Cyber Command begins executing new limited acquisition authority for cybersecurity tools

Officials with U.S. Cyber Command (CYBERCOM) recently said they have begun executing a new limited acquisition authority to speed up its acquisitions processes for cyber-specific tools.

The command awarded its first contract under its new authority of Sept. 29, which covers technology-related research and technical information services in order to enhance future acquisition decisions up to $75 million.

Under normal circumstances, combatant commands and their subordinates will rely on the Army, Air Force, Navy or defense agencies to write and execute contracts and to acquire resources for various missions.

Former CYBERCOM acting command acquisition executive Tony Davis said the new authority gives CYBERCOM and the United States speed, flexibility, and a technical knowledge base when providing capabilities for its cyberspace forces in a rapidly-changing worldwide domain.

Davis noted that CYBERCOM was not limited to only buying tools, but that it was also interested in finding the right people and support.

“Instead of trying to provide basic details to a separate organization to draft and award contracts, we now have the visibility and capability to make those contracts as tailored as possible,” Davis said. “This makes us more agile by developing very technical, very cyber-specific personnel and support contracts.”

CYBERCOM officials said they are looking to build more partnerships moving forward, starting with the command’s first industry day on Oct. 27, in Springfield, Virginia.

Designed to foster discussions about the command’s acquisition plans, the event will feature a variety of government and industry representatives from across the cyber enterprise.

“Future outreach is planned to industry and academia,” Davis said. “We hope to be able to have an unclassified space in the future where we can interact with industry and academia.”