APCG Wins Expanded Role in United States Coast Guard Integrated Deepwater System Program

Release Date: May 27, 2005

Washington, D.C. — Advanced Performance Consulting Group, Inc. (APCG) today has been awarded a new contract with expanded responsibilities for the Integrated Deepwater System (IDS) Program, the largest and most innovative acquisition in Coast Guard history. The new agreement builds upon performance management services that APCG has provided since May 2003, extending the company's work into the areas of knowledge management (KM), human capital planning, and pay-for-performance.

The IDS Program, or Deepwater, was initiated by the Coast Guard to meet America's 21st century maritime threats and challenges. Deepwater is an integrated approach to upgrading existing assets while transitioning to newer, more capable platforms with improved systems for command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (C4ISR) and innovative logistics support. This new "system of systems" will significantly contribute to the Coast Guard's maritime domain awareness, as well as the improved ability to intercept, engage, and deter activities that pose a direct challenge to U.S. sovereignty and security.

"Our team is thrilled about the opportunity to provide additional support to the Coast Guard and this essential mission," said Kimberly McCabe, President and CEO of APCG. "We are committed to bringing industry-leading approaches and methodologies to the Deepwater program, and enthusiastic about continuing to partner with Coast Guard leadership, management, and staff in developing and implementing performance management, human capital management, and knowledge management capabilities."

Over the last two years, APCG has worked closely with the Deepwater team to implement a performance management capability. This includes supporting the implementation of a sophisticated performance-measurement software tool that automates the Deepwater Balanced Scorecard (BSC). APCG will now help ensure that the BSC framework, measures, and use of associated software continue to evolve to support programmatic decision-making and to fulfill management and reporting requirements and objectives.

In an atmosphere of increasing competition for the best employees, Deepwater must continue to recruit, retain, and develop the best possible workforce while complying with new Department of Homeland Security (DHS) pay-for-performance guidelines. APCG will assist in Deepwater human capital and workforce planning by developing a tailored human capital strategy and pay-for-performance (P4P) plan.

Having worked on P4P development and implementation initiatives with DoD's Business Management Modernization Program (BMMP) and various other Federal agencies, APCG will apply techniques and lessons learned to the Deepwater Program. APCG will work closely with Deepwater Program leadership to uncover critical cultural components of the implementation of pay-for-performance, and to address the functional and operational issues surrounding this endeavor. Our experience demonstrates that members of the workforce consistently find that, as they engage in this process, they see improvements in the way they are managed; in the clarity of their assignments; and in the connection between their actual performance and the rewards they receive.

As part of the new contract, APCG will also help Deepwater develop the ability to capture and leverage the learning and knowledge developed within the program in order to support its execution. The company will develop a Deepwater knowledge management framework and plan, as well as a KM process recommendation.

About APCG, Inc.

Advanced Performance Consulting Group, Inc. (APCG), founded in 1998, is a small, woman-owned management consulting firm dedicated to enabling executives to improve business performance. APCG specializes in strategy and planning, organizational transformation, enterprise performance improvement, change management, and strategic communications for Federal and commercial clients. The firm's reputation is exemplified by a 100 percent-referenceable client base. ( www.apcg.com)

About Deepwater

The Coast Guard and its Deepwater Program are key contributors to each of the three objectives of the National Strategy for Homeland Security. Deepwater is the front line of the Coast Guard's layered defense that will improve border and transportation security, increase the security of international shipping containers, improve intergovernmental law enforcement coordination, and guard America's critical infrastructure. ( www.uscg.mil/deepwater)