Senate Panel Adds Pilot Allowing Pentagon to Use Civilian Contractors for Cyber Operations

The Senate Armed Services Committee included in its annual defense policy bill a provision authorizing a pilot program allowing the Pentagon to partner with civilian contractors for cyber operations, Breaking Defense reported. The pilot program would permit civilian contractors to conduct cyber operations limited to gaining access to systems, using their own infrastructure, while remaining under the operational direction and authority of US Cyber Command.

The Senate and House must reconcile their versions of the National Defense Authorization Act before passing each chamber and receiving the president’s signature.

Charlie Moore, distinguished visiting professor at Vanderbilt University and former deputy commander of CYBERCOM, stated that the provision signals a needed shift. “I am hopeful this is indicative that inside the Department of War, but also up on Capitol Hill, people understand that we need to move towards a much closer relationship with the private sector,” Moore said.

Moore added that the United States must advance beyond typical partnerships.

“We have to move beyond what we typically call partnerships and into becoming true teammates,” he said. ” Some experts have raised concerns that China holds a 10:1 cyber personnel advantage relative to the US. Cyber operations require operators to gain access, which can take months to years, maintain that access, map the network, and plan a tool for the effect.