The Department of Defense recently launched a network expanding the defense industrial base.
The Secure Space Network will expand access to classified work by designing, producing and deploying nationwide approximately 50 mobile Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities and related information systems.
The goal is to enable more defense suppliers to participate in classified development, collaboration and production by broadening regional access to accredited secure workspaces. This will increase the pool of companies able to contribute capabilities, collaborate directly with government teams and compete for classified defense work.
“We must make it easier for capable companies to contribute at every level of the mission,” James Mismash, the Office of Small Business Programs director and deputy assistant secretary of defense for industrial base growth, said. “Industry has identified access to classified environments as a major barrier, and the Secure Space Network directly addresses that challenge by opening the door to classified work for more companies. With strong partnership across the agency and support from Congress, this effort will strengthen our supplier base and help deliver the capabilities our warfighters need faster and at greater scale.”
Companies with technologies relevant to national security do not always have access to accredited facilities where classified information can be discussed, developed and integrated.