Supply Chain Oversight: A New Era in Risk Governance for Federal Contractors

In recent years federal contractors have been challenged to adapt their legal and compliance strategy to a growing regulatory focus on securing the federal supply chain. In particular, technology bans and restrictions have been used to mitigate data security and surveillance concerns associated with foreign information and communications technology (ICT) - imposing significant new due diligence measures over extended third-party ecosystems.  These kinds of strict, targeted prohibitions are expected to play a role in how the federal government manages supply chain risk moving forward.    

Furthermore, recent bellwether federal procurements (GSA OASIS+, ASTRO, Polaris, 8(a) STARS III, and DISA DES, to name just a few) have required offerors to disclose measures taken to assess and limit supply chain risk as part of contract award - providing a glimpse into the importance of Supply Chain Risk Management (SCRM) as a contract award discriminator.   

Federal agencies and the government contractors that serve them will increasingly be obligated to know exactly where products, components, software, and services are being sourced, throughout all levels of an increasingly complex and global supply chain. Contractors can expect new standards and acquisition policies for SCRM programs in an effort to improve SCRM capabilities for the government and industry as a whole. 

During this presentation, Mr. Alvarez and Mr. Clayton will discuss: 

• Regulatory activity related to supply chain risk

• Recent supply chain-related security breaches

• Biden's Cyber and supply chain Executive Order

• Federal contract clause requirements related to supply chain oversight

• The Use of SCRM Plans in Key Federal Acquisitions

• How an organization should evaluate its Supply Chain Risk Management (SCRM) practices

• The use of all-source intelligence platforms ("Supply Chain Illumination")

• Practical guidance on SCRM Plan preparation and structure

Learning Objectives:

1. Examine the federal government's focus on supply chain security and associated national security implications

2. Discuss mechanisms for evaluating supply chain risk management programs

3. Gain an understanding of key elements included in a supply chain risk management program and best practices for establishing a strong program