Commission to fund research on China's cyberwarfare capabilities
A commission established by Congress to monitor issues important to the
United States’ relationship with China is looking for a contractor to
analyze the capabilities of the Chinese government and its affiliates
to conduct cyberwarfare and exploit computer networks.
The
U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission (USCC) issued a
request for proposals Dec. 19 for a contract to produce a one-time
unclassified report that would:
• Identify and assess major
actors in China — state-affiliated and state-sponsored — who appear to
be engaged in developing cyberwarfare capabilities.
• Explain how different organizations involved in those activities might be linked to one another.
• Assess the state of development of China's cyberwarfare doctrine.
• Provide a timeline of alleged Chinese-based hacking and intrusion into U.S. computer networks and those of U.S. allies.
•
Analyze the vulnerabilities of U.S. government computer systems and
civilian infrastructure and offer applicable policy recommendations.
USCC
was created in October 2000 to investigate the national security
implications of the trade and economic relationship between the United
States and China and submit an annual report to Congress, with
recommendations as appropriate. The leaders of the House and Senate
appoint the commissioners.
The government will award the
contract based on a combination of proposed costs, technical value and
abilities, the RFP states. Submissions are due by Jan. 21, 2009.
About the Author
Ben Bain is a reporter for Federal Computer Week.