The US has awarded tech giant IBM an initial $26-million contract to provide cybersecurity support for allied governments in the Europe and Eurasia (E&E) region.
The five-year contract stipulates assistance services to the US Agency for International Development’s (USAID) Cybersecurity Protection and Response program, which aims to bolster partner nations’ digital identification, detection, and recovery capabilities.
For this purpose, IBM will deploy a team of experts to countries with a USAID presence to help with management, incident response, capacity building, and other services.
The project is expected to maintain an improved, coordinated, and resilient digital ecosystem across the region, the company noted.
“USAID is working toward a future where digital technology promotes inclusive growth, fosters resilient and democratic societies, and empowers everyone, including those most vulnerable and marginalized,” USAID E&E Assistant Administrator Erin McKee commented on IBM’s latest contract.
“Working with IBM and leveraging the company’s global experience and leadership in cybersecurity services, we are one step closer to meeting our strategic goals of improving development and humanitarian assistance outcomes through the use of digital technology and strengthening open, secure, and inclusive digital ecosystems.”
Coordination With Partners
USAID’s collaboration with IBM follows the US State Department’s announcement this year to promote “digital solidarity” with international partners in response to the surge of “shared global challenges” and increasing “competition between nations.”
“We are in a pivotal period of international relations,” US State Secretary Antony Blinken remarked on the strategy. “Technology will play an increasingly critical role in addressing these challenges.”
“The United States will work with any country or actor that is committed to developing and deploying technology that is open, safe, and secure, that promotes inclusive growth, that fosters resilient and democratic societies, and that empowers all people.”
Supporting NATO
IBM won a separate contract last year to deliver support services for NATO’s cybersecurity infrastructure.
The agreement covered integration and related configuration of the organization’s cyber defense assets.
Work for this effort will be facilitated until 2025 with an additional two-year option.