DHS to Consolidate Cyber Support Contracts; Karen Evans Quoted

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced that it will adjust the ratio of federal to contract staff supporting its network operations security center (NOSC) by recompeting some contracts, FedScoop reported Tuesday. The revisions are projected to come into effect in March.

“We’re really asking for our industry partners to work with us on this next evolution to be able to go forward,” said DHS chief information officer (CIO) Karen Evans. “It’s not saying, ‘Hey the services you were providing aren’t of quality.’ It’s saying, ‘Hey we’re changing the blend of feds to contractors to meet this next evolution of services that we want to provide to the department.”

DHS’ existing contracts may not continue in their current forms as DHS consolidates its security and network operations centers. The consolidation will support a broader strategy within the department to ensure its workforce has the skill sets to respond to cybersecurity threats.

The agency has implemented a personnel overhaul under the Cyber Talent Management System (CTMS) to compete with the private sector. The 2014 Border Patrol Pay Reform Act exempted DHS from existing Title 5 restrictions for cyber hiring and compensation.

DHS chief human capital officer, Angela Bailey, will work with Evans to publish all-new Title 6 rules that will enable CTMS participants to express interest, take cyber assessments and be matched with available jobs in areas.

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