Key Takeaways
- General Dynamics Information Technology (GDIT) has been awarded a $285m contract by the Commonwealth of Virginia to enhance cybersecurity measures across the state’s digital infrastructure.
- The contract includes a one-year transition period, a five-year base term, and three additional one-year options.
- GDIT will provide a range of cybersecurity services, including vulnerability management, zero trust frameworks, and continuous security operations centre monitoring.
- The contract specifies the use of AI to automate security monitoring and integrate advanced cybersecurity tools.
- GDIT will also assist the Virginia Information Technologies Agency (VITA) with post-quantum cryptography projects to protect sensitive information from potential quantum computing threats.
Introduction to the Contract
The Commonwealth of Virginia has awarded a significant contract to General Dynamics Information Technology (GDIT) to enhance cybersecurity measures across the state’s digital infrastructure. The contract, valued at $285m, was awarded in October and includes a one-year transition period, a five-year base term, and three additional one-year options. This partnership marks a significant advancement in the state’s efforts to modernize its defenses against evolving threats. The contract specifies the implementation of AI for automated security monitoring and the integration of advanced cybersecurity tools, aiming to improve threat detection capabilities.
Cybersecurity Services
GDIT will provide a range of cybersecurity services to the Virginia Information Technologies Agency (VITA), which manages IT operations for 67 state agencies and supports more than 8.8 million residents. The General Dynamics unit will deploy its Eclipse Defensive Cyber and Everest Zero Trust Digital Accelerators to deliver services such as vulnerability management, zero trust frameworks, and continuous security operations centre monitoring. These services will enable the state to better prepare for emerging challenges, such as AI-driven attacks and quantum computing. The contract outlines the use of AI to automate security monitoring and integrate advanced cybersecurity tools, aiming to improve threat detection capabilities.
Post-Quantum Cryptography Projects
GDIT will also assist VITA with post-quantum cryptography projects, focusing on protecting sensitive information from potential quantum computing threats. This will involve updating encryption protocols and facilitating a secure shift to quantum-resilient systems. The partnership between GDIT and the Commonwealth of Virginia will provide greater agility to how the state’s network is protected, allowing it to better respond to emerging challenges. The use of AI and advanced cybersecurity tools will enable the state to stay ahead of potential threats and protect its digital infrastructure.
GDIT’s Involvement with State and Local Government Clients
This agreement extends GDIT’s involvement with state and local government clients across the US. GDIT has previously provided technology services for public sector programmes in states, including Alabama, Arkansas, California, Maryland, Mississippi, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, and Texas. The company’s experience and expertise in providing cybersecurity services to state and local government clients will be invaluable in supporting the Commonwealth of Virginia’s efforts to enhance its cybersecurity posture. GDIT’s Digital Accelerators portfolio, which will be brought onto Google Cloud, will speed solution development and deployment, helping agencies improve decision-making, strengthen security, reduce costs, and advance mission outcomes.
Partnership with Google Public Sector
Last month, GDIT expanded its partnership with Google Public Sector to accelerate US government innovation. The collaboration will focus on delivering secure AI and cloud capabilities to the tactical edge for defence and intelligence bodies and transforming citizen services for civilian agencies. The effort combines GDIT’s mission and systems-integration experience with Google Cloud’s AI, cloud, and cybersecurity tools. This partnership will enable GDIT to provide more comprehensive and innovative solutions to its clients, including the Commonwealth of Virginia. The use of AI and cloud capabilities will enable the state to improve its cybersecurity posture and respond more effectively to emerging threats.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the contract between GDIT and the Commonwealth of Virginia marks a significant advancement in the state’s efforts to enhance its cybersecurity measures. The partnership will provide the state with the necessary tools and expertise to stay ahead of emerging threats and protect its digital infrastructure. The use of AI and advanced cybersecurity tools will enable the state to improve its threat detection capabilities and respond more effectively to potential threats. The agreement extends GDIT’s involvement with state and local government clients across the US and demonstrates the company’s commitment to providing innovative and comprehensive cybersecurity solutions to its clients.
