The Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics & Technology is issuing a Request for Information (RFI) to gather industry insights on improving the capabilities of the Enterprise Mission Assurance Support Service (eMASS) through automation. eMASS is a government-owned application used for comprehensive Risk Management Framework implementations, providing key functionalities such as dashboard reporting and security controls measurement. The Army aims to enhance eMASS by reducing manual processes, improving automation, and assessing potential impacts on cybersecurity, costs, and operations. This RFI is not a solicitation for proposals but serves to inform future Army policies based on industry feedback. The Army invites responses regarding functionalities like accuracy, time reduction, and precision among others. Interested parties must submit organizational details and are required to respond by December 16, 2024. The responses will shape guidance for acquiring software solutions and may be compiled into summary documentation. Proprietary information will be handled as designated, and submissions will become government property without reimbursement obligations. This initiative reflects the Army's commitment to strengthening cybersecurity management within its operations.

The Army is seeking industry feedback to enhance the functionality of its eMASS (Enterprise Mission Assurance Support Service) system, aiming to address identified gaps. The focus is on improving various aspects such as completeness, accuracy, time reduction, human effort, consistency, inventory management, and precision in assessing cybersecurity risks. Key proposals for improvement include automating analysis of system components, standardizing tools interfacing with ACAS (Assured Compliance Assessment Solution), and creating detailed risk assessments for assets. The Army plans to potentially engage with respondents through various formats for deeper insights. This initiative reflects a broader effort by the Army to refine cybersecurity practices and streamline operational processes through technological advancements, thereby ensuring better risk management and compliance capabilities within its cyber infrastructure.

The "Process Guide for the Risk Management Framework Practitioners" outlines the use of the Enterprise Mission Assurance Support Service (eMASS) to support cybersecurity program management for federal agencies and the Department of Defense. It details the lifecycle of assessing and authorizing systems through the Risk Management Framework (RMF), which includes six primary steps: Prepare, Categorize, Select, Implement, Assess, Authorize, and Monitor. Each step comprises specific actions necessary for system registration, categorization of security requirements, implementation, and ongoing monitoring of security controls. The guide emphasizes the role of eMASS as a tool for tracking authorization statuses and documenting the progress of security activities, including development of Plans of Action and Milestones (POA&M) for remediation of identified vulnerabilities. It serves as a practical resource for cybersecurity personnel involved in compliance and assessment activities, ensuring adherence to NIST standards. The document aims to streamline processes and improve visibility into system security postures while facilitating communication across stakeholders. This comprehensive guide is crucial for ensuring that federal information systems operate securely and in compliance with established cybersecurity protocols, thereby addressing the broader context of federal RFPs and grants connected to cybersecurity initiatives.