DIB (Defense Industrial Base)

What is DIB (Defense Industrial Base)?

The Defense Industrial Base (DIB) refers to the worldwide industrial complex that enables research and development, as well as design, production, delivery, and maintenance of military weapons systems, subsystems, and components or parts to meet U.S. military requirements. These are the companies and individuals that are vital to our national security.

Definition

The DIB is defined in 10 U.S. Code § 4801. It encompasses government and private sector entities that perform research and development, design, produce, maintain, and/or operate military systems, equipment, or facilities, or provide related services, to meet U.S. national defense requirements. This includes hundreds of thousands of contractors and subcontractors, from large defense primes to small businesses. The DIB is a critical component of national security, and its health and security are vital to the U.S. military's ability to operate effectively. As such, DIB contractors are often subject to stringent regulations and compliance requirements, most notably those related to cybersecurity, to protect sensitive information.

Key Points

• Critical Infrastructure: The DIB is recognized as critical infrastructure, emphasizing its importance to national security and the economy.
• Cybersecurity Focus: Because DIB companies hold sensitive information, the government places immense importance on cybersecurity, as reflected in regulations like DFARS 252.204-7012 and the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC).
• DFARS Requirements: The Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) imposes specific requirements on DIB contractors regarding cybersecurity, supply chain risk management, and other areas.
• Economic Impact: The DIB has a substantial economic impact, supporting jobs and driving innovation in technology and manufacturing.

Practical Examples

1. Cybersecurity Compliance: A small business providing software development services to the Department of Defense must comply with NIST SP 800-171 and work towards CMMC certification to protect Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI).
2. Supply Chain Risk Management: A prime contractor must ensure its subcontractors also meet cybersecurity requirements to mitigate supply chain risks and protect against data breaches.
3. Reporting Cyber Incidents: A DIB contractor experiencing a cyber incident impacting covered defense information is required to report the incident to the DoD within 72 hours, as mandated by DFARS.