As the federal government adjusts how they regulate and monitor government contractors, it is important to fully understand the new opportunities that arise for improving processes and increasing profits. It is essential for private sector companies that contract with the federal government to have well-established IT processes.
Why Focus On Refining Your IT Strategy?
Government contractors need a strong IT strategy to ensure that operations and technology are aligned to meet the critical business needs in an efficient, secure and scalable manner. Increasing employee and client sophistication with respect to technology needs and expectations means that organizations must continue to increase their own strategic readiness and awareness to keep pace. At the same time, cyber threat sophistication requires executive teams and boards to be more educated in cyber risk than ever before. Both factors make the need for independent, strategic, experienced technology advisory services more acute than any time in our history.
Government Contracting IT Strategies
Hartman works alongside government contractors to develop, strengthen and maintain IT strategies. Examples include:
- Keeping information secure
- Selecting and implementing software solutions
- Developing a scalable IT roadmap
- Improving workflow through process automation
- Preparing for mergers and acquisitions
- Assisting with compliance and CMMC readiness
CMMC Readiness
The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) is a unified cybersecurity standard for future Department of Defense (DoD) acquisitions. In short, all companies that work with the DoD will soon be required to meet certain requirements to bid on be awarded contracts.
Hartman conducts independent CMMC readiness assessments and helps define actions to remain competitive and win future contracts. Hartman can work directly with your leadership to develop a plan to close gaps and work toward certification at the most appropriate level through our CMMC compliance services.
Section 889(a)(1)(B) Compliance
Hartman can help government contractors comply with Section 889(a)(1)(B) of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act that went into effect August 2020 prohibiting contractors from using or providing to the Government any equipment, system, or service that uses covered telecommunications equipment or services, as more specifically described in Federal Acquisition Regulation clause 52.204-25. More details can be found here.
889 was put into effect due to a possible national security threat that the prohibited products may be used by China to harvest intelligence. The regulation requires that contractors:
- Confirm they do not supply or use the prohibited equipment.
- Review their facilities and assets to confirm these products are not in use, and self report if they are in use.
- Evaluate home office or remote teleworking equipment to confirm the equipment is not used.
- Reasonably confirm with their suppliers that they are not using or providing the prohibited equipment.
- Incorporate training into future supplier onboarding/management activity to keep current
Hartman can work with contractors on how they plan to comply with the law and guide equipment assessments to determine if any prohibited products are in their environments, at home with remote workers, or in their supply chain. Hartman can also help establish organization-wide security measures to mitigate threats and strengthen enterprise cybersecurity posture.
Speak With Experienced Government Contracting IT Consultants Today
If you’re a government contractor worried about CMMC compliance or the 889 regulation, contact Hartman today for a no-cost consultation and learn what applies to your specific situation and how to get started. Hartman works with government contractors of all kinds to address cybersecurity and implement IT programs that support their service offerings. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you win more contracts.