Federal Agencies Unable to Access Innovative Cybersecurity Solutions Due to Difficulties Startups Face Accessing Procurement Process

WASHINGTON, DC – The National Venture Capital Association (NVCA) issued the following statement today after the House Committee on Homeland Security passed the Support for Rapid Innovation Act of 2016 and the Leveraging Emerging Technologies Act of 2016, both introduced by Congressman John Ratcliffe (R-TX), Chairman of the House Homeland Security Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection, and Security Technologies.

“Since 2010, venture investors have deployed $9 billion in venture capital funding to 351 high-growth cybersecurity startups.  Working alongside venture investors as strategic advisors to scale and grow the businesses, these startups have developed some of the most innovative cybersecurity solutions on the market,” said Bobby Franklin, President and CEO of NVCA.   “We are witnessing rapid adoption of these new products and services in the private sector, but unfortunately the federal government continues to miss out on these new innovations due to the difficulties startups face as they try to navigate the federal procurement process.”

“By their very nature, startups are fast and nimble, whereas the federal procurement process is slow and cumbersome,” added Franklin.  “These bills would take much-needed strides to fixing the procurement challenges cybersecurity startups face, establishing a strategic plan for proactive engagement with cybersecurity startups and addressing structural barriers that hinder them from participating in the acquisition process.  We thank Chairman Ratcliffe for taking the lead to address this important issue and look forward to engaging him and his colleagues on the Homeland Security Committee to develop reform measures that will allow for federal agencies to access innovative cybersecurity solutions developed by the startup community.”

Read NVCA’s letter of support to Chairman McCaul and Ranking Member Thompson here.