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Home/Glossary/Penetration Testing
Process

Penetration Testing

Definition

Penetration Testing (pen testing) is the authorized simulated cyberattack on a system to evaluate its security posture. Required periodically for systems seeking or maintaining an ATO. Types include external, internal, web application, and social engineering tests. Results feed into POA&Ms and risk assessments.

Why does Penetration Testing matter?

is a process concept federal contractors and grant writers run into across solicitations, regulations, and award filings

Source: Bureauify editorial review·Last updated 2026-06-06 by Bureauify

Where this matters in federal contracting

Penetration Testing is a step or workflow in the federal-procurement lifecycle. Knowing where Penetration Testing fits in the larger acquisition arc — from market research through award through performance — helps contractors time their engagement, identify the right contracting officials, and avoid showing up too late to influence the requirement. Many proposal failures trace back to misunderstanding when Penetration Testing occurs, who owns it, and what artifacts it produces. The related terms above name the adjacent process steps that most commonly precede or follow Penetration Testing, and tracking those transitions over time is one of the more reliable ways to build pipeline visibility ahead of formal solicitations.

What can I do?

FollowSave

Route: Orientation path

  1. 1.Discover — you are here
  2. 2.Decide — follow to monitor
  3. 3.Act — follow to monitor
No live signal yet — actions derived from family registry.

Related Terms

ATO

More process terms

RFIRFPRFQIFBSOWPWSSOOSBIRGrantProtestCUIBAA

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Penetration Testing in government contracting?▾
Penetration Testing (pen testing) is the authorized simulated cyberattack on a system to evaluate its security posture. Required periodically for systems seeking or maintaining an ATO. Types include external, internal, web application, and social engineering tests. Results feed into POA&Ms and risk assessments.
Why is Penetration Testing important for government contractors?▾
Penetration Testing is a procurement process or procedure. Understanding the federal acquisition process helps contractors submit compliant proposals and navigate the contracting lifecycle.

Find Penetration Testing-related opportunities

Search active federal contracts and solicitations related to Penetration Testing on Bureauify.

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