Venable associate Dismas Locaria was quoted in an April 27, 2012 blog post for National Defense magazine on a Pentagon proposal to “fast track” the procurement of cybersecurity technology. The plan is being unveiled while defense contractors are contesting Defense Department efforts to change the definition of “commercial items” in the procurement rulebook.
“Cyber defense and offense are top priorities even though the Defense Department budget is shrinking,” said Locaria. While details are still fuzzy, according to Locaria, the Pentagon plans to create a “cyber investment management board” to manage the procurement of urgent cyber warfare products and services. Locaria added that it remains to be seen how the proposed “commercial items” rule change would impact the fast track procurement process, saying” In recent years it’s been uncovered that a lot of prices were not being driven by commercial forces.” Anything narrowing the definition of a commercial item “would have a huge impact on government contractors in general.”
“Cyber defense and offense are top priorities even though the Defense Department budget is shrinking,” said Locaria. While details are still fuzzy, according to Locaria, the Pentagon plans to create a “cyber investment management board” to manage the procurement of urgent cyber warfare products and services. Locaria added that it remains to be seen how the proposed “commercial items” rule change would impact the fast track procurement process, saying” In recent years it’s been uncovered that a lot of prices were not being driven by commercial forces.” Anything narrowing the definition of a commercial item “would have a huge impact on government contractors in general.”