How Ingalls' ISSM Service Bridges the Gap Amid the DoD Hiring Freeze

In February 2025, the Department of Defense (DoD) implemented a government-wide hiring freeze aimed at rebalancing workforce expenditures and improving efficiency across federal agencies.  While this move addresses budgetary constraints, it has created an undeniable operational bottleneck—particularly in cybersecurity and compliance, where the demand for cleared, qualified personnel remain high and mission-critical. 

One of the many roles caught up in the effort to balance governance efficiency has been the Information System Security Manager (ISSM). The ISSM is responsible for overseeing system-level cybersecurity programs, ensuring compliance with DoD Risk Management Framework (RMF) processes, managing Plan of Action & Milestones (POA&Ms), and supporting Authorization to Operate (ATO) efforts. These roles are vital for both the sustainment and authorization of classified and unclassified systems. With internal hiring on hold, program offices and defense contractors have been left scrambling to fill these critical gaps. 

Even after the hiring freeze is lifted, the government expects a gradual onboarding of civilian roles which could take several months. 

That’s where Ingalls’ ISSM Service steps in—as a turnkey, mission-ready solution to the federal cybersecurity staffing shortfall.  

ISSM as a Service: A Strategic Response to a Tactical Crisis

Ingalls’ ISSM service is designed specifically for Defense Industrial Base (DIB) contractors and DoD program offices who are struggling to maintain cybersecurity posture without the ability to onboard full-time ISSMs.

Rather than delaying RMF timelines or risking compliance failures, program leaders can turn to Ingalls to provide cleared, experienced ISSMs on a contract basis—often deployable within days, not months.  Serving as a surge force and ensuring that cybersecurity tasks don't fall through the cracks. When government staff finally come onboard, Ingalls can transition responsibilities back to the government or continue in an advisory role.

The result: no breaks in RMF lifecycle execution, no delays in cybersecurity oversight, and no loss of momentum in securing mission-critical systems. 

Key Advantages of the Ingalls ISSM Service

When a small business proposes a SBIR/STTR Phase II for the development of a software application that will eventually reside on the government network, that small business may need to obtain an Authorization to Operate (ATO) in accordance with the Risk Management Framework (RMF).  Many small businesses are unaware of this requirement until they have been awarded a Phase II SBIR/STTR and are not able to budget for this requirement.

Ingalls Information Security offers the following services that can be paid for with TABA funds:

✅Rapid Integration into Existing Teams

Ingalls’ consultants are trained to quickly adapt to client environments and often operate inside existing collaboration platforms like Microsoft Teams and Google Workspace, minimizing friction and maximizing productivity from day one. 

✅Continuity Amid the Freeze

While internal hiring is paused, cyber threats are not. Ingalls ISSMs ensure that system security plans (SSPs), and continuous monitoring activities continue uninterrupted, keeping your organization assessment ready.

✅Cost-Effective, Flexible Support

With budget flexibility top-of-mind during the freeze, ISSM-as-a-Service offers a scalable solution—from part-time compliance support to full-system support—without the overhead of full-time hires. 

✅Cost-Effective, Flexible Support

With budget flexibility top-of-mind during the freeze, ISSM-as-a-Service offers a scalable solution—from part-time compliance support to full-system support—without the overhead of full-time hires. 

📈Strategic Value—Now and Post-Freeze

As outlined in FedScoop’s report on the OPM merit hiring plan, even after the freeze ends in July 2025, the government anticipates a slow, methodical ramp-up in hiring under new merit-based processes. That means permanent cyber positions may take months to fill, even under ideal conditions. 

In contrast, Ingalls ISSMs can be deployed in days. They serve as a surge force, ensuring that cybersecurity tasks don't wait for HR cycles. And when government staff finally come onboard, Ingalls can transition responsibilities or continue in an advisory role. 

📞Ready to Maintain Your Cyber Readiness?

ATO timelines don’t stop for hiring freezes. Neither do adversaries.

If your organization is impacted by the hiring freeze and needs immediate ISSM support, contact Ingalls today. Our cybersecurity professionals are ready to step in and help you stay compliant, secure, and mission focused.

About Ingalls

Ingalls is a trusted provider of cybersecurity, compliance, and authorization services across the DIB. With deep RMF, NIST, and CMMC expertise, we help federal contractors and agencies secure their systems and achieve compliance faster.

 Learn more about Ingalls’ ATO Support Services: iinfosec.com/authorization-to-operate-ato-support