On the Horizon: Schools and Libraries Cybersecurity Pilot Program!
This blog is dedicated to sharing what we know about the newly approved cybersecurity pilot program proposed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The Schools and Libraries Cybersecurity Pilot Program will provide up to $200 million in funding over three years to support cybersecurity and advanced firewall services for eligible schools and libraries. This will not be an E-Rate program, but there will be similarities in the application process.
Here we will take a deep dive into:
The program structure.
The application process.
What you need to be thinking about now.
Program Structure
This program is being structured as a pilot program designed to test and compare a multitude of approaches to school and library cybersecurity. It will be funded up to $200 million over a three-year period with Universal Service Funds. Funding is not connected to the E-Rate program, although the program will utilize many of the E-Rate forms and procedures. Applicants applying must participate for the full three years. Annual re-applications will not be required.
Application Process
The request to participate in this program will be completed by filing a newly-created Form 484 that essentially functions like a grant application. Recently released questions highlight what the 484 will require of applicants, including things like how project funding will be used, previous cybersecurity experience of the applicant, history of cyber threats and attacks, and current cybersecurity measures.
Other aspects of the process will include familiar E-Rate processes like competitive bidding, Forms 470 and 471, and BEAR or SPI invoicing.
What to Think About Now
It appears that the pilot is targeting applicants who have a pre-existing plan for addressing cybersecurity with a clear idea of how to track and measure outcomes, what they need to implement their plan, and how much it will cost.
Successful applicants will be required to propose specific cybersecurity plans that can be tested over the course of the program.
Annual and final progress reports will be required, including detailed records of how funds are being used and the effectiveness of the initiatives implemented.
On the Horizon
The Schools and Libraries Cybersecurity Pilot Program is currently in the FCC comments process. Key aspects of the program will be more fully developed throughout the course of this process. We are expecting to see a final order released from the FCC in spring 2024. We will keep you informed as more information is released.
View the FCC Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on the Schools and Libraries Cybersecurity Pilot Program here.
If you have any questions, please let us know by clicking the button below.
For help with applying for CTF or E-Rate, telecom optimization audits, or telecom project management, reach out to us at HWC Consultants!