Actions Foreshadow Uniform Cybersecurity Regulations for Federal Contractors – Two Recent Executive Agency Actions Lay the Groundwork for a FAR Cybersecurity Clause in 2016
The National Archives and Record Administration (NARA) is proposing a new rule pertaining to Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). The National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST) just finalized a publication regarding standards for holding CUI. These actions by these two agencies will result in a new cyber security clause to the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) in 2016.
Source: JD Supra Business Advisor, Article written by Mary E. Bosco, published July 17, 2015
Federal government contractors handling Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) should take notice of two recent executive agency actions. Combined, they lay the groundwork for a new cybersecurity clause to be added to the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) in 2016.
The National Archives and Record Administration (NARA) is the Executive Agent for handling CUI. In May, NARA proposed a rule (the NARA CUI regulation) to establish policies for federal agencies on designating, safeguarding, disseminating, marking and disposing of CUI. The proposal requires agencies whose contractors handle CUI to impose contractual requirements that are consistent with the new NARA policies. Importantly for government contractors, NARA announced that in 2016, it will sponsor a single FAR clause that will apply specific information security requirements to contractors handling CUI. MORE…
Read the full story at http://www.jdsupra.com/legalnews/actions-foreshadow-uniform-45314/
Cyber security is a very important issue for small businesses. With the new NIST publication, companies can begin preparing for new government standards. Contact your nearest PTAC office for guidance about these new issues.
For help with Government Contracting: contact your nearest Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC). Funded through Cooperative Agreements between the U.S. Department of Defense and state and local governments/institutions, PTACs provide free and low-cost assistance in virtually all areas of government contracting.