Success is “not necessarily [about] the department’s outcome,” but is instead about “how can we enable our international partners [and] our domestic partners in industry to be able to defend those things that are critical to our nation’s success.”

The contractor will develop a unified platform to help manage a wide range of DOD cybersecurity processes, including offensive and defensive operations.

“I think if it’s going to happen, it’s best in the hands of the government,” one expert said.

The lieutenant general takes over for Paul Nakasone, who moved up to head the NSA and U.S. Cyber Command.

Last week, the two military organizations, both under the command of Gen. Paul Nakasone, ceremonially cut the ribbon on the new “Integrated Cyber Center” at Maryland's Fort Meade to celebrate its completion.

The legislation also calls to limit department senior executive service CIO roles to just five starting in 2021.