Cyber Defense Industry Day – DOS/DS/CTS

The Department of State's Bureau of Diplomatic Security, Directorate of Cyber and Technology Security (DS/CTS) invites industry partners to a virtual Industry Day on April 22, 2026, to explore collaboration opportunities in advancing counterintelligence-driven cyber defense for U.S. diplomatic operations worldwide.

As the Department of State's premier security organization, we defend one of the world's most complex and geographically dispersed networks, spanning over 275 diplomatic posts globally. We protect U.S. foreign policy from nation-state threats through proactive cyber defense, predicting and disrupting adversarial intent by fusing all-source intelligence, investigational expertise, and technological insight. DS/CTS operations encompass cyber threat analysis, vulnerability management, and protection of classified and unclassified systems that enable American diplomacy in contested environments.

DS/CTS is conducting market research to identify cutting-edge technologies, services, and approaches that strengthen our cyber defense posture. We seek innovative capabilities supporting threat intelligence, advanced malware analysis, network security monitoring, security automation, predictive attack chain modeling, and emerging technologies addressing the unique challenges of protecting diplomatic operations against sophisticated nation-state adversaries.

Session 1: April 22, 2026, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM ET – Virtual

· Learn about DS/CTS's mission, organizational structure, and strategic priorities for protecting Department of State information systems and networks globally.

· Hear from DS/CTS leadership and technical teams as they present current operational challenges, capability gaps, and potential requirements for cyber threat analysis and defense.

· Gain insights into the unique security considerations of supporting diplomatic missions in high-threat environments.

· Industry partners may ask questions about DS/CTS operations, technical requirements, and acquisition processes.

Sessions 2 & 3: Late Spring/Summer 2026 – In-Person

· Breakout sessions will take place in which industry partners will have the opportunity to meet with teams for a deeper dive into DS/CTS operations and needs at the working level and then present solutions, technologies, and services to meet DS/CTS’ evolving needs.

· Focus areas may include threat intelligence platforms, security analytics, incident response tools, and other mission-critical capabilities.

· These sessions are projected to occur between late April and early June at a to be determined location in the National Capital Region. Registration information will be posted on a subsequent SAM.gov posting at a later date.

Registration:

Each company may register up to 4 attendees. The linked registration form must be completed for each attendee.

Registration Link: https://events.gcc.teams.microsoft.com/event/b03708ff-5293-4aa5-b347-b42fcfd8e347@66cf5074-5afe-48d1-a691-a12b2121f44b

All interested participants shall submit their completed registration forms by 6:00 PM ET Tuesday, April 21, 2026 via the linked form. Submission of registration does not confirm attendance approval. Confirmation emails with the virtual meeting link will be sent no later 8:00 PM ET Tuesday, April 21, 2026. If you have questions regarding the registration process or have not yet received confirmation of attendance by 8:00 AM ET on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, please reach out to DS_CTS_Coordination@state.gov.

Note: This event is not open to the press.

Submission of Questions: Questions related to this event or DS/CTS Programs may be submitted via email to DS_CTS_Coordination@state.gov. Attendees will also have the opportunity to send in questions during the virtual industry day, and questions will be accepted until 12:00 noon ET, Wednesday, April 22, 2026. Responses to questions will be posted to this notice approximately 3 weeks after Session 1.

NOTICE:

THESE MEETINGS AND ALL SUBSEQUENT MEETINGS GENERATED FROM THIS NOTICE WILL NOT DISCUSS LABOR SERVICES OR THE RECOMPETE OF THE DIPLOMATIC SECURITY CYBER MISSION (DSCM) CONTRACT. THESE MEETINGS SEEK TO SOLELY CONDUCT MARKET RESEARCH FOR TECHNOLOGIES AND PRODUCTS RELATIVE TO THE DS/CTS MISSION.

DECLARATION

THIS ANNOUNCEMENT IS NOT A NOTICE OF SOLICITATION ISSUANCE, SOLICITATION, OR A REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL. THIS NOTICE IS FOR MARKET RESEARCH AND ACQUISITION PLANNING PURPOSES ONLY. It is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government. The Government will not pay for any information provided nor reimburse any party for any costs incurred for attending or participating in any of the mentioned sessions.