fairmont, WV to be its new Vice President of Services.

Mr. Davis recently joined HMS as its VP for Services after 37 years of service in and out of the federal government marketplace. He is a retired officer from the US Army with more than 20 years active duty experience as an Intelligence Officer and fixed and rotary wing pilot. He was most active in flying the Army’s OV-1D Mohawk reconnaissance and surveillance airplane and at the Defense Intelligence Agency as an Imagery Operations Officer. He is a highly decorated combat veteran with tours in Vietnam and Korea. After retiring from the Army, George worked for large companies for 11 years such as TRW and Computer Sciences Corporation in the Washington DC area but finally returned to his roots in West Virginia six years ago. He has many years of management and technical experience in intelligence operations, including all facets of the national and tactical imaging system operations, user engineering/HMI, biometrics testing and evaluation/field testing/research/implementation, facial recognition system integration and implementation, system rapid prototyping, software development, strategic planning/new business development, support to the law enforcement community and operations/program management. Mr. Davis has also managed his own systems integration company for several years prior to joining HMS. “George has already been a tremendous asset to the organization and we look forward to explosive growth in the Services Sector.” said Harry M. Siegel, President and CEO of HMS TECHNOLOGIES, INC. “George is an extremely bright, well organized, proven professional, and one of West Virginia’s favorite sons. He joins an already powerful management team that has all certified Service Disabled Veterans. We look forward to his leadership and business development skills”

Charleston Gazette: Feds Prefer Vet-Owned Firms

Thu, 18 Jan 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Veteran-owned businesses could be king of the federal contract heap, if their owners have a direct focus, two successful former-military business owners said Wednesday.

“A lot of people think that the enemy of small business is big business,” said veteran Craig Hartzell of Azimuth Inc. in Morgantown. “I believe that the real enemy of small businesses in the start-up phase is the fear of failure.”

Hartzell spoke on Wednesday during the 2007 Veterans Business Conference at the National Guard Armory in Charleston. Sponsored by the U.S. Small Business Administration and the West Virginia Small Business Development Center, the conference is the first statewide event focusing on entrepreneurial services and business opportunities specifically for veterans.

Tyrone Lassiter, a compliance officer with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Center for Veterans Enterprise, outlined services offered through the center and at www.vetbiz.gov.

The Web site includes a database of veteran-owned small businesses and service-disabled veteran-owned businesses. These pages receive more than 4,500 visits each month from federal agencies, contractors and private citizens, according to the Web site. The database is also the sole source for all market research requested through the Center for Veterans Enterprise and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Veterans with these vendor profiles can even upload video of themselves for others to see, Lassiter said.

The Web site also offers resources for in-house business coaching and training as well as loan opportunities specifically for veteran-owned businesses.

For example, in June the SBA announced its Patriot Express program, which includes low-interest loans (between 2.25 percent and 4.75 percent over the prime interest rate), along with help with writing business plans.

Patriot Express is open to veterans, reservists and National Guard members, current spouses, the surviving spouses of service members who die on active duty or spouses of veterans who die from a service-connected disability.

You deserve this program. It should have been in effect years ago,” Lassiter said.

Lassiter also said the federal government is clamoring for veteran-owned business. In 2004, President George W. Bush issued an executive order that increased federal contracting and subcontracting opportunities for service-disabled-veteran businesses.

The order said federal agencies must strive to award at least 3 percent of their contracts to service-disabled-veteran businesses.

“Veterans are hot right now,” Lassiter said. “People want to do business with you.”

So, how does a small start-up business get into the federal contracting game? By a clear vision and teamwork, Lassiter said.

“You have to start targeting at the beginning of the fiscal year...you have to team up to ride this huge thing called federal contracts. That’s the key to success.”

In West Virginia, some veteran-owned businesses are already benefiting from the federal contracting game.

Harry Siegel, founder and chief executive officer of HMS Technologies in Martinsburg, is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and holds a master’s degree in computer systems from the Naval Postgraduate School. He founded HMS in 2003 and expects to have $20 million to $22 million in sales this year.

He spoke to veteran-business owners in attendance, giving them key start-up tips, such as developing a corporate mission statement, branding and employee benefits.

For Siegel, his success came quick, thanks to a high moral compass and teamwork, he said.

“Your honor is at stake every time you do a job,” he said. “When you do business honestly with people, they will be honest with you.”

HMS Awarded GSA IT Contract

Mon, 18 Dec 2006 00:00:00 GMT

HMS TECHNOLOGIES, INC. AWARDED GSA Veterans Government-Wide Acquisition Contract GS-06F-07-MJ29.

HMS TECHNOLOGIES, INC. (HMS) announced today that they have been awarded a ten year information technology contract from the General Services Administration. The General Services Administration awarded its $5 billion, 10-year government wide acquisition contract to 44 service-disabled, veteran-owned small businesses on 18 December 2006. Winners of the Veterans Technology Services contract will have the right to bid for work in two functional areas: systems operations and maintenance or information systems engineering. Some companies are qualified to bid in just one area, while others are qualified to bid in both. Both areas include IT security. The indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity contract was open only to businesses owned by service-disabled veterans. GSA developed the contract in partnership with the Veterans Affairs Department and the Small Business Administration. Harry M. Siegel, President and CEO noted that “the award of this contract is historic not only for its size and commitment but the fact that it substantiates our claim of being one of the premier SDVOSB firms in the country.” “We have put together an amazing team of quality corporations and are proud to represent West Virginia as their only awardee on the list. We are preparing to ramp up and grow at a rapid pace, hence fulfilling our promise to increase technology jobs in the Eastern Panhandle We are honored to have won and are thrilled to have an opportunity to continue to serve.” continued Siegel.

HMS Awarded Medical Device GSA Schedule

Fri, 15 Dec 2006 00:00:00 GMT

HMS TECHNOLOGIES, INC. AWARDED MEDICAL DEVICE GSA FEDERAL SUPPLY SCHEDULE FOR INTRAOSSEOUS DEVICE

HMS TECHNOLOGIES, INC. (HMS) announced today that they have been awarded a medical device GSA Federal Supply Schedule (FSS) for the EZ-IO intraosseous device manufactured by Vidacare Corporation of San Antonio, TX. The GSA FSS contract number, issued by the Department of Veterans Affairs, is
V797P-4984A.

The EZ-IO® product system is the best solution for the rapid, secure and safe delivery of intraosseous drugs and fluids when existing methods of vascular access are challenging or impossible. The device is used to place a stable port, via the intraosseous route in the tibia or humerous achieving vascular access within seconds, with minimal trauma to the patient. It was developed to meet the stringent needs of first responders and emergency department personnel for dependability, precision and user-friendliness. Both in the emergency setting and during routine clinical care, the system offers the potential to establish new standards of clinical excellence in the safe, rapid institution of life-saving medical therapies.

Harry M. Siegel, President and CEO noted that “this new medical device schedule will now make obtaining this life saving product much easier for our military and other federal agencies such as FEMA and the Department of Homeland Security”. “We have received numerous testimonies from emergency medical personnel that validate that this product saves lives” continued Siegel.

HMS is the exclusive federal distributor for the EZ-IO product line. They have obtained National Stock Numbers (NSN) for the products as well as securing the GSA FSS. As the EZ-IO becomes the standard IO device in emergency care situations, HMS and Vidacare are committed to providing the best product available.

Best Quarter in Company History

Wed, 25 Oct 2006 00:00:00 GMT

HMS TECHNOLOGIES INC. posted its most successful quarter in company history. From July 1 throu September 30 2006, the corporation booked more than $12M in new business. As has been the case during the corporate life of HMS the company led with hardware and software to penetrate new organizations then was able to radiate with service after it had established a beachhead to spring from.

The corporation won $4.7M in various hardware and software deals involving CA, IBM, Lexmark, Motion Computing, Fujitsu, Dell, and others with the Department of Treasury, U.S. Air Force. Westat Corporation, and other prominent Federal Agencies. Long term services work was won competitively at the Veteran's Administration, Department of Homeland Security, and United States Coast Guard. These three wins totaled north of $7.6M.

"The company has settled into its stride and is hitting on all cylinders." said Harry M. Siegel, President and CEO of HMS TECHNOLOGIES, INC. "Our strategy and hard work has paid off handsome dividends for the company as it moves forward in a very profitable manner. If you couple this with the news that HMS is an "apparent" winner (awards will be signed this year) of the coveted GSA VETS Procurement for $5B over ten years, our future looks very bright."

HMS TECHNOLOGIES, INC. is the sole Service Disabled Veteran-Owned Business (SDVOB) value added reseller for Motion Computing products, as well as Computer Associates, Ergotron, Fujitsu, Lexmark, Metro One, VIDACARE, Multi-Forms, EnoVate, and Resolution EBS. HMS TECHNOLOGIES, INC was certified as a National Technology Top 20% Performer by Dun & Bradstreet's Open Ratings with a Past Performance Evaluation of 93/100.

"We are proud of the relationship we have built with CENTRA Bank and appreciate their trust and faith in what we're trying to accomplish here. They are truly a forward looking financial institution who cares about the local economy." HMS TECHNOLOGIES, INC. is an established Service Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) that integrates technology, partners and clients for the common goal of teamed success in both the Federal and commercial environments They seek out the "best of the best" information systems hardware and software to integrate into a seamless client solution. If that software is not readily available, they design, build, and deploy custom software to serve the need. Their mission is to be the most responsive SDVOSB systems integrator in the world that is recognized for the award-winning quality and value of their work while living the priorities of the organization through the five C's in the following order: Country, Clients, Colleagues, Corporation, and Cost-Control.

HMS Scholarship Awarded

Sat, 02 Sep 2006 00:00:00 GMT

Suns, HMS Technologies, Inc. scholarship recipient to be honored

September 2, 2006 - South Atlantic League (SAL) Hagerstown Suns

Becky Funk, a freshman at West Virginia University, has been awarded the Hagerstown Suns & HMS TECHNOLOGIES, INC. "Son or Daughter of a Serviceman Overseas Scholarship." She will receive her check as part of an on-field ceremony prior to the Suns game against the Delmarva Shorebirds on September 3rd. HMS TECHNOLOGIES, INC, a leader in advanced IT Systems Integration, worked with the Suns this season to provide the scholarship opportunity for an area high school student whose parent had served, or is serving overseas in the armed forces.

As part of the Suns "Serviceman Overseas" scholarship program, HMS TECHNOLOGIES, INC. donated $5 for each run the Suns scored during the 2006 season. This year the Suns scored 523 runs heading into the last series of the season, which totals $2,615 that HMS TECHNOLOGIES has donated towards Becky Funk's education.

"When we reviewed all of the candidates, Ms. Funk was our obvious and unanimous choice. This young woman knows who she is and where she's going. HMS is proud to be teamed with the Suns and to be able to offer this wonderful opportunity to such a deserving individual. Congratulations to her and the Suns for another fine season," said Harry M. Siegel, President and CEO of HMS TECHNOLOGIES, INC.

To qualify as a potential candidate for the scholarship an applicant needed to meet several requirements. Applicants had to attend a public or private high school in Washington, Jefferson, or Berkeley County, have at least a 3.0 G.P.A and have a parent who had served overseas in any branch of the United States Armed Forces or Active Reserves. Funk, a Clear Spring High School graduate, earned a 3.52 G.P.A, and was a member of the FFA, Show Choir and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Her father served overseas with the U.S. Navy.

HMS TECHNOLOGIES, INC. is an established Service Disabled Veteran-Owned Business (SDVOB) that integrates technology, partners, and clients for the common goal of teamed success in both the Federal and Commercial environments. Their mission is to be the most responsive SDVOB Systems Integrator in the world that is recognized for award -winning quality and value of their work while living the priorities of the organization thru the five C's in the following order: Country, Clients, Colleagues, Corporation, and Cost-Control.

The Hagerstown Suns, of the South Atlantic League, are a Class A affiliate of the New York Mets. Information on upcoming events is available by calling 301.791.6266. The Suns are owned by Los Angeles based Mandalay Baseball Properties.

Winner of HMS Scholarship

Mon, 14 Aug 2006 00:00:00 GMT

Martinsburg, WV, 8/14/2006 — HMS TECHNOLOGIES INC. HMS TECHNOLOGIES INC is proud to announce the winner of their 2006/07 Son/Daughter of an American solder serving overseas scholarship award.

Ms. Rebecca Jean Funk of Big Pool, MD is the first recipient of the annual HMS TECHNOLOGIES INC Son/Daughter of an American solder serving overseas scholarship award. Her past performance in and out of school, commitment to others, and can do spirit are some of her outstanding qualities that helped guide us in making our decision. The fact that she will pay for her entire academic career, has a clear vision of where she wishes to go, and we believe the inner strength to stay on the right path made her our unanimous selection.

Ms Funk has been accepted and begins her freshmen year at WVU this fall. Rebecca will be presented her scholarship check at the Hagerstown Suns baseball game held on September 3rd 2006. Congratulations Rebecca may all your wishes and dreams for the future come true.

IBM Claims HMS as a Go-To Partner

Sun, 11 Jun 2006 00:00:00 GMT

Not Singing the Blues

Information technology giant IBM is looking for VOBs who can handle programming and project management in a fast-paced business.

by Marty Levine

The opportunities for veteran-owned businesses are vast,” says Lillian Karuri-Magero, small business liaison officer, public sector, IBM Integrated Supply Chain. In spring 2005, after more than 10 years in purchasing, Karuri-Magero took this newly created position, working as a full-time advocate for veteran-owned businesses (VOBs) across the business.

She has the power to bring the right people to the table and work the communication channels. It shows how important IBM sees these potential partners – and just how complex the relationship is between prime and subcontractor.

“IBM is one of the leaders in terms of business integration services and IT,” Karuri-Magero notes. “Many organizations look to us when they are re-engineering their businesses. There are multiple opportunities across the various clients that we service,” with no one agency dominating the federal market. That leaves many openings for VOBs.

Yet VOBs don’t always recognize the best way to show themselves to their own advantage when trying to secure contracts.

“VOBs need to have specific ideas of what they want to go after, based on their core competencies,” advises Karuri-Magero. “Whoever is doing their due diligence is going to get the contract, that’s for sure. If you don’t get it, somebody else is going to get it. Don’t let somebody else get your piece of the pie.”

“My most common concern is when companies approach us without anything specific in mind,” she adds. “You have to be able to differentiate yourself. Unfortunately, we get approached all the time by companies that have not done that due diligence.”

Working with a small business that clearly understands its own capabilities, especially as it relates to IBM and the particular contract a VOB has in mind, allows her to sit down with potential partners and connect them to a sales or business manager out in the field, or a proposal manager on the right procurement team.

“Any time our veteran-owned business partners are not going after something specific,” she says, “that is tantamount to leaving business on the table.”

The most common mistake a VOB can make, says IBM’s Candice Ong, is having “a sense of entitlement — not really preparing and proceeding with their capabilities.” Ong is an IBM bid team leader, with five years heading a team of 12 in support of all global business services in federal bids.

“The successful VOBs,” says Ong, “understand their core competencies — where they can add value and where they need to partner.”

Keeping VOBs in the mix at IBM “makes business sense,” says Ong. “We are such a large business; we want to demonstrate that we can also be supportive of small businesses and help them grow. That’s one of the reasons we put in mentor-protégé programs.”

That relationship, Karuri-Magero explains, “works best when the small business engages us as a real partner. Every small business is one day hoping to be a large business. Once we start working together, there is no reason for excessive hand-holding. We expect as much from a small business as a large business. And I think that’s where growth comes from, and increased trust and engagement.”

Several VOBs – all technology services companies — stand out for Karuri-Magero as ideal IBM partners, setting an example for others to emulate.

Collins Consulting in Schaumburg, Ill., for instance, “does a good job of marketing themselves,” she says. “Even though we have had a long and close relationship, they still recognize the value of doing their own marketing.” They see opportunities before they hit the street and pitch them to IBM first.”

Of course, even the best effort doesn’t guarantee that a company like Collins will get the contract. But owner and founder Bob Collins likes his chances.

The Vietnam veteran and Marine Corps corporal who earned five Air Medals with the Combat “V” device as an aircraft electrician and machine gunner, began Collins Consulting in 1992. It became an VOB in 1999, and began working with IBM after acquiring another, smaller firm that already had an IBM contract.

Collins became a direct vendor to IBM in the mid-90s, then a Tier 1 Core supplier, which allows the company to supply IBM commercially and federally across the country. He is partnering with IBM on two GSA contracts, including a large GSA Alliant contract, set for this summer.

“Our relationship in the federal team has continued to grow,” Collins says. “We try hard to meet whatever IBM’s needs are. We also don’t try to provide them with everything,” he adds.

Karuri-Magero cites two other VOBs as ideal business allies: Martinsburg, West Virginia-based HMS Technologies and Winbourne and Costas in Washington, D.C.

Winbourne co-founder Jim Costas is a 20-year Army veteran who left the service in 1997 as a lieutenant colonel in the Army Acquisition Corps. He is CEO of the five-year-old company.

In the Army, Costas had actually spent a year at IBM as part of the “Training with Industry” program. But before starting Winbourne and Costas, he had worked for another firm helping IBM prepare for Y2K in Washington, D.C.

“They liked our firm, so when they did a big job at U.S. Customs (and Border Protection), they added us to their team,” he says.
Today, they are working on their second five-year phase of the U.S. Customs contract with IBM, modernizing the agency’s technology for commerce at border points and ports. They’ve also gone through important steps toward a Department of Homeland Security contract with IBM.

“We’re really grateful to them,” says Costas. “Our association with them has been extremely helpful in the success of our business. IBM actively helps and fosters the relationship with their small companies.”

U.S. Naval Academy grad Harry M. Siegel, founder of HMS Technologies, certainly agrees.

“They’re an awesome organization,” Siegel says. “We’re just honored to be partnering with them.”

Siegel left the Navy in 1981 after 13 years, finishing in special ops as a frocked lieutenant commander.

Today he believes his company is “one of the premier VOBs in the country,” starting in 2003 and today doing up to $10 million in business yearly. HMS has teamed with IBM on multiple efforts, including the National Health Information Network, a Bush Administration initiative to institute an electronic medical record for everyone in the nation. Brought on board originally to do computer systems security, today HMS is working on the application itself.

“Our mission is to be the most responsive VOB in the world,” Siegel says. “One of the things I demand from my organization is absolute professionalism. At the end of the day, my crew has nothing in their in-boxes that they haven’t responded to.”

“We’re continuing to bid with IBM,” he adds. And IBM is continuing to seek ways to make its veteran partnering programs stronger.

In November, IBM hosted an VOB conference, inviting about 100 VOBs to meet with IBM’s key procurement, sales and leadership personnel, plus representatives from 13 government agencies.”

Last year, IBM also upped its own goals for VOB small business performance. Across the industry, there is a 3 percent goal for VOB participation in contracts, but that continues to be a challenge ((IBM procures $40 billion annually in goods and services and $1.2 billion from diverse and minority groups) she reports. IBM is close to the 3 percent goal for federal contracts,” she says. “Our leadership keeps pushing us to meet that goal. We’re driving the procurement teams to meet the goal from our VOB partners.”

“This constituency is so important,” she adds. “Not only are we supporting individuals whose sacrifice and commitment have helped our country grow, they bring a lot of value to industry. They bring a lot of focus and energy to the business space.”

As of this spring, IBM was “on the cusp,” she says, of an agreement with the Center for Veteran Enterprise in the Veterans Administration, which would allow IBM to work with the VA to network with more VOBs.

The company also uses its Global Supplier Procurement Web site (www.ibm.com/procurement) as a sourcing mechanism for what she terms the “vast” federal procurement needs of IBM.

“We’re willing and ready to work with you,” she concludes. “Whether it’s writing code or whether you are in actual intelligence services — call us. There may be an opportunity for you here.

HMS CEO to be Keynote Speaker

Fri, 02 Jun 2006 00:00:00 GMT

Computer Scientist to Speak at Expo

Event set June 9 at WVU-P's Caperton Center

PARKERSBURG- Harry M. Siegel, a computer scientist, will be the keynote speaker at the Chamber of Commerce of the Mid-Ohio Valley Industry and Technology Expo June 9 at the Caperton Center at West Virginia University at Parkersburg.

Siegel earned a doctorate in computer science and has more than 30 years of project resource management and marketing experience.

"Dr. Siegel is a perfect choice for the first 'Plug Into Success' expo for area residents," said George Kellenberger, chamber president. "He is an eloquent, informative and knowledgeable speaker in the field of technology. He will provide valuable information to those attending."

A light continental breakfast will kick off the event, followed by key speakers in the fields of Internet and communications technology.

Siegel is the CEO and founder of HMS Technologies Inc., which is a disabled veteran-owned business providing information technology integration services to clients from the federal government to commercial entities in the United States and abroad.

He has most recently been awarded the Ronald Reagan Gold Medal, named 2005 Businessman of the Year, Empire Who's Who IT Systems Integrator of the Year and SBA's Veteran Champion of the Year in West Virginia for 2006.

Siegel is the systems designer and architecht of many of the largest software systems developed and delivered for HMS Technologies. He is also responsible for more than 500 electronic medical records installations in hospitals around the nation.

A resident of Fallin Waters, W. Va., the Siegel family owns and operates the Maralie Farm, an animal rescue program.

Session speakers for the event include Ron Salter, owner/CEO of Salter and Associates; Michael Minear II of BSSI, computer technician; Mark Zielinski, founder and owner of ZzzipNet; Stan Cavendish, president of Verizon West Virginia; Barbara Rigsby, specialist with the Office of Information Technology, Bureau of the Public Debt; John Calvert, president and co-founder of Seneca Communications, a West Virginia visual technology company; Andrew W. Powers, senior account manager for TANBERG, a worldwide manufacturer in the visual communications market; Cheryl Ferrebee, owner and president of the Gianfagna Group, a Parkersburg-based advertising agency specializing in brand development and design; David Hawkins, owner of Mother Earth Foods and part-owner of Holistic Health Services; and Nancy Miller, director of Internet development at Woodcraft Supply Corp.

Lunch will be included in the day long event.

Registration should be completed no later than Monday at a fee of $25 for chamber members, $40 for non-members and $15 for students. If registration is completed after Monday, the cost will be $35 for members and $50 for non-members.

Care Anywhere Teams With HMS

Mon, 15 May 2006 00:00:00 GMT

CareAnyware is pleased to announce it’s partnership with HMS TECHNOLOGIES, INC. an advanced systems integration business that integrates technology, partners and clients for the common goal of teamed success in both the Federal and commercial environments. HMS TECHNOLOGIES is a Service Disabled Veteran-Owned Business and Harry Siegel, President and CEO, stated that “our mission is to be the most responsive SDVOB systems integrator in the world that is recognized for the award-winning quality and value of our work”.

Although HMS is a full service integration company, their hardware focus is on Tablet PC technology. They have been awarded the largest mobile computing contract in federal history with the USDA and they have more than 100 Tablet PC clients in the federal and commercial markets. HMS was awarded the Motion Computing Outstanding Solutions Provider Award for 2005 and was one of Motion’s Top Small Business resellers. According to Bill Kirkpatrick, VP for Product Solutions, HMS has been successful in the Tablet PC industry because of the value added services that they provide to clients along with competitive pricing. He noted, “not only do we sell the Motion Computing products here at HMS, we can provide the training and support that clients require when migrating to the Tablet PC environment”. Additionally, HMS is one of a small number of authorized maintenance facilities for Motion products.

Although they have sold and supported more Motion Computing products than other Tablet platforms, HMS can also provide Tablets made by Fujitsu, IBM/Lenovo and Toshiba. Kirkpatrick stated, “Some clients prefer Convertible Tablet PC’s that have the attached keyboard and we wanted to be able to provide those clients with their choice of platform.”

According to Charles Lane, Director, Sales at CareAnyware “HMS has provided Point-of-Care hardware and clinical imaging services to a number of CareAnyware clients. Clients have been extremely pleased with the level of professionalism, support and service provided by HMS”. “Additionally, HMS has gone above and beyond the call with existing CareAnyware client’s to solve issues with existing Point-of-Care hardware.” he noted. “Having a reliable hardware provider allows CareAnyware resources to remain focused on what we do best – software”

HMS Is Veteran Small Business Champion of the Year

Mon, 15 May 2006 00:00:00 GMT

Martinsburg, WV, May15, 2006 — HMS TECHNOLOGIES INC. (HMS) CEO Harry M. Siegel was given the SBA Veteran Small Business Champion of the Year award at the Small Business Week Awards Banquet held in Charleston, West Virginia on the evening of 10 May 2006.

Harry M. Siegel, President and CEO of HMS TECHNOLOGIES, INC, stated that he “is extremely proud and humbled by the award.” Siegel added that “to be a veteran and win the Veteran Champion award is like being the MVP of the league.” He was nominated by Nancy Ferner of the Small Business Development Center here in Martinsburg, and hailed for his efforts to mentor many smaller veteran-owned businesses by helping their leadership grow their business base. He was joined at the event by his family and friends who were there to share this moment with him.

Outstanding Solutions Provider of the Year

Mon, 01 May 2006 00:00:00 GMT

Martinsburg, WV, May 1, 2006 — HMS TECHNOLOGIES INC. (HMS) was awarded Motion Computing’s Outstanding Solutions Provider of the Year for 2005 based upon overall sales and client satisfaction. Pictured is Terry Harrington (right), Motion Computing’s Northeast Channel Account Manager, who is presenting the award at HMS’ corporate headquarters in Martinsburg, WV to Bill Kirkpatrick (left), HMS’ Vice President of Product Solutions. Harry M. Siegel, President and CEO of HMS TECHNOLOGIES, INC, stated that he is “proud to announce our latest corporate team award”. Siegel also noted that “Bill Kirkpatrick and his team have done an amazing job being responsive to our clients and putting together cost effective bid packages”. Siegel added that “Motion was the first tablet PC technology company that we formed a strategic alliance with two years ago, and we have tremendous loyalty to them. We now carry virtually all tablet PCs in the marketplace including Fujitsu, Toshiba, Electrovaya, as well as the new IBM Lenovo line, and are a one stop shop for mobile computing. The key to the company’s success is our ability to integrate software and other hardware as required to add value to our client’s solutions.”

HMS Integrates Mobile Classroom

Tue, 18 Apr 2006 00:00:00 GMT

Martinsburg, WV, April 18, 2006 — HMS TECHNOLOGIES INC. (HMS) integrated a totally wireless and mobile classroom for ARNORTH, a new command stood up by the Fifth Army headquartered in San Antonio, Texas in support of disaster relief training. All equipment had to facilitate modularity, mobility, transportability, expansion, and possess a small footprint.

Harry M. Siegel, President and CEO of HMS TECHNOLOGIES, INC, stated that he “is proud to announce our latest true mobile integration design, development, and deployment project”. The cornerstone product for the effort was the Motion Computing LE 1600 Tablet PC with accessories, but Siegel noted that “we also integrated servers, printers, cameras, projectors, and a plethora of software in a totally wireless environment”. Siegel added that “we have sold Motion Tablets for several years, and we were just awarded Motion Computing’s Outstanding Solutions Provider for 2005. The company is now a certified training and maintenance arm for this technology. This is just the latest step in our continued growth in the mobile computing marketplace.”

HMS TECHNOLOGIES, INC. is an established Service Disabled Veteran-Owned Business that integrates technology, partners and clients for the common goal of teamed success in both the Federal and commercial environments. Our mission is to be the most responsive SDVOB systems integrator in the world that is recognized for the award-winning quality and value of our work while living the priorities of the organization through the five C’s in the following order: Country, Clients, Colleagues, Corporation, and Cost-Control.

Harry M. Siegel Receives Ronald Reagan Gold Medal

Fri, 10 Mar 2006 00:00:00 GMT

HMS TECHNOLOGIES, INC CEO Harry M. Siegel (center) was honored to have Congresswoman Shelly Moore Capito (left), the ranking republican from West Virginia in the United States House of Representitives, present him with the Ronald Regan Gold Medal on March 10th. Also pictured is John W. Reisenweber (right) who is the District Field Representative for the Honorable Shelley Moore Capito in Martinsburg, West Virginia.

HMS Gains From Minority Contracting Edge

Wed, 08 Mar 2006 00:00:00 GMT

by Peter Heerwagen

A dozen years ago, Dr. Harry Siegel wanted to get out of the rat race in Montgomery County, so he and his wife moved to a horse farm in Falling Waters. Just over two years ago, he decided to quit his long-time job as a government contractor, stop commuting to the east, and establish his own company.

The catalyst to laungh martinsburg-based HMS Technologies, Inc., was federal legislation that gave disabled veteran-owned businesses a preference in government contracting. Because Siegel was a disabled vet and knew the bureaucratic intricacies of government contracting, the decision was a no-brainer.

"When Congress passed Public Law 108, all federal agencies and Tier 1 contractors - those with over $1 billion in revenues - must spend at least 3% of their contracting dollars with certified Service Disabled Veteran-Owned Businesses," said Siegel. "That gives us a marketing edge.

"There are about 4,000 SDVOBs, but most are in the security business or are selling such things as vests and belt buckles. Not many of us are in the IT business as systems integrators."

Siegel , a Naval Academy graduate who also has a doctorate in computers, explained that systems or technology integrators take computer hardware and software and put them together. "An example was when the Army wanted to put together mobile classrooms in a box that could travel and interact with each other. you look at the software and hardware like tablet PCs, smart boards and video cameras, and put them together. If there is no COS - commercial off-the shelf software - we build it ourselves.

At an office on West Burke Street in downtown Martinsburg, HMS Technologies has 23 employees, mostly veterans, several of whom are disabled. The company promotes the fact that the executive staff is composed of veterans from the Army, Navy and Air Force, with over $15 billion in completed projects.

"We are still hiring. We have great people that are most responsive," said Siegel. And as the company grows, it will have to find larger quarters, possibly a new build.

"There may be a big swing [in revenues] this year," said Siegel. "On the low side, just working with ongoing contracts, we will do about $5 million in 2006. If the contracts we have already won get turned on, and we win 50% of the deals we've bid on, the upside could be $30 million to $32 million."

One windfall for HMS Technologies could be a piece of a $5 billion GSA-VETS contract, which is a large federal government set-aside for Servioce Disabled Veteran-Owned Businesses. On October 20, 2004, President BUSH signed Executive Order 13360 to increase federal contracting and subcontracting opportunities for SDVOBs. Federal agencies must award them at least 3% of their contracts, and the agencies have the option to award sole source contracts of less than $3 million if certain conditions are met.

"Twenty awards will be given and they can only be won by SDVOBs," said Siegel. "Federal agencies had to come up with a plan on how to contract out the 3% to SDVOBs, but they didn't know the capabilities of those firms, so they gave the money to GSA [General Services Administration] to find that out. It will be an information technology contract for things like biometrics and nanotechnology, not one for security guards."

Siegel said 70% of HMS Technologies' business is government work, with the balance done for private industry; 50% represents services and 40% is hardware and software products.

Siegel discovered and is capitalizing on another benefit of being an SDVOB, HMS Technologies is now a reseller of EZ-IOT, a health kit that he said has already saved 300 lives in the Iraqui War. The life-saving EZ-IOT device is manufactured by VidaCare, an Austin, Texas-based medical technology company.

"I figured out how I can get sole source if I can deliver," said Siegel. "I searched and found products where I would have exclusive rights to sell them, up to $3 million. We have a contract to sell the devices to the government. The EZ-IOT belongs in every hospital, in medical kits, at HHS and Homeland Security and the DOD. It's coming on strong and we should do between $1 million and $3 million in sales of it this year.

Besides working with the federal government, HMS Technologies has done business with Keith McCall, owner of KRM & Associates, Inc. in Shepherdstown; David Levine, former owner of Butterfly.com in Martinsburg; and Plethors Technology, a new company that relocated from Maryland to Jefferson County.

"We're also working with City Hospital on electronic medical records," said Siegel. "And we are working with IBM on the National Health Information Network. We are one of four teams that will each develop the architecture. Then the government will pick one and roll the other three in together."

Frederick News Post: Veteran Solutions

Tue, 28 Feb 2006 00:00:00 GMT

VETERAN SOLUTIONS
Frederick Business Week
Feb 28, 2006

HMS TECHNOLOGIES INC.
Software, hardware provider seeks small-business certification in Maryland

By Jon Stewart
News-Post Staff
MARTINSBURG, W Va. — A disabled veteran-owned technology business has gained certification to offer products for sale to Virginia state agencies. The Department of Minority Business Enterprise of the Commonwealth of Virginia has certified HMS Technologies Inc. as a Certified Small Business, said Chief Executive Officer and President Harry Siegel.

HMS Technologies Inc. is listed in the Certified Vendors Listings of the Virginia Department of Minority Business Enterprise (www.dmbe.state.va.us), Mr. Siegel said.

The Virginia department is the primary agency for state certification of minority, disadvantaged and women-owned businesses, according to the Web site.

The department circulates the names of certified firms, in electronic and hard-copy format, to more than 50D public and private sector procurement officials in Virginia and across the country, according to the Web site.

"Virginia wanted verifiable data that we sell the products that we say we sell," said William Kirkpatrick, senior vice president/product solutions for HMS Technologies. "It took one week to get the paperwork completed and about three weeks to receive a decision," Mr. Kirkpatrick said.

The day after the company was approved, Virginia began sending business opportunities, he said. "We bid on two the first day."

HMS Technologies is not a certified business in Maryland, Mr. Siegel said, "but he has a company official evaluating the process.

Both Mr. Siegel and Mr. Kirkpatrick are disabled veterans: Mr. Siegel has artificial knees, hips and shoulder from combat injuries in Vietnam, he said; Mr. Kirkpatrick has migraines and a thyroid that had to be destroyed.

Mr. Siegel is a Naval Academy graduate, has a Ph.D in computer science from Stamford Hill University in London and a master's in computer science from the Naval Postgraduate school in Monterey, California.

Mr. Siegel is retired from the Air Force, mostly in recruiting, and his last assignment was as district supervisor for seven states at the recruiting office on Waverly Drive in Frederick.

HMS Technologies can sell a client hardware and software, or can provide other vendors' equipment and software. In both cases, the client would be provided training and integration into the user's system, Mr. Siegel said.

"An organization wants the best solution in people, the process and technology," he said. "We can select the best hardware and software products for the job. It's similar to what a large company, such as IBM, can do, but on a much smaller scale."

The vendors sell HMS Technologies equipment at a discounted price based on relationships, banking, sales experience and "with a comfort level that we will pay them" Mr. Siegel said.

His firm then sells the vendor products to the client.

Mr. Siegel started his company in 2003.

His firm previously has done business with some local Virginia governments because HMS Technologies is on the GSA Schedule, Mr. Siegel said, and the subdifisions can offer contracts to businesses on the schedule.

HMS Wins Contracts

Thu, 03 Nov 2005 00:00:00 GMT

Link to Archive.org's record, text version below: http://web.archive.org/web/20060109194746/http://www.shepherd.edu/sbdcweb/pdf/2005/november_2005_newsletter.htm

HMS Technologies Wins Contracts

Certification as a Service Disabled Veteran-Owned Business (SDVOB) spurs sales. Just recently, HMS Technologies Inc., Martinsburg, was awarded the USDA agency-wide tablet PC contract in a competitive award. The initial procurement included hundreds of Tablet PCs that will be used throughout the world by USDA personnel.
     With that contract, HMS Technologies Inc, the sole SDVOB value added reseller for Motion Computing products, recently sold equipment to the Army. Just before Hurricane Rita hit, the Emergency Operations Center in Texas requested training on the new equipment.
     President and CEO, Siegel flew to Texas ahead of the storm to provide the needed training on the advanced mobile technology units. While there, Harry assisted with the command and control issues that came out of the training. The Senior Logistics Officer of the Joint Task Force Rita, LTC Oliver, commented to "Dr. Siegel, it was a pleasure doing business with you. You have truly leaned forward in the foxhole and your responsiveness will not be forgotten."
     Seigel presented "Export Basics: A Primer for WV Entrepreneurs" at the October Eastern Panhandle Entrepreneurial Forum.

The Journal: Program Stresses Exports

Fri, 14 Oct 2005 00:00:00 GMT

Program stresses exports

A forum for area entrepreneurs was held Thursday
By BETH HENRY
JOURNAL STAFF WRITER

MARTINSBURG - West Virginia exports are increasing, and people who attended an entrepreneur program Thursday were able to learn about expanding businesses through sales opportunities overseas.

Thursday night's program at the Holiday Inn Martinsburg was a monthly meeting sponsored by the Eastern Panhandle Entrepreneurs Forum. The development authorities of Berkeley and Jefferson counties helped organize the event which featured speakers who shared information about export resources.

Leslie Wrenn Drake deputy director of the West Virginia Development Office s International Division gave a quick talk during the program Drake explained some of the services available to small and medi um size businesses.

"We try to reach as many West Virginia companies as we can," she said, adding she and others in her office try to promote products fiom the state throughout the world.

"West Virginia s expoits have been increasing dramatically in recent years," she said estimating there was about a 13 per cent increase from 2003 to 2004.

Drake said her office offers counseling services and she also sets up trade events throughout the world. She said her office also works with export assistance centers in Wheeling and Charleston and another speaker Thursday represented one of those agencies.

James Fitzgerald, director of Wheeling Export Assistance Center, presented export information Thursday after Drake's short talk. Fitzgerald handed out pamphlets and resource materials on the U S Commercial Service which places emphasis on the pro motion of exports of goods and services.

The evening's program also included Harry M. Siegel, founder of HMS
Technologies in Martinsburg. Siegel talked about facts and statistics company leaders should know that will help when starting and continuing to operate a business overseas.

Besides speakers, regular monthly Eastern Panhandle Entrepreneurs Forum programs also usually include networking with a variety of businesses.

The next meeting of the Eastern Panhandle Entrepreneurs Forum is scheduled for Nov. 10 at the Holiday Inn in Martinsburg. The program will feature representatives from different agencies speaking on state financial resources.

The West Vuginia Development Office can be reached by calling (304) 558 2234 Export information is also available by calling (800) USA TRADE or by visiting www.export.gov.

More information on the Eastern Panhandle Entrepreneurs Forum is available by calling the Jefferson County Development Authority office at 728-3255
- Staff writer Beth Henry can be reached at 263 8931 Ext 163 or bhenry@journal-news.net

CEO Trains Joint Task Force During Rita Disaster

Thu, 06 Oct 2005 00:00:00 GMT

September 24, 2005. HMS TECHNOLOGIES, INC. CEO, Harry M. Siegel, traveled to Austin, Texas on September 24, 2005 to hand deliver Motion Tablet PCs and train members of the Joint Task Force for Hurricane Rita on their use. This advanced mobile computing technology was used for command and control issues during this national disaster. Lieutenant General Clark, Task Force Commander (seated in the top of the picture) expressed thanks to HMS for their client responsiveness and willingness to fly to Texas during the storm for delivery and training. HMS is privileged to work with federal and commercial partners and was proud to do its part in the nation's response.

HMS Chooses New Security Software

Wed, 05 Oct 2005 00:00:00 GMT

HMS Chooses New Security Software

10/05/2005

Company at the Forefront of National Priorities Emphasizes Mobility

CHARLES TOWN, W.Va., Oct. 5 /PRNewswire/ -- Plethora Technology, provider of an advanced commercial software product that delivers turnkey, secure access to all corporate information assets from anywhere, today announced that HMS TECHNOLOGIES, INC. (HMS) has selected Plethora's signature software product, Perspective(TM), for mobile computing. Effective immediately, the established Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business will use the mobile computing software for its staff, enabling them to work securely and effectively from any location in the service of its clients.

Located in Martinsburg, W. Va., HMS (http://www.hmstech.com) focuses on the integration of technology, its partners' capabilities and its clients' operations in the mobile computing environment in order to achieve the common goal of team-based success in both the federal and commercial sectors. Selecting Perspective as their software product to support internal requirements for mobility complements the LE1600 and LS800 products: advanced tablet computers developed by Motion Computing and sold by HMS that uniquely embody the concept of free-form mobile computing.

"HMS truly understands the significance of a mobile workforce. It is a forward-thinking company leading the charge toward adoption of advanced technology that supports the ability of knowledge workers to operate on the go," said Ben Martindale, CEO of Plethora Technology. "We believe that HMS' adoption of Perspective for their own internal use is just the beginning of a relationship that will allow both companies to drive adoption of mobile computing technology for stronger national defense and business advantages."

"In light of the recent national disasters, we realize the importance of business continuity planning," said Harry M. Siegel, CEO of HMS TECHNOLOGIES. "Our new relationship with Plethora is a bona fide partnership. In fact, not only do I expect our staff to benefit from Perspective, but I foresee a potential future benefit to our clients. We are eager to use this solution immediately and set our mobile workforce in motion."

Used by government agencies and commercial enterprises to support telework, business continuity and disaster recovery initiatives, Perspective makes it possible for all knowledge workers to be productive from any location, using any type of Internet connection and any available computing device, while enhancing enterprise security. The client software can be launched on the fly from an application token in the form of a CD or USB flash drive. After session termination, no trace of the application is left behind on the client device.

About Plethora Technology
Plethora Technology provides a unified secure mobile computing platform that enables anytime, anywhere access to business information assets, enhancing productivity and security for mobile information workers. The company's flagship product, Perspective, is ideal for telework and telecommuting initiatives and implementation of disaster recovery and business continuity programs. Perspective enables comprehensive information access through a variety of features, including file access and exchange, network and application tunneling, remote control of other personal computers, and presence-based messaging within a secure, centrally managed environment. For more info, visit http://www.plethoratech.com.

HMS Featured on "Heartbeat of America" with William Shatner

Wed, 14 Sep 2005 00:00:00 GMT

(Video Segments - Written Transcript Below)

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-8528167991908505140&hl=en#

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-4036357915386395484&hl=en#

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-733725707348909031&hl=en#

TRANSCRIPT – HEARBEAT OF AMERICA VIDEO
[Scene 1]: An important message from Kevin F. Delaney
[Kevin F. Delaney]: It is my privilege to present the following program that was inspired by the way American businesses and organizations have responded to the events of September 11th. It is part of a special series produced by Heartbeat of America called “Keeping America Strong”. Each program spotlights a business or organization that is helping to do exactly that: keep America strong. Having served in the United States Navy for many years, I fully appreciate the important role that small and middle-sized play in the very fabric of our country and I salute the professionals who lead these companies and thus keep American strong. They are the very backbone of our free enterprise system and today, on this program, you will meet the individuals behind such an organization. I will be back later in the program to introduce the “Keeping America Strong” award. And now, let’s learn more about the organization we are honoring today.
[Scene 2]: Today the eyes and ears of the 21st century are focused on new developments, new technologies, new emerging companies. We are on the scene to bring it to you as it happens.
[Unidentified man]: We anchor from our new studios in Los Angeles and then go out all over America to get to the heart of the story.
[Bert Tenzer]: I am Bert Tenzer.
[Bella Shaw]: I am Bella Shaw.
[Doug Llewelyn]: I am Doug Llewelyn.
[William Shatner]: I am William Shatner and this is Heartbeat of America. Our show focuses on corporate America, its stories, its drama, its breakthroughs. We will be going out today to report on an organization that is impacting our lives and shaping our future. An organization that truly is the Heartbeat of America.
[Dana Adams]: In the 20th century, a group of future Americans, led by William Shatner, ventured out into the universe. The challenge, to take the American spirit and courage to the final frontier of man outer space. It was an exciting time on television, but it was only a fantasy.
[Bert Tenzer]: This one is for real. It is a challenge to unite America and to keep our economy and our country moving forward.
[Dana Adams]: This has inspired Heartbeat of America to launch a special series entitled Keeping America Strong.
[Doug Llewelyn]: In the 20th century, William Shatner took us off on a voyage into the universe to experience what life is like in other planets. But now, here in the 21st century, he is back to explore what life is like right here on our own planet. It is all part of a new series that we call Keeping America Strong. As you know, part of keeping
America strong is developing better more efficient ways for our federal government and our public and private sectors to operate. Our guest today devotes himself to that and a whole lot more. He has developed some revolutionary new technologies that have been integrated into established organizations to help them operate at peak performance. His is a service disabled veteran-owned company with a staff that has produced over 15 billion dollars worth of successfully completed projects. And although a new company, the company has been generating some enthusiastic response and some rave reviews. For example, standing by right now in Washington, DC with some comments on the company is Congresswoman Shelley Moore Capito of West Virginia.
[Congresswoman Shelley Moore Capito]: HMS TECHNOLOGIES’s success can be directly attributed to the entrepreneurs and risk takers who are once again demonstrating their dedication to service. HMS TECHNOLOGIES is a Service Disabled Veteran-Run Business. The same values that have made our military successful and strong are helping mold this firm into a prime source for innovative services and solutions in the technology field. Their efforts are helping build the Eastern Panhandle’s economy, as well as provide critical jobs for local workers. Investing in service disabled veteran-run businesses is a smart way to build West Virginia’s economy. I applaud HMS TECHNOLOGIES, their President and CEO Harry Siegel, and all of the hard working employees at HMS for their service to America and efforts to make West Virginia a better place.
[Doug Llewelyn]: As you see, some very enthusiastic comments indeed from Congresswoman Capito. I would like you to meet now the gentleman who is behind all of this. He is the President, the founder and CEO of HMS TECHNOLOGIES, which is headquartered in the delightfully-sounding town of Falling Waters, West Virginia. And his name is Harry Siegel. Harry, welcome, nice to have you here.
[Harry M. Siegel]: Thank you. It is a pleasure to be here.
[Doug Llewelyn]: I got to ask you, where is Falling Waters, West Virginia?
[Harry M. Siegel]: It is in the Eastern Panhandle, about 70 miles from Washington, D.C. halfway between Martinsburg, West Virginia and Hagerstown, Maryland.
[Doug Llewelyn]: Good place to be for this kind of business?
[Harry M. Siegel]: It is a wonderful place to be. Ah, we have added a lot of technology in the West Virginia area because of the efforts of Senators Byrd and Rockefeller and others. And there is a tremendous technology talent pool to pull from.
[Doug Llewelyn]: Obviously a lot from the Washington area and you spent a lot of time there.
[Harry M. Siegel]: A little over 30 years, yes.
[Doug Llewelyn]: Tell me a little bit about what HMS TECHNOLOGIES really is. What do you do?
[Harry M. Siegel]: We are an advanced systems integrator who searches out the top of the line, state of the art hardware and software products and crafts them together in an integrated fashion to help solve enterprise-wide or organizational solutions, problems.
[Doug Llewelyn]: And you do this for who?
[Harry M. Siegel]: We do it for the federal government, state and local governments and some private industry.
[Doug Llewelyn]: And now, I know you been doing this your whole career, it has been wrapped around this kind of technology. And that is what you are, a technology guru. But the company itself is relatively new.
[Harry M. Siegel]: The company is relatively new. We were founded in 2003 shortly after the Congress passed the Service Disabled Veterans Act, which allows Service Disabled Veterans that go through the process to be able to have a marketing edge with the federal government.
[Doug Llewelyn]: And that has kind, that really has helped open the door for you in many respects, hasn’t it?
[Harry M. Siegel]: It really has. And I will tell you an interesting thing about that. Although we have the ability to garner sole source contracts, if a government agency or a state agency so wished to do so. Every nickel that we have won in this company has been full and open competition against giants like Dell and others. So.
[Doug Llewelyn]: So you really haven’t, I mean, even though you have the ability now to go in and for companies to award you contracts without having open competitions and bids, you haven’t used, you haven’t benefited from that yet, have you?
[Harry M. Siegel]: Not yet. So, the horizon for the company is just phenomenal because if we can compete with the big boys and then once the federal government and other agencies are up to speed on this new program and understand that they can use this contracting vehicle to get access to the talent at HMS TECHNOLOGIES, we’ll soar even greater.
[Doug Llewelyn]: Give me an example of some of the kinds of technology you have been able to help companies with. I know you do lots of different things, but just give me a slight example.
[Harry M. Siegel]: Well, there is a new tablet PC on the market and…
[Doug Llewelyn]: We are going to get to that in a couple of minutes, but are there other kinds of technologies that you, you know, have been doing so far or do you find that you established the company primarily for this one specific new technology we are about to explain?
[Harry M. Siegel]: Oh no, no. We’re established to be able to provide enterprise-wide solutions, whether it be business, process optimization, or technology integration. And we look at what hardware, what software, what business processes can make an organization hit on all eight cylinders.
[Doug Llewelyn]: And what is key, is, I know, is a small company. What five, six of you?
[Harry M. Siegel]: We are twelve people now.
[Doug Llewelyn]: Twelve of you. But there is an awful lot of brain power there.
[Harry M. Siegel]: Absolutely. The key five leaders are all veterans. We represent Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps. It wasn’t designed that way, they just happen to be individuals that I have a lot of trust and respect for. That left their jobs to join me to start this corporation and we have 153 man-years of experience doing this work with the federal government between the five of us.
[Doug Llewelyn]: But all of you, you are PhDs, Masters, Bachelors, and as you say, 153 man-years of software and hardware technology between you. So, a lot of brain power.
[Harry M. Siegel]: It is a very powerful boutique firm right now that we hope to get larger.
[Doug Llewelyn]: Well, we are going to find out more about this extraordinary new computer that Harry was talking about, and also an extraordinary new email system that I think you are going to find absolutely amazing. When we come back.
--------------------------------End first stream--------------
[Doug Llewelyn]: We are exploring the very intriguing story of HMS TECHNOLOGIES of Falling Waters, WV. And we are doing it with the founder, the president and the CEO of the company his name is Harry Siegel. And as I explained, Harry, that you have a rather remarkable new computer device here and news of an extraordinary new email system that you are really using to great advantage in your company. Let’s talk a little bit about this computer, show me how it works, what the advantages of it are, and then let’s get into the email program and how you are using that.
[Harry M. Siegel]: Ok
[Doug Llewelyn]: Not only you, but others are using it.
[Harry M. Siegel]: Absolutely. This is the Motion Computing M1400, It is innovative, it is wireless, and its actually a revolutionary product in the computer field. What you see here is a laptop keyboard actually built into the cover, and you can open this up and put your PC on here. The machine itself actually has a 1 gig hard drive, a 60 G hard drive rather and a 1 Gig of RAM and for you techies out there, you will know that is exciting. But for people that use this kind of product, it’s really a PDA on steroids and allows
people to do things cheaper, better, faster. We have looked at this product, PC Magazine in June of this year claimed it the number 1 Tablet PC in the world. When we saw…
[Doug Llewelyn]: Who makes this by the way?
[Harry M. Siegel]: Motion Computing.
[Doug Llewelyn]: Motion Computing.
[Harry M. Siegel]: The founder for Motion Computing came from Dell. He took a lot of money from doing great work at Dell and founded his own company and wanted to pursue this technology. And we contacted them and they contacted us, and we are one of the few Service Disabled Veteran Owned Businesses in America and we have the federal exclusive from the Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business perspective which allows government agencies to pursue this from us on a sole source basis. So far we have done competition and won on those competitions, but more importantly what we have done is taken this great hardware and integrated advanced technology software. We won’t turn it on here because we tried it earlier and of course the screens are kind of blue. You can use this with a light pen, and what we have done is integrated software from a company called Preop.com and they have medical education software that is AMA-approved and JACHO certified. And what we have been able to do with this is give the hospitals the ability to train and educate the patients on why they are getting a procedure, how the procedure is done, and how they recover. And we are doing a project with the VA up in Syracuse, New York today to be able to educate veterans.
[Doug Llewelyn]: Let me just stop you for a second because we have a closeup shot of this device, as you can see on the monitor now. This is the light pen you are talking about. And you just point at different things on the screen and it all reacts. So.
[Harry M. Siegel]: Well, you don’t even have to touch the screen. You wave it and it will follow the pen. You will also notice that over here it has finger print reader. It also has two speakers, one here and one here, and the two speakers allow you to train it to your voice and it will block out all other extraneous noise so you can dictate to your machine or actually write a report, even in a train station and it will muffle the rest of the sounds. It’s truly revolutionary. There is even an…
[Doug Llewelyn]: I mean it is an ultra-sophisticated laptop. Is that right or is that not the way to refer to it?
[Harry M. Siegel]: Well it is more sophisticated that a laptop because it is smaller, it weights less than three pounds. It’s faster than the laptops. And the new screen technology that they have just come out with has a 270 degree view-anywhere screen. When you have a laptop, when you know you turn it 10 degrees and you can’t read it, this one you can see from 270 degrees. I wish we could show it on the air, it would go great on camera but we obviously already tried that.
[Doug Llewelyn]: Well, as you were explaining, you have the medical, various medical technologies that you are demonstrating on this. How does that benefit? I mean, who uses that?
[Harry M. Siegel]: Well, in the case we originally designed it, the hardware and software merger, if you will, for patient education.
[Doug Llewelyn]: They are kind of like training films. For patients to watch, to learn about a medical procedure they are about to undergo.
[Harry M. Siegel]: And decide whether they really want it when they see what the recovery time is going to be and how to recover. But now we have actually added another suite of software that allows us to do medical training for the doctors and the nurses for new procedures. Therefore they can get kind of a double value for training both inside and outside, or client-based and staff-based training.
[Doug Llewelyn]: And this is one of those unique tablets you can walk around and write on it and it will actually transcribe that?
[Harry M. Siegel]: Absolutely.
[Doug Llewelyn]: So doctors could be walking around with this in their hands and doing what they can with a small PDA?
[Harry M. Siegel]: And they are. As a matter of fact, even in Martinsburg, West Virginia twelve miles from our office, I went to an ophthalmologist and they had twelve of these in their office and I was shocked. I was a little disappointed he did not buy them from HMS TECHNOLOGIES, but he bought them before we became a value-added reseller of the product.
[Doug Llewelyn]: How, how important is that, the fact that you are a value-added seller, reseller? How important is that for your company?
[Harry M. Siegel]: Well it allows us to be able to penetrate an agency with the hardware of choice. And once we penetrate an agency with the hardware of choice then we become a trusted ally of that organization or agency, then we work well with them there and then we can go in and say we sold you the car, now let us give you the gas to run the engine by I negating new software technologies to give you value for your hardware.
[Doug Llewelyn]: That I understand. We also talked about this new rather revolutionary email system that you are now making use of. Tell me about that.
[Harry M. Siegel]: Ok. Again we seek out advanced technologies all over the planet and look font the best of the best to be able to integrate it for our client set. This is a product developed by Razor Stream and their sub company if you will, is called VM Direct. Ten years ago , five years ago, people had video email. But it did not take off because the size of the file was so large if I sent you a three-minute video, it was 10 megs and would crash your email system
[Doug Llewelyn]: Right.
[Harry M. Siegel]: These guys have put together a revolutionary compression technique and buffering technique where I can develop on my 1aptop at home, or on this, or on a regular workstation, a two-minute email video mail, attach text, put a business card in there, or whatever. I can email it to you and it is less than 10K. So now it’s very effective, affordable, it’s very inexpensive and allows you to communicate at the next level, where when you send just text people don’t always get your message But when you send text and video it is very very powerful.
[Doug Llewelyn]: You pointed out to me that you can mount a little camera here on top of this laptop, this notebook, whatever you want to call it.
[Harry Siegel]: Tablet.
[Doug Llewelyn]: Tablet, alright, tablet. And you can then speak your email into the tablet and send that instead of getting a written text, they get you. Full screen in stereo.
[Harry Siegel]: It's truly beautiful technology. As a technologist, I just admire what they have done. What happens is you click on the program you want to compose, it goes 3-2-1, just like we do here in the studio and you start talking to the camera. And then you hit stop when you are done, you hit send, and it uploads,downloads, emails it, and the people ont he other end don't need any type of software appliance to view it. And whenever they view it, you immediately get a notification in your email that they have seen it. So it is very powerful.
[Doug Llewelyn]: And I know, that for example, you were telling me that in political campaigns, candidates, Republicans are using this kind of technology, for example.
[Harry Siegel]: Yes they are. Actually, several of the politicians in the United States are using it on both sides. But the President is utilizing this, or depending when you view this show, is utilizing it to send emails, personalized emails to 80 million Americans right before the elections.
[Doug Llewelyn]: So this really is kind of revolutionary. Could have a major impact.
[Harry Siegel]: Very much so.
[Doug Llewelyn]: Tell me a little bit about some of the other things that you and your partners and your firm are trying to develop. What other avenues do you see this company going in?
[Harry Siegel]: Well, we are all very homogeneous. Within the organization we represent Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and as you said there are a lot of advance technologies with Ph.Ds, and Masters and Bachelor degrees. And one of the things we are really looking forward to is actually building custom software for the federal government, like we all have done in our past lives in other companies, that help solve problems. I have had the honor and privilege of actually being able to be the
systems designer for many of the largest software developer programs for all of Health and Human Services, in organizations like NIH, FDA, CMS, and others.
[Doug Llewelyn]: And tell me, explain to me, for those who do not understand it, what the benefit of this Disabled Veteran Act is, really what it means.
[Harry Siegel]: When they passed this law on 16th of December 2003, the idea that Congress had was that veterans that had actually done service for the country and suffered some type of injury while on active duty, that the government should give something back. So, it is a very long complicated process to get certified, but once you are certified as a Service Disabled Veteran and you own over 51 percent of the company and run it on a daily basis, you do have a marketing edge where you can walk in to any federal or state agency and say: if you really like what I have to say about solving your problem, you can give me a sole-source contract without competition. The federal law also states, and mandates, that 3 percent of all federal contracting dollars must be given to Service Disabled Veteran Owned businesses. And that is a tremendous amount of money and a great opportunity to something good for the country.
[Doug Llewelyn]: Very interesting indeed.
[Burt Tenzer]:You are tuned to Heartbeat of America.
[Dana Williams]: So stay with us as Heartbeat of American presents its special edition: "Keeping American Strong."
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[Doug Llewelyn]: We are exploring the remarkable story of HMS TECHNOLOGIES of Falling Waters, West Virginia with Harry Siegel, who is the President and the CEO, at least the founder of the company. He is a rather remarkable person, a graduate of the Naval Academy, a decorated veteran. Tell me a little bit about your background, really what led you up to this point?
[Harry Siegel]: How far do you want to go?
[Doug Llewelyn]: Well, you graduated from Annapolis.
[Harry Siegel]: There you go. I graduated from the Naval Academy, after I did that I served in different ships, and then I did other service within the Vietnam arena. And in 1981, I decided to resign my commission as an officer and go into private industry.
[Doug Llewelyn]: I should point out. I mentioned that you are a disabled vet. It is kind of remarkable that you are here. You look great, but you are actually kind of stuck together.
[Harry Siegel]: Yes, I have two artificial hips, two knees that should be replaced and no rotor cuff in either shoulder. Other than that I am in great shape.
[Doug Llewelyn]: Other than that you are doing great.
[Harry Siegel]: Thank you.
[Doug Llewelyn]: Well, what got you in this field?
[Harry Siegel]: Well, while I was in the Navy, after I did suffer some injuries while in active duty, the Navy saw fit to send me to graduate school to the Naval Post Graduate School in Monterey, California where I got my Master's degree in Computer Systems in 1978. It was a very early time in the computer world, where very few people had that degree. So I really wasn't. with some of the injuries I had, I wasn't going to be back to any serious combat scenario so they gave me a large computer center to run in Washington, D.C. And I had a great time there. I relieved a Navy captain, as a Navy Lieutenant, early promoted to Lieutenant Commander. Won a couple of awards from President Carter for federal records management, and then I decided to go into industry and not go back to sea, or not manage a LMD, a large mahogany desk. So.
[Doug Llewelyn]: But you have been working for giant corporations doing this kind of high technology work for them for a long time.
[Harry Siegel]: Yes, since 81. I really have had the opportunity to work for small, medium and large corporations. As large as GTE, the smallest companies you would not know who they were. And I really wanted to take the best of the best in management, organization and design and create a company that was really special.
[Doug Llewelyn]: Do me a favor, see if you can demystify for me what the Service Disabled Veterans programs is all about because a lot of people really don't grasp it, or have a good understanding of it.
[Harry Siegel]: Again it was Congress passing a law to give a leg up, from a marketing perspective, to people who gave something while on active duty for this country. The process is kind of an arduous one. First, you have to file for your disability through the VFW or one of those organizations, like VETS and they give you a physical at the VA. Once you get your physical at the VA, and they look at what you think is wrong with you based on what happened to you in service, they pull your service record, your medical records, it goes before a board of medical doctors and bureaucrats that review and see if there is a connection between when you were injured on active duty and what your injuries are today. Once that is adjudicated, they assign a certain percentage of disability to you, anywhere from 0 to 100 percent. And not only do you get, actually a check from the government based on your percentage of disability, but it qualifies you to own a service disabled veteran owned business. At that point, if you own 51% percent of the business and you run it on a day-to-day, you know, operation, then you are able to certified as a Service Disabled owner.
[Doug Llewelyn]: And is that a rather lengthy process?
[Harry Siegel]: It can take as many as two years.
[Doug Llewelyn]: Really?
[Harry Siegel]: Mine was a really rapid process because I got great support from Senator Byrd in Washington, whom I went to see and he asked "what do you want" and I said "I don't want anything that I am not entitled to, but I would really appreciate if you would write a letter to the VA that says just that don't give this man anything he is not entitled to, but please don't let his paperwork sit on a desk for an extended period of time". And my case was adjudicated in less than 90 days.
[Doug Llewelyn]: That is remarkable. Let's get back to the story of your company, HMS TECHNOLOGIES. What do you see for this company? You got some great brain power sitting in your offices, in West Virginia? Where do you see this company going, what do you see it doing?
[Harry Siegel]: Well, I see us continuing to add hardware and software skills and tools to the organization. I see us hiring more people locally in West Virginia to help grow the Eastern Panhandle economy. As I said, there is a great technology pool of talent there. I also see us being able to branch out and actually start building our own software for clients. And the team I have is just phenomenal.
[Doug Llewelyn]: What about your own philosophy for the company?
[Harry Siegel]: Well, I preach the five Cs. And I know when my guys see this video they are going to groan. But I tell them if we manage and we operate against the 5 Cs everything will come. The first thing, first priority is the country. The second is the client. The third is your colleague. The fourth is the corporation. And then cost-control.
[Doug Llewelyn]: Very interesting. so you see a very bright future. You are going to be approaching businesses all over the country.
[Harry Siegel]: Absolutely. We actually partnered with several large firms. And the idea that they are looking for Service Disabled Veteran Owned businesses that they know and love and trust that they can partner with a) to go after business set aside for service disabled veterans, in which case the EDs, SAICs and IBMs of the world can't go after the work unless they team up with me or my contemporaries. Or when they go after large contracts and a certain percentage of that work is set aside for those type of organization and they want to find one that they can trust.
[Doug Llewelyn]: Great story Harry. Thank you very much.
[Harry Siegel]: Thank you.
[Kevin Delaney]: We have been watching the operations of an organization which is doing its part to keep America strong. And we have been learning from its leaders about what they are doing to help move our country forward. This organization represents companies across our great nation that embody the spirit, dedication, know-how and can-do attitude which has made American the great nation it is today. And now let's present the "Keeping America Strong Award".
Now it is my honor to present the "Keeping America Strong" award to Harry Siegel, the President, the CEO of HMS TECHNOLOGIES of Falling Waters, West Virginia for the outstanding work that his company is doing to help keep America strong. Harry great pleasure to present this award to you, congratulations and best wishes.
Thank you very much, on behalf of the whole team at HMS TECHNOLOGIES, we really appreciate the plaque and we will put it in a place of honor in our place of business and it has been an honor being on the show.
[Kevin Delaney]: Congratulations for earning the "Keeping America Strong" award which honors innovators and leaders like you, who are the Heartbeat of America.
[Dana Williams] Our thanks to Retired Rear Admiral Kevin Delaney for taking part in the presentation of the "Keeping America Strong" Award. The award that salutes small to middle-sized organizations who are helping to move America forward.
[Doug Llewelyn]: For more information on this company and their services visit their website at www.hmstechnologies.com. That is www.hmstechnologies.com.
[Bert Tenzer]]: That's it for Heartbeat of America's special edition "Keeping America Strong".
[Dana Williams]: Now for a final word from William Shatner.
[William Shatner]: Well that's it for this edition of Heartbeat of America. I am William Shatner. Thanks for watching.
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Credits

HMS Awarded GSA Schedule

Thu, 01 Sep 2005 00:00:00 GMT

Search Criteria: GS-35F-0834R

Did you mean: GS 35F 0834r

Contractor/Manufacturer matches

Source	Description
70	GENERAL PURPOSE COMMERCIAL INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY EQUIPMENT, SOFTWARE, AND SERVICES - Pursuant to Section 211 of the e-Gov Act of 2002, Cooperative Purchasing provides authorized State and local government entities access to information technology items offered through GSA's Schedule 70 and the Corporate contracts for associated special item numbers. Contracts with the COOP PURC icon indicate that authorized state and local government entities may procure from that contract.
	Contractors HMS TECHNOLOGIES, INC. [GS-35F-0834R]

The Journal: HMS Celebrates Open House

Sun, 24 Jul 2005 00:00:00 GMT

Business celebrates open house

- The CEO of HMS Technologies says he's happy the company is in Martinsburg.

MARTINSBURG - Leaders from HMS technologies, Inc. celebrated the opening of the company's Martinsburg headquarters.

"We are thrilled to locate out corporate headquarters in an area with such a wonderful quality of life," said Harry M. Siegel, president and CEO of HMS Technologies. "The technology pool of talent and the surrounding area is outstanding. One of out goals is to continue to increase the technology business base in Berkeley County, and we look forward to working closely with local businessmen and government entities."

Invitees and attendees to the open house were natilnally and locally prominent politicians, business leaders, business partners and clients.

"We have been honored by the support from Congresswoman Shelley Moore Capito and John Reisenweber, who runs her local office. They have always been there to help and assist us from the beginning," Siegel said in a press release.

HMS Technologies Inc. is the sole Service Disabled Veteran-Owned business value added reseller for Motion Computing products, as well as Computer Associates, Erogotron, White Fence, Data Lever, Metro One, VIDACARE, Multi-Forms, EnoVate and Resolution EBS.

In 2005, HMS Technologies Inc. was certified as a National Technology Top 20 percent performer by Dunn & Bradstreet's Open Ratings with a past performance evaluation of 93/100.

"We are proud of the relationship we have built with CentraBank and appreciate their trust and faith in what we're trying to accomplish here. They are truly a forward-looking financial institution who cares about the local economy," he said.

HMS Technologies, Inc. integrates technology, partners and clients for the common goal of teames success in both the federal and commercial environments. They seek out the "best of the best" information systems hardware and software. If that software is not readily available, they design, build and deploy custom software to serve the need.

The company's mission is to be the most responsive Service Disabled Veteran-Owned business systems integrator in the world that is recognized for the award-winning quality and value of their work with the folloring priorities: country, clients, colleagues, corporation and cost-control.

More information is available by calling (304) 596-5583 or visiting www.hmstech.com.

- Staff reports

The Journal: Tech Company Expands

Sun, 10 Jul 2005 00:00:00 GMT

HMS Technologies Inc. has 22 employees, but the company could hire 100 people within a year.

by Beth Henry, Journal Staff Writer

MARTINSBURG: A high-tech company in Berkeley County is growing so quickly the CEO hopes to hire at least 100 people in the next year.

HMS Technologies, Inc., moved into Martinsburg in April, and already the company is running out of space, said Harry M. Siegel, president and CEO. The business is at 206 W. Burke St., and Siegel said he loves having the company headquarters in Martinsburg.

"We love the area, we're proud of our people and we're proud to be able to bring state-of-the-art technology to Berkeley County," Siegel said in an interview at his office.

HMS Technologies currently has 22 employees - 10 in Martinsburg, and the rest in Maryland, Virginia and Pennsylvania. Siegel said his company has been so successful since he founded it in December 2003 that he anticipates tremendous growth in the next few years.

He believes thart if all goes well in the next three to five years, the company will be one of the largest providers of jobs in Berkeley County. Siegel said he wants to let more people learn about HMS Technologies, and since the employees are pretty much settled into their new office space he thought an open house would be a good idea.

The open house is scheduled for 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday and anyone interested can call 596-5583 for reservations and more information.

HMS Technologies provides technologu services to government agencies and private companies, from the U.S. Department of Defense to the University of Virginia Medical Center.

"We have a really impressive client list for a company that's less than two years old," Siegel said.

He said he's happy to have government agencies as clients, because serving the country has always been important to him.

Siegel is a Vietnam veteran and he sustained a serious hip injury while he was in the service. He said he never considered himself disabled, but he did have to get two artificial hips after being wounded.

Under a law passed in late 2003, veterans who have a service-related disability and own more than 50% of a company can receive certification for their companies to become service disabled veteran-owned businesses.

Siegel said that when he found out about the law, he knew his company would qualify for certification and he said it gives his business a marketing advantage. The federal government is required under the law to do at least 3% of its business with service veteran disabled companies.

Siegel said it might sound corny, but his top priorities for his company are honor and serving his country.

He founded HMS Technologies on the five C's: country, cluents, colleagues, corporation and cost control.

"I'm a firm believer that if you manage a company that way, good things will come."

before moving to the office building in Martinsburg, the company had been based in Falling Waters, where Siegel lives with his family.

Siegel said he commuted to Washington, D.C. for 10 years before starting his own company.

"I love the area," he said. "I think it's a wonderful place to live and work."

More information about HMS Technologies is available by calling (304) 596-5583 or visiting www.hmstech.com.

- Staff writer Beth Henry can be reached at 725-6581 or ct@journal-news.net.

HMS Certified As Top 20% Performer

Tue, 05 Jul 2005 00:00:00 GMT

HMS TECHNOLOGIES, INC. Certified as a Top 20% Performer

Customer references indicate outstanding past performance to Open Ratings during PPE survey process.

WALTHAM, MA - June 8, 2005 - HMS TECHNOLOGIES, INC. has been certified as a Top 20% Performer based on the Past Performance Evaluation survey responses of its reference customers. HMS TECHNOLOGIES, INC.'s PPE score of 93/100 demonstrates outstanding overall customer satisfaction relative to similar companies.

About the Past Performance Evaluation (PPE) Program

Each year, Open Ratings helps thousands of companies secure contracts with large purchasing organizations such as the GSA by verifiying their performance with Past Performance Evaluations (PPEs). The customer satisfaction metrics that are evaluated include:

Reliability
Cost
Order accuracy
Delivery/timeliness
Quality
Business relations
Personnel
Customer support
Responsiveness

The PPE score is based on the survey feedback of between four and twenty verified references. The Top 20% rating is relative to similar companies during the same time period.

To Obtain the Detailed PPE Report

To obtain a copy of the PDF PPE report for HMS TECHNOLOGIES, INC., please visit https://prod.openratings.com/certified/index.pl?page=duns&orderid=1073316.

About Open Ratings

Open Ratings is a leading provider of software, services and information for proactive supply management. Open Ratings solutions help companies to lower costs, reduce risks and increase profitability by reducing supply management costs and improving supply management initiatives. At the core of Open Ratings solutions is patent-pending predictive technology that provides advance notice of supplier performance and financial stability problems. For more information, visit Open Ratings on the Web at http://www.openratings.com.

To learn more about the Open Ratings Certified PPE program, go https://prod.openratings.com/certified/index.pl?page=about.