The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is seeking applications for its Cybersecurity Workforce Development and Training for Underserved Communities.
Donor Name: Department of Homeland Security
State: All States
County: All Counties
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 07/06/2023
Size of the Grant: $1,500,000.00
Grant Duration: 36 months
Details:
The nature of the cybersecurity threat to America is growing, and their nation’s cyber adversaries move with speed and stealth. In alignment with the Department of Homeland Security’s Strategic Plan for Fiscal Years 2020-2024, it is imperative to not only secure cyberspace and critical infrastructure, but they must also strengthen their networks.
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), Cyber Defense Education & Training (CDET) team is committed to strengthening the nation’s federal and national cybersecurity workforce through standardizing roles and helping to ensure they have well-trained cybersecurity professionals today as well as a strong pipeline of future cybersecurity leaders tomorrow. Strengthening their cybersecurity workforce requires diverse perspectives from communities that represent America. Increasing the number of cybersecurity professionals within underserved communities is key to the success of their nation. These professionals are critical in both private industry and the government for the security of the nation.
Objectives
All applicants should clearly state how the following objectives would be addressed in their application.
- Implement an engaging training hub (virtual, in person, or a hybrid combination) covering both national and regional cybersecurity challenges to deliver cybersecurity training to underserved communities and connect participants and employers in one or more CISA regions.
- Implement an apprenticeship and/or placement program for entry-level cybersecurity professionals that’s supported by affiliations with cybersecurity entities who may support program enrollees and/or graduates.
- Decrease the cybersecurity workforce shortage and equity gap by placing NTTP program graduates into full-time, entry-level cybersecurity jobs
Program Priorities
- Program participants are selected from underserved communities
- Program participants complete a NICE Framework-mapped cybersecurity training curriculum
- Program graduates are competitive candidates for apprenticeships and/or entry-level cybersecurity jobs
- Applicant recruits participants and employers in one or more CISA regions
- Applicant provides a sharable NICE Framework-mapped training curriculum
- Applicant submits proof of concept with recommendations to replicate on larger scale.
Funding Information
- Available Funding for the NOFO: $3,000,000 ($1,500,000.00 if two recipients are selected)
- Period of Performance: Up to 36 months
Eligibility Criteria
Non-traditional technical training providers (NTTPs) are entities that actively provide cybersecurity training, internships, apprenticeships, and/or other work-based learning approaches to meet the dynamic needs the cybersecurity workplace.
- Eligible Applicants
- Nonprofit organizations, other than institutions of higher education, with an effective ruling letter from the U.S. Internal Revenue Service granting tax exemption under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986
Applicant Eligibility Criteria
- Target Community
- Applicants must have experience developing and implementing a cybersecurity training program targeting underserved communities which refers to populations sharing a particular characteristic, as well as geographic communities, that have been systematically denied a full opportunity to participate in aspects of economic, social, and civic life.
- Past Performance
- It is not a requirement to have a fully established apprenticeship and/or placement program prior to the time of applying to this cooperative agreement. Past performance in developing and implementing a cybersecurity training program is required.
For more information, visit Grants.gov.
