Illinois FedTech 2008 Security Procurement Conference to focus on state and national security business opportunities

A full day conference that offers opportunities for Illinois companies seeking procurement information and matchmaking in the security industry is planned at Illinois FedTech 2008 Security Procurement Conference Thursday at the College of DuPage. The conference will feature insight from procurement and supply chain specialists, as well as prearranged matchmaking sessions with prime contractors.

FedTech, sponsored by AeA's Midwest Council and the Illinois Homeland Security Procurement Technical Assistance Center at the College of DuPage, will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Jack Turner Conference Center at the College of DuPage, 425 Fawell Blvd. in Glen Ellyn. Supporting sponsors of the event are the Illinois Homeland Security Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center and the Homeland Security Market Development Bureau.

Experts from the security industry and government will offer insight about their procurement priorities and contracting opportunities, with particular focus on information technology, cyberspace and transportation sectors. Attendees will have the unique opportunity to meet individually with leading integrators and prime contractors.

Keynote speakers include Tom Kireilis, acting deputy director, Office of Infrastructure Optimization, U.S. General Services Administration; and Tommy Morris, Director Deployment Technologies, U.S. Department of Defense. Additional panel discussions will be led by representatives from companies including Zebra Technologies, thincSoft, Echo Global Logistics, SPSS, Riverglass and Univa UD.

"Civilian agencies and Department of Defense are projected to spend in excess of $65 billion on information technology in 2008," said Ed Longanecker, Executive Director, AeA Midwest Council. "FedTech will emphasize leading government solutions and the ongoing challenges and opportunities between the public and private sector." The cost for the full-day conference is $30 for AeA members and $40 for non-members.