Cybersecurity Research for Vehicle Systems

The contract seeks to evaluate cybersecurity vulnerabilities within vehicle electronic systems, focusing on electronic control unit communications and over-the-air update mechanisms. The goal is to identify potential security weaknesses that could be exploited to compromise vehicle integrity, safety, or data privacy, and to provide actionable recommendations for mitigating these risks. This research must address modern automotive architectures and the evolving threat landscape associated with connected and autonomous vehicle technologies. The subcontract is issued under NAICS code 541512 for computer systems design services and is managed by the Department of Transportation’s NHTSA Office of Acquisition. Responses are due by June 23, 2026, and the work pertains to the broader federal effort to enhance the cybersecurity resilience of the nation’s vehicle fleet. While specific performance locations and points of contact are not detailed, the project is expected to involve technical analysis, threat modeling, and the development of robust security controls tailored to automotive environments.