Senate Bill Directs DOW to Develop Cyber Workforce Strategy

https://www.executivegov.com/articles/senate-bill-pentagon-cyber-workforce-strategy

Publish Date: 2026-01-15 15:41:00

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Using an unordered list, summarize the following article with between 4 and 8 key points. Sens. Gary Peters, D-Mich., and Mike Rounds, R-S.D., have proposed a bill that would require the Department of War to develop a cybersecurity workforce strategy.As lawmakers push for a more coordinated Pentagon cyber workforce strategy, collaboration across government and industry remains essential to strengthening national cyber capabilities. The Potomac Officers Club’s 2026 Cyber Summit will bring together leaders shaping the cyber mission across the federal landscape on May 21. Register today to connect with the broader cyber community and stay informed about developments shaping the future of cybersecurity.The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee said Wednesday the proposed Department of Defense Comprehensive Cyber Workforce Strategy Act aims to prioritize the recruitment and retention of cybersecurity professionals to protect federal networks from foreign adversaries and evolving cyberthreats.“This bipartisan, commonsense bill will ensure that we have the highly skilled experts we need in place to protect against ever-evolving cybersecurity threats,” said Peters.What Are the Provisions of the Senate DOW Cyber Workforce Strategy Bill?According to Federal News Network, the proposed measure would require the Pentagon to submit a report on its cyber workforce strategy by the end of January 2027.The bill calls for the department to perform a detailed analysis of the Defense Cyber Workforce Framework, including its implementation efforts, goals and milestones, as well as identify any problems or issues with regard to the framework’s implementation.Under the legislation, the Pentagon should explore alternative personnel models; leverage talent management authorities used by other agencies; assess the use of commercial tools for tracking workforce certifications and qualifications; and work with universities and academic centers of excellence to improve talent acquisition and workforce development, according to FNN.What Steps Is the Pentagon Taking to Advance Cyber Workforce Development?In June 2025, Mark Gorak, Director of the department’s Cyber Academic Engagement Office, emphasized the need to expand the DOW’s cybersecurity workforce and provided updates on the CyberSkills2Work program at an event in Washington.Gorak also highlighted the five initiatives that the DOW chief information officer is advancing to establish a “world-class” cyber workforce: qualifying personnel; mature, skills-based hiring; increasing certification and training opportunities; enhancing cyber workforce initiatives and pay flexibilities; and recognizing and addressing resource limitations. SBA Modernizes SBIC Program With Final Rule The Small Business Administration has published a final rule that seeks to modernize the Small Business Investment Company, or SBIC, program to drive private capital investment in critical industries. SBA said Wednesday the final rule, which will take effect Feb. 2, eliminates certain eligibility requirements for SBIC license applications seeking access to the Expedited Subsequent Fund Evaluation Process and reduces regulatory burdens by removing obsolete provisions and improving terms and conditions that help advance SBIC investments. According to the agency, the final rule ensures that the SBIC program remains a strong platform for funding small businesses operating in manufacturing, energy, University of Arizona, Precise Systems Team Up for $151B SHIELD Contract Vehicle The University of Arizona has joined a team led by Maryland-headquartered defense technology company Precise Systems to compete for task orders under the Missile Defense Agency’s $151 billion Scalable Homeland Innovative Enterprise Layered Defense, or SHIELD, contract vehicle. The university said Wednesday that its participation in SHIELD, which supports the establishment of the Golden Dome multi-layer missile defense system, aligns with the U of A Office of Research and Partnerships’ national defense focus. Be among the first to learn about opportunities related to the Golden Dome and other technology initiatives at the Department of War by registering for the Potomac CISA, NCSC-UK, FBI Release OT Secure Connectivity Guidance The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, in collaboration with UK’s National Cyber Security Centre, or NCSC-UK, the FBI and international partners, has released Secure Connectivity Principles for Operational Technology. As cyber threats intensify and the DOW’s 2027 zero-trust deadline approaches, join government and industry cyber leaders at the Potomac Officers Club’s 2026 Cyber Summit on May 21 to assess agency readiness, share best practices and build critical partnerships. Register now to attend. What Is the Joint Guidance For? The NCSC-UK-led guidance provides organizations with practical direction on addressing insecure connectivity and safeguarding operational technology environments from cyber risks, including nation-state-sponsored activity,