This project aims to comprehensively address the needs of burgeoning cybersecurity professionals, especially within underrepresented communities

This Cooperative Agreement award from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) under the Science, Technology, Business and/or Education Outreach program (CFDA 11.620) provides $300,000 in funding to Rtriad Enterprises LLC to comprehensively address the needs of cybersecurity professionals, especially within underrepresented communities. The project comprises three phases: 1) Offering training and career development opportunities including certification preparation and membership benefits; 2) Developing participants' capabilities in delivering targeted cybersecurity assessments, with a focus on ransomware; and 3) Facilitating employer-participant-small business interactions through a public event. The project aims to accelerate the career success of cybersecurity program participants and assist Department of Defense contractors and other businesses in preparing for future Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) requirements.

Activities

The proposed project comprises three phases: phase 1 will focus on offering training and career development opportunities. Program participants will receive training for ISC2?s certified in cybersecurity and nscp as well as the exams to receive the certification. Participants will also receive membership to a career development platform and ISC2 local chapters. Phase 2 will develop participants capabilities in delivering targeted cybersecurity assessments, with a focus on ransomware. Phase 3 will offer a public event where employers-participants-small business interactions are facilitated.

Expected outcomes

Success in this project will result in a holistic, career-boosting experience for participants, thereby contributing to the awareness and broader mission of nice and enhancing cybersecurity capabilities.

Intended beneficiaries

The nice program office at NIST will have direct input about how the nice framework can be used for training and in competition settings. The public will be provided with opportunities to gain training in cybersecurity.

Subrecipient activities

Contracts will be provided to the two key personnel.