The U.S. Army’s recent mandate for software bills of materials (SBOMs) marks a significant step forward in bolstering software supply-chain security. This proactive measure, driven by President Biden’s 2021 executive order on cybersecurity, aims to improve the visibility and security of software components. As the federal government and the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) prioritize supply-chain security, we can expect SBOM requirements to become a standard across all military branches.

Now more than ever, federal agencies within the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) must develop software capabilities that are compatible with legacy technology while maintaining and meeting strict security needs that protect proprietary code and networks. Spurred by guidance from NIST [National Institute of Standards and Technology] and actions outlined in President Biden’s Executive Order issued in May 2021, federal agencies are already starting to tackle software supply-chain security. While these guidelines are critical to success, agencies must rise to the challenge of proactively implementing new technologies and securing their software supply chains, instead of waiting to act.