Cybersecurity Workforce (E.O. 13870)

Summary

Creates programs to train, recruit, and reward cybersecurity workers in both government and private jobs to protect the country's computer systems.

What problem does this solve?

The United States has a shortage of skilled cybersecurity workers, which puts national and economic security at risk. This order creates new training programs, competitions, and awards to build a stronger and more skilled cybersecurity workforce.

What does this order do?

Establishes a cybersecurity rotational program

Creates a program for federal cybersecurity employees to temporarily work at different agencies, like the Department of Homeland Security, to share knowledge and gain new skills.

Creates the President's Cup Cybersecurity Competition

Starts an annual competition for federal and military employees to find and reward the government's best cybersecurity workers with cash prizes of at least $25,000.

Introduces a Presidential Cybersecurity Education Award

Creates a yearly award for one elementary and one secondary school teacher who best teaches students about cybersecurity.

Integrates the NICE Framework into government contracts

Requires that government contracts for IT and cybersecurity services use the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE) Framework to define skill requirements.

Identifies aptitude tests for reskilling programs

Directs the Office of Personnel Management to create a list of tests that can find current government employees who have the potential to be retrained for cybersecurity jobs.

Requires new awards for cybersecurity achievements

Makes sure that both civilian and military government workers can receive awards and decorations for excellent performance in cybersecurity and cyber-operations.

Who does this affect?

Federal government employees
Cybersecurity professionals
Government contractors

What is the real world impact?

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Addresses the national shortage of cybersecurity professionals

Creates new training, recruitment, and retention programs for cybersecurity workers to protect the country's digital infrastructure and national security from cyber threats.

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Standardizes cybersecurity skills for government work

Promotes the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE) Framework for government contracts and training. This ensures a consistent skill set among federal and private sector workers who support government systems.

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Potentially weakens labor protections for federal cyber workers

Directs the Office of Management and Budget to annually list cybersecurity agencies that could be exempted from federal labor-management relations. This could limit union rights for these employees under the reason of national security.

When does this start?

This order sets several deadlines for different government agencies to create reports and start new programs within 90 days to one year.

Cybersecurity rotational program report

Within 90 days of May 2, 2019, the Secretary of Homeland Security must provide a report to the President describing the proposed rotational program.

President's Cup Competition plan

Within 90 days of May 2, 2019, the Secretary of Homeland Security must submit a plan for the annual cybersecurity competition to the President.

Cybersecurity aptitude assessment list

Within 180 days of May 2, 2019, the Director of OPM must identify a list of cybersecurity aptitude assessments for agencies to use.

First President's Cup Competition

The first competition must be held no later than December 31, 2019.

Report on NICE Framework in contracts

Within one year of May 2, 2019, the Administrator of General Services must provide a report to the President on how the NICE Framework has been used in contracts.

Presidential Cybersecurity Education Award

Within one year of May 2, 2019, the Secretary of Education must develop and implement the annual award for educators.