ICIT Launches New Center to Advance Federal Civilian Executive Branch Resilience, Announces Inaugural Supporters and Event

News | Press Release

Washington, D.C., July 17, 2024 – The Institute for Critical Infrastructure Technology (ICIT), a leading nonpartisan think tank, announced today the official launch of the ICIT Center for Federal Civilian Executive Branch Resilience.

ICIT aims to modernize, secure, and ensure resilient critical infrastructure that provides for people's foundational needs. The new Center will further this mission by partnering closely with leaders and organizations within the Federal Civilian Executive Branch (FCEB), which includes 102 departments and agencies overseeing 15 of the 16 critical infrastructure sectors.

“The FCEB is the federal government’s primary interface with the American people. Its mission space is deep and wide and includes everything from water, agriculture, and energy to healthcare, transportation, and education—and nearly everything in between,” said Cory Simpson, ICIT CEO. “In addition to its vital role in critical infrastructure, this branch manages all of the major federal entitlement programs and consumes a significant portion of the federal budget, making it essential to national security, economic prosperity, and public health and safety.”

This initiative is important as the Nation addresses an increase in targeted cyberattacks from adversarial nation-states, changes to the frequency and intensity of natural disasters, insider threats, supply chain vulnerabilities, workforce shortages and budget constraints.

“These challenges require innovative solutions that leverage the latest technologies, best practices and partnerships to strengthen the security and resilience of the FCEB and its stakeholders,” said Parham Eftekhari, ICIT founder and chairman. “This Center serves as a trusted and independent voice that brings together key thought leaders and luminaries to solve for today’s evolving threats.”

The Center will leverage a robust community of security and policy, technology, and academic experts, as well as relationships with fellow civil society organizations and public-private cooperation. ICIT’s efforts through the Center will educate government leaders on emerging technologies and strategies, inform policymakers, develop practical and actionable recommendations for improving FCEB resilience, and raise awareness of the branch’s vital role.

As a hub for research, education, advocacy, and collaboration, the Center will produce white papers, reports, briefs, and case studies, covering a wide range of topics dedicated to safeguarding the FCEB. It will also host ongoing events like webinars, roundtables, workshops, and conferences.

This initiative is supported by corporate sponsors, donors and industry partners who share ICIT's vision and mission. Inaugural funding from industry-leading solutions providers include founding member, Google for Government, and supporting members, Jacobs and Wiz.

"The collaboration between Google and ICIT represents a powerful alliance, fusing technological innovation with deep domain expertise to protect our country's vital systems,” said Teddra Burgess, Managing Director for Federal Civilian at Google Public Sector. “Improving the security and resiliency of critical infrastructure is a national imperative, and this partnership is a testament to the transformative potential of public-private cooperation in addressing this complex challenge in a digital age."

“Everything we do at the Institute is made possible by the generosity of our community, donors and sponsors,” Simpson said. “Their support and impact are immeasurable and we’re deeply grateful to Google, Jacobs and Wiz for making the launch of the Center possible, and look forward to announcing additional sponsors joining us on this mission in the coming weeks.”

The Center will host its formal launch event on Aug. 1, featuring keynotes and panel discussions with national-level leaders and subject experts on infrastructure, technology, policy and security. Anticipated speakers include keynotes from Sen. John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.) and Rep. Chris Deluzio (D-Pa).

To learn more about the ICIT Center for FCEB Resilience, please visit www.icitech.org/fceb.

ABOUT ICIT

The Institute for Critical Infrastructure Technology (ICIT) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, 501(c)3 think tank with the mission of modernizing, securing, and making resilient critical infrastructure that provides for people’s foundational needs. ICIT takes no institutional positions on policy matters. Rather than advocate, ICIT is dedicated to being a resource for the organizations and communities that share our mission.