Pioneering the Path to a Safer Nation
Department of Defense Office of Small Business Programs
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Empowering Small Businesses: Navigating the Cybersecurity Landscape with Project Spectrum
The importance of cybersecurity cannot be overstated, especially for businesses seeking contracts with the U.S. Government. For those dealing with the United States Department of Defense (DoD), compliance with their stringent cybersecurity rules is not just a legal requirement but a critical necessity to safeguard sensitive information. Small and medium-sized businesses, often lacking the resources of their larger counterparts, face unique challenges in meeting these standards. That's where initiatives like Project Spectrum step in to bridge the gap.
Understanding the Stakes: Why Cybersecurity Matters
Cyber threats are constantly evolving, becoming more sophisticated and damaging. For businesses, especially those involved in government contracts, a breach not only puts their reputation and financial stability at risk, but also our national security. Cybersecurity awareness, training, and compliance with DoD rules are the pillars of defense against these threats.
Project Spectrum: Your Partner in Cybersecurity
Project Spectrum is a beacon for small businesses navigating the complex government contracting cybersecurity landscape. This initiative, backed by the Department of Defense Office of Small Business Programs , offers invaluable support and resources, all completely free of charge to the business. By providing the latest compliance standards and policy best practices, training and related supports, Project Spectrum empowers businesses to fortify their digital defenses. It’s a win-win for the business and DoD. Businesses are more competitive to win contracts, and the DoD has an expanded and diversified supply chain.
Tailored Solutions for Small and Medium-Sized Businesses
One of the unique strengths of Project Spectrum lies in its focus on small- and medium-sized businesses. These entities, often lacking the financial and talent resource capabilities to address cybersecurity requirements, find the support and solutions needed through Project Spectrum to overcome those barriers. The platform not only imparts essential training but also offers cost-effective awareness tools. By addressing the specific challenges faced by smaller enterprises, Project Spectrum ensures that they are not left vulnerable to cyber threats due to resource limitations and can be an eligible supplier to the defense industrial base.
The Role of the Office of Small Business Programs
The Office of Small Business Programs stands as the cornerstone in this endeavor. By democratizing access to vital cybersecurity knowledge, they are fostering a secure environment where businesses, regardless of size, can thrive and provide valuable services and products to the DoD.
In conclusion, cybersecurity awareness, training, and compliance are not merely checkboxes but shields that protect businesses from the ever-present cyber threats. With Project Spectrum and the unwavering support of the Office of Small Business Programs, small businesses can confidently navigate the intricate landscape of DoD contracting, ensuring not just their own security but also contributing to the larger mission of safeguarding our nation's digital infrastructure and national security supply chain.
Thank you for your collaboration in this important work, and if we can be assistance, please reach out.
Mr. Derrick D.
Director for Industrial Cybersecurity
Office of Small Business Programs
U.S. Department of Defense
DoD Aims to Publish First National Defense Industrial Strategy
By December, the United States Department of Defense hopes to issue its first-ever National Defense Industrial Strategy, which will be followed by DoD's implementation plan, Laura Taylor-Kale, PhD , assistant secretary of defense for industrial base policy, announced at the Defense Conference last week.?
"This strategy is meant to catalyze a generational change that will guide the department's focus and policy development and programs and investment in the industrial base for the next three-to-five years," Taylor-Kale said.?
The key areas of the strategy are:?
Taylor-Kale also said her office hopes to attract new, innovative, non-traditional companies into the industrial base, particularly those that connect dual-use technologies with the emerging needs of the warfighter.??Learn More>>
Tech Hubs Announced to Advance American Competitiveness
The Biden-Harris administration, through the U.S. Department of Commerce’s U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA), announced on Oct. 23 the designation of 31 Tech Hubs in regions across the country. This is the first phase of the new Tech Hubs program , which is an economic development initiative designed to drive regional innovation and job creation by strengthening a region’s capacity to manufacture, commercialize, and deploy technology that will advance American competitiveness. The program invests directly in burgeoning, high-potential U.S. regions and aims to transform them into globally competitive innovation centers. Tech Hubs was authorized by the bipartisan CHIPS and Science Act. Learn More>>
Beyond Cybersecurity Awareness Month: Building Long-Term Defenses for a Secure Future
As Cybersecurity Awareness Month draws to a close, we want to remind our readers that the knowledge gained and resources shared during this critical period do not vanish with the turning of the calendar page. Instead, they mark the beginning of a sustained effort to fortify our companies, organizations, and personal accounts. Cybersecurity is not a one-month endeavor; it's an ongoing commitment, a daily practice, and a shared responsibility to ensure our collective security.
One valuable tool that extends this commitment is the Cyber Readiness Check offered by Project Spectrum . This tool provides a comprehensive evaluation of an organization's cybersecurity posture, identifying vulnerabilities which make possible tailored recommendations for improvement. Embracing the utility of this tool ensures that businesses have actionable information regarding their company’s security posture. When coupled with seasoned advice from our cyber advisement team, companies are able to stay ahead of evolving cyber threats, enabling them to safeguard sensitive data and maintain customer trust.
Moreover, the end of Cybersecurity Awareness Month doesn't signal the end of educational efforts. Employee cyber training programs remain a crucial aspect of defense against cyber threats. By investing in continuous education, organizations empower their workforce with the knowledge and skills necessary to identify phishing attempts and cross site scripting (XSS) attempts, in order to secure their devices and respond effectively to potential breaches. These programs create a culture of cybersecurity awareness, turning every employee into a vigilant guardian of digital assets.
For businesses dealing with sensitive government contracts, achieving and maintaining DoD compliance requirements is paramount. Navigating the intricate landscape of regulations can be daunting, but it's not a journey taken alone. Expert coaching and support are available from Project Spectrum to guide organizations through the complex compliance processes. These resources provide invaluable assistance, ensuring that every protocol is followed, and every standard met.
In essence, the end of Cybersecurity Awareness Month marks the start of a continuous effort to strengthen defenses, raise awareness, and foster a secure digital environment for all. By embracing initiatives like Project Spectrum , small businesses will pave the way for a future where cyber threats are met with resilience, knowledge, and unwavering preparedness. Our collective security depends on this ongoing dedication to cybersecurity, making every day an opportunity to enhance our defenses.
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New Guide Helps Organizations Reduce Likelihood and Impact of Phishing Attacks
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), National Security Agency (NSA), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center (MS-ISAC) last week published Phishing Guidance, Stopping the Attack Cycle at Phase One , a guide meant to help educate organizations on how best to prevent phishing intrusions.
“Phishing continues to be the most successful method for gaining unauthorized access to state and local government networks,” said John Gilligan, Chief Executive Officer, Center for Internet Security. “Organizations and their employees must understand the risks posed by this attack vector and how to successfully identify and avoid phishing threats. This joint guide is a great reference for state and local organizations.”?
This joint phishing guide is intended to be a one-stop resource to help all organizations protect their systems from phishing threats. All organizations, from small- and medium-sized businesses to software manufacturers, are encouraged to review this joint guide to better understand evolving phishing techniques and implement tailored cybersecurity controls and best practices to reduce the risk of compromise.?Get the Guide>>
8(a) Program Update
In its latest brief , Ultima argued for a complete ban on the award of 8(a) contracts in the administrative and technical support industry, including awards to 8(a) entities owned by Alaska Native Corporations (ANC) and Tribes. Ultima also suggested, in a footnote, that contracting advantages provided to ANCs within the 8(a) program are based on a racial, not political, classification.
Small Business Administration Update
A final rule will permit a prime contractor with an individual subcontracting plan to apply credit for subcontracts to small businesses at lower tiers toward its subcontracting goal s. To do so, the prime contractor would incorporate the lower-tier subcontracting performance into its subcontracting-plan goals.
Amends its regulation on ownership and control and contractual assistance requirements for the 8(a) Program. This amendment clarifies how the funds remaining in the joint venture bank account at the conclusion of the joint venture contract(s) and/or termination of the joint venture are to be distributed. This document also corrects a citation in 13 CFR 125.4(c)(5).
Mergers & Acquisition Risks Oversight
GAO-24-106129 analyzes how mergers and acquisitions can affect competition for defense contracts, can increase prices, or can reduce innovation. DoD assesses only a portion of defense mergers and acquisitions each year, generally when the antitrust agencies, the Department of Justice and Federal Trade Commission, ask for DoD's input.
NSWC Small Business Professional Recognized
Ms. Sarah Heard has been a supporter and advocate of the Small Business Program for many years. Amongst her professional history, she has advised the Department of the Navy’s (DON) technical community on small business procurement procedures, market research and small business policy. She now serves as Director of the Office of Small Business under the Naval Sea Systems Command’s Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) in Newport, RI .
Under her leadership, NSWC Newport increased small business spend by 53% over the last four years of which Small Disadvantage Business spend increased by 56%.
Ms. Heard also hosted a number of events such as the Virginia, Columbia, SSN(X) Special Project Requirements Industry Day, Autonomous Maritime Systems Test Center Services Industry Day, and Torpedo Enterprise Undersea Weapons Program Office Industry Day, to provide information on upcoming procurements, goals, schedules and a platform to interface with NSWC leadership.
More recently, Ms. Heard completed a rotation in the DON Office of Small Business Programs Rotational Excellence Program. During her 7-month tenure, Ms. Heard spearheaded an effort to develop a Small Business Desk Guide that serves as a resource for acquisition, contracting and small business professionals (SBP). This guide provides an overview of the small business program, outlines a framework of SBP roles and responsibilities and identifies key collaborators in the small business procurement process.
Ms. Heard’s dedication and hard work as being a centralized touchpoint between small businesses and NSWC Newport has proven to be a great benefit to both the DON and the small business community. Her continued enthusiasm and commitment to small business contracting continue to broaden, deepen, and enrich the DON’s ability to effectively and efficiently support the nation’s warfighter.
Let’s Stay in Touch
We are a network of small business professionals with common values, shared knowledge and regular communication who partner with acquisition professionals seeking small businesses to fulfill DoD procurement requirements and give our Service Members the competitive advantage.
Follow us on social media, visit our website , or send us an email. We look forward to staying connected.