The Defense Department may now officially exclude contractors or subcontractors from receiving information technology contracts based on the risk their supply chain poses to national security systems.

When it comes to public sector procurement, the federal government is the big kahuna, over $500bn-a-year large. Yet, when it comes to managing this massive amount of taxpayer dollars, there's really no one in charge to direct how best the feds can spend and manage this money.

Federal contractors are going to be hearing the words "supply chain" a lot over the next 18 months. Having a certifiably secure supply chain will eliminate a potential mark against your selection as a source, just as having the appropriate contract vehicles eliminates friction.