OPTiMO has just been recognized as an OrangeSlices’ 2027 Elev8 GovCon honoree

Building a great company is about more than the solutions we deliver. It’s about how we support our people, work with our partners, and invest in what’s next. We’re honored to be recognized by OrangeSlices as a 2027 Elev8 GovCon honoree, joining a select group of federal contractors recognized for doing business the right way.

The Federal GovCon sector continues to be one of the most complex and competitive marketplaces in the world and the consistent and long-term winners of today and tomorrow are those companies which understand they must not only bring to the table efficient and effective solutions, but also a corporate culture that demonstrates their own excellence, making them a beacon for talent, for partners, and for clients.

The list represents a select list of federal government contractors which have been identified as #doingittherightway based on outstanding results in several key areas:

Good Partner

in ways that go above and beyond to provide support, mentorship, engagement, to collaborate, and to bridge the divide, building one successful team to deliver for their client.

Growing Your Talent

with a focus is on what is best for the individual.

Philanthropy

that is driven by its team, by its focus, and by what is happening the world and communities it
works in.

Exemplify Innovation

and are guided by principles that understand the status quo is not enough and they must demonstrate they are doing more and doing better.

Industry Engagement

that includes multiple aspects including mentorship, giving of time or services, sharing of intel, will involve people from across the company and will be driven by a desire to give back.

Inclusive and Diverse

finding ways to have those voices heard, for combining those personalities on shared efforts for the betterment of all involved.

Sustainability Practices

demonstrating that everyone must do their part and they have identified and defined ways they can #dobetter for themselves and their government clients.

Investment for the Sake of Betterment

putting money behind their commitment to improving the work environment and experience for both internal teams and as it relates to customer delivery.

These characteristics were defined as being drivers to Elev8 GovCon and provide a major competitive edge, to include in higher levels of employee and customer engagement and loyalty which translate into higher growth and profits. The companies recognized above, and the leaders guiding these teams forward, understand what it takes and are models of #doingittherightway.

 

See the full story from OrangeSlices here.

 

About OrangeSlices PBC

OrangeSlices PBC. Playful Name. Serious about strengthening the GovCon community through trusted, independent, and mission-focused intelligence, insights, and connections. Operating as a Public Benefit Corporation, our mission is to support a more competitive, informed, and connected Federal marketplace by making actionable information and meaningful engagement accessible to organizations of every size. We exist to help Federal government and industry IT and consulting leaders more effectively identify, engage, and collaborate with one another, while shining a spotlight on the leaders and companies that are #doingitright. Our responsibility and commitment to the community is to remain independent as we grow and to serve the broader mission above all else. We do not lobby. We do not bid on contracts. Our role is to provide credible, vendor-neutral insights, elevate the conversations that matter, and create opportunities for government and industry leaders to connect, learn, and succeed together. Through one of the most engaged audiences in GovCon, OrangeSlices PBC has become a trusted daily touchpoint for leaders across the Federal IT and consulting community.

#Elev8GovCon

 

 

Good Partner

Partners come in many shapes and sizes with different purposes, but those who excel in doing things the right way are highly sought after. These are partners anyone would happily engage with again. Other words that define this category include ethical, reputable, moral, upright, and exemplary. Exceptional partners not only uphold the letter of the law in teaming agreements but also go above and beyond, providing support, mentorship, and collaboration, ensuring a seamless, unified team to deliver success for their client.

Growing Talent

Taking care of people means helping them grow beyond what they thought possible. Whether through internal or external training, certifications, mentorship programs, or leadership opportunities, companies that nurture their teams support their success. Growing talent also involves preparing individuals for future leadership roles or helping them pursue personal career growth, ensuring they excel in whatever path they choose. The focus remains on what benefits the individual while positioning the organization to thrive.

Exemplify Innovation

Success comes to companies that refuse to stand still. Innovation signifies progress, and in a rapidly changing world, it is a necessity. Innovation is evident in technology, company culture, processes, and mission. Companies that prioritize innovation show an active drive to improve, recognizing that the status quo is not enough. Whether it’s streamlining operations, leveraging cutting-edge tech, or

improving services, these companies actively seek forward-thinking solutions to stay ahead of the curve.

Philanthropy

Philanthropy goes beyond just writing checks. It’s a commitment that stems from the company’s core values—giving back to communities and causes they care about. This is not a one-time or superficial gesture, but rather a consistent and genuine contribution to making the world a better place. Whether through financial donations, pro bono work, or in-kind support, philanthropy represents a broader focus on positive societal impact.

Industry Engagement

True industry engagement is ongoing and multifaceted. Companies that excel contribute to the community that sustains them, offering mentorship, sharing knowledge, and contributing time and resources. Industry engagement goes beyond one-off events or isolated initiatives; it’s about fostering long-term relationships and collaboration to improve the industry as a whole, supporting the growth and success of all stakeholders involved.

Efficiency-Driven Teams

Companies that lead in efficiency streamline their operations to do more with less, focusing on maximizing output without compromising quality. Efficiency doesn’t just mean cutting costs but optimizing resources, eliminating unnecessary steps, and using data-driven insights to make smarter decisions. The goal is to be agile and quick to adapt, setting the standard for operational excellence in the government contracting world.

Smart Sustainability Practices

Sustainability is no longer just about reducing environmental impact—it’s about adopting smart, forward-thinking technologies and approaches that position the government for leadership in the future. Companies that lead in sustainability actively pursue innovations that drive long-term success, adopting practices that promote energy efficiency, resource conservation, and responsible innovation. They help build a resilient future by ensuring the government is equipped with the tools to lead in a changing world.

Investment for Continuous Improvement

Investment isn’t just about growth—it’s about improvement. Companies that excel understand that reinvestment in internal processes, technology, and their teams is crucial for driving long-term success. Whether it’s upgrading systems, increasing workforce capabilities, or refining customer delivery, these companies consistently put resources into refining their operations. This commitment to continuous improvement ensures they stay ahead of the competition and deliver exceptional results for their clients.

These changes shift the focus toward efficiency, transformation, and forward-thinking solutions while retaining the essential traits that make for a strong, innovative government contractor.

About OrangeSlices AI

OrangeSlices AI. Playful Name. Serious about making Data available and accessible for a more competitive marketplace; and Disrupting the GovCon Competitive Intelligence Market. The core mission for OS AI is to identify, share and create timely, actionable and responsible information and data products, tools and resources that 1) are accessible to all organizations and their teams, small to large; 2) will assist Federal government and Industry IT and consulting leaders to more effectively identify and engage with each other; and 3) shine a spotlight on those leaders and companies that are

#doingitright #Elev8GovCon

 

See the full story from OrangeSlices here.

New Joint Venture Combines Expertise to Accelerate Federal IT Modernization

MANASSAS, Va. & ARLINGTON, Va…August 15, 2025… OPTiMO Information Technology and Total Systems Technologies Corporation (TSTC) today announced the formation of OPTiTotal, an SBA-certified joint venture delivering mission-critical IT solutions to government customers across classified and unclassified environments.

With more than 40 years of combined federal IT experience, OPTiTotal unites the strengths of two high-performing small businesses to help agencies solve their most complex digital, cybersecurity, and operational challenges—faster, securely, and with total compliance. Its team of experts and capabilities span Digital Design & Development, Intelligence & Analysis, AI and Data Analytics, Cybersecurity & Risk Management, Program & Acquisition Management, and Financial Management & Internal Controls.

“For decades, OPTiMO and TSTC have each delivered trusted, high-impact solutions to government. OPTiTotal integrates our complementary capabilities to offer robust and responsive IT modernization expertise to all types of federal customers,” said OPTiMO CEO Michael Miguelez. “We’ve long respected TSTC’s proven track record, and this joint venture builds on that mutual trust to better serve our customers,” he continued.

“Federal agencies know both TSTC and OPTiMO as reliable, results-driven partners. By forming OPTiTotal, we’re combining the strengths of two established teams that share the same commitment to mission success, innovation, and integrity. We’re proud to join forces with OPTiMO to deliver even greater value to our customers,” said Christine Podracky, CEO of TSTC.

OPTiTotal is SBA 8(a) certified and brings CMMI SVC and DEV Level 3 plus ISO-certified processes to every engagement. OPTiMO and TSTC have delivered solutions that reach tens of millions of users and consistently exceed federal standards for security, accessibility, and performance in unclassified and classified environments. Together, they have provided long-standing support to a range of federal agencies, including Census Bureau, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, Department of Health and Human Services, Department of the Treasury, the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Postal Service, U.S. Secret Service, and Transportation Security Administration.

About OPTiMO Information Technology

OPTiMO, the managing partner of the joint venture, brings over 17 years of experience in delivering innovative, enterprise-scale digital transformation solutions to the federal government. Known for developing one of the most widely used federal applications, serving 73 million users with a 92% satisfaction rate, OPTiMO excels at improving service delivery, streamlining operations, and ensuring compliance. The company’s CMMI-DEV Maturity Level 3 appraisal reflects its commitment to disciplined, high-quality software development. OPTiMO has also led successful federal budgeting and financial modernization initiatives, delivering cloud-hosted automation tools that reduce manual workload and increase transparency.

About Total Systems Technologies Corporation (TSTC)

TSTC brings over two decades of experience modernizing federal systems, with a strong focus on high-security environments, financial systems transformation, and cloud governance. TSTC’s strengths leverage our CMMI SVC and DEV Level 3 and multiple ISO certifications and include cybersecurity and information assurance, migrating legacy systems to secure, data-centric cloud architectures, and audit readiness and internal controls. Its work supporting agencies such as the U.S. Coast Guard, United States Secret Service, Transportation Security Administration, and DHS showcases the company’s deep expertise in risk management, A&A services, and strategic cloud adoption, including Zero Trust enablement and classified cloud environments.