Marjorie Censer writes the GSA issued a request for information following an executive order aimed to enhance protection for cyber infrastructure.
The two agencies are considering implementing an accreditation program or other efforts without imposing new limits on companies looking for contracting work.
âThereâs already a significant cost to doing business with the federal government and we donât want to unduly increase that,â said Emile Monette, senior adviser for GSAâs Office of Acquisition Management.
âAny time you increase the requirements on a company just to do business with the government, you create barriers to entry.â
Censer reports the RFI also seeks comments on whether commercial standards may be applied to government purchases.
The GSA has already received 15 responses and will continue to accept comments through June 12, 2013.
âAt the end of the day, theyâre running a business and theyâre trying to remain profitable,â said Raymond O. Aghaian, partner at McKenna Long & Aldridge said of industry.
âItâs important to try to strike the right balance, and it would be difficult to do so if itâs just a one-sided conversation.â