Multi-Government Encryption Procurement Initiative
Need for Protection of Data
The loss or theft of social security numbers, credit card accounts or other personal, private and sensitive information continues to increase. The national figure of records containing sensitive personal information affected by data loss or breach is in the hundreds of millions. Taking steps to protect information is a crucial component in any cyber security strategy.
Encryption--a technique that is used to protect the privacy and security of information--is one layer in a multi-tiered cyber security defense. As organizations strive to meet the challenges posed by data loss and theft, use of encryption is increasing.
Multi-Government Encryption Procurement Initiative
On June 18, 2007, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), and the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) announced the award of multiple contracts for blanket purchase agreements to protect sensitive and private information residing on government laptops, other mobile computing devices and removable storage media devices. The agreements will allow state and local governments to purchase encryption products and services by leveraging the incredible buying power of the federal government to help state and local governments with their encryption solutions.
Three categories of software and hardware encryption products are available under the agreements: full disk encryption (FDE), file encryption (FES), and integrated FDE/FES products.
Benefits to State and Local Government
By leveraging the buying power of the Federal government, state and local governments will benefit from favorable pricing, terms and conditions in their efforts to secure information and to comply with regulations.
This is the first time such contracts are being made available to state and local governments and the ability to purchase off these contracts is expected to save millions of dollars nationally.
MS-ISAC Participation
The MS-ISAC is exploring a joint buy for states and local governments to further maximize efficiencies. An informational webcast was conducted by the MS-ISAC for all states on June 26 to discuss the procurement and how states can participate.
For information about awardees and products, as well as other details regarding this initiative, please visit the following:
