What is the Cybersecurity Pilot Program?

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) adopted the final order for the Cybersecurity Pilot Program, a three-year program administered by USAC that provides up to $200 million for cybersecurity services and equipment for eligible schools and libraries.

The funding is not connected to the E-Rate program, although the program will utilize many of the E-Rate forms and procedures.

Per USAC, “the Pilot Program aims to address cybersecurity threats facing schools and libraries, including being targeted by malicious actors who seek to steal personal information, compromise online accounts, cause online harm or embarrassment, or otherwise disable/disrupt critical networks that provide broadband connectivity.”

The filing application window opens Tuesday, September 17, 2024 and closes Friday, November 1, 2024.

For more detailed information, download our easy-to-read factsheet here.

 

Who is eligible?

Schools and libraries that meet the E-Rate eligibility requirements are eligible. Prior or current E-Rate participation is not required to apply.

The FCC is looking for a diverse set of projects and participants, and plans to award funding to a combination of large and small and urban and rural applicants, with an emphasis on funding Tribal entities and applicants with the greatest need.

What is eligible?

Click here to view the full list of eligible services. The main categories of eligible services and equipment are:

  • Advanced/next generation firewalls.

  • Endpoint protection.

  • Identity protection and authentication.

  • Monitoring, detection, and response.

How much will applicants be reimbursed?

The program has established per-student and per-library budgets to specify the amount of funding that participants can receive.

  • Schools: $40.80 per student with a minimum of $45,000 and maximum of $4.5 million.

  • Libraries: $45,000 per site with a maximum of $525,000.

  • Consortia:

    • School-only are capped at $4.5 million maximum.

    • School and Library combined are capped at $4.5 million maximum. 

    • Library-only are capped at $525,000 maximum.

Can I utilize HWC Consultants to apply for this program?

Yes! For help applying, click below to reach out to us.