BLACKHAWK information system and network engineers support integrated applications, services and network transport capabilities across war fighting, intelligence and business mission areas that enable leader-centric operations anytime, anywhere, and at every echelon. We provide the customer solutions for technology challenges that are faced in common everyday support environments, and unique austere contingency environments.

The BLACKHAWK IT capabilities include:

IT Planning - BLACKHAWK planners have designed and employed large scale services deployments in both tactical wartime environments, and in fixed or sustained business environments. BLACKHAWK developed and currently maintains a 5-year plan for the Secret Internet Protocol Router Network (SPIRNet) and Joint Worldwide Intelligence Communications System (JWICS).

Enterprise Management Systems (EMS) - BLACKHAWK has certified Tivoli® professionals that support strategic enterprise architecture planning; Tivoli® management software implementation and customization; and integration of Tivoli® management software with third party applications such as Remedy Action Request System.

Global Command and Control (GCCS) - BLACKHAWK provides GCCS support to III Corps Operations and Fort Hood Garrison operations at various CONUS and OCONUS locations. Support includes GCCS-Army, GCCS-Joint, GCCS-Top Secret, GCCS-Integrated Intelligence and Imagery, and GCCS-Korea. BLACKHAWK plans, configures, and manages GCCS servers and workstations in fixed based and training exercise locations as well as administer user accounts; coordinate ABCS integration to new software baselines; and regularly participate in numerous Corps HQ Operational Testing and Evaluation with Combatant Commander Commands.

Black Network - A “Black Network” is a network used for the sole purpose of transmitting encrypted traffic. The term “Black” is used to emphasize that classification of the transport network is independent of the classification of the delivered services network. This Black Network concept has set the foundation for how future voice, video and data services will be deployed in tactical operations for III corps and is now standard procedure used in all III Corps command posts.

The “Black Network” approach was developed and implemented to support the changing mission, the extremely large footprint of tactical assets, and the complex commercialization process required to integrate a multitude of transport solutions during OIF II. To address this growing complexity, BLACKHAWK planners assisted the Army signal organization in the development of a solution independent of the transport mechanism, but still scaleable to support multiple networks. This was accomplished through the design and implementation of the “Black Network.”

Data Fusion - Data fusion can usually exponentially increase the value of dissimilar data from multiple sources by correlating, merging and integrating it. BLACKHAWK ise conducting data fusion by applying sound engineering principles and systems analysis and developing robust solutions for widely diverse requirements for a wide range if clients, both public and private.

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Public Key Infrastructure - The Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) project supports the overall Department of Defense (DoD) as well as service components in order to establish a special program to distribute and implement the use of smart cards under the Common Access Cards (CAC) program. BLACKHAWK Management personnel currently support the Air Force's phase of CAC verification and distribution to all active duty Air Force personnel, Air Force Reservists, National Air Guard, Air Force Civil Service personnel, and Air Force Contractor personnel.

Video Teleconferencing - BLACKHAWK provides total planning, acquisition, installation, and operational support in acquiring, deploying, and maintaining Video Teleconferencing (VTC) capabilities.

Network Management (Classified and Unclassified) - BLACKHAWK manages and maintains both classified and unclassified networks that contain more than 10,000 users. Since BLACKHAWK continually focuses on technology trends, our practices ensure a responsive network dedicated to the unique needs of numerous customers.

Network Administration- BLACKHAWK has extensive knowledge and experience managing both unclassified and classified network devices and services for DoD organizations. We understand the key differences and risks of the two networks and the different security risks that must be mitigated.

Systems Administration/Data Management - Network dependability, data integrity, and reliability are critical to the success of supported networks. Constant monitoring of network performance, productivity, and validation and verification of data are essential. BLACKHAWK has proven experience in the planning, engineering, and IT operational requirements in support of both mission critical IT service solutions and command and control network infrastructures.

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Storage Management - BLACKHAWK Engineers provide numerous storage management solutions including Network Attached Storage (NAS) and Storage Area Network (SAN) deployment strategies that simplify enterprise storage management and provide the foundation for storage consolidation, storage flexibility, high availability, and network storage growth capabilities.

Information Assurance - Networks continue to experience attempted intrusions and software viruses that threaten network security and mission accomplishment. BLACKHAWK has experience and a proven record of maintaining a secure network. Our engineers are currently responsible for maintaining firewalls and intrusion detection devices such as Cisco PIX, Sidewinder, ISS Real Secure, and other top industry devices. BLACKHAWK has developed in-house responses to network intrusions through the well-defined plans of comprehensive solutions that ensure secure operations at Ft. Hood. BLACKHAWK provides technical leadership for one of the largest Department of Defense (DoD) developed IDS systems in the United States Army. Our engineers technically led development, from the ground up, of an IDS written in Java, Perl, and Shell working with an Oracle Database-- an IDS that currently provides oversight and protection to every unclassified DMZ in the Air Force. This database records more than one million connections an hour with on-line backup routines in place.

Intrusion Detection - As security threats become more sophisticated, our team of security experts stays current with threats and counter technologies in order to apply this expertise to maintain security levels required to thwart various threats. In addition, BLACKHAWK information assurance engineers hold the highest professional certifications in the industry.

Disaster Recovery/Continuity of Operations Planning - BLACKHAWK executes development and maintenance of disaster recovery plans, Continuity of Operations (COOP), and contingency planning. BLACKHAWK successfully developed these plans for the Ft. Hood DOIM and at other sites. Help Desk Support - BLACKHAWK understands the requirement for Help Desk Support that comprises direct interface with the customer for technical assistance. BLACKHAWK has a history of supporting customers via helpdesk operations. BLACKHAWK maintains processes, procedures, and standards from their work with III Corps. We developed and currently utilize a help desk suite to track trouble tickets in the III Corps Headquarters enabling us to provide more efficient/effective mutual support to ensure the mission is accomplished as well as information sharing to avoid duplication-of-effort.

Help Desk Support – BLACKHAWK is experienced in supporting customers via help desk operations. We developed and currently utilize a help desk suite to track trouble tickets and user account requests enabling more efficient/effective mutual support to ensure the mission is accomplished as well as information sharing to avoid duplication-of-effort. Naming standards per Army, III Corps, and DOIM policy are currently used in the BLACKHAWK Help Desk Support.

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Software Life Cycle Management -BLACKHAWK software development lifecycle processes are built upon a set of "best practices" that outline how to effectively deploy high performance software development teams. Our process provides each team member with the guidelines, templates, and tools necessary for the entire team to take full advantage of these six points: (1) Develop software iteratively, (2) Manage requirements, (3) Use component-based architectures, (4) Visually model software, (5) Verify software quality, and (6) Control software changes.

Web Support - BLACKHAWK’s Web Support covers a wide range of skills and capabilities and involves numerous networks including NIPRNet, SIPRNet, and JWICS. At Ft. Hood, BLACKHAWK performs the design and implementation of new web sites to support day-to-day operations that include management tools such as help desk applications, IP management tools, personnel management, network user management and security management. BLACKHAWK provides Technical and Program Management Support for the Air Force Small Business Learning Center web-based training. The support includes researching market practices and supporting hardware and software requirements to ensure the website remains current with industry standards, as well as Department of Defense policies and processes.

Software Development/Data Base Management - BLACKHAWK provides software development and database maintenance for operational applications on both unclassified and classified networks. BLACKHAWK's core competencies in this area are database products including, SQL Server 2000, Oracle 9i, Oracle 8i, SQL and PL/SQL.  We are also proficient in developing web applications using ASP.Net, JSP, Java Applets/Servlets, VB.NET.

Configuration Management -BLACKHAWK is currently a contributing member of the Ft. Hood Configuration Control Board (CCB) providing technical support, advice, and user feedback to the board. Our involvement and support ensures requirements are clear and quantifiable; address impacts and changes; and ensure proper coordination of a change prior to its implementation. BLACKHAWK helps the CCB manage current and historical status for each change by ensuring the request is properly documented including chain of approval.

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