The Agency seeks detailed responses on the following areas: 3.1 Strategies for Preventing Harassment by Foreign Adversaries • Detection and Prevention: What methodologies and tools are effective in identifying and preventing harassment or coercion of individuals by foreign entities? • Collaboration Protocols: How can the Agency collaborate with local and federal law enforcement to address and mitigate such threats? • Case Studies: Provide examples where similar measures have been successfully implemented, including challenges faced and solutions adopted. 3.2 Hardening State Systems Against Foreign Threats • Risk Assessment: What frameworks are recommended for assessing vulnerabilities in state information software and systems related to foreign threats? • Security Enhancements: Suggest specific security measures, including software and hardware solutions, to protect critical infrastructure and sensitive information. • Integration Strategies: How can these security measures be integrated with existing state systems without disrupting operations? 3.3 Background Check and Personnel Security Compliance • Enhanced Vetting Procedures: What best practices or solutions should the Agency implement to comply with GA-48’s directive to conduct rigorous background checks on employees and contractors with access to critical infrastructure that will also identify connections to the government or political apparatus of a foreign adversary? • Screening Criteria: What standards or frameworks should be used to assess risks related to foreign adversary influence? • Continuous Monitoring: What solutions exist to ensure ongoing personnel security monitoring post-hire? • Certification and Reporting: What mechanisms should agencies use to certify compliance with the reporting (i.e., travel to a foreign adversary nation) and background check requirements? 3.4 Compliance and Reporting Mechanisms • Monitoring Tools: Recommend tools or platforms for continuous monitoring and reporting of compliance with the executive orders, including a state agency’s contracts for goods or services with prohibited companies or vendors and an employee’s mandatory reporting requirements. • Documentation Practices: What are the best practices for documenting compliance efforts to ensure transparency and accountability? • Third-Party Audits: Discuss the role of third-party audits in verifying compliance and suggest criteria for selecting qualified auditors.
