Pacific Technology Cooperation Group

National Security Imperative: Why the USG Should Secure the DIB with the Same Commitment as Coalition Networks

In an era where adversaries exploit every vulnerability, the U.S. government’s commitment to coalition networks is exemplary. The DoD and IC lead the charge—designing, engineering, operating, maintaining, and securing these interconnected systems that bind allies in shared defense. It’s a model of proactive stewardship that ensures seamless, trusted data flows across borders.

But what about the DIB—the lifeblood of our defense innovation and production? If protecting communications and shared data between the DIB and DoD is truly mission-critical, why not mirror that commitment? Why rely on a patchwork of self-assessments under CMMC when the government could take the helm, just as it does for coalitions?

Imagine a unified approach: Government-led infrastructure that fortifies the DIB ecosystem end-to-end, fostering innovation without the friction of compliance burdens. Here’s why this coalition-style model outperforms CMMC’s reliance on industry self-regulation:

First, a unified approach significantly enhances operational security and efficiency. It allows the government to deploy its Centralized Expertise, leveraging the DoD/IC’s world-class cyber talent for consistent, high-fidelity protection that goes far beyond fragmented DIB efforts. This enables the establishment of Uniform Standards—ironclad, government-enforced baselines that eliminate variability and close dangerous gaps in contractor capabilities. Critically, this structure supports Rapid Threat Response, enabling real-time intel sharing and coordinated defenses that naturally outpace the delays of individual CMMC audits.

Furthermore, this model delivers substantial economic and strategic benefits to the DIB. By shifting investment away from industry’s duplicative compliance tools and toward scalable, shared infrastructure, it achieves genuine Cost Efficiency, saving both taxpayer and industry dollars. This change simultaneously results in Reduced Industry Burden, freeing DIB innovators from administrative overload and allowing them to focus fully on R&D and production excellence. For the government, it builds Seamless Integration, creating native interoperability between DoD systems and DIB workflows to accelerate procurement and deployment.

Finally, adopting this model delivers a profound strategic message. It fosters Enhanced Trust by demonstrating unequivocal government partnership, which boosts morale and retention across the defense supply chain. The approach draws from the Proven Scalability of coalition successes, handling complex, multi-stakeholder environments without breaking stride. More importantly, it ensures Forward-Looking Resilience by incorporating emerging tech (AI, quantum) proactively, staying ahead of threats CMMC can’t fully anticipate. The net effect is Strategic Deterrence, signaling an unbreakable resolve to adversaries that mirrors the deterrence power of our allied networks.

This isn’t about displacing industry—it’s about empowering it through partnership. What do you think? Paul Stanton Pete Hegseth Katie Arrington Should we treat the DIB like the vital coalition partner it is? Let’s discuss in the comments—tag a colleague who needs to weigh in!