Peter Adam

Illegal immigrants aren’t the only one likely to be made to feel less welcome under the new administration. So are cybercriminals — meaning the borders surrounding the nation’s cyber systems are likely to be made more secure as well – thus providing work – a lot of work – for cyber security service providers.

In fact — Cybersecurity could well become BIG – BIGGER – BIGGEST!  After all, hacked emails and accusations pertaining to the (mis)handling of classified material may have even determined the outcome of the past election. The USG, particularly DOD, operates the largest, most complex communications systems in the world.  Some of these systems are nearly as vulnerable to being hacked than presidential aspirants and their campaign staffs.   And of course, cyberattacks on DOD/IC systems may have a dire potential, such as the unintended firing of weapons systems.

Given the fact that the Trump Administration seems likely to adopt a more muscular, no-nonsense defense posture, this means more spending on Cyber security, and ruggedization of IT equipment — communications security will likely be built into contract requirements across the board, regardless of whether they’re specifically for IT equipment and services — or not.

The opportunity for contractors here — given the large role that Cybersecurity is likely to play in the current administration — can clearly be seen in upcoming contract vehicles, which have an estimated total value of $17.6B.  Hack-proofing will play an important role in all of the following:

Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) Solutions for Intelligence Analysis (SIA III) –– For provision of intelligence gathering and analytical support — $5.6B — F&O — RFP out 03/2017 (est.).

Army Materiel Command Prototype Integration Facility — Fabrication and delivery of integrated hardware solutions for aviation and missile, etc. systems — $4.7B — SBSA IDIQ — RFP out 2/17(est.).

US Army Common Hardware Support Systems 5 – Provision of IT Hardware, Communication Equipment and Ruggedization Services — $3.9B — F&O — RFP out 3/2017 (est.).

DHS/FEMA Recovery Services – PA TAC IV Architecture/Engineering – Provision of personnel and systems to be used in disaster response situations — $2.0B F&O/IDIQ – RFP out 3/17 (est.).

DOJ ITSS – V Information Technologies – Installation of new systems/ software — $1.4B — F&O IDIQ – RFP out 1/17 (est.).

The hardening of high tech communication system targets – the making USG communication and analytic IT systems impenetrable by enemies, foreign and domestic, likely to be on the agenda, is old – and ongoing – business.  More exciting and promising is some brand new stuff coming down the pike.