Introduction:

The North Carolina Defense Technology Transition (DEFTECH) Office and the North Carolina Military Business Center (NCMBC) are proud to introduce the “Tech Protect Initiative,” a revolutionary program designed to fortify cybersecurity and counterintelligence within North Carolina’s vibrant community of innovators and entrepreneurs. Tech Protect enhances compliance and ensures secure collaboration with the Department of Defense and Homeland Security in 2024, making it a crucial asset for the State’s innovation ecosystem. The DEFTECH Tech Protect program synchronizes with the weekly Coffee Calls and emphasizes cybersecurity and counterintelligence measures throughout the innovation lifecycle.  Tech Protect aligns with the NCMBC goals of technology transition in NC.

Tech Protect’s Strategic Alignment:

Tech Protect’s strategic alignment with the 2023 National Defense Industrial Strategy (NDIS) is at the heart of its significance.  The NDIS, focusing on resilient supply chains, workforce readiness, flexible acquisition, and economic deterrence, is pivotal in maintaining technological superiority in an ever-evolving global threat landscape.

Unlocking the Potential of North Carolina’s Defense Sector:

Tech Protect, known as “Securing and Growing the Defense Economy in NC,” is a transformative program that equips businesses with the knowledge and tools necessary to safeguard their innovations.  Tech Protect strongly emphasizes cybersecurity and counterintelligence, aligning perfectly with new legislative acts or acquisition terms and conditions.  The DEFTECH Tech Protect program and the DEFTECH Connected Communities Strategy in North Carolina are a linchpin in safeguarding the regional innovation ecosystem and contributing significantly to national defense.

Federal Directives and National Strategies:

Tech Protect is a proactive response to the evolving defense acquisition landscape, driven by its compliance with federal guidelines such as the 2023 SBA SBIR/STTR Policy Directive and the SBIR and STTR Extension Act of 2022.  By ensuring that North Carolina’s businesses and research institutions meet and exceed national standards, Tech Protect becomes an enabler of defense-related research and technology transition in support of the 2023 NDIS.  The goal is to decrease cyber intrusions as the NC Innovation Ecosystem becomes DFARS / NIST Compliant (Cybersecurity).

Tech Protect Supporting National Defense, Science and Technology Development, and the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024

Tech Protect supports the 2022 National Defense Strategy (NDS) and the National Defense Science & Technology Strategy 2023 (NDSTS) by aligning with their objectives.  In line with the NDS priorities, Tech Protect enhances cybersecurity and counterintelligence, bolstering defense against evolving threats.  Tech Protect aligns with the FY 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) by addressing key provisions relevant to government contractors, such as cybersecurity and supply chain concerns.  Additionally, Tech Protect’s emphasis on fostering a vibrant defense innovation ecosystem aligns with NDSTS goals, accelerating the transition of new technology and ensuring the long-term security of the nation (Department of Defense, 2022; Office of the Under Secretary of Defense, Research and Engineering, 2023).

State and Federal Partnerships (intergovernmental collaboration):

The success of the DEFTECH Tech Protect Initiative is underpinned by its collaborations with key federal agencies, including the National Security Innovation Network (NSIN), the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA).  These federal partnerships and collaboration with the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security and Office of Export Enforcement create a robust framework for enhancing cybersecurity and counterintelligence capabilities within North Carolina’s Innovation Ecosystem.  On a state level, the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (EDPNC) and the Secure Computing Institute at NC State University play crucial roles in fostering economic growth and technological security.

Empowering Counterintelligence and Cybersecurity:

Tech Protect’s central focus on counterintelligence and cybersecurity is paramount.  It identifies and mitigates foreign influences while enhancing cybersecurity measures within small businesses.  Tech Protect’s proactive approach shields sensitive technologies and research from potential theft or compromise.  Tech Protect provides awareness of due diligence programs covering cyber practices, patent analysis, disclosure of funding sources, and employee scrutiny.

Supporting Rapid Innovation and Secure Technology Development:

Tech Protect also plays a vital role in supporting the Defense Innovation Unit’s (DIU) evolution (DIU 3.0).  Expediting prototyping and facilitating the integration of commercial dual-use technologies for military purposes accelerates the technology transition process.  This approach aligns seamlessly with NDS, NDSTS, and the NDIS’s flexible acquisition and economic deterrence goals, creating an environment where innovative and secure defense technologies can flourish.

Conclusion:

Fostering a secure, collaborative, and innovative environment enhances the capabilities of the North Carolina Innovation Ecosystem, significantly strengthening the national defense industrial base.  This convergence represents a proactive and strategic approach to maintaining national security in a complex global landscape.  By participating in the DEFTECH Tech Protect Program, small businesses and research institutions in North Carolina have a unique opportunity to enhance cybersecurity, align with federal directives, and make meaningful contributions to regional and national security while driving innovation forward.