NEWPORT NEWS, VA. - Top Guard Security, Inc., a woman-owned corporation based in Hampton, has been recognized as Jefferson Lab's Outstanding Small Business Subcontractor of the Year.
Nicole Stuart, Top Guard president; Chris Stuart, vice president, and Major Alton Dugger, Top Guard's site supervisor at Jefferson Lab, attended an awards ceremony at the laboratory on April 16. They received the Jefferson Science Associates/Jefferson Lab Outstanding Small Business Subcontractor Award for 2009.
Department of Energy officials, senior Jefferson Lab management, and Procurement and Facilities Management & Logistics staff gathered to congratulate Top Guard as Mrs. Stuart accepted the award plaque from Mike Dallas, Jefferson Lab's chief operating officer.
"Top Guard makes a significant contribution to the laboratory in carrying out its security responsibilities," Dallas said. "The company’s consistent day-to-day performance enhances the quality of work life for Jefferson Lab staff and visitors."
Addressing Top Guard management, he added, "Your efforts are much appreciated here. Small businesses such as yours are a valuable commodity; about 50 percent of our procurements are through small businesses."
"This is a tough competition," noted Danny Lloyd, the lab's small business program manager. "Jefferson Lab subcontracts a broad range of services and Top Guard is one of several hundred small businesses that work with the laboratory. Using the lab's established criteria for the award, the award committee reviewed the nominations and made the winning selection.
Top Guard was first awarded the laboratory's security services subcontract in 1986, during the lab's initial construction phase. "Over the years, the firm has transitioned with Jefferson Lab, and has received no fewer than four multi-year subcontract awards," noted Mike Lewellen, Lab Security Services subcontract manager. The firm provides 24/7 security at the lab and handles a range of associated responsibilities.
"During 2009, Top Guard's on-site team exceeded Jefferson Lab's expectations in providing an essential support service to the lab. The team fully has fully adopted the laboratory's commitment to safety, and implemented many creative ways of keeping safety in the forefront of their employees' minds, as well lab staff and visiting scientists," he continued.
"Top Guard staff holds high regard for environmental, safety and health concerns. The staff has a customized safety calendar that provides a Jefferson Lab specific safety tip for each day. This safety tip is briefed at the start of each shift to promote safe practices. During National Safety Council Awareness Month in June, approximately 3,000 'Safety First' mints and 'Think Safety' lollipops were handed out by Top Guard officers."
"The team is conscientious and works diligently to provide a pleasant, safe and secure environment for staff, the many Virginia, U.S., and international dignitaries that visit the lab, visiting researchers, and the many day visitors who come to the lab for work, conferences, workshops and public events."