Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity Funding from the Infrastructure Investments and Jobs Act (IIJA): Where are we now?
Cybersecurity Funding from the Infrastructure Investments and Jobs Act (IIJA): Where are we now?

On November 6, 2021, the U.S. Congress passed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). The IIJA is sometimes referred to as the “Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal” because it was supported by both Democrats and Republicans in Congress. A total of $1.2 trillion in funding was made available for nearly 400 new and existing programs. This legislation supports various infrastructure-related programs and projects like transportation, clean water, broadband, and electric vehicle charging infrastructure, among other initiatives. Included in the IIJA are grants aimed at improving the cybersecurity posture of state, local, and tribal governments.

Grant Funding for Elections: How to Utilize State and Federal Funding to Improve Physical and Cybersecurity
Grant Funding for Elections: How to Utilize State and Federal Funding to Improve Physical and Cybersecurity

Every year in the United States, citizens cast their ballots for the candidates of their choice in federal, state, and local elections. Voters rely on the security of election infrastructure to ensure that they can cast their votes safely and that all votes will be counted fairly. Unfortunately, physical threats against election workers have increased in the past several years, and more must be done to protect these individuals. Making voting facilities safe is important for workers and members of the public who visit to cast their ballots. In the past, states and local governments have implemented procedures and tools to keep the voting process safe and secure. In addition to physical safety measures like door locks, security cameras, and more, investments have also been made in election IT infrastructure to ensure that election information is safe from breaches and cyber threats. This includes investments in the modernization of voting equipment and election-related computer systems. To make further improvements in physical security and cybersecurity, state and local governments have the opportunity to apply for grant funding through the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and the U.S. Election Assistance Commission

Get Involved with Digital Equity Projects
Get Involved with Digital Equity Projects

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA, also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law or BIL) has brought unprecedented funding to support broadband initiatives. To go along with that funding, there are also huge investments being made in digital equity efforts. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) is distributing this funding through two main programs: the State Digital Equity Grant Program and the Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program (for more information on this program. Both programs will support digital equity projects that involve a wide range of organizations. With expected deadlines starting in the next several months and continuing over the next few years, now is an exciting time for your organization to participate in these efforts!

Looking Beyond the US Department of Education: Top Federal Grants for K-12 Schools
Looking Beyond the US Department of Education: Top Federal Grants for K-12 Schools

Grant-seeking can be an extremely competitive process for K-12 schools, especially if they limit themselves to grants available from their State’s Department of Education or the U.S. Department of Education. To increase the possibilities of success, now is the perfect time to explore various federal grant opportunities outside the Department of Education that could supplement their funding. In this article, I will highlight some federal agencies and grant programs schools can take advantage of from other departments and agencies according to the type of project schools are hoping to fund.

GRANT PROGRAM SNAPSHOT: State And Local Cybersecurity Grant Program (SLCGP)
GRANT PROGRAM SNAPSHOT: State And Local Cybersecurity Grant Program (SLCGP)

Funding from the State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program (SLCGP) helps eligible entities address cybersecurity risks and threats to information systems owned or operated by—or on behalf of—state, local, and territorial (SLLT) governments. The Homeland Security Act of 2002, as amended by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law requires grant recipients to develop a Cybersecurity Plan, establish a Cybersecurity Planning Committee to support development of the Plan, and identify projects to implement utilizing SLCGP funding. To support these efforts, recipients are highly encouraged to prioritize the following activities, all of which are statutorily required as a condition of receiving a grant:

•     Developing the Cybersecurity Plan.
•     Implementing or revising the Cybersecurity Plan.
•     Paying expenses directly relating to the administration of the grant, which cannot exceed 5% of the amount of the grant award.
•     Assisting with allowed activities that address imminent cybersecurity threats confirmed by DHS; and 
•     Other appropriate activities as noted in the funding notice.

The State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program
The State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program

Cybercrimes against local governments, public safety agencies, and schools are becoming more frequent and destructive. As a result, these attacks can lead to monetary loss and the theft of critical data. Criminals are targeting large cities, county governments, and even small towns in rural areas of the country. In response to the increase in these attacks, the Federal government is encouraging local leaders to take action by utilizing federal and state grant funds to prepare for and prevent ransomware attacks and hackers.