Local businessman scores big government contracts after getting certified
United One Communications of Hillsborough County
The world is currently experiencing a technological boom that most people couldn’t even dream of 20 years ago. Anyone, at any given moment, can find an answer with a tap of their phone screen.
In order to thrive in today’s economy, every business, from small to corporate, has to make sure they are up to date with each breakthrough in technology.
However, as technological advancement grows, so does the risk of becoming a victim of cybercrime. These days, it seems as though no person, business or even government entity is safe from the possibility of a cyberattack.
This threat is what inspired Carl Chaisson to fight back by starting United One Communications. United One Communications provides a comprehensive range of communications, enterprise information technologies and cybersecurity solutions for government and commercial entities.
“We specialize in information technology, cybersecurity, system engineering, network communications and IT project management,” Chaisson said. “I chose this type of business, because there is a need for it in the government due to an increase in cybersecurity threats and hacks.”
With protecting the government predominantly in mind, Chaisson understood that he would have to obtain several certifications in order to qualify for bids. That is when he turned to Karen Krymski, a procurement specialist with the Florida PTAC at University of South Florida, for assistance.
Chaisson’s business is certified in the following areas: 8(a) SBA Certified, Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE), Minority Business Enterprise (MBE), and HUBZone.
“Karen [Krymski] has assisted me with obtaining my HUBZone certification, identifying a team of partners and also growing my business,” Chaisson said. “After being provided assistance from the Florida PTAC at USF, I was able to obtain several contracts.”
Chaisson has secured contracts with the Federal Aviation Administration, the United States Navy and the Joint Communications Support Element at MacDill Air Force Base, as a result of Krymski’s assistance.
Though he has had a lot of success by working with Florida PTAC at USF, he said it is only the beginning.
“I will continue working with PTAC,” he said. “Karen has assisted me in identifying strategic opportunities and navigating through the federal government and sectors in order to obtain additional contracts.”
