The Government Technology & Services Coalition recognizes a select group of exceptional members each year — those who dedicate their time, resources, and unwavering commitment to advancing the mission and strengthening our community. GTSC could not thrive, grow, or serve the homeland security enterprise without their leadership.
Whether it’s representing our nonprofit to ensure the voices of small and mid-sized businesses are heard, supporting our nation through crises like the 2025 government shutdown, responding to the ongoing challenges of cybersecurity and supply chain threats, or working to modernize procurement and acquisition processes across government, these companies have gone above and beyond. They have not only achieved excellence in their own missions but have invested in the GTSC community to help all of us better serve the homeland.
We are extremely proud and honored to announce this year’s GTSC Member Awards, recognizing those whose partnership, innovation, and dedication continue to make our nation stronger, safer, and more resilient.
GTSC Small Business of the Year
BridgePhase
If there’s one thing we’ve learned about the team at BridgePhase, it’s that they don’t just join a community — they show up, roll up their sleeves, and make it stronger. A small business delivering modern, mission-driven IT and digital 
transformation solutions, BridgePhase has been an incredible addition to GTSC and to the homeland security ecosystem.
Since joining, the BridgePhase team has stepped into their membership with purpose, quickly becoming active contributors and valued members of GTSC’s Steering Committee. They’ve helped us grow not just in numbers but in depth — introducing new members, sharing opportunities, and expanding the reach of our mission through genuine collaboration and engagement.
BridgePhase’s commitment extends beyond business. Through initiatives like FEDSgiving, they’ve shown that leadership in our community means service — giving back with time, resources, and heart. Their spirit of teamwork, innovation, and integrity embodies what we at GTSC call “mission with meaning.” We are incredibly proud to name BridgePhase our Small Business of the Year — for the work they do, the way they do it, and the community they continue to help us build.
GTSC Mid-Tier Member of the Year
REI Systems
Some members join an organization — and others jump in with both feet. That’s exactly what REI Systems did when they joined GTSC last year. From the start, their team has been all-in: showing up, getting involved, and finding ways to support the community every
step of the way.
REI has quickly become an active and valued part of GTSC. They joined our Steering Committee, invested their time and ideas, and made it a priority to attend events, contribute to conversations, and take advantage of every opportunity to connect and collaborate. It’s that kind of genuine engagement that strengthens our coalition and helps us all move the mission forward.
We’re proud to recognize REI Systems as our Mid-Tier Member of the Year for diving right in, making a difference, and helping build the kind of community that keeps GTSC growing and thriving.
GTSC Mentor of the Year
Guidehouse
This year’s Mentor of the Year goes to Guidehouse, whose steady support, insight, and leadership have made them an invaluable part of the GTSC community.
The Guidehouse team has been deeply engaged — offering thoughtful advice, contributing to the HSToday Editorial Board, and sharing expertise through articles, events, and the HSToday Threat Assessment. Their commitment to collaboration and thought leadership has strengthened both GTSC and the homeland security community at large.
We’re proud to honor Guidehouse for truly exemplifying what mentorship means — guiding, informing, and helping our entire community grow stronger together.
GTSC Strategic Partner of the Year
DRONERESPONDERS
This year, as drone technology and unmanned systems continue to reshape both opportunities and threats across homeland security, Homeland Security Today was proud to partner with DRONERESPONDERS and its visionary founder, Chief Charles Werner, to 
launch a new editorial vertical dedicated to Drones and Unmanned Systems.
The partnership has brought critical insights, leadership, and expertise to our readers — helping government, industry, and first responders better understand and address the rapidly evolving role of drones in security, emergency response, and modern warfare.
DRONERESPONDERS has long been a trusted voice in advancing safe, responsible, and effective use of drone technology, and their collaboration with HSToday ensures that these conversations reach a broader audience of homeland leaders and decision-makers.
We are thrilled to recognize DRONERESPONDERS as our Strategic Partner of the Year for helping us elevate one of the most important and fast-moving areas of homeland security and for continuing to lead the way in education, awareness, and innovation.
GTSC Strategic Advisor of the Year
Rob Brown, Senior Vice President, National Security Solutions, Alpha Omega; former Chief Technology Officer, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
We are extremely fortunate to have a number of Strategic Advisors who truly lean in to support GTSC and help us advance our mission. This year, we are proud to recognize Rob 
Brown as our Strategic Advisor of the Year for his mentorship, leadership, and unwavering commitment to our community.
Rob, the former Chief Technology Officer of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and now Senior Vice President for National Security Solutions at Alpha Omega, has been an incredible partner and advisor to GTSC. He consistently offers thoughtful guidance, contributes to programming, and shares his expertise to strengthen our initiatives across the homeland security enterprise.
Whether advising members, shaping events and discussions, or lending his insight to Homeland Security Today projects, Rob brings authenticity, experience, and heart to everything he does. His deep understanding of technology, national security, and leadership — paired with his genuine desire to help others succeed — has made him an invaluable advisor and trusted friend to GTSC.
We are proud to honor Rob Brown as our Strategic Advisor of the Year and deeply grateful for his continued support, mentorship, and contributions to both GTSC and the broader homeland security community.