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Vinny Schaper Returns to SMI

Formerly headed DHS SBIR program

Vinny Schaper has returned to SMI as a Senior Advisor. Mr. Schaper most recently served as the Department of Homeland Security’s director of SBIR, a position he held for two years.

Prior to joining DHS, Mr. Schaper served as an advisor to SMI, helping to secure Phase III funding for DoD SBIR small businesses and assisted in planning for small businesses technology transitions. He acquired professional experience in science, engineering, and program management during his 45-year career, which he initiated in the utilities industry. Mr. Schaper later gained extensive technical expertise as a research technician, engineer, and program manager in various Navy laboratories. Notable achievements during his 24 years with the Navy include:

  • Served as Deputy Program Manager for the Navy’s IR&D Program,

  • Technology Transfer Manager for Naval Air Systems Command,

  • Small Business Advocate for the Office of Naval Research and

  • Navy Small Business Innovation Research Program Manager. In this capacity, he transformed the Navy SBIR program from a laboratory centric program to one that addresses the needs and requirements of the Navy.

"Vinny brings first rate program management and federal business experience and talent to the table, and his understanding of SBIR in particular is an invaluable asset to SMI," said Ted Lynch, President of SMI. "We are delighted that Vinny has chosen to rejoin our team."

He holds a B.S. in Metallurgical Engineering Polytechnic Institute of Brooklyn and a M.S in Physical Metallurgical from New York University. In addition to coursework in Engineering Administration at George Washington University, he holds a patent for one-sided welding for ships structures.

SMI is a comprehensive government relations firm built on the principle that our ability to add value is maximized only when we are capable of fully understanding our client's technologies, products and organization.

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