Richard Smith

Richard has worked in the IT industry since his U.S. Navy days, Worked as an Electronics Technician and was responsible for the Central Navigation Computers for Missile Ballistic Submarines (SSBN). Taught Basic Computer Concepts and Troubleshooting Techniques in the Strategic Weapons Systems’ Electronic “A” School. With over 600 students provided knowledge to move-on to their Advanced “c” schools.

He worked as a Network Engineer pulling and landing internal cabling system for many of the schools around Northern Virginia, and Maryland providing first generation of School Network capabilities as well as intercommunication (Intercoms and Bells and Clocks), Television Cabling and Fire Alarm systems.

This led into a networking career with Edelman Financial Services (EFS). Taking on the requirements of moving the systems through the early stages of windows 95 and the First-Generation Pentium Chips.

After leaving EFS, he took on the role of Engineer Level III with Telephone Laboratories (Tellabs) where worked to solve issues in the field wherever Tellabs had equipment placed for Landline and Mobile phone system and networking. Worked in 4 of 7 Continents and saw 19 different Countries.

Mr. Smith Found himself working for the U.S. National Guard as a contractor with Koniag Systems Inc. and successfully worked the first DoD Information Assurance Certification and Accreditation Process (DIACAP) program within the National Guards Programs and Systems. Worked as a Portal Administrator and Instructor for the Joint Information Exchange Environment (JIEE). An “Event” driven capability that allowed information flow from affected states to supporting States that would have the capacity to provide supplies/ manning/ equipment to lend aid for the affected/requesting areas. The reporting function provided a quick roll-up of all support provided and where it was placed along with active mapping capabilities.

Continuing with his career with as a Contractor for Solutions By Design (SBD II), worked with the Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) overseeing the Compliance efforts of 44 systems, bringing the DCMA into an aligned Federal Information System Management Act (FISMA (2002) program.

This activity provided a springboard to the U.S. Army as the Army’s Liaison for all things FISMA (2002 and 2014) “DAHQ FISMA Compliance Officer”. Created capabilities for the Army to see where their systems were in relation with FISMA Compliance. At the time, Army was working 1750+ system and was not in the top ten DOD communities with compliance. With-in three years, Mr. Smith was able to bring the first FISMA Passing Grades for the Army over the entirety of the FISMA program. By working with the Information Assurance professional with each component, was able to identify areas of concern and worked with the component to bring the system back into compliance.

Moved to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) as the Federal Compliance Officer for the Science and Technology (S&T) Directorate. Overseeing and leading the team for Compliance with analysis of scanned data, Testing the Controls, Penetration testing and Security Operation Center. Working with System owners to assist with compliance efforts.