Reston, VA — AIR-hr, an advanced AI platform designed to provide expert guidance on federal human resource policies, has been honored as a 2025 ACCELERATE Award Winner by GovTech Connects. This award recognizes innovative achievements in advancing the federal workforce.
“We are honored to receive this award, which underscores our team’s dedication to reshaping federal HR practices,” said Hans Jaeger, YRCI’s CEO. “Our goal has always been to empower agencies with the tools and strategies needed to build resilient, high-performing workforces.”
AIR-hr is a collaboration between Pyramid Systems, a leader in innovative IT solutions, and YRCI, an expert in federal human capital solutions. By combining Pyramid’s advanced AI technology with YRCI’s federal HR expertise, AIR-hr provides real-time, reliable guidance tailored to the needs of the federal workforce. Its key features include:
“Our partnership with Pyramid Systems has been instrumental in driving innovation,” said Susie Field, YRCI’s VP of Shared Services and Training. “By working together and bringing our expertise and resources to the table, we’ve been able to develop solutions that truly meet the changing needs of the federal workforce.”
The 2025 ACCELERATE award celebrates excellence in federal innovation, operational efficiency, and the ability to address complex workforce challenges. YRCI and Pyramid Systems continue to pioneer advanced technologies and forward-thinking strategies to tackle the evolving demands of the federal workforce.
For more information about AIR-hr and its services, please visit AIR-hr.ai.
YRCI, headquartered in Reston, Virginia, is a trusted leader in federal human capital solutions, dedicated to empowering the government to better serve its citizens. Since its founding in 2001, YRCI has partnered with federal agencies to deliver innovative, strategic, and technology-driven HR solutions designed to address complex workforce challenges. YRCI ensures agencies have the right people, processes, and technologies to achieve mission success. Driven by a commitment to excellence, flexibility, and care, YRCI provides impactful, results-oriented solutions that support the evolving needs of federal agencies. As a powerhouse in federal HR, YRCI is shaping the future of the federal workforce.
Pyramid Systems, Inc. is an employee-owned technology leader, driving digital transformation across federal agencies for 30 years. We empower forward-thinking innovations, accelerate production-ready software, and deliver secure solutions so federal agencies can meet their mission goals. Voted a Top Workplace USA 2023- 2024, Pyramid is headquartered in Fairfax, Virginia, and employs more than 185 people. Learn more at pyramidsystems.com
The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is responsible for overseeing the performance management framework for 2.1 million federal employees, making it a critical component in maintaining the efficiency of the government workforce. As policies change and the demand for timely and effective solutions grows, introducing and maintaining new human resource (HR) processes and policies becomes an increasingly complex challenge for America’s largest employer. The need for efficient, adaptable tools to support these efforts is more urgent than ever, as they are essential to ensuring the workforce remains productive, responsive, and capable of meeting the nation’s needs.
Enter AIR-hr, an artificial intelligence (AI) tool designed to provide expert guidance on federal human resource policies for the federal workforce. AIR-hr is transforming federal HR by equipping the workforce with the latest HR regulations, improving decision-making, and boosting overall efficiency. It simplifies complex HR policies and processes, reduces administrative burdens, and allows federal employees to focus on delivering meaningful results.
AIR-hr is a secure AI-powered tool built to assist the federal workforce by providing accurate guidance on federal HR policies. It simplifies complex HR challenges with advanced AI capabilities and an extensive knowledge base of federal regulations. It even cites the specific OPM source and section with clarity and precision, ensuring accuracy and transparency. The tool stays up to date as policies change, ensuring its guidance remains accurate and relevant under expert oversight.
For example, one of the key challenges federal HR professionals face is navigating the intricate retirement process. With AIR-hr, HR teams can simplify and expedite this process by receiving instant, accurate guidance on questions about federal retirement regulations and compliance requirements.
AIR-hr is the result of a groundbreaking partnership between two federal industry leaders: YRCI, a trusted leader with decades of experience in federal human capital solutions, and Pyramid Systems, an award-winning leader known for delivering cutting-edge IT solutions. Together, they bring a unique blend of knowledge, technology, and innovation. By leveraging Pyramid Systems’ state-of-the-art AI and automation capabilities alongside YRCI’s deep understanding of federal HR processes and compliance, this partnership represents a bold step forward in modernizing the federal HR landscape.
A free version of AIR-hr (1.0) is now available, giving federal employees immediate access to critical HR information. Future updates will include paid versions with customizable features tailored to the specific needs of individual agencies.
Policy-Driven Expertise: One of AIR-hr’s most powerful features is its ability to deliver accurate and up-to-date guidance on federal HR policies. This ensures that federal employees receive consistent, policy-compliant information, even amid rapid workforce changes.
Real-Time Answers: HR professionals and employees no longer have to wait for answers to complex policy-related questions. AIR-hr provides precise and reliable guidance in real-time, offering accessible support anytime and anywhere.
Improved HR Efficiency: By automating routine inquiries, AIR-hr allows HR teams to focus on strategic priorities and long-term initiatives. This creates a more efficient operation, where resources and attention can be directed toward addressing critical workforce challenges rather than handling repetitive tasks.
Privacy and Security: Designed with government compliance standards in mind, AIR-hr prioritizes employees’ privacy by not storing personal data. Its strong security features are critical for maintaining trust and adhering to federal privacy requirements.
AIR-hr enables the federal workforce to focus on its mission to serve the American people without being bogged down by administrative burdens. With its innovative approach and dedication to protecting employee data, AIR-hr represents a forward-thinking solution that redefines how federal organizations approach human resource management in today’s evolving landscape.
To learn more about how AIR-hr can shape the future of federal HR, visit AIR-hr.ai.
RESTON, Va. – February 25, 2025 – YRCI, a leading provider of federal human capital solutions, proudly announces the launch of its bold new brand identity, signaling a new era of growth, innovation, and transformation. This unveiling reflects YRCI’s evolution over the past 24 years as it aligns its identity with its forward-thinking approach to empowering federal agencies through expert-driven, technology-enabled solutions.
The rebrand includes a modernized logo, updated messaging, and an enhanced digital presence, all designed to better communicate YRCI’s commitment to innovation while maintaining continuity in its mission to deliver impactful human capital solutions.
Hans Jaeger, YRCI’s CEO, emphasized the significance of this milestone: “Our new brand is a testament to how far we’ve come and our vision for the future. As we’ve expanded our capabilities and embraced new technologies, we recognized the need for a brand that represents who we are today and where we’re headed. This transformation reinforces our dedication to empowering federal agencies, streamlining processes, and achieving meaningful results.”
For over 24 years, YRCI has been a trusted partner to federal agencies, delivering strategic staffing, workforce planning, recruitment, classification, training, and HR technology solutions. The rebrand underscores YRCI’s role as a modern, agile partner for government agencies navigating the complexities of workforce management while embracing the future of HR innovation.
Jaeger added, “This rebrand is about more effectively communicating our expertise and reinforcing our position as a trusted leader in federal human capital solutions. While our look may have changed, our core mission remains the same: to deliver expert-driven, adaptable, and impactful solutions that address our clients’ evolving needs.”
The changes come at a pivotal moment for YRCI, with a renewed focus on leveraging advanced technologies to strengthen the federal workforce. The new brand reflects YRCI’s enduring values of innovation, integrity, and excellence while ensuring continuity in client relationships with no disruptions to services, contracts, or points of contact.
YRCI’s updated identity is a symbol of its ongoing investment in technology and its deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by federal agencies. It reaffirms the company’s commitment to driving meaningful change while fostering lasting partnerships built on trust and collaboration.
“We want our clients and partners to know that while our look is evolving, our dedication to strengthening federal agencies remains unchanged,” Jaeger said. “This rebrand represents a renewed commitment to excellence, adaptability, and the impactful results our clients rely on.”
As YRCI moves forward, it continues to serve as a powerhouse in federal human capital solutions, shaping the future of workforce management and enabling federal agencies to better serve their missions. Exciting developments are ahead at YRCI Digital this year. We are focused on innovative projects and new digital solutions designed to better serve our clients. Stay tuned for updates—you won’t want to miss what’s coming next.
I am happy to announce a monumental milestone in YRCI’s history—we are launching our updated brand on February 25th. This event marks the beginning of a new chapter as we unveil a fresh identity that reflects the evolution of our organization. After 24 years of commitment to excellence, innovation, and service, we felt it was time for our brand to align more closely with who we are today and where we are headed in the future.
This rebranding effort was born from the recognition that our growth and transformation over the years deserved a modern representation. YRCI has continuously evolved its technological offerings and embraced cutting-edge solutions to meet the dynamic needs of our clients.
Our new brand will better embody our forward-thinking approach, our dedication to innovation, and our vision to stay at the forefront of industry advancements.
We are excited for you to see how this reimagined identity reflects our commitment to creating exceptional value, staying agile in a rapidly changing world, and delivering meaningful solutions for every client we serve. Thank you for being a part of our incredible journey, and we look forward to sharing this exciting new chapter with all of you.
Warm regards,
Hans Jaeger
CEO, YRCI
YRCI is offering a FREE lunchtime webinar to share techniques that have helped members of our workforce address change, stress, and personal challenges. Join us for this special event on February 27, 2025 from 12:00 – 12:30 PM where you can learn easy-to-use techniques that have helped team members not only cope but thrive under pressure (see registration link at the bottom of this article).
Many colleagues face personal and professional stress that can impact both well-being and work performance. The rapid pace of change can create uncertainty that often gives rise to emotions such as worry, frustration, and anxiety. Research from the HeartMath® Institute reveals that these emotions also disrupt our cognitive functioning, decision-making abilities, and overall performance. Over time, these depleting emotions lead to long-term consequences such as sickness, burnout, and declining morale.
In this short 30-minute webinar, you’ll learn a couple HeartMath® techniques that YRCI staff use to regulate depleting emotions, improving their well-being and creating more productive work environments.
What is HeartMath?
The HeartMath® Institute is an organization dedicated to exploring the connection between heart rhythms, emotions, and cognitive performance. Through over 30 years of extensive research, they’ve identified a critical link between our emotional states and heart rate variability (HRV), a key indicator of how well our bodies adapt to stress.
At the core of the HeartMath® Institute’s findings is the concept of “Heart Coherence.” Heart Coherence occurs when the heart, mind, and emotions are in sync, working together in harmony. When we experience negative emotions like frustration or anxiety, this coherence is disrupted, leading to erratic heart rhythms and energy depletion. However, by using simple, evidence-based techniques, such as Heart-Focused Breathing™ or the Quick Coherence® technique, we can restore coherence, calm the nervous system, and reverse the energy drain.
These techniques help individuals shift from reactive, stressed states to more balanced, proactive ones, enabling better emotional regulation, clearer thinking, and improved resilience.
The Importance of Emotional Well-Being in the Workplace
The consequences of unrelenting stress are too costly to ignore as the effects of unmanaged stress reach beyond individual well-being. Prolonged exposure to stress hormones like cortisol contributes to fatigue, emotional exhaustion, and even health problems such as high blood pressure and heart disease. When this happens across teams, it results in higher absenteeism, reduced job satisfaction, and a decline in overall performance.
In addition, the complexity and unpredictability inherent in most workplaces require clear-headed decision-making and adaptive leadership. Yet, when individuals are stuck in a state of worry, frustration, or anxiety, their ability to think creatively, make sound decisions, and lead effectively is diminished. HeartMath® techniques offer a way to counteract this by building resilience and maintaining emotional balance in high-pressure environments.
For organizations, promoting emotional well-being and resilience is an investment in employees’ health as well as a strategy for improving performance. When leadership and team members manage their stress more effectively, they are enabled to stay energized, focused, and engaged, even during uncertain times.
A Path Forward
As we navigate increasingly uncertain times, managing stress is more critical than ever. HeartMath® Institute’s science-based, easy-to-use techniques can help team members to not only cope but thrive under pressure.
Join HeartMath® Institute’s Director of Research, Dr. Rollin McCraty, and YRCI’s Director of Business Transformation, Harper Wagner, for an Introduction to HeartMath® Lunch & Learn webinar at 12:00 – 12:30 PM, EST on Feb 27, 2025, where you’ll learn about Heart Coherence and practice simple techniques to create it.
RESTON, Va – January 08, 2025 – YRCI, a leading provider of federal human capital solutions, is pleased to announce the appointment of Matt Hoyt to Chief Financial Officer (CFO), effective January 1st, 2025. Hoyt is succeeding Michael Goldman as YRCI’s CFO. Goldman, who has held the position since 2013, will retire in March 2025 after over 20 years of exceptional leadership and dedication. Goldman will continue to serve on the YRCI Board of Directors as Secretary and Treasurer.
“Matt has demonstrated hands-on to us all since day one that he is both a strategic and tactical leader to be admired. I am grateful for his contributions and dedication to ensure sustained growth. Michael Goldman retires having been a wonderful leader and mentor and leaves a legacy of efficient and compliant operations,” said Hans Jaeger, CEO.
Hoyt joined YRCI in 2014 as a Financial and Information Systems Analyst and has progressively advanced through leadership roles in finance, technology, and business operations as a Manager, Director, and Vice President. Through these roles, he has been involved in every aspect of corporate business operations, playing a pivotal role in driving strategic growth and operational improvements across the company. Most recently, he served as Vice President & Deputy CFO, where he provided strategic oversight of YRCI’s financial planning, technology initiatives, and business innovation efforts as part of the YRCI Executive Governance Committee (EGC).
“Matt has shown exceptional leadership, strategic vision, and a commitment to fostering collaboration and innovation, driving financial excellence while strengthening partnerships across YRCI. I am confident that under his guidance, YRCI’s financial and organizational success will continue to reach new heights,” said Stephanie Smith, President.
As CFO, Hoyt will lead YRCI’s Accounting, Finance, Pricing, Contracts, Information Technology, and Digital Solutions organizations. In this capacity, he will oversee the company’s financial health and strategy, ensuring operational excellence, compliance, and innovation across all areas. He will continue to be part of the EGC with Jaeger and Smith leading the day-to-day and strategic operations of the company.
“Becoming YRCI’s CFO is both a tremendous honor and an exciting opportunity to continue helping shape the future of a company I deeply believe in,” said Hoyt. “Michael Goldman’s leadership has set a remarkable standard, and I am committed to building on his legacy by driving sustainable growth and operational excellence. As we navigate the dynamic GovCon landscape, I look forward to working alongside our talented team to ensure YRCI continues to strengthen our clients’ ability to serve the American people.”
With more than 15 years of experience in government contracting finance and technology, Hoyt embodies the qualities essential for a modern CFO, combining strategic foresight, technological expertise, and a deep understanding of financial management. His approach to integrating data-driven decision-making with innovative problem-solving ensures that YRCI remains agile and competitive in a rapidly evolving industry.
With Hoyt’s appointment, YRCI reaffirms its unwavering commitment to excellence, innovation, and delivering exceptional solutions to its clients. His extensive experience in financial leadership and strategic planning will play a key role in driving the company’s growth and ensuring operational efficiency. Under his guidance, YRCI is well-positioned to continue exceeding client expectations and advancing its mission to serve the American people.
As I reflect on the past year as CEO of YRCI, I am filled with pride and gratitude for the incredible achievements we’ve made together. Having witnessed YRCI’s growth over the years, serving in this role has been both an honor and a privilege.
Our incredible employees have been the driving force behind our success, bringing dedication, talent, and innovation to everything we do. I am also proud of the strong relationships we’ve built with our clients and partners, whose collaboration and trust have been essential to our shared achievements.
To highlight our journey, I’ve compiled a list of last year’s key milestones and our focus areas for the year ahead. I’m excited about the opportunities that lie before us and thankful for the amazing team that makes it all possible. Together, I’m confident we’ll build on our successes and make 2025 our most impactful year yet.
In 2024, we set bold goals and achieved remarkable results across all facets of the business. Key highlights include:
Contract Wins: We secured contracts worth over $100 million in total contract value, reflecting our ability to deliver exceptional solutions tailored to our clients’ needs.
Client Success Stories: Our teams delivered outstanding results across numerous federal agencies, including the Department of Defense, the Department of Commerce, Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Agriculture, Office of Personnel Management, and FDIC. From securing critical new contracts to expanding shared services, our work has directly and effectively supported federal missions.
Strategic Growth: We continued to evolve our Digital Solutions capabilities and offerings as we position ourselves to lead HR digital transformation for our clients. Our Digital Solutions team expanded its capabilities with innovations like the scalable Applicant Tracking System for Excepted Service and explorations into AI-based digital humans.
Governance, Risk, and Compliance: The GRC Committee has enhanced our focus on governance excellence and regulatory compliance.
Employee Engagement: Numerous corporate and community activities have improved our communication, reach, and inclusiveness. With a revamped onboarding process, enhanced recognition programs and an exceptional retention target met, we showed our commitment to fostering a high-performing, engaged workforce.
This year, we will focus on achieving new milestones, driving innovation, and building stronger connections with our community. Here’s a glimpse of what we’ll be focusing on:
I’m also pleased to announce that, in early 2025, we will unveil YRCI’s new brand identity! Our new brand is not just a new look – it’s a new chapter, one we can’t wait to share with you. Stay tuned for more information in the upcoming weeks.
I am grateful for the contributions of our employees, clients, partners, and shareholders. Together, we have built a foundation for sustained growth and innovation.
Wishing us all another year of continued success and collaboration!
Warm regards,
Federal agencies have a unique opportunity to bridge the gap between technical and non-technical staff by utilizing low-code/no-code platforms. These tools empower individuals without extensive programming skills to contribute to projects, enhancing collaboration and improving overall project outcomes. By fostering an inclusive environment where both technical and non-technical team members can work together seamlessly, agencies can accelerate project development, streamline workflows, and ultimately deliver better services to the public. Embracing low-code/no-code platforms boosts efficiency and allows agencies to respond swiftly to citizens’ needs, transforming service delivery. By simplifying the development process, these platforms enable quick deployment of solutions addressing pressing public concerns without the lengthy timelines associated with traditional software development. This agility is crucial in situations requiring rapid response, such as public health emergencies or natural disasters.
Utilizing these platforms democratizes technology within agencies, allowing a wider range of staff to contribute their insights and expertise, leading to more well-rounded solutions. Additionally, the cost-effectiveness of low-code/no-code tools enables agencies to allocate resources intelligently, ensuring the efficient use of taxpayer money while delivering high-quality services. In this post, we will delve deeper into what low-code/no-code development entails for government organizations, explore its key features, and highlight the numerous benefits it can bring to teams aiming to maximize their efficiency and effectiveness.
Low-code/no-code platforms represent a modern approach to app development that allows users to create applications with little to no coding required. This innovative methodology is particularly beneficial in environments where developers are under pressure to deliver a greater number of applications within tighter deadlines and with limited resources. By utilizing visual interfaces and drag-and-drop features, these platforms enable users, including those without extensive programming knowledge, to contribute to the development process.
Additionally, low-code/no-code platforms facilitate reduced development times, as they streamline workflows and eliminate much of the manual coding traditionally associated with app creation. This efficiency not only accelerates the delivery of applications but also increases collaboration among team members, allowing for more diverse input and creativity in the design and functionality of apps. As businesses strive to adapt to rapidly changing market demands, leveraging these platforms can be a game changer in meeting user needs quickly and effectively.
Low-code/no-code platforms operate by abstracting traditional coding languages like Python, Java, or C#, which typically require significant programming knowledge. Instead of writing code line by line, users can utilize a user-friendly visual interface to create applications. This interface allows them to drag and drop elements, define relationships between objects, and set parameters through simple configurations. By leveraging pre-built components and templates, even those without technical expertise can design, modify, and deploy applications quickly and efficiently. This democratization of app development streamlines processes, enabling rapid prototyping and promoting innovation across various industries.
One of the most significant advantages of low-code/no-code development is the remarkable reduction in time to market, which is especially beneficial for federal agencies facing pressure to deliver services promptly. These innovative solutions provide reusable application components and intuitive drag-and-drop functionalities, empowering organizations to be more agile in their approach. This means that when feedback from stakeholders is received, teams can implement changes almost instantaneously, streamlining the overall development process. Furthermore, low-code and no-code platforms can automate various tasks, such as workflows, testing, and data integration, which are traditionally tedious and time-consuming parts of the development life cycle. By alleviating these burdens, organizations can focus on delivering high-quality products faster than ever before, enabling rapid development and deployment of applications that allow agencies to respond swiftly to changing needs and emergency situations. This agility is crucial in times of crisis, such as natural disasters or public health emergencies, where timely access to information and services is paramount.
These platforms facilitate better data management and analysis, enabling federal agencies to handle large volumes of data more efficiently. Agencies can create custom applications that streamline data collection and reporting processes, leading to improved decision-making based on real-time insights. By harnessing data effectively, agencies can enhance transparency and accountability, fostering public trust.
Utilizing low-code/no-code tools, federal agencies can develop user-friendly applications that enhance citizen engagement. These solutions allow for interactive platforms where citizens can submit requests, provide feedback, or access vital services with ease. By improving the user experience, agencies can create stronger relationships with the communities they serve, leading to increased participation and satisfaction.
Federal budgets often face constraints, and low-code/no-code platforms can present a cost-effective solution. By reducing the need for extensive coding and large development teams, agencies can allocate their resources more efficiently. This not only helps manage budgets but also allows more funds to be directed towards critical public services.
In an environment characterized by frequent policy changes and regulatory updates, low-code/no-code platforms provide federal agencies with the flexibility to adapt quickly. Agencies can easily modify applications to comply with new regulations or policies, ensuring that they remain aligned with government standards and guidelines without extensive overhauls.
Low-code/no-code development platforms significantly enhance collaboration among team members and stakeholders while standardizing the development process. In traditional app development, developers often face pressure to deliver functional products, which can create a disconnect with stakeholders’ actual needs. This disconnect may result in assumptions about what stakeholders want, leading to misaligned expectations. However, low-code/no-code solutions offer a visual interface that makes the development process more transparent. Stakeholders can actively participate, providing real-time feedback and monitoring progress, giving a better understanding of project goals and ensuring the final product aligns closely with their vision.
Moreover, these platforms empower non-technical team members, such as business analysts and marketers, to build applications themselves. This inclusivity taps into diverse insights and creativity, empowering innovation and generating applications that better meet user needs. Ultimately, this collaborative and empowering approach leads to greater satisfaction and success for all involved.
Low-code/no-code solutions are rapidly emerging as the future of application development, revolutionizing the way software is created and deployed. These platforms offer significant advantages, including drastically reduced development times and enhanced collaboration among teams, making them particularly appealing to companies and startups eager to innovate quickly.
With the increasing demand for agility, low-code/no-code solutions are also proving invaluable for government organizations. They enable them to respond swiftly to changing requirements and streamline their operations. By simplifying the development process, these tools empower individuals with varying levels of technical expertise to contribute to app creation, fostering a culture of innovation and creativity.
If you’re interested in discovering more about how we leverage low-code/no-code solutions to drive innovation within the federal government space, contact Colin Waitt, Director of Business Development, at [email protected]. Our expertise in this area can help you navigate the complexities of digital transformation effectively.
Five Key Benefits of No-Code Platforms for Enterprises
Pros and cons of no-code development
No-Code for IT Pros: When and why to use it
What is No-Code? A Complete Guide to No-Code Development
The US experienced two devastating hurricanes this year, leaving many towns along the East Coast underwater and in ruins. The sheer force of the storms led to widespread destruction, with homes, businesses, and essential infrastructure suffering significant impacts. In response to this crisis, the employees of YRCI united with extraordinary solidarity and determination, raising thousands of dollars for World Central Kitchen (WCK). Their efforts support WCK’s mission to provide meals to communities affected by natural disasters and humanitarian crises, ensuring that people in need have access to nourishing food during challenging times.
“I have seen firsthand YRCI’s unwavering commitment to supporting America during crucial moments throughout my 23 years of employment. In times of adversity, the true spirit of YRCI shines brightest. I am incredibly proud of how the YRCI community comes together to make a real difference when it matters most.” – Stephanie Smith, President of YRCI
YRCI generously matched the funds raised by employees, contributing thousands of additional dollars to the cause. This initiative amplified the impact of the employees’ efforts and demonstrated the company’s commitment to supporting community initiatives and fostering a culture of giving back.
“YRCI has consistently risen to the challenge when the American people were in need. Whether responding to crises or providing essential resources, our organization has stepped up time and again to meet the needs of our community. I take great pride in our mission to support the American people.” – Hans Jaeger, CEO of YRCI.
YRCI believes that true impact comes from consistent and meaningful action, and they pledge to continue seeking ways to give back, uplift, and support those who need it most.
YRCI encourages you to donate to WCK and promote their efforts to serve communities struck by natural disasters. Every contribution, big or small, helps WCK continue to provide not only meals but also hope and stability to people in need. Together, we can continue to support their mission and foster resilience and recovery in communities worldwide.