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New Research Finds Pregnant Women Who Live in Areas with High Social Vulnerability at Greater Risk of Giving Birth Prematurely

Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine

EMBARGOED FOR RELEASE: Jan. 28, 2021 5:15 p.m. EST Premature or preterm birth ― defined as delivery before the 37th week of pregnancy — and complications that result are the leading cause of death of babies in the United States. Babies born prematurely are at greater risk of experiencing serious short-term and long-term health problems. In a new study to be presented today at the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine’s (SMFM) annual meeting, The Pregnancy Meeting™, researchers will unveil findings that suggest that an individual’s risk of preterm birth increases as the social vulnerability in the area they live in during pregnancy increases. The research was funded by grants from the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities and the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. The study analyzed electronic medical records of 50,998 women in the University of North Carolina health system from 2014-2020. Each woman’s home address was geocoded and assigned to a census tract, and then linked at the census track level to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) publicly available Social Vulnerability Index (SVI). The SVI includes 15 different measures of social vulnerability and groups them into four categories, called “themes.” These are: 1) Socioeconomic, 2) Household Composition and Disability, 2) Minority Status and Language, and 4) Housing Type and Transportation. Typically, the SVI is used to help communities determine how prepared they are to meet population needs during natural and human disasters. Of the 50,998 women analyzed, 8.6 percent delivered before 37 weeks of pregnancy, 2.8 percent delivered before 34 weeks of pregnancy, and 1.0 percent delivered before 28 weeks of pregnancy. Applying CDC’s SVI, the study found that women who delivered prematurely were more likely to live in an area with a higher overall SVI and higher social vulnerability in each SVI theme. More specifically, the association between preterm birth and SVI were largest in themes 1 (Socioeconomic) and 2 (Household Composition and Disability). “Our research has shown a new use for the CDC’s SVI tool and how it can help to identify women who are at a greater risk of delivering their baby prematurely,” said one of the study’s lead authors, Matthew Givens, MD, a resident physician in obstetrics and gynecology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. “It may also help individual communities identify areas of relative weakness to improve pregnancy outcomes.” “This research highlights the influence of multiple aspects of one’s neighborhood environment during pregnancy,” said another of the study’s lead authors, Tracy A. Manuck, MD, a maternal-fetal medicine subspecialist, director of the Prematurity Prevention Program, and associate professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. “If individual communities can identify areas of relative weakness where additional support is needed, it may improve pregnancy outcomes. This is important since studies on prematurity show it’s not just an issue that affects the infant. Because of the potential for long-term health problems, preterm births can affect the entire family and community for years to come.” For a copy of the study, please contact Karen Addis at karen@addispr.com; 301-787-2394. ### The Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM) is a non-profit, membership organization based in Washington, DC. With more than 5,000 physicians, scientists, and women’s health professionals around the world, the Society supports the clinical practice of maternal-fetal medicine by providing education, promoting research, and engaging in advocacy to optimize the health of high-risk pregnant women and their babies. SMFM hosts an annual scientific meeting in which new ideas and research related to high risk pregnancies are unveiled and discussed. For more information, visit SMFM.org and connect with the organization on Facebook and Twitter. For the latest 2021 Annual Meeting news and updates, follow the hashtag #smfm21. Contact Details Karen Addis +1 301-787-2394 KAREN@ADDISPR.COM Company Website https://www.smfm.org/

January 28, 2021 10:35 AM Eastern Standard Time

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CMMC Center of Excellence Announces Engagement Agreement with Choice Cybersecurity

Interoperability Clearinghouse

The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification Center of Excellence ( CMMC COE ), hosted by the Information Technology Acquisition Advisory Council (IT-AAC), a public-private partnership serving the public and private sectors for more than 15 years, is excited to announce a partnership with Choice Cybersecurity, a certified Registered Provider Organization (RPO) that provides end to end security and compliance solutions for government contractors working to meet all levels of CMMC compliance. This unique partnership will extend efforts to identify and include proven capabilities within the CMMC COE Marketplace to improve cybersecurity protection and resilience for the global defense industrial base network of contractors, vendors, and suppliers. The executed Engagement Agreement establishes a collaborative engagement between Choice Cybersecurity and the CMMC COE to partner in the furthering of their respective and complementary missions and objectives regarding the adoption, use, and expansion of CMMC based cybersecurity practices, risk management, and compliance for the DIB contractor community and the information and communications technology sectors creating a broader CMMC ecosystem globally to improve security and resilience. Specific actions will include: The co-development of CMMC advisory services, cyber training and education programs to accelerate CMMC certification, increase cyber adoption and improve cyber protection & resilience. Co-sponsor symposiums, training programs and podcasts leveraging their combined cyber and IT expertise. Host regular working groups, with other partners, to enable collaboration and communications. Source qualified CMMC/ cyber professionals to serve as advocates. Establish an independent Industry Cyber Security Advisory Council with peer organizations to advise and educate leaders across government and industry on the continued evolution and effectiveness of CMMC. The CMMC-COE ( http://cmmc-coe.org ) and Choice Cybersecurity partnership will focus on bringing together the many disparate cyber and national security communities of interest to reduce complexity, improve awareness, and accelerate industry effort to become more cyber resilient against the growing threats from nation states and criminal enterprises. The range of capabilities offered by Choice Cybersecurity, including Risk & Compliance Assessment; Security Products & Services; & Continuous Compliance Services, strengthens the portfolio of technology partner providers supporting the CMMC Center of Excellence. “This is exciting opportunity for us”, said Mr. John Weiler, Chairman of the Board at CMMC Center of Excellence, “This new partnership will further help advance the goals and objectives for improving the supply chain security and resilience of the US Department of Defense (DoD)”. "Choice Cybersecurity is excited to partner with the CMMC COE to improve the overall cyber resilience of companies in the defense industrial supply chain. The collective effort will go a long way in preventing future cyber attacks and data breaches across the entire ecosystem.” said Steve Rutkovitz, CEO, Choice Cybersecurity. The CMMC-COE establishes both a Market Place and Knowledge Clearinghouse that will include resources that support the overall effort, including white papers; tutorials; recorded webcasts; presentations; and more, that will help reduce the cost and burden on small and medium size contractors already struggling from the impact of COVID. For more information on the CMMC COE, please visit http://cmmc-coe.org email info@cmmc-coe.org or call 703-863-3766 For more information on Choice Cybersecurity, please visit https://www.choicecybersecurity.com/ About Us ---------- CMMC-COE.ORG is a unique non-profit public-private partnership, with a vision to accelerate Cybersecurity Maturity Model (CMM) adoption, and reduce time & cost for security compliance for our partners by leveraging commercial best practices, CMMC standards, and innovative solutions for a measurable success. Our mission, focused on DOD mission objectives, cost containment and expeditious CMMC compliance, is to help the DIB improve cyber posture and resilience, and simplify its acquisition. The CMMC-COE is hosted by the Information Technology Acquisition Advisory Council (IT-AAC), a public/private partnership (P3) chartered in 2007 as an honest broker to reach outside the confines of the Federal IT advisories that lack dynamic reach into the Global IT Market, and dedicated to the adoption of commercial IT management standards of practice and innovations emanating from the Global IT market. Team IT-AAC has already demonstrated the value of its decade long investment, and provides a unique value to agencies seeking to achieve accelerate the transformation of legacy processes and systems. Our Just-in-Time SMEs apply an innovative suite of Technology Business Management and Agile Acquisition Processes needed to assure the business value of commercial IT. The Interoperability Clearinghouse (ICH), is the managing partner that make up the 24 NGO/SDO organizations that make up the IT-AAC. ICH provides the contract vehicles, clearances, and critical resources proven to guide sustainable, measurable and repeatable processes needed to drive better investment decisions as the speed of mission need, while aligning existing processes, methods and workforce with IT reform mandates contained in Clinger Cohen Act, FITARA, IT MGT Act, EO13838. Contact Details Bob Dix +1 703-975-6633 bob.dix@it-aac.org Company Website https://cmmc-coe.org

January 27, 2021 08:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

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Matic Partners With Mortgage Bankers Association's (MBA) Opens Doors Foundation to Support Families in Need

Matic Insurance

Matic, a leading digital insurance agency, and the MBA Opens Doors Foundation, the charitable arm of the Mortgage Bankers Association, announced today an ongoing partnership to help families with a critically ill or injured child make their mortgage or rent payment. Through their joint Keeping Hearts in Homes campaign, the Matic Cares Foundation will donate a minimum of $25 to MBA Opens Doors for each new Matic customer referred through a participating partner’s program. "The last thing a family should worry about while caring for a critically ill child is the possibility of losing their home," said Ben Madick, CEO, Matic Insurance Services. "The MBA Opens Doors Foundation provides families financial comfort during incredibly challenging times. We are honored to partner and to make giving more accessible to our network of mortgage lenders." Matic’s digital insurance marketplace of 30+ A-rated carriers is integrated into the mortgage lending and home ownership experience. Keeping Hearts in Homes will be open to Matic's network of 40 mortgage lenders as well as any new partnership onboarded in 2021. "Support from companies like Matic make it possible for Opens Doors to help thousands of families with critically ill or injured children stay in their homes while their child is in treatment," said Debra W. Still, CMB, President and CEO of Pulte Mortgage and Chairman of the MBA Opens Doors Foundation. "Now, and always, The Opens Doors Foundation is grateful to the real estate finance community for helping families that need us, by protecting the importance of 'home.'" "The pandemic has exacerbated the challenges families with sick children face," said Deborah Dubois, President of the MBA Opens Doors Foundation. "Not only are many families dealing with the financial impact of the pandemic, but many of our most vulnerable families and children are also facing COVID-19 diagnoses themselves. It is an extremely difficult time for families with children in treatment, and we are deeply grateful for Matic's support." Since 2012, MBA Opens Doors has provided more than $9.2 million in housing assistance and grants to over 6,400 families in crisis across the U.S. MBA Opens Doors is the mortgage industry’s bridge between professionals and families who need help. Administrative expenses are covered by the MBA so that 100% of every dollar donated goes directly to families in need. Visit the Keeping Hearts in Homes campaign to learn more. About Matic Since 2014, Matic has changed the landscape of the insurtech industry by integrating insurance within the home and auto ownership experience. Today, Matic’s digital insurance marketplace has over 30 A-rated home and auto carriers, as well as distribution partners in industries ranging from mortgage origination and servicing to banking, real estate, and personal finance. With a single-minded focus on advocating for policyholders, Matic has created an effortless and transparent comparison-shopping process, saving customers days of work and over 30% in premiums each year. For more information, visit matic.com. About MBA Opens Doors Foundation The MBA Opens Doors Foundation, through its Home Grant Program, provides mortgage and rental assistance grants to families with critically ill or injured children. Since 2012, Opens Doors has become a critical part of a family's support structure, especially when a parent or guardian must take unpaid leave to be with a child in treatment. Grants of up to $2,500 are made monthly to families with a child in treatment at a children’s hospital in the Foundation’s network. Fourteen hospitals in seven states and the District of Columbia participate in the Foundation’s network. For more information on Opens Doors' mission, please click here. Contact Details Matic Insurance Services Sarah Berg +1 614-927-1086 press@matic.com Company Website https://matic.com/

January 25, 2021 11:15 AM Eastern Standard Time

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High Blood Pressure During Pregnancy May Be a Warning Sign of Life-Threatening Condition

Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine

Each year, thousands of women and their babies die or get very sick from preeclampsia, a serious and potentially life-threatening condition that occurs during pregnancy and occasionally during the first few weeks following childbirth. High blood pressure during pregnancy is one of the warning signs. If left untreated, preeclampsia can lead to seizure, stroke, organ failure, and even the death of the woman and/or her baby. Preeclampsia can also have implications long after pregnancy, including on a woman’s cardiovascular health. On Jan. 25-26, the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM) and the Preeclampsia Foundation will bring together leading national and international clinicians and researchers for an in-depth look at how to better predict, prevent, and manage preeclampsia. The President’s Workshop on Preeclampsia takes place during SMFM’s 41st Annual Pregnancy Meeting, Jan. 25-30, an all-virtual event. Some of the topics to be discussed include: How to better determine who is at risk of developing preeclampsia Implications on future cardiovascular health Impacts on long-term mental health and quality of life Therapies and strategies for prevention, including statins and widespread use of aspirin “Preeclampsia is one of the leading causes of pregnancy-related deaths in the world, affecting an estimated 5 to 8 percent of all pregnancies,” says SMFM President Judette Louis, MD, MPH. “As healthcare providers, we need to do a better job of understanding and treating this serious condition.” Preeclampsia may also be a precursor to a woman’s future heart health. “With American Heart Month coming up in February, this is a prime time to raise awareness that women who develop preeclampsia during pregnancy are at greater risk for developing cardiac problems later in life,” says Louis. In addition to high blood pressure, warning signs may include high levels of protein in the urine, as well as other symptoms that are common during a healthy pregnancy, such as headaches, abdominal pain, nausea or vomiting, shortness of breath, and swelling. “Because many of these symptoms can occur during a healthy pregnancy, it’s easy for women and their doctors to overlook the warning signs,” says Preeclampsia Foundation CEO Eleni Z. Tsigas, who is also a two-time preeclampsia survivor. Tsigas says it’s important to educate women about the warning signs, pointing out that fewer than half of even well-educated women know the signs and symptoms of preeclampsia. SMFM and the Preeclampsia Foundation will host a Twitter chat, “Let’s Talk about Pregnancy Complications,” with the parenting website, BabyCenter, on Jan. 26 at 3:00 pm Eastern Time. Women will share their personal stories with preeclampsia to help get the word out about this serious condition, along with warning signs to be on the lookout for and what women should do. The chat will use the campaign hashtag #MyPreeclampsiaStory. For more information, visit SMFM’s patient education website at HighRiskPregnancyInfo.org or the Preeclampsia Foundation’s website at preeclampsia.org. ### About the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine The Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM) is a non-profit, membership organization based in Washington, DC. With more than 5,000 physicians, scientists and women’s health professionals around the world, the Society supports the clinical practice of maternal-fetal medicine by providing education, promoting research and engaging in advocacy to optimize the health of high-risk pregnant women and their babies. SMFM hosts an annual scientific meeting in which new ideas and research related to high risk pregnancies are unveiled and discussed. For more information, visit SMFM.org and connect with the organization on Facebook and Twitter. For the latest 2020 Annual Meeting news and updates, follow the hashtag #smfm21. About the Preeclampsia Foundation The Preeclampsia Foundation is a patient advocacy organization that provides information, education, and support for those impacted by preeclampsia and other hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. In 2013, the nonprofit launched the Preeclampsia Registry, a data base that brings together survivors, family members, and researchers with the common goal of advancing knowledge and treatment of preeclampsia. For more information, visit preeclampsia.org and connect with the organization on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTube. Contact Details Karen Addis +1 301-787-2394 KAREN@ADDISPR.COM Preeclampsia Foundation Valerie Holloway +1 (321) 421-6957 valerie.holloway@preeclampsia.org Company Website https://www.smfm.org/

January 25, 2021 09:12 AM Eastern Standard Time

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CMMC Center of Excellence Announces Engagement Agreement with itSM Solutions

Interoperability Clearinghouse

The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification Center of Excellence ( CMMC COE ), hosted by the Information Technology Acquisition Advisory Council (IT-AAC), a public-private partnership serving the public and private sectors for more than 15 years, is excited to announce a partnership with itSM Solutions, a global consortium of academic, government and industry thought leaders working together to create training and technology solutions that enable enterprises to design, operationalize and automate a cybersecurity risk management program based on the best practice publications created by the National Institute of Standards and Technologies (NIST), the International Standards Organization (ISO), the Center for Internet Security (CIS) and the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations (COSO) of the Treadway Commission. This unique partnership will extend efforts to identify and include proven capabilities within the CMMC COE Marketplace to improve cybersecurity protection and resilience for the global defense industrial base network of contractors, vendors, and suppliers. itSM has created an innovative, turnkey NIST 800-171 FastTrack Readiness Program that will provide DIB companies with an affordable, fixed price cybersecurity risk management solution that will deliver the cybersecurity risk management outcome expected by the Department of Defense. The FastTrack program will include accredited certification training, online mentoring from industry experts plus an online Integrated Risk Management (IRM) platform that will seamlessly integrate all cybersecurity and IT Risk and Compliance functions into a powerfully automated assessment and program management solution. The executed Engagement Agreement establishes a collaborative engagement between itSM Solutions and the CMMC COE to partner in the furthering of their respective and complementary missions and objectives regarding the adoption, use, and expansion of CMMC based cybersecurity practices, risk management, and compliance for the DIB contractor, vendor, and supplier community of providers creating a broader CMMC ecosystem globally to improve security and resilience. Specific actions will include: The co-development of CMMC advisory services, cyber training and education programs to accelerate CMMC certification, increase cyber adoption and improve cyber protection & resilience. Co-sponsor symposiums, training programs and podcasts leveraging their combined cyber and IT expertise. Host regular working groups, with other partners, to enable collaboration and communications. Source qualified CMMC/ cyber professionals to serve as advocates. Establish an independent Industry Cyber Security Advisory Council with peer organizations to advise and educate leaders across government and industry on the continued evolution and effectiveness of CMMC. “This is exciting opportunity for us”, said Mr. John Weiler, Chairman of the Board at CMMC Center of Excellence, “This new partnership will further help advance the goals and objectives for improving the supply chain security and resilience of the US Department of Defense (DoD)”. “itSM Solutions is proud to partner with the CMMC COE on this very exciting initiative,” stated Mr. Rick Lemieux, Managing Partner and Chief Revenue Officer at itSM Solutions. “We look forward to collaborating with the COE on solutions that will not only get DIB companies ready for CMMC certification but also provide them with the skills and tools necessary to manage cybersecurity risk management as they would any other business function”. The CMMC-COE ( http://cmmc-coe.org ) and itSM Solutions partnership will focus on bringing together the many disparate cyber and national security communities of interest to reduce complexity, improve awareness, and accelerate industry effort to become more cyber resilient against the growing threats from nation states and criminal enterprises. The CMMC-COE establishes both a Market Place and Knowledge Clearinghouse that will include resources that support the overall effort, including white papers; tutorials; recorded webcasts; presentations; and more that will help reduce the cost and burden on small and medium size contractors already struggling from the impact of COVID. For more information on the CMMC COE, please visit http://cmmc-coe.org email info@cmmc-coe.org or call 703-863-3766 For more information on itSM Solutions, please visit https://www.itsmsolutions.com/ About Us ---------- CMMC-COE.ORG is a unique non-profit public-private partnership, with a vision to accelerate Cybersecurity Maturity Model (CMM) adoption, and reduce time & cost for security compliance for our partners by leveraging commercial best practices, CMMC standards, and innovative solutions for a measurable success. Our mission, focused on DOD mission objectives, cost containment and expeditious CMMC compliance, is to help the DIB improve cyber posture and resilience, and simplify its acquisition. The CMMC-COE is hosted by the Information Technology Acquisition Advisory Council (IT-AAC), a public/private partnership (P3) chartered in 2007 as an honest broker to reach outside the confines of the Federal IT advisories that lack dynamic reach into the Global IT Market, and dedicated to the adoption of commercial IT management standards of practice and innovations emanating from the Global IT market. Team IT-AAC has already demonstrated the value of its decade long investment, and provides a unique value to agencies seeking to achieve accelerate the transformation of legacy processes and systems. Our Just-in-Time SMEs apply an innovative suite of Technology Business Management and Agile Acquisition Processes needed to assure the business value of commercial IT. The Interoperability Clearinghouse (ICH), is the managing partner that make up the 24 NGO/SDO organizations that make up the IT-AAC. ICH provides the contract vehicles, clearances, and critical resources proven to guide sustainable, measurable and repeatable processes needed to drive better investment decisions as the speed of mission need, while aligning existing processes, methods and workforce with IT reform mandates contained in Clinger Cohen Act, FITARA, IT MGT Act, EO13838. Contact Details Bob Dix +1 703-975-6633 bob.dix@it-aac.org Company Website https://cmmc-coe.org

January 25, 2021 06:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

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TeamSnap Health Check COVID-19 Screening Tool Receives 2021 Big Innovation Award

TeamSnap

TeamSnap announced today its industry leading Health Check COVID-19 screening tool has been named a winner in the 2021 BIG Innovation Awards presented by the Business Intelligence Group. This annual business awards program recognizes organizations, products, and people that are bringing new ideas to life in innovative ways. TeamSnap has also confirmed the expansion of the popular Health Check platform with teams and organizations now able to customize screening questions to better align with regional health requirements. TeamSnap Health Check debuted in August 2020 free to all users as part of the company’s ongoing effort to support sports organizations and teams in the safe return to team play. TeamSnap users can easily access COVID-19 screening questions on any iOS or Android mobile device. Overall, almost 10 million Health screenings have been performed on TeamSnap. “Like many companies and organizations, TeamSnap has evolved and innovated in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. We designed and quickly launched Health Check to help teams, clubs, leagues and associations manage a daunting COVID-19 screening process,” said Dave DuPont, Founder and CEO, TeamSnap. “It is gratifying to know that so many sports organizations are taking the necessary precautions and are trusting TeamSnap Health Check to manage the continuous screening process to help ensure a safe return to play.” TeamSnap Health Check is the first COVID-19 screening tool to be fully embedded into a sport management platform. While maintaining user privacy, administrators can track reports and notify members of any possible COVID-19 exposure. TeamSnap Health Check is being used extensively across all sports with soccer, hockey and football clubs ranking as the top users. Health Check is part of TeamSnap’s comprehensive strategy to help sports organizations navigate the pandemic while keeping athletes and their families, and everyone involved in sports safe. TeamSnap has been tracking live engagement data for the return to play across North America. The company has also created a resource hub that gives families access to the necessary information to Return to Sports with Confidence. #YouthSports #HealthCheck About TeamSnap Since our formation in 2009, TeamSnap has been single-mindedly focused on taking the work out of play. 24 million coaches, administrators, players and parents rely on TeamSnap's powerful and easy-to-use tools for communication, scheduling, payment collection and registration, organizing every sport and group activity in the world. For more information, visit www.TeamSnap.com. Contact Details Greg +1 416-458-3591 greg.mcisaac@teamsnap.com Company Website https://www.teamsnap.com/

January 19, 2021 12:00 PM Eastern Standard Time

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CMMC Center of Excellence & CMMC COE EU Announce Memorandum of Understanding with Gerico Security SRL of Italy

Interoperability Clearinghouse

The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification Center of Excellence ( CMMC COE ), hosted by the Information Technology Acquisition Advisory Council (IT-AAC), a public-private partnership serving the public and private sectors for more than 15 years, in collaboration with the UK’s Parava Security Solutions representing the CMMC-COE in Europe, is excited to announce a partnership with Gerico Security SRL through a Memorandum of Understanding to expand presence across Italy and Europe. This unique partnership represents an agreement to jointly drive education, awareness, and adoption of the CMMC standard and other cybersecurity measures to improve protection and resilience of the global supply chain that supports the Defense Industrial Base network of contractors, partners, vendors, and suppliers around the world. Through this bold collaboration, the parties will pursue initiatives that are mutually beneficial and deemed critical to the broad adoption and embrace of the CMMC, NIST standards, and cybersecurity best practices including: Sourcing of Senior qualified CMMC/Cyber professionals (both DoD and industry) serving as distinguished guest lecturers in selected events and seminars. Co-sponsorship of selected/approved webinars to gain a prospective on technology and business trends and giving insight to help propagate innovation that leads to crafting better industry proposals in response to DoD requirements. Co-Developing CMMC/Cyber Training and Education programs that will accelerate CMMC certification AND improved cyber protection and resilience “This is exciting opportunity for us”, said Mr. John Weiler, Chairman of the Board at CMMC Center of Excellence, “This new partnership will further help advance the goals and objectives for improving the supply chain security and resilience of the US Department of Defense (DoD)”. “This is a great moment for the deployment of cyber security and CMMC for the European Defense Industry Base. said Andy Watkin-Child of Parava Security Solutions, who also leads the CMMC COE EU. Having Gerico as a Partner in Italy brings their unique cyber security skills to support companies within one of Europe’s Largest Defense Partners deploy CMMC and cyber Security”. “We are proud of the strategical and cultural relationship between our Countries within which this agreement can be considered to be a missing peace. In an era of asymmetric cyber warfare, cybersecurity is the primary defense tool of the western industrial systems and, we believe that the CMMMC model will be used within both the defense and civilian sectors”, said Mr. Giustino Fumagalli, CEO of Gerico Security. Gerico Security SRL is the CMMC’s reference point in Italy. Through the CMMC-COE and PARAVA agreement, Gerico is aimed at supporting the main defense parties on both sides of the Atlantic and is aimed at defining and achieving high levels of cybersecurity both on large and small Italian companies belonging to the DoD’s Defense Industrial Base. Gerico Security is an Italian center of excellence in advisory on information & cyber security, business continuity, internal and third-party audit and security inspection activities. Gerico supports private organizations in business process certifications through the provision of turn-key projects of Governance Risk & Compliance. For more information on the CMMC COE, please visit http://cmmc-coe.org email info@cmmc-coe.org or call 703-863-3766 For more information on the CMMC COE EU, please visit https://cmmc-eu.com/ For more information about Parava Security Solutions, please visit https://www.parava.org/ For further information about Gerico Security, please visit www.gerico-sec.it or send an email to info@gerico-sec.it About Us ---------- CMMC-COE.ORG is a unique non-profit public-private partnership, with a vision to accelerate Cybersecurity Maturity Model (CMM) adoption, and reduce time & cost for security compliance for our partners by leveraging commercial best practices, CMMC standards, and innovative solutions for a measurable success. Our mission, focused on DOD mission objectives, cost containment and expeditious CMMC compliance, is to help the DIB improve cyber posture and resilience, and simplify its acquisition. The CMMC-COE is hosted by the Information Technology Acquisition Advisory Council (IT-AAC), a public/private partnership (P3) chartered in 2007 as an honest broker to reach outside the confines of the Federal IT advisories that lack dynamic reach into the Global IT Market, and dedicated to the adoption of commercial IT management standards of practice and innovations emanating from the Global IT market. Team IT-AAC has already demonstrated the value of its decade long investment, and provides a unique value to agencies seeking to achieve accelerate the transformation of legacy processes and systems. Our Just-in-Time SMEs apply an innovative suite of Technology Business Management and Agile Acquisition Processes needed to assure the business value of commercial IT. The Interoperability Clearinghouse (ICH), is the managing partner that make up the 24 NGO/SDO organizations that make up the IT-AAC. ICH provides the contract vehicles, clearances, and critical resources proven to guide sustainable, measurable and repeatable processes needed to drive better investment decisions as the speed of mission need, while aligning existing processes, methods and workforce with IT reform mandates contained in Clinger Cohen Act, FITARA, IT MGT Act, EO13838. Contact Details Bob Dix +1 703-975-6633 bob.dix@it-aac.org Company Website https://cmmc-coe.org

January 19, 2021 10:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

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Fine Solutions’ health and hygiene programs reach enrollment of nearly 500 healthcare institutions

Fine Hygienic Holding

Fine Solutions, the away-from-home division of Fine Hygienic Holding – the world’s leading wellness group and the region’s largest paper tissue manufacturer, announced the enrollment of nearly 500 healthcare institutions across the UAE, KSA, Jordan and Egypt in its Medical Wellness Aspire Program and Hygiene Affiliate Programs since 2019. The programs are designed to recognize and showcase medical institutions in the region – specifically hospitals and medical clinics – that adhere to the highest level of hygiene standards. Once enrolled, medical facilities undergo a thorough evaluation conducted by Fine Hygiene Experts who then recommend and install world class Fine hygiene solutions and sterilized products, such as sterilized facial tissues and hand towels. After meeting all requirements and hygiene standards, healthcare institutions receive official accreditation and approval from the Medical Wellness Association (MWA), a globally recognized collection of the finest doctors and wellness professionals with the express purpose to promote proven global hygiene practices. FHH’s CEO, James Michael Lafferty said, “As a Wellness company, Fine is dedicated to the overall elevation and protection of public health and safety across all our communities. We are both proud and honored to serve as the preferred Wellness brand trusted by hundreds of medical institutions to provide them with the essential products and services needed to ensure operation at the highest level of hygienic standards.” Lafferty went on to say that the benefits of the healthcare programs are threefold: first, helping institutions focus on the fine details to better protect their patients and improve infection prevention controls. Secondly, the programs clearly differentiate outstanding healthcare entities through prestigious accreditation given by the MWA. Finally, through the recognition of the programs, patients are able to easily identify facilities going the extra mile in terms of hygiene and protection, giving them the assurance and peace of mind. Leading medical institutions such as Zulekha Hospital, Dr Sulaiman Al Habib Hospital, Dubai London Clinic and Speciality Hospital have taken part in the programs to build a positive public perception as well as increase overall awareness and exposure. Enrolled healthcare institutions receive either official door stickers or accreditation certificates. Additionally, and bolstered by the use of Fine sterilized tissues and paper towels, the programs help to resolve the growing fear of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, promoting a cleaner and more controlled environment. Dr. Christopher Breuleux, MWA President stated, “At the MWA, we aim to partner and collaborate with quality providers and organizations to provide expertise services in professional leadership and education for medical and wellness industries. We are extremely proud to collaborate with Fine Solutions on these unprecedented programs, which are not only raising the standards on health and hygiene practices in medical facilities, but also spreading the key knowledge and awareness consumers need to make sound, informed choices in regard to medical care.” About Fine Hygienic Holding: Fine Hygienic Holding (FHH), the world’s leading wellness group and MENA’s leading manufacturer of hygienic products, serves consumers in more than 80 countries around the world. With its commitment to becoming “the shining star of the Arab FMCG business world,” FHH focuses on wellness, sustainability, state-of-the-art production processes, pioneering CSR programs, and award-winning products. The company offers a diverse array of products including facial tissues, napkins, kitchen towels, toilet paper, baby diapers, adult briefs, jumbo rolls, as well as away-from-home products to accommodate all types of private and public institutions, in addition to personal protective equipment (PPE). Contact Details Sylvia Sarkies +971 55 574 4982 sylvia.s@actionprgroup.com Company Website https://www.finehh.com/

January 18, 2021 08:01 AM Eastern Standard Time

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CMMC Center of Excellence Announces Memorandum of Understanding with Women in Cybersecurity Mid Atlantic

Interoperability Clearinghouse

The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification Center of Excellence ( CMMC COE ), hosted by the Information Technology Acquisition Advisory Council (IT-AAC), a public-private partnership serving the public and private sectors for more than 15 years, is proud to announce a Memorandum of Understanding with the Women in Cybersecurity Mid Atlantic affiliate. This unique partnership will extend efforts to advance the goals and objectives for improving the cyber and supply chain security and resilience of the US Department of Defense (DoD) global Defense Industrial Base (DIB) network of contractors, suppliers, and vendors. The executed MOU establishes a cooperative agreement between the Women in Cyber Security Mid Atlantic and CMMC COE to partner in the furthering of their respective and complementary missions and objectives regarding the adoption, use, and expansion of CMMC based cybersecurity practices for the DIB contractor community and the information and communication technology community creating a broader CMMC ecosystem to improve security and resilience. Specific actions will include: The co-development of CMMC advisory services, cyber training and education programs to accelerate CMMC certification, increase cyber adoption and improve cyber protection & resilience. Expand and drive diversity across the cybersecurity workforce Co-sponsor symposiums, training programs and podcasts leveraging their combined cyber and IT expertise. Host regular working groups, with other partners, to enable collaboration and communications. Establish an independent Industry Cyber Security Advisory Council with peer organizations to advise and educate leaders across government and industry on the continued evolution and effectiveness of CMMC Through this exciting partnership, the CMMC-COE ( www.cmmc-coe.org ) will also focus on bringing together the many disparate cyber and national security communities of interest to reduce complexity, improve awareness, and accelerate industry effort to become more cyber resilient against the growing threats from nation states and criminal enterprises. The CMMC-COE establishes both a Market Place and Knowledge Clearinghouse that will include resources that support the overall effort, including white papers; tutorials; recorded webcasts; presentations; and more that will help reduce the cost and burden on small/medium size contractors already struggling from the impact of COVID. The CMMC-COE partner network will be sharing a wide range of capabilities from member organizations, including; cyber standards frameworks, education, solution architectures, cyber mentoring, workforce, and other elements needed to scale to the demands of the entire DIB market place in the US and abroad (400,000+ contractors). “This is exciting opportunity for us”, said Mr. John Weiler, Chairman of the Board at CMMC Center of Excellence, “This new partnership will further help advance the goals and objectives for improving the supply chain security and resilience of the US Department of Defense (DoD)”. “The WiCyS Mid-Atlantic is excited to team with the CMMC COE in efforts to enhance the overall security of the defense industrial base supply chain. This partnership clearly demonstrates the CMMC COE’s commitment to a diverse cybersecurity workforce, which is key to defending the nation’s cyber critical infrastructure. Creative and inclusive teaming is essential to the CMMC’s success!”, said Ms. Diane M Janosek, Founder and Senior Advisor, Women in Cybersecurity Mid-Atlantic. WiCyS is a non-profit membership organization with national reach that is dedicated to bringing together women in cybersecurity from academia, research and industry to share knowledge, experience, networking and mentoring. The initiative was created through an NSF grant (Award # 1303441 ) by Dr. Ambareen Siraj at Tennessee Tech University in 2012, and has grown into a wonderful alliance among academia, government and industry. WiCyS offers mentoring, learning, networking and career development to women at all stages of their cybersecurity careers. Whether you are a student just considering a career in cybersecurity or an experienced leader in the cybersecurity workforce, WiCyS provides tangible benefits and a supportive community. The Women in Cybersecurity Mid-Atlantic Affiliate (WiCyS MAA) is a regional affiliate that covers the geographic areas: South New Jersey, South-East Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, District of Columbia, and Northern Virginia, and will continue to undertake activities to promote recruitment, retention, and advancement of women in cybersecurity. For more information on the CMMC COE, please visit http://cmmc-coe.org email info@cmmc-coe.org or call 703-863-3766 For more information on the Women in Cybersecurity Mid Atlantic, please visit https://www.wicysmidatlantic.org/ About Us ---------- CMMC-COE.ORG is a unique non-profit public-private partnership, with a vision to accelerate Cybersecurity Maturity Model (CMM) adoption, and reduce time & cost for security compliance for our partners by leveraging commercial best practices, CMMC standards, and innovative solutions for a measurable success. Our mission, focused on DOD mission objectives, cost containment and expeditious CMMC compliance, is to help the DIB improve cyber posture and resilience, and simplify its acquisition. The CMMC-COE is hosted by the Information Technology Acquisition Advisory Council (IT-AAC), a public/private partnership (P3) chartered in 2007 as an honest broker to reach outside the confines of the Federal IT advisories that lack dynamic reach into the Global IT Market, and dedicated to the adoption of commercial IT management standards of practice and innovations emanating from the Global IT market. Team IT-AAC has already demonstrated the value of its decade long investment, and provides a unique value to agencies seeking to achieve accelerate the transformation of legacy processes and systems. Our Just-in-Time SMEs apply an innovative suite of Technology Business Management and Agile Acquisition Processes needed to assure the business value of commercial IT. The Interoperability Clearinghouse (ICH), is the managing partner that make up the 24 NGO/SDO organizations that make up the IT-AAC. ICH provides the contract vehicles, clearances, and critical resources proven to guide sustainable, measurable and repeatable processes needed to drive better investment decisions as the speed of mission need, while aligning existing processes, methods and workforce with IT reform mandates contained in Clinger Cohen Act, FITARA, IT MGT Act, EO13838. Contact Details Bob Dix +1 703-975-6633 bob.dix@it-aac.org Company Website https://cmmc-coe.org

January 14, 2021 06:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

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