News

Data Solutions & Technology Founder Receives BEYA STEM Trailblazers Award
Deborah Scott Thomas Recognized
February 16, 2012

(LANHAM, Md.)— Data Solutions & Technology Incorporated (DST) Founder and CEO Deborah Scott Thomas received the Black Engineer of the Year (BEYA) STEM Trailblazers award today. Workforce leaders in industry, education, government, and professionals and students in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields are meeting in Philadelphia at the annual BEYA STEM Conference to address the challenges of recruitment and retention in STEM and promote opportunities in technical and scientific careers.

BEYA is the nation’s largest annual gathering of STEM professionals and leaders committed to increasing the percentage of underrepresented communities in the technology workforce.  The twenty-sixth annual conference is hosted by the Council of Engineering Deans of the Historically Black Colleges and Universities, aerospace giant, Lockheed Martin Corporation, and US Black Engineer & Information Technology (USBE&IT) magazine.
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DST CEO Speaker At ASU Women 2 Women Conference
January 25, 2012

Alabama State University’s College of Business Administration (COBA) and Small Business Development Center (SBDC) will host a Women 2 Women Conference titled “The Many Hats We Wear” on Feb. 7 from 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. in the Dunn-Oliver Acadome Banquet Room.

“We invite you to join us to experience an unforgettable event guaranteed to inform, inspire and empower,” said Andrea Price, conference coordinator. “This is a conference for women of all generations and backgrounds to learn practical ideas on how to succeed, while juggling increasingly complex and diverse life demands.”

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Data Solutions & Technology Founder Featured in Women of Wealth Magazine
December 23, 2011

(LANHAM, Md.)—Data Solutions & Technology Incorporated (DST) President and CEO Deborah Scott Thomas is featured in the Women of Wealth magazine 2011 special holiday issue.  The holiday issue cover features Oprah Winfrey. 

“As a resource driven, innovative media communication vehicle dedicated to empowering women, we are pleased to feature DST’s CEO Deborah Scott Thomas in our special edition,”  stated Dr. Lei Lewis, Publisher and CEO of Women of Wealth (WoW) magazine.  “We  are committed to playing a major role in the elevation of women, such as Deborah, who are on the cutting edge of success and who shine as role models for future leaders.”
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DST Wins Field and Installation Readiness Support Team Task Order
December 14, 2011

(LANHAM, Md.) The U.S. Army’s Fort Bragg Directorate of Contracting has awarded Data Solutions & Technology Incorporated (DST) a contract to provide logistics and operations support at Fort Bragg, NC.

“We are honored that the Army selected DST and our partner, Eagle Systems & Services, to support its mission at Fort Bragg,” said DST President & CEO Deborah Scott Thomas.  “We, at DST, are dedicated to achieving 100% customer satisfaction and we take great pride in delivering logistics and operations services that support our soldiers.”

The Fort Bragg Directorate of Logistics (DOL) task orders have a potential value of nearly $16.5 million with one base year and four one-year options.  The task orders were issued under the Field and Installation Readiness Support Team (FIRST) indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract.
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EPA CIO Jackson to Keynote HBCU Entrepreneurship Conference at ASU
December 7, 2011

(LANHAM, Md.) U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Chief Information Officer Malcolm Jackson will be the keynote speaker at the Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Entrepreneurship Conference hosted by Alabama State University on March 5 in Montgomery, Ala. The conference is titled Entrepreneurship: Transforming Education, Government and Industry.

The goals of the conference are to enable attendees the opportunity to learn about business development, entrepreneurship, grants, contracting and fellowships, with a special focus on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics from an entrepreneur's perspective. The conference is held on March 5-7, 2012.

The leadership team at ASU said they are thrilled to have EPA CIO Jackson visit their campus and are eager to hear him share insight on how entrepreneurs and the higher education community can help the EPA to protect human health and the environment. » Read more

NASA Administrator Bolden to Keynote HBCU Entrepreneurship Conference at ASU
November 30, 2011

(LANHAM, Md.)—National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Administrator Charles F. Bolden Jr., will be the keynote speaker at the Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Entrepreneurship Conference hosted by Alabama State University on March 6 in Montgomery, Ala. The conference is titled Entrepreneurship: Transforming Education, Government and Industry.

“NASA pushes the boundaries of innovation, and education will be crucial to helping us develop a strong new generation of students with vital skills in science, technology, engineering and mathematics so that we can reach new destinations in the solar system and continue to unfold the next great chapter of exploration,” stated NASA Administrator Bolden.

The goals of the conference are to enable attendees the opportunity to learn about business development, entrepreneurship, grants, contracting and fellowships, with a special focus on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics from an entrepreneur’s perspective.  The conference is held on March 5-7, 2012.
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DST and IBSS Awarded NOAA Administrative and Technical Support IDIQ
November 23, 2011

(LANHAM, Md.) — Data Solutions & Technology Incorporated (DST) and International Business Sales and Services Corporation (IBSS) was awarded a U.S. Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Administrative and Technical Support Services contract.

“We are honored that NOAA selected our team to provide administrative and technical support,” said Betty Tingle, Vice President of Business Development at DST.  “The first task order was released at contract award to provide asset management, which involves database design and development, followed by four additional task orders to provide Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), travel, legal and budget support services,” continued Tingle.

Under the terms of the contract, the IBSS and DST Team will provide research, analysis and support on budget planning, budget execution, travel, property, acquisitions, education, awards database design and development, science policy and the legislative process, strategic planning, performance management, logistics support, grants coordination, planning and facilitation management, organizational development, human resources management, organizational development, IT support, and facilities and safety support.  The contract has an estimated value of $9.9 million over five years if all options are exercised. » Read more

Data Solutions & Technology Founder Speaks on Chicago's Urban Business Roundtable Radio Show
November 7, 2011

(LANHAM, Md.)— "Entrepreneurship has solidified my ‘Can Do’ attitude, I think of possibilities without any boundaries," said Deborah Scott Thomas, president and founder of Data Solutions & Technology, Incorporated during an interview with Chicago’s WVON AM 1690 on the Urban Business Roundtable show. Alfred Edmond Jr., president /editor-at-large of Black Enterprise, is the host of the show.  

Thomas shares her personal story about her strength of mind to become an entrepreneur, and her efforts to encourage entrepreneurship among faculty and students at historically black colleges and universities. She led the development of the first annual Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) National Conference at Alabama State University earlier this year which focused on how these institutions can support entrepreneurship and the science, technology, engineering and mathematics disciplines (STEM). The second annual HBCU Entrepreneurship Conference, www.asu-hbcu.org, is March 5-7, 2012, at ASU in Montgomery, Ala.
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Data Solutions & Technology CEO Speaks at Women of Wealth Magazine's Workshop
October 14, 2011

(LANHAM, Md.) –President & CEO Deborah Scott Thomas presented at the Women of Wealth Magazine’s Entrepreneur Workshop in Stone Mountain, Georgia on October 8, 2011.  The theme of the workshop was Entrepreneurial Advantages: Seven Stages to Building a Winning Business. 

CEO Thomas led a session on Securing the Million Dollar Government Contract.  Other workshop leaders and presenters were:

• Charlotte Johnson, Business Development Specialist, U.S. Small Business Administration
• Valerie Hill Rawls, CEO & Founder, Hills Rawls Marketing Consultants, LLC
• Tony Martin, Formerly with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney
• Don Roman, Sr., Financial Planner, MetLife Financial Group
• Ona Brown, CEO, Ona Brown Coaching
• Blenda DeBerry, Multi Cultural Marketing, Colgate Palmolive Company

More than 10 million businesses in the United States are owned by women.  They employ more than 19 million workers and their businesses account for more than $2 trillion in sales.  Even though women make a tremendous national economic development impact, they still face challenges in the marketplace that can impede their progress.
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Data Solutions & Technology CEO Speaks at National Conference in DC, White House Initiative HBCU Week
September 16, 2011

(LANHAM, Md.) –President & CEO Deborah Scott Thomas will present at the White House Initiative and President’s Board of Advisors on Historically Black Colleges and Universities National HBCU Week Conference in Washington, DC on September 19, 2011. The theme of the conference is HBCUs: Engaging The World Anew. 

This year’s conference sessions have been designed to pursue answers to questions, such as how can HBCUs raise quality, control costs, increase aid and extend their reach to serve more students on campus and online? 
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Data Solutions & Technology Incorporated Achieves CMMI Maturity Level 3
September 9, 2011

(LANHAM, Md.) – Data Solutions & Technology Incorporated (DST) announced today that it was appraised at the Software Engineering Institute’s Capability Maturity Model Integration for Services (CMMI-SVC) Maturity Level 3. CMMI-SVC is a process improvement approach developed from industry’s best practices specifically targeted toward service organizations. The CMMI Maturity Level 3 rating is an independent validation that DST has established effective, well-defined organizational standards and documented processes in its delivery of services. This rating indicates repeatability, predictability and consistency in performance. As of September 9, 2011, DST is one of only 40 companies worldwide that is appraised at CMMI-SVC Maturity Level 3 and one of 9 companies that has included the service system development (SSD) process area in its appraisal.

“Our Quality Manager, Jeanine Stallworth, performed an outstanding job in leading us through this comprehensive process. Earning this industry-standard appraisal signals a notable milestone in DST’s commitment to excellence and dedication to 100% customer satisfaction,” said President & CEO Deborah Scott Thomas. “It is an important affirmation of the DST team providing excellent service in our five business lines: management support services; information technology; logistics and operations; aviation management; and scientific and technical support services.”

The Standard CMM-Integration Appraisal Method for Process Improvement (SCAMPI) Class A is a rigorous appraisal. The appraisal team examined 19 process areas that encompassed program management, human capital management, contracts administration, business development, and quality assurance. They determined that the practices employed by DST successfully met or exceeded the goals and intentions of the CMMI model for services.
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Data Solutions & Technology Receives NBCFAE Bronze Eagle Award
August 19, 2011

(BALTIMORE, Md.) – The National Black Coalition of Federal Aviation Employees (NBCFAE) has selected Data Solutions & Technology Incorporated (DST) as the recipient of the Eleanor J. Williams Bronze Eagle Award. This award recognizes organizations and corporations whose efforts have demonstrated the tenets of equal employment opportunity and have made significant contributions to the efforts, objectives, and goals of the NBCFAE.
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Report Released: National HBCU Conference Launch Pad for Entrepreneurs
August 17, 2011

(LANHAM, Md.) –  Data Solutions & Technology Incorporated (DST) today announced that it is making available its Alabama State University-Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Conference white paper.  The report addresses outcomes from the Conference held on March 7-10, 2011. 

The entrepreneurship conference goal was to serve as a launching board for economic development initiatives benefiting HBCUs and ultimately our great nation.  Leaders attending the first Alabama State University HBCU Conference cited entrepreneurship, innovation, and global development as the keys to future growth and development of the nation's economy—and of African-American wealth building, in particular.
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DST Family Has Fun at the News4 Backyard Barbeque
August 10, 2011

(BRANDYWINE, Md.) – Data Solutions & Technology Incorporated’s Lynette Jones hosted NBC Washington chief meteorologist Doug Kammerer at her backyard barbeque on Friday, August 5, 2011.  The theme for the event was Washington Redskins versus the Dallas Cowboys. Lynette and many of her DST family, including President and CEO Deborah Scott Thomas, enjoyed a scrumptious feast while Doug forecasted the weekend weather for News4 viewers. 
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HBCU Digest: A Roundtable Discussion with HBCU Business Leaders: Part Two with Alabama State Alum Deborah Scott Thomas
August 10, 2011

HBCUs have produced some of the leading visionaries in business and finance, and in lean economic times, they bear an increased burden in support for their alma maters. Business leaders from Alabama State University, Fayetteville State University and Florida A&M University, recently took time to offer their thoughts on success, HBCU philanthropy, and advice for emerging entrepreneurs for a special three-part series on entrepreneurship and the historically black college.

Deborah Scott Thomas is the founder, president and CEO of Data Solutions & Technology Incorporated and is an alumnus of Alabama State University. She is the member of several boards and organizations, is among the founding organizers of the annual Alabama State University Entrepreneur Conference, and was the first 'Lifetime Achievement' award winner at the inaugural HBCU Awards in March 2011. » Read more

Data Solutions and Technology Founder Speaks On STEM in Higher Ed
July 18, 2011

"There is nothing in America that you can't do if you have the desire and will to do it," said Deborah Scott Thomas, president and founder of Data Solutions & Technology, Incorporated during an interview with Bowie State University's SAS Connections television show now airing on local cable channels.

Thomas shares her personal story about her determination to become an entrepreneur, and her efforts to encourage entrepreneurship among faculty and students at historically black colleges and universities. She led the development of the first annual Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Conference at Alabama State University earlier this year which focused on how these institutions can support entrepreneurship and the science, technology, engineering and mathematics disciplines (STEM). Dr. George Acquaah, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Bowie State University, also spoke at the conference.
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Older News

VP Frank Brooks Joins Data Solutions & Technology Incorporated
June 10, 2011

(LANHAM, Md.) –  Frank Brooks was appointed vice president for Strategic Development at Data Solutions & Technology Incorporated (DST). Brooks reports to the president and chief executive officer of DST and is responsible for spearheading the strategic planning process to ensure the continued development and success of the company's five core capabilities: Management Services; Information Technology; Logistics and Operations; Scientific and Technical; and Aviation Management.

Data Solutions & Technology CEO Presents at Technology Conference
June 6, 2011

(LANHAM, Md.) –   President and CEO Deborah Scott Thomas will present about Social Networking Technology at the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) Conference in Philadelphia, Pa. on June 26-29, 2011.

Data Solutions and Technology Incorporated Awarded eFAST
May 23, 2011

(LANHAM, Md.) –  Data Solutions & Technology Incorporated (DST) announced today that the company has been awarded an eFAST Master Ordering Agreement (MOA), which is the FAA’s preferred acquisition vehicle for fulfilling agency small business goals.

New Chief Innovation and Technology Officer Joins DST
May 11, 2011

(LANHAM, Md.) –  Data Solutions & Technology Incorporated appointed Kenneth Tolson to the new position of vice president and chief innovation and technology officer. Tolson reports to the president and chief executive officer.

New Vice President for Corporate Development Joins DST
May 9, 2011

(LANHAM, Md.) –  Data Solutions & Technology Incorporated appointed Robert Snyder to the new position of vice president for corporate development. Snyder reports to the president and chief executive officer. 

Data Solutions & Technology CEO Recognized by Spelman College
May 4, 2011

(LANHAM, Md.) –   Retired U.S. Air Force Colonel Deborah Scott Thomas, who is CEO and President of Data Solutions & Technology Incorporated, will be recognized during the Spelman College Leadership and Women of Color Conference on May 11 in Atlanta, Georgia.  Scott Thomas is one of this year’s “Legacy of Leadership Awards” recipients.  She received her U.S. Air Force commission as a second lieutenant from Alabama State University’s Detachment 019 in 1975. She retired as a colonel from the U.S. Air Force Reserve, having served her country for three decades.   

Data Solutions & Technology Kilinda Franklin TV Guest On Vocation Station
May 3, 2011

(LANHAM, Md.) –   Vice President for Management Services at Data Solutions & Technology Incorporated, Kilinda M. Franklin, is a guest on the television show “Vocation Station.” Prince George’s One Stop Career Center, a division of the County’s Economic Development Corporation, is assisting in developing and delivering programming on local issues facing displaced workers by way of the show.  Vocation Station is an half hour career information program created to educate Prince George’s County residents about employment- and career-related happenings in the County and throughout the metropolitan region.

Data Solutions & Technology Named a Prime on U.S. Army OPTARSS II Contract
April 29, 2011

(LANHAM, Md.) – Data Solutions & Technology Incorporated was named one of 22 small businesses and thirteen large contractors to the Army’s $2.5 billion Operations, Planning, Training and Resource Support Services (OPTARSS II) contract. This contracting vehicle will be structured for maximum flexibility in order to quicken the ordering process and to satisfy the needs of operations customers all through the Army and Department of Defense (DoD).

The Next Perfect Set Aside: The WOSB as the New Special Status Policy Goal?
April 4, 2011

(LANHAM, Md.) – The next Association for Corporate Growth (ACG) National Capital seminar series meeting is Tuesday, April 5, 2011, at 7:30 a.m. at The Tower Club in Vienna, Virginia. The theme for Tuesday’s meeting is “The Next Perfect Set-Aside: The WOSB as the New Special Status Policy Goal.

TNJ's 13th Annual 25 Influential Women in Business
March 24, 2011

In the photo is Founder and Publisher of The Network Journal Aziz Gueye Adetimirin and DST CEO Deborah Schott Thomas. The event is the 13th Annual 25 Influential Women in Business Awards Program on March 24, 2011 at the New York Marriott Marquis, Grand Ballroom in New York City.

CEO Deborah Scott Thomas Receives HBCU Lifetime Achievement Award
March 20, 2011

Awards were given in 15 categories at the March 18 ceremony, and voting was based on the 2009-2010 academic year. There was also a Lifetime Achievement Award that went to Deborah Scott Thomas, CEO of Data Solutions & Technology, Inc., a global transformation and technology company. » Read original article

Tingle Named New Vice President for Business Development at DST
February 22, 2011

(LANHAM, Md.) – Data Solutions & Technology Incorporated, a global transformation and technology company, announced today that Betty Tingle has been promoted to vice president for business development.  She reports to the president and chief executive officer.

Stallworth Promoted to Quality Manager at DST
February 9, 2011

(LANHAM, Md.) – Data Solutions & Technology Incorporated, a global transformation and technology company, announced today that Jeanine Stallworth has been promoted to quality manager.

COBA's 1st Silhouette Award Recognizes Alumni Committed to Service
February 4, 2011

Alabama State University's College of Business Administration honored four alumni with its first Silhouette of Service Awards. The recipients are Dr. John F. Knight ('74), ASU executive vice president and chief operating officer; Deborah Scott Thomas ('74), president and chief executive officer of Data Solutions and Technology Inc.; Janet Sutton ('60), former IBM marketing manager and first female National Alumni Association President; and Herbert Young ('79), financial adviser and Board of Trustee member.

Founders' Day Convocation Speaker Asks Students to Add to ASU's Legacy
February 4, 2011

ASU's 111th Founders' Week Celebration culminated Friday, Feb. 4, 2011, with the annual Founders' Day Convocation. This year's guest speaker was Deborah Scott Thomas (BS '74), President and Chief Executive Officer of Data Solutions and Technology Incorporated in Lanham, Md.

Data Solutions President and CEO to Speak at ASU Founders' Day Convocation
January 28, 2011

(LANHAM, Md.) – Distinguished alumna and notable businesswoman Deborah Scott Thomas will deliver the keynote address at Alabama State University’s 111th Founder’s Day Convocation on Friday, Feb. 4, at 10 a.m. in the ASU’s Oliver-Dunn Acadome.

TNJ To Honor Deborah Scott Thomas
25 Influential Black Women in 2011
January 26, 2011

(NEW YORK, N.Y.) – The Network Journal (TNJ) will announce its 2011 list of “25 Influential Black Women in Business.”  Included is Deborah Scott Thomas, President and Chief Executive Officer, Data Solutions & Technology, Inc.  The honorees will be featured in the March issue of the magazine. In addition, TNJ will honor these movers and shakers during Women’s History Month at its 13th Anniversary Luncheon on March 24 at the renowned New York Marriott Marquis Hotel, located at 1535 Broadway (between 45th & 46th streets) in the business capital of the world, New York City from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

DST VP Promoted to Senior Vice President
January 21, 2010

(LANHAM, Md.) – Data Solutions & Technology Incorporated, a global transformation and technology company, announced today that Richard W. Valkos has been promoted to senior vice president for logistics. He reports to the president and chief executive officer.

New VP for Aviation Management Joins DST
December 31, 2010

(LANHAM, Md.) – Data Solutions & Technology Incorporated, a global technology and solutions company, announced today that Leon Stinson has been appointed vice president of aviation management. Stinson reports to the president and chief executive officer.

DST VP Promoted to Chief Operating Officer
December 30, 2010

(LANHAM, Md.) – Data Solutions & Technology Incorporated, a global technology and solutions company, announced today that it has created the role of Chief Operating Officer (COO) to establish a sharper focus on business execution and has appointed Cassandra Duncan to this position.