DISA Shifts From Government-Built Cyber Tools to Commercial Tech

Six months after War Secretary Pete Hegseth directed sweeping acquisition reforms across the department, the Defense Information Systems Agency is accelerating its transition from government-developed cybersecurity tools to commercial technologies.

On this episode of CyberCast, Brian Hermann, director of PAE Cyber at DISA, discussed how the agency is modernizing its cyber acquisition strategy by prioritizing commercial solutions, software-as-a-service offerings and more flexible contracting approaches. Hermann explained why DISA believes commercial technologies can deliver capabilities faster, reduce operational risk and better keep pace with evolving cyber threats.

The conversation also explored how DISA is breaking down budget silos and consolidating resources to give portfolio leaders greater flexibility to adopt new technologies and retire legacy systems more quickly. As the department’s acquisition transformation takes shape, Hermann outlines DISA’s evolving role as an integrator of commercial capabilities — ensuring interoperability and mission effectiveness across contested, coalition and edge environments.