With OEA funding in 2017, the pikes peak community college, with leadership from the colorado springs chamber and economic development corporation, created phase i of the pikes peak regional defense…

With OEA funding in 2017, the pikes peak community college, with leadership from the colorado springs chamber and economic development corporation, created phase i of the pikes peak regional defense assistance program (pprdap), resulting in a colorado springs cybersecurity strategic plan. This phase II of the pprdap focuses on implementing seven recommendations in the colorado springs cybersecurity strategic plan that will assist information technology-focused defense contractors to diversify their cybersecurity services and products in new markets while developing the talent needed to diversify and grow. In addition, phase II will allow pikes peak community college to continue building its cybersecurity programs as defense contractors have identified that workforce shortages remain their biggest barrier to diversification. With five military installations and hundreds of defense contractors and suppliers, the colorado springs, colorado region is heavily dependent on defense spending. The pprdap benefits the department of defense as IT will increase the strength and resilience of businesses and industries in the region and the overall strength of the local economy. By providing market diversification, this project increases economic resiliency and competitive position on cybersecurity for the region and maintains capability among firms and suppliers during future fluctuations in defense spending or changes in defense missions that impact local installations.