Cybersecurity & Covered Defense Information Safeguarding

The contract requires the implementation and ongoing maintenance of cybersecurity controls aligned with NIST Special Publication 800-171 to safeguard covered defense information as mandated by DFARS 252.204-7012. This includes ensuring all systems handling such information meet the specified security requirements, conducting regular assessments to verify compliance, and promptly reporting any cybersecurity incidents that may compromise the integrity, confidentiality, or availability of covered defense information. The contractor must maintain documented processes for monitoring, detecting, and responding to threats while ensuring continuous adherence to the NIST framework throughout the performance period. This is a small business set-aside subcontract under the SBA Total Small Business Set-Aside category, targeting businesses classified under NAICS code 541512 for computer systems design and related services. The award is managed by the Strategic Acquisition Program Directorate within the Department of Defense, with responses due by August 5, 2026. Performance is expected to occur under the overarching authority of federal cybersecurity regulations, requiring strict compliance with all reporting and documentation obligations tied to the protection of sensitive defense information. The subcontractor must be prepared to demonstrate operational readiness and ongoing auditability of their cybersecurity posture without reliance on external certifications unless explicitly required.