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New federal contracting rule cuts off Kaspersky

The government is seeking to eliminate all traces of cybersecurity firm Kaspersky Labs from federal systems, issuing a new interim rule in the June 15 Federal Register to extend the governmentwide ban to contractors.

The rule, issued by the General Services Administration, the Department of Defense and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, amends the Federal Acquisition Regulation to require that all contracts and solicitations finalized after July 16, 2018, include language prohibiting the presence of Kaspersky hardware, software and products.

The rule applies not just to federal contracts but also smaller “micro” purchases and the purchase of commercial off the shelf items, which are often exempt from many contracting regulations. The notice states that the interim rule was issued without prior opportunity for public comment due to “urgent and compelling reasons.”

Keep reading this article at: https://fcw.com/articles/2018/06/15/kaspersky-rule-contractors.aspx

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NASA launches RFP for mammoth IT hardware buy

NASA has kicked off its fifth omnibus information technology procurement, issuing a request for proposals for contracts valued at between $5 and $10 billion open to use by all federal departments and agencies.

Like the previous four versions of the acquisition contract NASA has run since 1993, the Solutions for Enterprisewide Procurement — known as SEWP V — serves all federal agencies seeking desktops, laptops, servers, network gear and storage. To keep pace with technology, SEWP V will also serve as a vehicle to acquire cellphones, tablet computers, and voice over internet protocol phones.

SEWP IV, which was awarded in 2007, has 38 contract holders providing more than two million products from over 3,800 manufacturers.

Keep reading this article at: http://www.nextgov.com/cio-briefing/2013/08/nasa-launches-mammoth-it-hardware-buy/68927/?oref=nextgov_today_nl

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Pentagon directive targets fake parts, vulnerabilities in arms systems

A  new Pentagon directive is calling for new safeguards against fake parts and software vulnerabilities in arms and information systems. The mandate, which took effect Nov. 5, is likely to bring new momentum to funding of technology to protect military supply chains.

Signed by Teresa Takai, defense chief information officer, and Frank Kendall, under secretary of Defense for acquisition, technology and logistics, the directive asks for guidance, mechanisms and systems to control the security and configuration of software and hardware. It asks defense to push for new technology for “creating and identifying non-cryptologic software and hardware that is free from exploitable vulnerabilities and malicious intent.”

It calls for heads of defense units to come up with best practices to reduce occurrence of fake or compromised products. The order also asks for a way to give all critical components in systems an item unique identification so fakes can be better weeded out, and requires the implementation of test and evaluation protocols.

Keep reading this article at: http://www.nextgov.com/defense/2012/12/pentagon-directive-targets-fake-parts-vulnerabilities-arms-systems/59897/?oref=nextgov_today_nl.

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