Federal Contracting Acronym
FISMA
Federal Information Security Modernization Act
Plain-English definition
Federal Information Security Modernization Act (FISMA) is a core federal acquisition term used in regulations, solicitations, and contract administration. Cybersecurity and information-protection terms appear in DFARS clauses, authorization packages, and supplier performance assessments. Contractors map controls, evidence, and reporting to customer requirements.
Why it matters
Teams that understand Federal Information Security Modernization Act (FISMA) avoid misinterpreting solicitations, contract clauses, and compliance obligations. It supports clearer bid/no-bid decisions and cleaner proposal compliance.
Where you will see it
Federal notices on SAM.gov, contract attachments, registration systems, audit requests, and internal capture/proposal documentation.
Example in context
When reviewing a solicitation, a contractor confirms how FISMA is used in the notice, whether related clauses apply, and which internal subject-matter experts should validate the response.