Agencies request option to contract help in event of cyberattack

The Department of Defense (DoD), General Services Administration (GSA), and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) have proposed a new regulation that would allow them to seek small contracts after a cyberattack or natural disaster. The proposed rule amends the 2017 National Defense Authorization Act, and would allow the agencies to better respond in the event of an emergency.

“This is emergency procurement authority and not a substitute for normal procurement,” said Alan Chvotkin, executive vice president and counsel at the Professional Services Council. Chvotkin went on to explain, however, that the new rule sets the micro-purchase threshold at $20,000, which would not be enough for agencies to get all the “patches” they would need.

Formal comments on this proposed rule will be accepted through August 27.

For more information on this topic, please follow the links below.
Federal Acquisition Regulation: Special Emergency Procurement Authority, Federal Register
Agencies want new emergency powers after a cyberattack, Fifth Domain