Federal Network Security: TIC Toc TIC Toc
Source: INPUT B2G Exchange Blog
Trusted Internet Connections (TIC), one of the Federal Government's newest initiatives, is moving forward and formalizing a process to consolidate all internet gateways Government-wide (over 1,000) to around 50 secured connections. The implementation would help create a much more robust, secure perimeter by establishing standardized processes for the Government, specifically
DHS, to monitor internet connections going in and out of its networks. DHS has been hard at work putting together the definitions of what this will entail and how it can best be implemented, and
GSA has been working with its
Networx vendors to find how they can best be utilized to aid in this implementation.
» Read Blog
 |
| “By adding TIC solutions to the Networx contract vehicle, GSA is implying those vendors are best positioned to supply a quality solution. It is unclear at this time which primes will opt to join the TIC CLIN but it is clear that teaming with other businesses, both large and small, is likely. But what we do know is that Federal Government is working towards fulfilling this serious security concern through a means (not competitive) that could end up being more efficient and less time consuming than a lengthy, protest-riddled procurement. Whether or not Federal Agencies decide to use Networx or obtain a solution on their own, the bottom line is the Government is well on its way to improving network security.” -Arash Ardalan, Senior Analyst, Federal |
|
DHS is having a MAC Attack
Source: INPUT B2G Exchange Blog
DHS recently released the RFP for its newest contract vehicle, PACTS. PACTS will be competed among SDVOSB prime vendors as the contract vehicle for varying professional and administrative services. As all federal agencies seem to be trending toward the greater use of Government-Wide Acquisition Contracts (GWACs) and Multiple Award Contracts (MACs), DHS has several MACs in all areas of operations also being competed in the near future.
» Read Blog
|
| “Coming off the successful establishment of EAGLE and FirstSource, DHS is looking to expand their contracting capability with Department-wide contracts like PACTS as well as specifically targeted MACs for everything from the Office of Intelligence to CS&C’s SETA needs. As more federal agencies, especially DHS, establish MACs, contracting will become more and more like choosing the appropriate contract vehicle off a menu of options. Simply matching a requirement to the correct vehicle will then transform that business opportunity in a limited competition task order among the vehicle’s prime vendors.” -Jeremy Potter, Senior Analyst, Federal Opportunities |
|
Stealth Acquisition Workforce at DHS
Source: INPUT B2G Exchange Blog
In a recent report,
Acquisition Workforce Training and Qualifications, DHS Inspector General (IG) Robert Skinner highlighted problems with acquisition management at DHS. A comparison of DHS' central database of its acquisition staff and those of its component agencies (primarily CBP, TSA, and Coast Guard) shows significant record-keeping issues.
» Read Blog
|
| “At first glance, the report is simply another critical examination of DHS' challenges – nothing new here. But upon closer inspection it brings up an interesting point to be made in regard to the acquisition workforce. According to the report, DHS is not quite sure who all of its contracting officers, program managers, COTRs are or to what programs they are assigned. There's a group of rogue contracting professionals working at DHS under the radar.” -Deniece Peterson, Senior Analyst, Industry Analysis |
|
“Do More with Less”: The Impact of Mega-Trends on Government IT Procurement
Source: INPUT B2G Exchange Blog
An INPUT Senior Analyst, Alex Rossino, attended a recent Analyst Day at Electronic Data Systems in Herndon, VA to discuss the Government IT market. During the event, the guest analysts and our EDS hosts spent time discussing mega-trends that are either currently affecting the government IT market, or will have a decisive impact in the coming years. He reported back on challenges as well as opportunities.
» Read Blog
|
| “The impact of budgetary limitations and the declining availability of a skilled workforce are big challenges facing our community. However, the good news is that IT can be put forward as the solution to the public sector's fiscal woes. As IT solutions save money and more work is competitively awarded, the trends in Government IT stand as major opportunities for well positioned vendors. Those companies that succeed will be the ones that can leverage the intelligence and savvy of their personnel to help government "do more with less" in the most efficient and cost-effective way.” -Alex Rossino, Analyst, Federal |
|
