Software Engineering Institute

December 6, 2024—The Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) this week presented the Software Engineering Institute (SEI) with the Jack Donnelly Award for Excellence in Counterintelligence during a ceremony at the SEI’s Pittsburgh headquarters. The annual award celebrates organizations that protect sensitive information and technology and deliver it to the Department of Defense (DoD). The SEI’s counterintelligence program extends to its operator, Carnegie Mellon University (CMU).

“This is really special for our security people and our security center, which serves not only the SEI but the entire university community,” said Paul Nielsen, SEI director and CEO, to an audience of SEI leadership and staff, DCSA leaders, and officials from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Air Force Office of Special Investigations, and the U.S. Army Counterintelligence Command. “Sometimes security people, especially in counterintelligence, work below the scene. It's nice for them to get this recognition from DCSA and from us for the great work that they do.”

Adversaries of the United States are constantly seeking to gain advantage by accessing sensitive governmental information. SEI and CMU personnel diligently report any instances of suspected contacts by foreign intelligence. The SEI’s security team has recently improved the efficiency of its suspicious contact reporting analysis through automation. The team has also developed a robust counterintelligence education program for SEI and CMU employees.

On behalf of the DoD, DCSA administers the National Industrial Security Program (NISP), which ensures that DoD contractors, such as the SEI, safeguard classified information. “We all want valuable contributors and partners in this fight. The counterintelligence world does not often give recognition by design or celebrate success, so I'm honored to do so today,” DCSA deputy director Daniel Lecce told the audience prior to presenting the award to Jason Hawk, SEI security director, and Kara Branby, SEI facility security officer. “CMU exemplifies the collaboration, creativity, and innovation needed today, while ensuring our national security for tomorrow.”

“This is a great reflection on the security team, the Software Engineering Institute, and all the leadership you see around the room,” said Hawk.

Consistent excellence in suspicious contact reporting and innovation in the field made the SEI’s counterintelligence program one of the best in fiscal year 2023, among more than 12,500 federal contractors with clearance for classified information. Alongside the SEI, DCSA recognized four other academic or commercial organizations with 2023 Donnelly Awards, named after a former director of the Defense Investigative Service.

Photo by John Joyce. DCSA deputy director Daniel Lecce, right, presents the Jack Donnelly Award for Excellence in Counterintelligence to the SEI’s Jason Hawk, left, and Kara Branby, center.