In the ever-evolving realm of government contracting, 2024 promises a rollercoaster ride of policy changes that could reshape the playing field for federal contractors. From revamped cybersecurity requirements to greenhouse gas emissions disclosure and the government flexing its buying muscle, here’s a thrilling preview of the seismic shifts on the horizon.
Gov’t Contracting Policies To Watch In 2024 : DOD’s Reworked Cybersecurity Requirements
The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) is gearing up for a cybersecurity shakeup with the release of the long-awaited Version 2.0 of the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC). Aimed at thousands of contractors, this overhaul, born out of industry complaints about rigidity, introduces a tiered approach to cybersecurity controls. The battlefield includes three levels, ranging from basic to stringent, challenging contractors to fortify their cyber defenses.
While the proposed rule clarifies some lingering concerns, questions persist, like the enigma of self-certification and the labyrinth of third-party expert certification. Ned Childs from McGuireWoods LLP acknowledges the DOD’s efforts to engage with industry but hints at the complexity yet to be unraveled in the CMMC process.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions Requirements
In a bid to combat climate change, the Federal Acquisition Regulatory Council is poised to finalize a rule compelling contractors with over $50 million in annual federal contracts to unveil and curtail their greenhouse gas emissions. With more than 30,000 comments fueling the debate, the rule demands disclosure of both direct and indirect emissions, potentially rendering noncompliant firms “nonresponsible” for federal contracts.
