I would like to let you know that we signed a contract with John Wiley and Sons to publish the book. This is exciting for us and we are looking forward to working with them. More information is on www.fed.org. I am also hopeful that initial responses to the draft manuscript by reviewers are very thorough and detailed. It will keep us busy evaluating comments and incorporating them into the book. We are also looking into ways to make this blog more user-friendly. Will try to address suggestions.
Click on the comments link to share your thoughts.
- Bob
Here are my responses to last week’s comments:
Bill Hillegeist: There is a section planned for RSNF. I agree that was a turning point in the company’s history.
Mary Lou Dunford: Implementing AJOBB was helpful for many employees, especially when business got weak. I agree with you that it worked out quite well.
Craig Racine: Glad to hear your strong interest in SAIC and for what has happened to build the company. I hope you are still working in the energy area. It is more important than ever for the country.
Chuck Spofford: No question that the RSNF C3 contract was extremely important to the company’s growth and reputation. But I am surprised that the win was the result of a cold proposal and a response to the CBD. RSNF being a big contract, as it phased down, it was difficult to find replacement work. It was a good job by management making sure key staff were kept after their outstanding work on the contract.
Steve Rizzi: It seems to me that SAIC’s information systems have continued to evolve over years. They play a key role, as you say, allowing managers to keep track of what’s going on in the company. However, it seems that every year new systems are available. I’m glad that SAIC is willing to entertain changing its systems to keep up with latest advancements.
Dr. B,
Anxiously awaiting release of your book. All of us who were part of your SAIC Team share your pride in all of the accomplishments which will undoubtedly be referenced.
Best wishes and warm regards,
Perry Feldman
SAIC (1989-2004)
Dr. Beyster:
What a great way to tell the story! This is exciting for me and I’m sure many other folks by the kinds of responses your getting. It has been fun reading the comments, bringing back memories with some former employee’s. Working for SAIC was something that I was very proud of and truly was the most rewarding part of my career. When I think of the days down in La Jolla, Old Scripps Hospital building…good times. Thank you and look forward to the book being published!
Christine McLane
SAIC (1981-2006)
I was privileged to work at SAIC for more than ten years, experiencing some very dynamic growth. I often summarized my view of the SAIC culture with the following anecdote to new hires and potential new hires:
“There is good news and bad news about working at SAIC! The bad news is no one tells you what to do. If you come to SAIC with the belief that there is a pat formula for building a business area, then you will be sorely disappointed. No one will take you by the hand and show you how define a business area, get a contract and become a profit center.
On the other side of the coin the good news is no one tells you what to do. If you have an idea and the drive and desire to turn it into a profitable business, SAIC has the support systems to help make it happen. To me that is why so many entrepreneurs were attracted to SAIC.
Dr B:
Forming of the Ethics Committee in 1984 presented a solid foundation for what was expected of employees working at SAIC. SAIC was the forerunner by years of having an ethics program in the defense industry.