Federal Computer Security Program Managers' Forum

The Federal Computer Security Program Managers' Forum is an informal group sponsored by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to promote the sharing of information system security information among federal agencies. The Forum hosts the Federal Agency Security Practices website, maintains an extensive e-mail list, and holds bi-monthly meetings to discuss current issues and items of interest to those responsible for protecting non-national security systems.

The Forum provides an ongoing opportunity for managers of federal security programs to exchange information system security materials and knowledge for use in other programs in a timely manner, build upon the experiences of other programs, and reduce possible duplication of effort. Additionally, the Forum provides:

• An organizational mechanism for NIST to exchange information directly with federal agency information system security program managers in fulfillment of its leadership mandate under the Federal Information Security Management Act (FISMA);
• The venue to establish and maintain relationships with other individuals or organizations that are actively addressing information system security issues within the federal government; and
• The ability to establish and maintain a strong proactive stance identifying and resolving strategic and tactical information system security issues involved in the development and application of new and emerging information technologies.