USTDA Partners with Bulgaria to Enhance Government Cybersecurity

Arlington, VA - Today, U.S. Trade and Development Agency Director Enoh T. Ebong signed a technical assistance grant agreement to support the Bulgarian Ministry of Electronic Governance (MEG) as it works to enhance cybersecurity throughout Bulgaria's public sector. Information Services JSC (Information Services), a state-owned information technology services provider operating within the MEG, signed the agreement on behalf of the Bulgarian government. USTDA's assistance will develop a roadmap to underpin the implementation and enforcement of a common set of cybersecurity standards and help establish Information Services as the default provider of cybersecurity services across the government.

"USTDA is proud to partner with the Government of Bulgaria to address its priority for a centralized cybersecurity system and common set of cybersecurity standards," said Director Ebong. "USTDA's assistance will facilitate the adoption of best practices and highlight how advanced U.S. technologies can provide trusted options for secure, uninterrupted government services for Bulgaria's citizens."

In recent years, the Government of Bulgaria has taken steps to strengthen its operational and policy capacity related to e-government, including by establishing MEG in 2022. USTDA's grant will support MEG's efforts by developing a roadmap for scaling up Information Services' operations to establish it as the managed security service provider responsible for coordinating cybersecurity best practices across government agencies. The assistance will also advise on incorporation of open public procurements and better coordination of cybersecurity investments.

"With the strategic partnership and support of USTDA it will be possible to develop and implement a National Cybersecurity System across the public administration of the Republic of Bulgaria," said Ivaylo Borisov Filipov, Chief Executive Officer of Information Services. "The project for implementation of a National Cybersecurity System across the public administration will bring the Republic of Bulgaria to a new path of cybersecurity protection, ensuring secure and safe interaction and communication with NATO and EU members."

Bulgaria's Minister of Electronic Governance, Valentin Mundrov, added: "USTDA's support fosters the implementation of state-of-the-art national cybersecurity architecture for government bodies and essential services operators in our country. The agreement aims at significantly enhancing the government-wide cybersecurity capacity in Bulgaria contributing to achieving our goals in the field."

Kenneth Merten, U.S. Ambassador to Bulgaria, said: "Data security is a top priority for governments everywhere. This program will help equip our partners in the Bulgarian government to protect themselves against malicious cyberattacks and ensure that government and citizen data is safeguarded."

U.S. businesses interested in submitting proposals for the USTDA-funded technical assistance should visit www.ustda.gov/work/bid-on-an-overseas-project.

USTDA's assistance aligns with the U.S. Government's International Cyberspace & Digital Policy Strategy, which prioritizes developing and deploying technology that is open, safe, and secure.

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The U.S. Trade and Development Agency helps companies create U.S. jobs through the export of U.S. goods and services for priority infrastructure projects in emerging economies. USTDA links U.S. businesses to export opportunities by funding project preparation and partnership building activities that develop sustainable infrastructure and foster economic growth in partner countries.

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