The ESP Group LLC., an Application Service Provider, offers a thorough security solution for diverse organizations to share Sensitive but Unclassified (SBU) information through highly secure, compartmented, Internet accessible portals. Continuously striving to operate at a higher level of security, trust, service, technology and performance, the ESP Group focuses on aligning its solution of leveraging the Internet for sensitive applications with client's individual needs.

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), the Defense Department's R&D organization that originally created the Internet (ARPANet) and other projects, such as the stealth bomber, recognized an internal need to communicate and collaborate securely over the web. So in 1997, a multi agency security team was established to review and select the most secure technologies available in the government and private sectors to acknowledge this need.

Meanwhile, the White House's U.S. Security Policy Board, a coordinating body for the national security and intelligence communities, was charged under the Presidential Decision Directive (PDD) 29 to provide a new combination of technology and business to the secure community.

In response to both directives, the Security Policy Board launched the Extranet for Security Professionals (The ESP – www.xsp.org ). The ESP is a highly secure collaboration system equipped to handle Sensitive But Unclassified (SBU) information over the Internet. This private external network (Extranet) portal, accessed over the web, is used by security-cleared national and cyber-security professionals to share and collaborate on sensitive information.

Due to its overwhelming success, the ESP technology was transitioned in 1998 to the Software Engineering Institute at Carnegie Mellon University. With funding and guidance from DARPA, DoD, CMS, DoE, NRO, NASA, and the Air Force, the U.S. Security Policy Board tested and matured the ESP technology. Afterwards, the ESP helped tie together the national security and intelligence community as well as supported such tasks as the Department of Defense Y2K efforts. In August 1999, the Joint Security Commission II, while reviewing the Security Policy Board's achievements, recognized the ESP experiment as a “success” and recommended that it be moved from an experimental to an operational status. Both DARPA and the SEI, in line with their technology transfer missions, supported the commercialization of the technology.

The ESP Group, LLC, a privately held company, was formed in 2000 to provide a secure solution to various governmental and private organizations for collaboration based on the ESP technology. The new company acquired the proprietary rights to the privately developed core technologies as well as licenses for government financed enhancements in early 2000. By March 2000, the ESP Group began serving clients.

Since its founding, The ESP Group has focused on developing new and existing applications with security as THE design criteria to better serve its clients.

For most of ESP Group's clients, a secure communication application is a necessity. The ESP Group offers the needed protection of sensitive information as well as numerous other benefits that other Application Service Providers do not or cannot offer in its entirety.

•  Application Development. The ESP Group develops and customizes unique Web-based applications that meet the specific communication needs of clients.

•  System Administration Costs. The ESP Group allows clients to leverage the cost savings benefits and the expertise of a focused, trusted security provider without having to hire additional in-house talent.

•  Secure Socket Layer (SSL) Methodology: The advantage of SSL is that virtually anyone with a current browser and an Internet connection can establish a highly encrypted session.

•  Network Architecture Costs. With ESP, clients do not have to invest in complex and ever-changing technologies for multiple destinations. They utilize a centralized Secure Operating Center that serves multiple platforms.

•  Full-Service Helpdesk. ESP provides a help desk that supports and trains clients with their access of the portal so they can fully benefit from the systems and applications.

•  Research and Development. ESP makes significant investments in research and development so clients can be confident their communications are always secure.

The ESP Group, LLC is led by a seasoned and successful management team dedicated to providing the most advanced products and services and building a responsive, reliable and sustainable organization.

Founding Partners

George Johnson, CISSP

Mr. Johnson has worked in information technology and security for over 15 years, focusing specifically on computer and Internet security for the last seven years. In 1996, while working in the Security and Intelligence Office at DARPA, he implemented the Extranet for Security Professionals (ESP) as a proof of concept “secure web application.” When the ESP technology moved to Carnegie Mellon University Software Engineering Institute, Mr. Johnson worked as an adjunct professor in InfoSec and also served as the technical director of the ESP. Working with the Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT/CCtm), he refined and matured the software and networking environment that supported both the ESP and the DoD Y2K reporting system in support of the Deputy Secretary of Defense. Since The ESP Group was formed, Mr. Johnson has been running enterprise-scale secured network applications for customers ranging from private pharmaceutical companies to the U.S. Government (DoD, Department of Energy, NASA and OPM). Mr. Johnson holds a current CISSP certification.

Matt Donlon

Through his work and achievements as the director of the Extranet for Security Professionals (ESP) and as a visiting scientist at Carnegie Mellon University’s Software Engineering Institute (SEI), Mr. Donlon founded The ESP Group. His successes with ESP gained the necessary visibility and recognition in the national security community by President Clinton and the director of the CIA, Mr. Tenet.

Prior to the SEI, Mr. Donlon was the Director of the Security and Intelligence Office at DARPA. He has also served as the Security Official in charge for the Office of Aeronautics and Space Technology at NASA HQ; the Program Security Officer, where he supported DARPA’s highly classified R&D programs for the Department of Navy; the Security Specialist for TRW, Inc.; and a member of the CIA.

Mr. Donlon graduated from Radford University where he earned a B.S. in Criminal Justice & Political Science. He is also a graduate of the Federal Executive Institute (FEI). Currently, Mr. Donlon is the coordinator for the National Security Graduate Degree program for the University of New Haven, Crystal City campus.

Throughout his extensive career, Mr. Donlon has received many awards for his innovativeness and contributions to the security profession. He has been awarded the Meritorious Civilian Service Medal and the Exceptional Service Medal from the Department of Defense.

Principals

JJ Daniels – Software Development

Mr. Daniels currently serves as a senior member of the software development staff at The ESP Group. He manages DOE, NASA and DHS Foreign Visits and Assignment applications, manages development teams and assists in new business development.

After receiving his Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering and Operation Research as well as a Master’s degree in Systems Engineering from Virginia Tech, Mr. Daniels began his career as a Senior Developer at DIVX where he was responsible for developing several multi-media and front end applications. He then led a team of developers in designing and maintaining Army Logistics Software at Lockheed Martin/TWC/CSC. In his next position, he became the Director of Database Services for Stenrich and a database designer for Progressive Design. Through all the companies Mr. Daniels worked for, he was instrumental in setting up databases for the management and tracking of internal projects and human resources function.

Dwayne Miller – Software Development

Bringing over 15 years of experience in software and database design and implementation to the company, Mr. Miller currently serves as a senior member of the Software Development staff.

Prior to joining the company, Mr. Miller worked as an IT Consultant to Metro Information Services, where he was tasked with developing process software, documentation and web applications for an electronic retail sales company. Next he became the division manager for MRJ Technology Solutions, where he was the project manager for software development, exercise training support, installations and other contract related activities for the Simulation System Division. Mr. Miller then worked for Intergraph Corporation, where he, as the Senior Software Analyst, was responsible for developing a cutting edge navigational system for the U.S. Coastguard. Lastly, he supported the RF modeling and simulation effort in addition to developing quality control software as a member of the technical staff for Questch, Inc.

Mr. Miller graduated from the University of Maryland with a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Studies/Computer Science.

Karie Greider – Director of Client Services

Within the ESP Group, Ms. Greider manages all aspects of the client relationship from overseeing initial training and setup, to managing the on-site client support team and maintaining ongoing help desk and training activities.

Prior to working with The ESP Group, Ms. Greider served as a contractor at DARPA where she assisted in the development the Extranet for Security Professionals (ESP). From there, she was a member of the Technical Staff at Carnegie Mellon University in the Arlington, Virginia office where she assisted in the maturation of operations surrounding the ESP community. Ms. Greider transitioned to The ESP Group in 2000 to establish the help desk and training programs for their secure portal services.

Ms. Greider received a B.A. in Advertising from Murray State University in Kentucky.

Sean Waddell – Director of Operations

With over 10 years of network operations experience, Mr. Waddell currently serves as the Director of Operations, directing and overseeing the day-to-day operations and security of ESP's critical infrastructure. He also manages both headquarter and disaster recovery sites to ensure the systems remain online continuously for customers.

Mr. Waddell began his career at Innovative Business Technology as a system engineer tasked with architecting, administering and troubleshooting various client networks, including the National Archives, St. Paul Companies, Millenium Laser Eye Center and eBrains. He then worked for the Orkand Corporation as a systems analyst on a contract to support the Department of State. Here Mr. Waddell provided support to consulates world wide and installed and upgraded networks and Oracle database systems.

Mr. Waddell has several certifications including CCNA and Citrix Metaframe to compliment his experience in the operations field.

The ESP Group, LLC is a privately held company. Employment opportunities exist for self-motivated professionals at all levels of systems development and programming; secure systems administration; training and help desk; and customer service, sales and marketing.

An active security clearance is a plus and the ability to obtain one is required for most positions.

The ESP Group offers competitive compensation, benefits and advancement opportunities.

Inquiries can be sent to HR@espgroup.net .