The U.S. Cyber Command has started to use its new acquisition authority to accelerate contract awards for cyber technology products and services.Cybercom issued its first contract through the authority on Sept. 29 for information technology-related research and technical information services that are meant to aid future acquisition decisions, the command said in a news release posted Thursday.
The Fiscal Year 2016 National Defense Authorization Act gave Cybercom permission to procure, develop and sustain cyberspace-related equipment and capabilities as well as award contracts worth up to $75 million a year, until Sept. 30, 2021.
Combatant commands and their subordinate units usually rely on military branches or defense agencies to award contracts and acquire resources on their behalf.
Mike Zwiebel, Cybercom acting command acquisition executive, said the authority will help the command address the “dynamic nature” of the cyber domain.
He added that Cybercom must have the ability to respond to rapid changes in the cyber threat environment.
Cybercom will hold its first industry day on Oct. 27 in Springfield, Virginia to talk about acquisition plans and requirements with government and industry representatives from the cyber sector.
