DLA Critical Infrastructure: Zero Trust Mandate Creates Vendor Window

Defense Signals™ | Acquisition Signals

THE SIGNAL

DLA operates critical infrastructure across fuel, energy, and supply chain systems that are increasingly targeted. DoD's Zero Trust mandate is now hitting operational technology environments — and DLA's current vendor coverage has gaps.

That gap is a positioning window. It will not stay open long.

WHAT THE SIGNALS SHOW

DoD's Zero Trust Strategy requires all components to achieve Target Level Zero Trust by FY27. Most Zero Trust implementation to date has focused on IT networks. OT environments — ICS, SCADA, industrial control systems — are the next enforcement wave.

DLA is exposed on three fronts:

1. OT/ICS Security Coverage Legacy industrial control systems across DLA's fuel and energy infrastructure lack the continuous monitoring and micro-segmentation required under Zero Trust. Vendors who can deliver OT-native Zero Trust — not IT Zero Trust retrofitted onto OT — have a defensible position.

2. Purdue Model Integration DLA's infrastructure maps to Purdue Enterprise Reference Architecture. Vendors who can demonstrate Zero Trust implementation that respects Purdue model boundaries — rather than collapsing them — are addressing the actual operational constraint.

3. CMMC + OT Convergence Defense contractors operating DLA-adjacent infrastructure face simultaneous CMMC compliance pressure and OT security requirements. Firms that can address both in an integrated framework are solving a problem DLA's current vendors aren't positioned to solve.

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU

If your firm has ICS/SCADA expertise, Zero Trust architecture capability, or both — DLA critical infrastructure is an underserved market with active budget pressure and a compliance deadline driving urgency.

White paper engagement and early industry day positioning is the entry point. Waiting for a full solicitation means competing on price against incumbents who already have the relationship.

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Defense Signals™ | Acquisition Signals