H.R.872 - Federal Contractor Cybersecurity Vulnerability Reduction Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R. 872, the Federal Contractor Cybersecurity Vulnerability Reduction Act of 2025, aims to enhance the cybersecurity posture of federal contractors. It mandates that covered contractors implement vulnerability disclosure policies aligned with NIST guidelines. The bill directs OMB, CISA, the National Cyber Director, and NIST to review and update Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) contract requirements related to vulnerability disclosure programs.
Expected Effects
The primary effect of this bill will be to standardize and strengthen cybersecurity practices among federal contractors. This is achieved by requiring them to establish clear processes for receiving and addressing reports of security vulnerabilities. The Department of Defense Supplement to the FAR (DFARS) will also be revised to align with these requirements.
Potential Benefits
- Improved cybersecurity for federal information systems by mandating vulnerability disclosure policies.
- Reduced risk of data breaches and cyberattacks affecting government data.
- Enhanced collaboration between contractors and security researchers in identifying and addressing vulnerabilities.
- Alignment with industry best practices for vulnerability disclosure.
- Increased transparency and accountability in contractor cybersecurity practices.
Potential Disadvantages
- Increased compliance costs for covered contractors, particularly small businesses.
- Potential delays in procurement processes due to new cybersecurity requirements.
- Possible need for additional training and resources for contractors to implement vulnerability disclosure policies effectively.
- Risk of inconsistent implementation or interpretation of the vulnerability disclosure requirements across different agencies.
- Potential for increased reporting burden on contractors.
Constitutional Alignment
While the Constitution does not explicitly address cybersecurity, the bill aligns with the implied powers necessary to provide for the common defense and general welfare, as outlined in the Preamble. Congress's authority to legislate in this area stems from its power to regulate activities that affect national security and the functioning of the government. The bill does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or limitations.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).