About the Client: A Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business
The Client is a proud leader in intelligence systems, geospatial solutions, and services providing best-of-breed technologies and support to our Federal and Commercial customers. The Client is a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned small business that focuses on Big Data, Full Motion Video for ISR, data management, and services for Processing, Exploitation, and Dissemination of Actionable Intelligence. The Client provides actionable, multi-discipline intelligence derived from multiple Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) platforms to Combatant Commands (COCOMs), United States Special Operations Command (USSCOM), and the National Command Authorities across the globe.
The Problem/Opportunity
The Client had to fill Cartographer, Imagery Analyst, & Imagery Scientist positions for the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) contract for deployable locations like Qatar, Iran, Iraq & Kuwait and faced several challenges such as:
- Candidates were not interested in working on the deployable positions.
- Candidates eligible for the program were required to be formally trained in these positions to get hired on an NGA contract.
- The positions required skilled candidates with an active Top Secret SCI clearance.
- The positions were very low-budgeted as compared to the market rates
- The positions required candidates to have niche skills, which made finding them challenging
- Candidates who had previously worked on the NGA contract were not eligible to work on the program again.
The iQuasar Solution
In light of these challenges, our professional team of recruiters devised a comprehensive strategy to address each obstacle effectively.
Candidate Interest in NGA Deployable Positions
To attract candidates willing to work in deployable locations (e.g., Qatar, Iran, Iraq, and Kuwait), we highlighted the unique professional and financial benefits of these positions. This included better compensation packages, tax benefits, and the opportunity to grow by gaining experience in high-demand, international roles. Additionally, our team created informational materials that outlined the unique benefits of deployment and provided testimonials from previous deployable candidates, offering real-world insights to address concerns.
Formal Training Requirement
Given the need for candidates to be formally trained in specific skill sets for NGA positions, Our team researched the institutions that provide formal training for these positions and contacted them to obtain information about the trained individuals. We also implemented a pre-screening protocol to ensure all potential candidates meet the formal training requirements before progressing in the recruitment pipeline. This pre-emptive approach streamlined the hiring process, allowing us to focus on fully qualified candidates.
Top Secret SCI Clearance Requirement
Since the roles required active Top Secret SCI clearance, we tapped into our network of TS/SCI-cleared professionals and leveraged industry-specific job boards and platforms that cater to cleared candidates. Additionally, we reached out to specialized agencies known for recruiting within high-security clearance fields to expand our reach to candidates who were not actively job searching but held the necessary clearance.
Low Budget Compared to Market Rates
To address the limited budget, we emphasized non-monetary benefits that could appeal to candidates, such as international exposure, the chance to work on critical national security projects, and potential networking opportunities with NGA professionals. We worked closely with our client to provide modest relocation and signing-in incentives wherever possible to further bridge the gap between budget limitations and candidate expectations.
Niche Skills Requirement
The niche nature of the skills required for these positions led us to pursue a targeted outreach strategy. Our team contacted professional associations, Imagery intelligence communities, and veteran networks specializing in imagery, cartography, and scientific analysis. This enabled us to reach a focused audience with the specialized skill sets necessary for the role, while also enhancing our brand reputation in these professional circles.
Restrictions on Candidates with Prior NGA Contract Experience
Since candidates with previous NGA contract experience were ineligible, we broadened our search to include professionals from other government agencies and defense contractors. By expanding our reach beyond traditional NGA professionals, we identified a new pool of candidates whose skills could transfer effectively to the role and who met the contract’s eligibility requirements.
How Our Solution Created Value for the Client
iQuasar’s dedicated cleared recruitment team provided essential support in fulfilling the client’s staffing needs for Cartographer, Imagery Analyst, and Imagery Scientist roles on the NGA contract, directly contributing to their mission and operational goals. These specialized, deployable positions came with unique challenges, from budget limitations to stringent clearance and skill requirements. By employing a strategic, proactive approach, we sourced and delivered highly qualified TS/SCI-cleared candidates who met all eligibility criteria, enabling the client to complete critical deployments across key locations. Our success in filling these roles not only ensured the client’s contract compliance but also strengthened their mission readiness, boosting their capacity to execute high-priority objectives. This outcome underscores iQuasar’s commitment to client satisfaction, reliability, and the delivery of innovative solutions that help clients overcome complex recruitment hurdles and achieve their strategic goals.
