What is Virginia OMB Circular A-130 for Government and Defense

 

OMB Circular A-130 is a federal policy framework that has been adapted for implementation in Virginia's government and defense sectors. It establishes comprehensive requirements for managing information as a strategic resource across Virginia's state agencies, particularly those working with federal contracts and defense-related projects.

 

Key Components of Virginia's Implementation of OMB Circular A-130

 

• Virginia-Specific Security Controls: While based on federal guidelines, Virginia has enhanced certain controls to address regional threats specific to the Commonwealth's position as a hub for defense contractors and federal agencies.
• Commonwealth of Virginia Information Security Standard (ITRM SEC501): Virginia's implementation incorporates these state-specific standards that work alongside A-130 requirements for state agencies working on federal projects.
• Northern Virginia Defense Corridor Considerations: Special provisions address the unique cybersecurity needs of the dense concentration of defense contractors and federal facilities in Northern Virginia.
• Virginia Public-Private Partnership Framework: Guidelines for information sharing between Virginia's government agencies and private defense contractors in accordance with A-130 principles.

 

Primary Objectives for Virginia Government/Defense Organizations

 

• Protect Sensitive Information: Safeguard classified and sensitive defense information stored on Virginia government and contractor systems.
• Ensure Operational Resilience: Maintain critical defense and government functions during cyber incidents, particularly for Virginia's military installations and command centers.
• Comply with Both State and Federal Requirements: Navigate the dual compliance landscape of Virginia state regulations and federal defense requirements.
• Facilitate Secure Information Sharing: Enable collaboration between Virginia state agencies, federal partners, and defense contractors while maintaining appropriate security.

 

Core Requirements for Virginia Defense Organizations

 

• Risk Management Framework (RMF) Implementation: Adapt the federal RMF to Virginia's defense ecosystem with consideration for regional threats.
• Virginia-Specific Incident Response Protocols: Follow state-mandated procedures for reporting security incidents to both Commonwealth authorities and federal partners.
• Capital Region Cybersecurity Planning: Develop contingency plans accounting for Virginia's proximity to DC and critical infrastructure.
• Virginia Tech Corridor Integration: Leverage the state's technology corridor resources when implementing security solutions.

 

Information System Life Cycle in Virginia Defense Context

 

• Planning Phase: Include Virginia state-specific requirements alongside federal guidelines when planning new defense systems.
• Implementation Phase: Ensure compatibility with Virginia's secure government networks and communication infrastructure.
• Assessment Phase: Incorporate Virginia-specific threat scenarios when testing system security.
• Authorization Process: Navigate dual authorization paths through both Virginia state authorities and federal defense agencies.
• Monitoring Requirements: Implement continuous monitoring that satisfies both Commonwealth and federal oversight mechanisms.

 

Virginia-Specific Privacy and Civil Liberties Protections

 

• Virginia Consumer Data Protection Act (CDPA) Alignment: Ensure defense systems also comply with Virginia's state privacy law where applicable.
• Virginia Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Considerations: Balance transparency requirements with security needs for defense projects in Virginia.
• State-Specific Personal Data Handling: Follow Virginia's enhanced requirements for handling personal information of state residents even in defense contexts.

 

Security Control Implementation for Virginia Defense Organizations

 

• Virginia Baseline Security Controls: Implement the minimum security requirements established by the Virginia Information Technologies Agency (VITA).
• Regional Threat Adaptation: Adjust controls based on Virginia's specific threat landscape, including its high concentration of federal facilities.
• Virginia National Guard Coordination: Establish protocols for involving the Virginia National Guard's cyber units during significant incidents.
• Chesapeake Digital Harbor Integration: Connect with Virginia's maritime cybersecurity initiatives for defense systems with naval applications.

 

Compliance and Reporting for Virginia Defense Contractors

 

• Dual Reporting Structure: Submit required security documentation to both Virginia state authorities and federal defense agencies.
• Virginia Security Breach Notification Requirements: Follow state-specific incident reporting timelines and procedures alongside federal requirements.
• Commonwealth Accountability Program: Participate in Virginia's state-level security assessment program for defense contractors.
• Virginia Public Procurement Act Compliance: Ensure cybersecurity measures align with state procurement rules for government contracts.

 

Practical Implementation Steps for Virginia Organizations

 

• Conduct Virginia-Specific Risk Assessment: Evaluate risks considering the Commonwealth's unique defense ecosystem and threat landscape.
• Develop Integrated Compliance Strategy: Create a unified approach that satisfies both Virginia state requirements and federal A-130 guidelines.
• Establish Virginia-Focused Training Program: Train staff on both federal requirements and Virginia-specific security procedures.
• Implement Regional Threat Intelligence: Subscribe to Virginia Fusion Center and other regional threat feeds specific to the Commonwealth's defense sector.
• Create State-Federal Coordination Protocols: Develop procedures for communicating with both Virginia authorities and federal partners during security events.

 

Resources for Virginia Defense Organizations

 

• Virginia Information Technologies Agency (VITA): Provides state-specific guidance on implementing A-130 requirements in the Virginia context.
• Virginia Cyber Range: Offers training and simulation capabilities specifically designed for Virginia's cybersecurity workforce.
• Virginia Economic Development Partnership - Defense & Homeland Security: Provides support for defense contractors navigating compliance requirements.
• Commonwealth Information Security Center: Offers Virginia-specific security resources and consultation for state agencies and contractors.
• Virginia Cyber Security Partnership: Facilitates collaboration between public and private entities on cybersecurity challenges specific to Virginia.