Due Regard Consulting Supports Canadian Consulate (again) for West '23

The West ’23 DRC Team with Canadian Consul General and Consulate Head of Office.

For the sixth straight year, Due Regard Consulting (DRC) was tasked by the Canadian Consulate of San Diego to escort selected Canadian Businesses at (AFCEA) West for the purpose of doing business with the US Government and Government Contractors.

Briefing the US Coast Guard on Canadian SAR Capabilities

Consulate Head of SD Office, Karen Sleiman, briefing Canadian Capabilities to US Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro

The premier naval conference and exposition on the West Coast, WEST 2023 is in its 33rd year of bringing military and industry leaders together. Co-sponsored by AFCEA International and the US Naval Institute, WEST is a superb platform for the ethical exchange of requirements vis-à-vis capabilities between the Government and providers.

DRC team members being briefed on Canadian Oceanographic Capabilities

Tech Companies Interact at West ’21

Selected Canadian tech companies, in partnership with the Canadian Consulate and supported by Due Regard Consulting, engaged with potential American customers at the (Virtual AFCEA) West 2021 Conference.  For the 4th consecutive year, DRC assisted the Canadian Consulate of San Diego in preparing these companies to interact with key US government agencies as well as the private American companies that make up the C4ISR community.  Before, during, and after West ’21, the Canadian companies were able to meet, engage, and network with many prospective clients and customers in both telephonic and virtual gatherings. DRC takes pride in its relationship with the Canadian government and the Canadian companies that they have assisted to date.  

This year’s West Canadian attendees included:  ……………………

Zoom Meeting Tips

Teaching RUEHLIN TRANSITION COURSE VIA ZOOM

We are now conducting business on virtual platforms and we will continue in the future even after the pandemic. Whether you connect on Cisco Webex, Microsoft Teams or Zoom, ensure you present your best look by doing a little preparation prior to signing on. Here’s a few tips that will make your online interaction shine. I’ve included the products that I use as examples.

1. Screen Setup

No matter what device you use, set the camera height at your eye level. That means you’ll probably need to raise your laptop, tablet, or phone. You can stack up some books or purchase equipment designed to hold your device.

For a laptop, I found an adjustable folding laptop stand called “Newton.”

For a tablet, I use a holder that attaches to a tripod. 

For phone or tablet, you may find a tabletop holder helpful. Here’s an example.

2. Lighting

Light up your face. You can face a window for natural light, or better yet, position a light in front of you. Avoid a window behind you because it tends to put your face in the dark.

Lume Cube is a small rectangular light with selectable color “temperature” and brightness that I’ve found helpful.

3. Microphone

Test your audio. My laptop audio could not be heard by all participants. I added a stand-alone microphone to improve the audio quality. Here’s a review by Wirecutter that tested multiple USB mics to check out.

I use the Blue Yeti microphone because I “borrowed” it from my wife’s desk setup.

4. Background Choice

Virtual meetings from your home give unexpected intimacy with views of your living room or office. Think about the image that you want to portray. For a humorous look check out “Room Rater” that comments on backgrounds portrayed on TV: “Don’t make your printer your focal point.” Some Platforms provide Virtual Background options but avoid using them because they tend to distort behind your image and are distracting.

5. Turn Off Notifications and Background Apps

During the time scheduled for your meeting, turn off all your notifications, especially if they produce sounds. In addition, background apps may slow down your processing and could cause freezing of your screen or loss of audio. Silence your phone as well.

6. Dual Monitors

If you are tuning in for a presentation that uses slides or if you are presenting slides, you may consider a second screen. I extend rather than mirror my computer monitor. This allows you to separate the presentation from video participant frames and chat box. I keep the slide presentation on my computer screen and put the video and chat box on the second screen. I use a smart TV for my second monitor by connecting my computer to an unused HDMI input. 

For Zoom meetings, here’s their instructions for using dual monitors. 

7. Personalize Profile-Add a Photo

For some meetings, your video image may not be necessary or you aren’t “dressed for success”. If you haven’t already added a picture, the display without video will be you initials in a circle. To add a photo, select settings on each site listed under your profile. Here are the specifics for the most commonly used platforms:

Cisco Webex  

Microsoft Teams

Zoom

8. DRESS FOR SUCCESS

Match your wardrobe choice to the meeting setting. Most meetings are conducted now with business casual attire. However, if it’s an interview, a suit jacket and tie or dress might be the appropriate choice. Stick to solid colors for best digital appearance. Check out television news journalists for examples.

AFCEA WEST 2020

Due Regard Consulting is once again pleased to support the San Diego Consulate of Canada at WEST 2020, the premier sea services conference and exposition in San Diego March 2nd and 3rd. Consul and Head of Office Karen Sleiman is recruiting Canadian technology companies who desire to interact with US Government Primes and Agencies.

President/CEO Dave Grundies is honored to have the following on his team for this endeavor: Captain Jerry Blanton, USN (Ret.), Captain Bud Jewett, USN (Ret.), and Commander Ed Riley, USN (Ret.).

AFCEA WEST 2019

Due Regard Consulting is pleased to again support the Consulate of Canada at this Year’s AFCEA West. Seven Canadian companies and the University of British Columbia will be introduced into the San Diego Government Contracting Waterfront. President/CEO Dave Grundies is honored to have the following on his team for this endeavor: Captain Jerry Blanton, USN (Ret.), Captain Bud Jewett, USN (Ret.), and Commander Ed Riley, USN (Ret.).

The seven Canadian companies participating are: 

Avalon Holographics, InterTalk Critical Information Systems, LTI Software and Engineering, Nano-Lit Technologies, Racerocks 3D, Thermodyne Engineering Ltd, Ultra Electronics TCS

The companies and university offer human centric lighting, qualification testing, software engineering, control fitted systems, tactical radio systems, technology-enabled learning, true 3D holographic/light field displays, and advanced academic degrees.

Representatives are attending to interface with Defense Prime Contractors and SPAWAR. 

Come visit us at Booth 1951 and introduce yourself to the Canadians.

David Grundies Joins Ruehlin Associates

March 12, 2018. RADM John Ruehlin, USN (Ret.) hired CAPT David Grundies, USN (Ret) to join his team of instructors for teaching the proven Senior Military Officer Transition Seminars. Dave is pleased to join the professional associates and be a formal part of the transition process, known as the “Ruehlin Course” that has provided decades of sage advice, tools, and process for next stage of career for the senior military in the civilian sector.

AFCEA WEST 2018

Due Regard Consulting is pleased to support the Consulate of Canada at this Year’s AFCEA West. Nine Canadian companies will be introduced into the San Diego Government Contracting Waterfront. President/CEO Dave Grundies is honored to have the following on his team for this endeavor: Captain Jerry Blanton, USN (Ret.), Captain Bud Jewett, USN (Ret.), Captain Glenn Rosen, USN (Ret.), Commander Ed Riley, USN (Ret.), Carl Caskey and Carolina Roberts.

The nine Canadian companies participating are: 

Cognitive VR, Global UAV Tech, Iris Dynamics Ltd, Ping, Racerocks 3D, Reach Technologies Inc, Thermodyne Engineering Ltd, Think RF, Ultra Electronics TCS

The companies vary from Magnetic Force Feedback, Virtual Reality, Training Systems, Side Scan Sonar, Spectrum Analyzers, C4ISR & EW Systems, Engineering & Testing, Acoustic Recorders, and Drone Technologies. Representatives are coming south to interface with Defense Prime Contractors and SPAWAR. 

Come visit us at Booth 1353 and introduce yourself to the Canadians.

NDIA National Defense Industrial Association, San Diego Chapter

RADM Christian "Boris" Becker, USN is the Commander of SPAWAR, the Navy's IT acquisition arm. He briefed the NDIA San Diego luncheon about his current assignment. Cyber Warfare has become an intense focus of this command.  

SeaAirSpace 2017 Navy League of the United States Exposition

David Grundies attends this year's SeaAirSpace Exposition in National Harbor. The SeaAirSpace Exposition is an annual meeting that brings together the U.S. defense industrial base, private-sector U.S. companies and key military decision makers for an innovative, educational, professional and maritime based-event in the greater Washington, DC area.

Dave Grundies with RADM Jonathan Yuen