Defense Industrial Base (DIB) Cyber Security Initiative

The Defense Industrial Base (DIB) Cyber Security Initiative is managed by the Office of the Secretary of Defense. Its primary goal is to strengthen cybersecurity across the defense industrial base. This initiative is funded under the Research, Development, Test & Evaluation, Defense-Wide appropriation, specifically within Operational Systems Development. The program seeks to enhance the protection of controlled unclassified information (CUI) and ensure contractor and subcontractor compliance with federal cybersecurity requirements. These efforts help mitigate risks posed by advanced persistent threats to sensitive defense information.

A central component of this initiative is the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) program, which transitioned from the Cyber Resiliency & Cybersecurity Policy program element. The CMMC program aims to establish and maintain a standardized cybersecurity framework for defense contractors, ensuring that organizations handling DoD information meet specific cybersecurity maturity levels. The program's objectives include operationalizing the CMMC eMASS infrastructure, managing and updating the CMMC eMASS database, and aligning CMMC requirements with evolving National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) standards.

In Fiscal Year 2025, the DIB Cyber Security Initiative will focus on continuing base program activities and preparing for the transition of the CMMC program to full operational status. Key objectives for FY25 include initiating performance metrics collection for CMMC, updating the requirements to remain synchronized with NIST standards, and fostering partnerships with other DoD initiatives and pilot programs to further enhance cybersecurity across the DIB. These efforts are designed to ensure that the cybersecurity posture of defense contractors remains robust and responsive to emerging threats.

For Fiscal Year 2026, the program will amend the publication of the 32 CFR CMMC program rule to incorporate the latest NIST cybersecurity guidelines. Additional objectives include updating the CMMC eMASS database on the Non-classified Internet Protocol Router Network (NIPR) and deploying an initial Secure Internet Protocol Router Network (SIPR) instantiation, integrating cross-domain solutions to facilitate secure information sharing. The program will also analyze and track CMMC performance metrics to assess effectiveness and identify operational impacts within the CMMC ecosystem.

The DIB Cyber Security Initiative operates in alignment with several overarching Department of Defense strategies, including the Fulcrum: The DoD Information Technology Advancement Strategy, the FY 2022 2026 DoD Strategic Management Plan, the 2024 DIB Cybersecurity Strategy, and the 2022 Zero Trust Strategy. These strategic frameworks guide the initiative's efforts to build enduring advantages by transforming the future force foundation and fortifying the defense ecosystem against evolving cyber threats.

Funding for the initiative is adjusted annually to reflect changing mission requirements and resource allocations. The FY 2026 budget reflects a decrease in funds due to realignment of DoD CIO mission requirements and a level-setting of cybersecurity resources. The program relies on technical support services contracted through various vendors, with ongoing efforts to ensure continuity and adaptability in response to the dynamic cybersecurity landscape.