Understanding Oregon's Implementation of OMB A-11 for Government/Defense Cybersecurity

 

Oregon's implementation of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circular A-11 establishes state-specific cybersecurity requirements for government agencies and defense contractors operating within Oregon. While the federal OMB A-11 provides broad guidelines, Oregon has customized these directives to address regional threats and compliance needs.

 

What is Oregon OMB A-11?

 

Oregon OMB A-11 is a specialized framework that adapts federal budget and cybersecurity planning requirements to Oregon's government systems and defense infrastructure. It requires Oregon state agencies and defense contractors to implement robust cybersecurity measures while planning and justifying technology budgets.

 

Key Components of Oregon OMB A-11 for Government/Defense

 

• Oregon Cybersecurity Advisory Council (OCAC) Compliance - All cybersecurity investments must align with the standards established by Oregon's dedicated cybersecurity council
• Cascadia Subduction Zone Considerations - Systems must incorporate disaster recovery planning specific to Oregon's unique seismic risks and potential infrastructure disruptions
• Columbia River Power Grid Security - Enhanced protections for systems connected to or dependent on the Columbia River hydroelectric infrastructure
• Oregon National Guard Cyber Team Integration - Requirements for coordinating with Oregon's specialized National Guard Cyber Team during major incidents
• Oregon Consumer Information Protection Act (OCIPA) Alignment - Specific data protection standards that exceed federal requirements

 

Risk Assessment Requirements

 

• Oregon Threat Landscape Analysis - Agencies must document specific regional threats including:
  • Pacific Northwest critical infrastructure vulnerabilities
  • Timber and natural resource industry-specific threats
  • Port of Portland maritime cybersecurity considerations
• Rural Infrastructure Protection - Specialized requirements for securing systems in Oregon's rural communities with limited connectivity
• Cross-border (Washington/California/Idaho) Risk Mitigation - Requirements for systems that interact with neighboring states

 

Budget Planning Requirements

 

• Oregon IT Governance Framework Alignment - Budget requests must demonstrate compliance with Oregon's specific IT governance structure
• Oregon Cyber Resilience Spending Categories - Prescribed spending allocations for:
  • Preventative controls (minimum 30%)
  • Detection capabilities (minimum 25%)
  • Response readiness (minimum 20%)
  • Recovery systems (minimum 15%)
  • Training/awareness (minimum 10%)
• Salem Security Operations Center Integration - Budget allocations for connecting systems to Oregon's centralized security monitoring facility

 

Reporting Requirements

 

• Quarterly Oregon Cyber Status Reports - Oregon-specific reporting templates that must be submitted to state authorities
• Oregon Emergency Response Protocol Documentation - Detailed documentation showing alignment with Oregon's Emergency Response Framework
• Oregon Public Records Compliance - Specialized documentation requirements for cybersecurity measures related to public records

 

Defense Contractor Special Requirements

 

• Oregon Defense Manufacturing Cybersecurity Standards - Enhanced requirements for contractors involved in Oregon's defense manufacturing supply chain
• Coordination with Oregon Military Department - Documented processes for communication with state military authorities
• Oregon Small Business Defense Contractor Provisions - Modified requirements for smaller Oregon-based defense contractors

 

Implementation Timeline

 

• Annual Cycle Alignment - Oregon's fiscal year planning from July 1 to June 30 (different from federal fiscal year)
• Mid-cycle Review Process - Oregon-specific January review requirements with state cybersecurity authorities
• Biennial Budget Integration - Requirements for aligning cybersecurity planning with Oregon's unique biennial budget process

 

Practical Implications for Oregon Organizations

 

If you're responsible for government or defense systems in Oregon, OMB A-11 means you must:

• Document Oregon-specific threats to your systems and how you're addressing them
• Justify cybersecurity spending according to Oregon's categorization requirements
• Integrate with state resources like the Salem Security Operations Center and Oregon National Guard Cyber Team
• Submit Oregon-formatted reports on cybersecurity status and incidents
• Maintain compliance with Oregon-specific regulations like OCIPA that may exceed federal requirements

 

Getting Help with Oregon OMB A-11

 

• The Oregon Cybersecurity Advisory Council offers consultation services for state agencies struggling with compliance
• The Oregon Chief Information Security Officer's office provides templates and guidance specific to Oregon's implementation
• Regional cybersecurity workshops are regularly held in Portland, Eugene, Bend, and Medford to assist with implementation