New DOD policy reinforces 'foundational' role of cybersecurity in acquisitions

The Defense Department has issued a new instruction outlining how acquisition officials should approach incorporating cybersecurity requirements into Pentagon contracts, putting an emphasis on the need for effective supply chain risk management.

The policy, "Cybersecurity For Acquisition Decision Authorities and Program Managers," signed by Pentagon acquisition chief Ellen Lord makes it clear that acquisition officials should know cybersecurity is critical to all aspects of defense acquisition.

The document states cybersecurity is "foundational to the Defense Acquisition System (DAS) and...