Filling Department Information Systems Agency (DISA) positions requires a strategic approach to overcome the unique challenges associated with the Network Engineer position including security clearances, skills, and geographic constraints. When a Woman-Owned Small Business (WOSB) needed to recruit for critical roles at the DISA in Alabama, Ohio, Texas, and Montgomery, they turned to iQuasar. This case study highlights how our tailored solutions successfully addressed these challenges, ensuring mission readiness and operational continuity.
The Client
The Client is an 8(a), HUBZone, Woman-Owned Small Business (WOSB) providing end-to-end lifecycle information technology (IT) and telecommunications solutions. They have a proven record of accomplishment in assisting our federal and commercial customers achieve their strategic goals and initiatives. Their services include infrastructure design, network and systems engineering, cybersecurity/information assurance, virtualization, enterprise software solutions, telecommunications, operations and maintenance, training, project management, and quality assurance.
The Problem/Opportunity
The Client needed to fill a position (Network Engineer) for the DISA in Alabama, Ohio, Texas, and Montgomery.
Key Challenges:
- Multiple subcontractors were involved.
- The majority of the candidates were already working on the contract.
- The job required working at the company site and within 30 miles of the place of performance.
- The salary for the job was low.
- Identifying candidates with relevant certifications was a challenge.
- The position was recurring, it became increasingly difficult to find new qualified candidates for the role.
The iQuasar Solution
To address the challenges in filling the Network Engineer roles at the DISA in Alabama, Ohio, Texas, and Montgomery. iQuasar implemented the following strategies:
- Addressing DISA experience requirements: Leveraged professional networks, referrals, and social groups to source candidates familiar with DISA’s work environment.
- Expanding the candidate pool: Expanding the candidate pool involved using referrals and considering candidates from across the entire U.S. who were willing to relocate.
- Relocation assistance: Provided tailored support, including temporary housing and insights to encourage relocation.
- Targeting niche skills and certifications: To effectively target niche skills and certifications, we connected with professional associations to engage with industry experts and collaborated with certification agencies to identify candidates who met the specific requirements for the role.
- Mitigating commuting challenges: To address commuting challenges, our team collaborated with the Client to identify and engage candidates who were willing to relocate to the designated place of performance within the required state.
- Transparent communication: To attract and retain highly qualified candidates, our team collaborated with the Client to showcase the unique benefits and career growth opportunities of these roles, emphasizing the valuable experience they would gain while working with DISA.
By implementing these targeted solutions, we effectively overcame challenges.
How Our Solution Created Value for the Client
iQuasar’s solution helped the client overcome major recruitment challenges by successfully placing 10 candidates for critical roles for DISA in Alabama, Ohio, Texas, and Montgomery.
This ensured operational continuity and mission readiness by providing highly skilled and qualified professionals. Our approach allowed the client to meet project requirements while staying focused on their high-priority objectives.
