Federal Cybersecurity Vulnerability Reduction Act of 2023
Impact
If enacted, HB5255 would lead to significant changes in procurement regulations for federal contractors. Specifically, within 180 days of the bill's passage, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), in consultation with relevant agencies, will assess the current FAR requirements and recommend necessary updates. These recommendations are essential for ensuring that contractors are not only aware of vulnerabilities but also adhere to established guidelines designed to protect sensitive information. By enforcing these disclosure policies, the bill strives to create a more secure environment for federal procurement processes.
Summary
House Bill 5255, titled the 'Federal Cybersecurity Vulnerability Reduction Act of 2023', mandates that covered contractors implement a vulnerability disclosure policy that aligns with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) guidelines. This legislative measure aims to enhance the cybersecurity posture of federal contracts by ensuring that appropriate policies are in place for reporting security vulnerabilities related to information systems owned or operated by contractors. The bill emphasizes the significance of systematic reviews and updates to the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to incorporate these vulnerability disclosure requirements effectively.
Contention
Despite the bill's intentions, there may be contention regarding the balance between security requirements and the operational impacts on small contractors. Provisions allowing the Chief Information Officer of an Executive department to waive these disclosure requirements for national security or research purposes may raise concerns about accountability and transparency. Stakeholders could debate the implications of such waivers and whether they might undermine the effectiveness of the vulnerability disclosure policies.
Final_notes
Overall, HB5255 represents a critical step in strengthening the cybersecurity framework for federal contractors. While the structured approach to vulnerability disclosure promises to mitigate cybersecurity risks, discussions around implementation and compliance requirements remain vital to address the concerns of all parties involved.
Federal Contractor Cybersecurity Vulnerability Reduction Act of 2025This bill requires revisions to acquisition regulations related to information systems vulnerabilities for certain federal contractors. The revisions apply to contractors whose contract is at or above the simplified acquisition threshold ($250,000 in most cases) or that use, operate, manage, or maintain a federal information system on behalf of an agency. Under the bill, the Office of Management and Budget must review the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and recommend updated contract requirements and language for contractor vulnerability disclosure programs. (Such programs establish processes for identifying, reporting, and mitigating information system vulnerabilities discovered by security researchers, software developers, and others.) The recommendations must include requirements to ensure that such contractors implement vulnerability disclosure policies consistent with guidelines from the National Institute of Standards and Technology. The Federal Acquisition Regulation Council must review these recommendations and update the FAR as necessary to incorporate requirements for such contractors to receive information about potential security vulnerabilities in contractor information systems used in performance of contract.The Department of Defense (DOD) must conduct a similar review and update of regulations with respect to the DOD Supplement to the FAR.
Cybersecurity Vulnerability Remediation Act This bill authorizes the Department of Homeland Security to take certain actions with the goal of countering cybersecurity vulnerabilities. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency must report on its activities to coordinate disclosures of cybersecurity vulnerabilities. The report must address, among other topics, relevant policies and procedures; the degree to which disclosed information is acted upon by industry and other stakeholders; and the preservation of privacy and civil liberties when collecting, using, and sharing vulnerability disclosures. The National Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Center may disseminate protocols to counter cybersecurity vulnerabilities to information systems and industrial control systems, including in circumstances in which such vulnerabilities exist because software or hardware is no longer supported by a vendor. The Science and Technology Directorate may establish a competition to develop remedies for cybersecurity vulnerabilities.
9-8-8 Lifeline Cybersecurity Responsibility Act This bill requires the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to undertake efforts to protect the 9-8-8 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline from cybersecurity threats. (The lifeline is a three-digit number that connects callers in suicidal crisis or mental health distress to a national network of crisis centers.) The bill also expands related reporting requirements. Specifically, the network administrator for the lifeline must report identified cybersecurity incidents and vulnerabilities to SAMHSA, and the Government Accountability Office must conduct a study that evaluates cybersecurity risks and vulnerabilities associated with the lifeline and report the findings to Congress.