General Dynamics inks $86 million cyber deal to protect spy agency

General Dynamics says it plans to hire 80 new cybersecurity contractors to protect government networks at the Defense Intelligence Agency as part of a new $86 million contract.

The work in the Washington, D.C. area and U.S. military commands around the world will be done by GD's Information Technology business unit. The contract, which extends until 2016, will cover "security, authenticity, integrity and confidentiality of the DIA's information, as well as computer network defense," according to a GD statement released last week.

With more than 16,500, the DIA is part of the Defense Department and intelligence community.

At a speech at the National Defense University last week, Rep. Jim Langevin, D-R.I., expressed concern over a "troubling reliance" on contractors for government cybersecurity work.

But General Dynamics Information Technology vice president Thomas Kirchmaier says his company has a long history of providing government service.

"Our cadre of cyber professionals has over 40 years of experience supporting the DIA worldwide and will provide unparalleled service," he said in a statement.