Thomas & Herbert Consulting Partners with SpatialGIS and FSU to Innovate Data Labeling Solutions for DoD

Thomas & Herbert Consulting Drives Innovation with DoD Mentor-Protégé Agreement

In an exciting development for the U.S. defense sector, Thomas & Herbert Consulting LLC (TH) has been awarded a three-year Mentor-Protégé Agreement (MPA) through the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Mentor-Protégé Program (MPP). This initiative marks a significant expansion in TH's role, as they will mentor SpatialGIS, a small, disadvantaged business (SDB), helping to enhance their capabilities in geospatial intelligence (GEOINT), IT, and management consulting.

This initiative is backed by the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA), which has recognized the pressing need for refined image data labeling solutions within the defense landscape. This collaboration aims not only to improve data management but also to foster the growth of small businesses in the niche of defense contracting.

A Collaborative Effort with Educational Partners

Central to this partnership is Fayetteville State University (FSU), a Historically Black College and University (HBCU). By leveraging FSU's academic strengths and resources, the trio aims to develop robust imagery data labeling capabilities using cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) technologies. This development is intended to meet the evolving needs of NGA and other agencies within the DoD/Intelligence Community (IC).

Rodney Thomas, Chairman and CEO of Thomas & Herbert Consulting, expressed enthusiasm for this initiative, stating, "TH is thrilled to continue serving as a mentor in the DoD MPP, and to deliver world-class data labeling, AI, and ML capabilities for the DoD/IC."

Kendrick Faison, CEO of SpatialGIS, emphasized the importance of this collaboration by noting, "Our partnership with TH and FSU marks a significant milestone in advancing our geospatial intelligence, AI, and ML capabilities for DoD/IC customers."

Strengthening Small Business Capacities

The DoD Mentor-Protégé Program is designed to empower small businesses by connecting them with major defense contractors, allowing for knowledge transfer and resource sharing. Through these relationships, small businesses can enhance their competitive edge for prime and subcontract opportunities within the defense industry.

Supporting these efforts is MoveAmerica, a non-profit organization dedicated to addressing critical challenges facing America's industrial sector and supply chain. Acting as an intermediary for the DoD Mentor-Protégé Program, MoveAmerica will guide both TH and SpatialGIS in effectively utilizing their mentor-protégé relationship, facilitating a smooth entry into the complex DoD supply chain.

Earl Wyatt, Executive Director of MoveAmerica, emphasized the program's mission: "Untapped talent often resides in underrepresented communities. Our job is to ensure that these innovators have access to the opportunities they need to make transformative contributions to national security."

A Legacy of Support for Small Businesses

The initiative aligns with the DoD Mentor-Protege Program's objectives, established in 1991 to incentivize large defense contractors to assist small businesses in enhancing their capabilities. Over the years, this program has successfully supported thousands of small businesses, enabling their growth and reinforcing the defense industrial base in the U.S.

As the U.S. Department of Defense strengthens its focus on innovative technological solutions, partnerships like that of Thomas & Herbert Consulting, SpatialGIS, and Fayetteville State University herald a new wave of collaboration that is poised to redefine the landscape of defense contracting.

For additional information regarding the efforts of Thomas & Herbert Consulting LLC and their involvement in the Mentor-Protégé Program, please reach out to Marina Sullivan at [email protected] or visit their official site for updates.

This strategic alliance showcases how collaboration between small businesses, defense contractors, and educational institutions can bring groundbreaking advancements to national security, ensuring that the U.S. remains at the forefront of technological development and operational excellence in the defense sector.