FINAL_NOFO_NTTP_POSTED_MAY8.pdf

FY 2023 DHS NOFO - Cybersecurity Workforce Development and Training for Underserved Communities

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)

Cybersecurity Workforce Development and Training for Underserved Communities

A. Program Description

1. Issued By

2. Assistance Listing Number

3. Assistance Listing Title

4. Funding Opportunity Title

5. Funding Opportunity Number

6. Authorizing Authority for Program

7. Appropriation Authority for Program

8. Announcement Type

9. Program Overview, Allowable Activities, Objectives, and Priorities

10. Performance Measures

B. Federal Award Information

1. Available Funding for the NOFO:

2. Projected number of Awards:

3. Maximum Award Amount: ....................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.

4. Period of Performance:

5. Projected Period of Performance Start Date(s):

6. Projected Period of Performance End Date(s):

7. Funding Instrument Type:

C. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants

2. Applicant Eligibility Criteria

3. Other Eligibility Criteria/Restrictions

4. Cost Share or Match

D. Application and Submission Information

1. Key Dates and Times

2. Agreeing to Terms and Conditions of the Award

3. Address to Request Application Package

4. Unique entity identifier and System for Award Management (SAM)

5. Steps Required to Submit an Application, Unique Entity Identifier, and System for Award Management (SAM)

6. Electronic Delivery

7. How to Register to Apply through Grants.gov

8. How to Submit an Application to DHS via Grants.gov

10. Content and Form of Application Submission

11. Other Submission Requirements

12. Intergovernmental Review

13. Funding Restrictions

14. Allowable Costs

E. Application Review Information

1. Application Evaluation Criteria

2. Review and Selection Process

F. Federal Award Administration Information

1. Notice of Award

2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

3. Reporting

G. DHS Awarding Agency Contact Information

1. Contact and Resource Information

I. Appendices

APPENDIX A: WORK PLAN TEMPLATE

APPENDIX B: PERFORMANCE MEASURES

Contents

All entities wishing to do business with the federal government must have a unique entity identifier (UEI). The UEI number is issued by the SAM system. Requesting a UEI (Sam.gov information can be found at: https://sam.gov/content/entity-registration.

https://sam.gov/content/entity-registration

All entities wishing to do business with the federal government must have a unique entity identifier (UEI). The UEI number is issued by the SAM system. Requesting a UEI (Sam.gov information can be found at: https://sam.gov/content/entity-registration.

Grants.gov registration information can be found at:

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/register.html.

1. Planned UEI Updates in Grant Application Forms

On April 4, 2022, the Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) Number was replaced by a new, non-proprietary identifier requested in, and assigned by, the System for Award Management (SAM.gov). This new identifier is the Unique Entity Identifier (UEI).

Additional Information can be found on Grants.gov:

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/planned-uei-updates.html

A. Program Description

1. Issued By U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)

2. Assistance Listing Number 97.127

3. Assistance Listing Title

Cybersecurity Education and Training

4. Funding Opportunity Title Cybersecurity Workforce Development and Training for Underserved Communities

5. Funding Opportunity Number

DHS-23-CISA-127-CWDT-0001

6. Authorizing Authority for Program Homeland Security Act of 2002, Pub. L. No. 107-296, § 102(b)(2) (codified as amended (6 U.S.C. § 112(b)(2)).

7. Appropriation Authority for Program Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023, Pub. L. No. 117-328, Division F – Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2023, Title III Protection, Preparedness, Response, and Recovery, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency https://sam.gov/content/entity-registration https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/register.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/planned-uei-updates.html

8. Announcement Type Initial

9. Program Overview, Allowable Activities, Objectives, and Priorities

a. Program Overview

The nature of the cybersecurity threat to America is growing, and our 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 we must also strengthen our preparedness and resilience, including ensuring that we have a skilled workforce to defend our networks. We therefore must ensure equal access to professional development opportunities to fill cyber vacancies across our country and to prevent future shortages that threaten our ability to compete. Maintaining a highly skilled, diverse, and engaged workforce is critical to ensuring the public and private sectors can protect the nation’s cyberspace and support the accomplishment of the Department’s mission, which relies on dedicated personnel who go above and beyond to keep Americans safe from harm. However, per cyberseek.org, there were over 755,000 cybersecurity job openings nationwide in 2022 – a shortage that puts our nation at a dangerous technological disadvantage and an increased risk of malicious cyber activity.

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 we have well-trained cybersecurity professionals today as well as a strong pipeline of future cybersecurity leaders tomorrow.

Strengthening our 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 our nation. These professionals are critical in both private industry and the government for the security of the nation.

Furthermore, the retention of individuals with these skills is an important element in the development of our Nation’s cybersecurity workforce. As the nation responds to ongoing rapid technological changes and advances, the non-traditional workforce system plays an essential part in providing a skilled workforce to fill critical shortages. 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. To remain competitive, our nation will need to reimagine how it educates and trains entry-level cyber professionals.

CDET seeks to award a cooperative agreement titled “Cybersecurity Workforce Development and Training for Underserved Communities” in fiscal year 2023. The activities contemplated in this agreement advance CISA’s mission as defined in https://www.dhs.gov/publication/department-homeland-securitys-strategic-plan-fiscal-years-2020-2024?topics=all https://www.dhs.gov/publication/department-homeland-securitys-strategic-plan-fiscal-years-2020-2024?topics=all https://www.dhs.gov/publication/department-homeland-securitys-strategic-plan-fiscal-years-2020-2024?topics=all https://www.cyberseek.org/heatmap.html authorities within the Homeland Security Act of 2002, as amended by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency Act of 2018, specifically as it relates to providing shared situational awareness to enable real-time, integrated, and operational actions across the Federal Government and non-Federal entities to address cybersecurity risks and incidents.

The activities contemplated in the agreement broadly support the Department of Homeland Security mission to safeguard the American people, through establishing a qualified cadre of cybersecurity professionals. Additionally, this agreement directly aligns to the CISA’s Strategic Plan 2023-2024; by providing federal funding to NTTPs to develop and execute cybersecurity training and assist trainees in securing internships, apprenticeships, and/or employment to support the dynamic needs of the cybersecurity workplace. The NTTPs efforts must be directed primarily to members of underserved1 communities as an opportunity to pursue a career that may otherwise be unfamiliar or unattainable. This cooperative agreement seeks to fund applicants to develop and execute a scalable program that can respond to the nation’s cyber eco-system challenges.

This cooperative agreement also seeks to leverage the unrealized cybersecurity talent of underserved communities through established or emerging NTTPs that create or enhance existing entry-level training and apprenticeship and programs. Additionally, to optimize and expand existing cybersecurity training and placement programs, the development and implementation of a comprehensive cybersecurity pathways retention strategy to address enrollment-to-placement engagement, is needed. Applicants will work collaboratively to align resources in response to workforce demand and to offer innovative job training solutions that generate positive outcomes and results.

The intent of this cooperative agreement is to fund a program which will enable NTTPs to provide training to a target audience of underserved individuals that are at least 17 years old that, as a result of the training, will gain the skills and competencies required to secure entry-level skilled cybersecurity jobs. Underserved communities include Black, Latino, and Indigenous and Native American persons, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders and other persons of color; members of religious minorities; lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) persons; persons with disabilities; persons who live in rural areas; and persons otherwise adversely affected by persistent poverty or inequality that have been denied opportunities to receive cyber-related education and who are seeking full-time employment into entry-level skilled cybersecurity positions. _______________________

* Per Executive Order 13985: “The term “underserved communities” 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...”

b. Objectives All applicants should clearly state how the following objectives would be addressed in their application.

https://www.cisa.gov/sites/default/files/publications/StrategicPlan_20220912-V2_508c.pdf https://www.federalregister.gov/executive-order/13985

i. 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.

ii. 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.

iii. Decrease the cybersecurity workforce shortage and equity gap by placing NTTP program graduates into full-time, entry-level cybersecurity jobs.

c. Program Priorities

a. Program participants are selected from underserved communities

b. Program participants complete a NICE Framework-mapped cybersecurity training curriculum

c. Program graduates are competitive candidates for apprenticeships and/or entry-level cybersecurity jobs

d. Applicant recruits participants and employers in one or more CISA regions

e. Applicant provides a sharable NICE Framework-mapped training curriculum

f. Applicant submits proof of concept with recommendations to replicate on larger scale

d. Allowable Activities

The Cybersecurity Workforce Development and Training Program for Underserved Communities funding will ensure equal access to professional development opportunities to fill cyber vacancies in the USA by strengthening the nation’s federal and national cybersecurity workforce through diverse perspectives from underserved communities.

Successful applicants will design their approach from both (1) a strategic level, such as describing the planned activities for devising a cybersecurity training, placement, and sustainability strategy; and (2) an operational level, such as plans for implementation of the proposed strategy including development of a placement pipeline and deployment of the training activities to underserved individuals. Applicants must propose projects that comprise the following activities:

i. Draft for CISA’s review and, upon approval, execute a cybersecurity training, placement, and sustainability strategy (herein referred to as a Cybersecurity Pathways Retention Strategy (CPRS) for underserved communities and a detailed implementation schedule, including:

1) Develop a new or leverage an existing system for reviewing and collecting data and monitor results to assess the 3-year program performance.

2) Create a new or leverage an existing infrastructure to successfully sustain the program components and partnerships after the life of the cooperative agreement.

ii. Create an engaging, effective, and inclusive training hub (virtual, in person or a hybrid of both) in one or more CISA regions, where:

1) Individuals from underserved communities have access to high-quality training options (such as computer-based and/or work-based) to prepare them for successful placement into entry-level cybersecurity occupations.

2) Training participants are introduced to cybersecurity career options aligned to the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE) Workforce Framework for Cybersecurity (NICE Framework) to include sample job roles and responsibilities.

3) Training participants are introduced to professionals who represent the cybersecurity career field.

iii. Career Pathways: Career pathway strategies shall integrate formal occupational skills training with employer-validated work readiness and may include pre-apprenticeships and/or apprenticeships as a precursor to obtaining full-time, entry-level cybersecurity employment. The clear sequence of coursework and hands-on/real-world professional training should outline the necessary steps required for training participants to gain demonstratable and marketable skills that will make them a competitive job candidate for various entry-level cybersecurity occupations.

iv. Support Services: Projects funded under this cooperative agreement will provide a range of training and support services that lead to entry-level skilled cybersecurity jobs. An innovative mix of services shall include assessment, coaching, counseling, and occupational skills training that ultimately leads to job placement. All projects must incorporate a strong upfront assessment component that allows for a customization of training and support to effectively meet the needs of the underserved program participants. This could include the use of customized online assessment tools.

v. Establish/expand the organization’s professional network of cybersecurity partners/affiliates who may provide insight on current workforce recruitment efforts that help shape the development of the training and placement program. These networks will support participants of the cybersecurity training program by offering an apprenticeship and/or full-time employment to program graduates. Employers will be introduced to the depth and scope of the training and placement program with a goal to aid underserved individuals in achieving their cybersecurity career goals while simultaneously advancing their own internal recruiting and hiring efforts.

vi. Applicants must include robust, comprehensive, and customized learning strategies when developing the training program which must be aligned with the NICE Framework. Applicants shall propose one or more of the following strategies that best meet the needs of both program graduates and potential employers while allowing for flexibility in program delivery.

1) Customized Training: Cohort-based customized training is designed to meet the specific requirements of an employer or group of employers with the commitment that the employer(s) hire an individual upon successful completion of the training.

2) Pre-Apprenticeship Programs: A pre-apprenticeship program is a bridge to career opportunities for underprepared learners that must link directly to existing apprenticeship programs and provides instruction, preparation, and support as part of a career pathway. This endeavor provides individuals an opportunity to explore a variety of cybersecurity careers and interact with industry professionals. Pre-apprenticeship programs funded through this cooperative agreement are allowable only when participants are selected for an apprenticeship program(s) during the period of performance.

3) Registered Apprenticeship Programs (RAP): RAPs (29 CFR Part 29, Subpart A, and 29 CFR Part 30) combine an educational or instructional component with a paid work- based learning component. RAPs are registered through the DOL’s Office of Apprenticeship or a DOL-recognized State Apprenticeship Agency.

Registered apprentices are paid employees and receive progressive wage increases commensurate with their skill attainment throughout the training program. Registered apprentices have a 1:1 ratio with a mentor throughout their on-the-job learning. Upon successful completion of all phases of work-based learning and related-instruction components, registered apprentices receive nationally recognized certificates of completion leading to long-term career opportunities. For more information on RAPs, please visit www.apprenticeship.gov.

4) Industry-Recognized Apprenticeship Programs (IRAP): IRAPs (29 CFR Part 29, Subpart B) are high-quality apprenticeship programs that provide individuals with opportunities to obtain workplace relevant knowledge and progressively advancing skills. IRAPs are recognized through a Standards Recognition Entity.

IRAPs include a paid work component and an educational or instructional component and result in industry- recognized postsecondary credentials. IRAPs are developed or delivered by entities such as trade and industry groups, corporations, nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, unions, and joint labor-management organizations.

5) Classroom, Competency-Based and Online Training Strategies: In addition to the types of work-based training previously listed, a variety of other types of training strategies may include but are not limited to classroom occupational training;

distance learning; technology-based learning; and simulation training. Accelerated and competency-based training strategies can train participants swiftly, efficiently, and effectively by providing course credit to participants for skills they have already developed and mastered. Any number of these strategies may be combined to reduce the total time required by training participants to meet credential or program requirements.

10. Performance Measures

a. Number of reciprocal arrangements with employers who place program participants in apprenticeships and/or hire program graduates as full-time employees *This refers to partners/affiliations (as evidenced by a contract, agreement, Memorandum of Understanding, Letter of Intent, etc.) with cybersecurity entities who place program enrollees and/or graduates.

b. Number of underserved individuals enrolled in the training and placement program

c. Percent of enrolled program participants who successfully obtain an apprenticeship

d. Percent of enrolled program participants who graduate from the NTTP training program and successfully obtain full-time employment as a cybersecurity professional

See Appendix C http://www.apprenticeship.gov/

B. Federal Award Information

1. Available Funding for the NOFO:

$3,000,000 ($1,500,000.00 if two recipients are selected)

2. Projected number of Awards:

Minimum 2

3. Period of Performance:

Up to 36 months

4. Projected Period of Performance Start Date(s):

09/30/2023

5. Projected Period of Performance End Date(s):

09/29/2026

6. Funding Instrument Type:

Cooperative Agreement

DHS will exercise substantial programmatic involvement through this cooperative agreement to include review and approval of a comprehensive cybersecurity training, placement, and sustainability strategy prior to implementation of any subsequent efforts funded by this award. The Program Officer may also conduct a review of the training hub to determine compliance with the Allowable Activities outlined in Section A.9.d. before implementation may occur.

C. Eligibility Information 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.

1. Eligible Applicants

a. 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

b. Nonprofit organizations, other than institutions of higher education, without 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

2. Applicant Eligibility Criteria

a. 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.

b. 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.

3. Other Eligibility Criteria/Restrictions

a. Required Partners Applicants should forge robust partnerships to implement the cooperative agreement and to sustain activities beyond the performance period. To ensure that projects have strong and sustained employer engagement, applicants shall provide proof of existing or anticipated partnerships within the educational and professional community (i.e., after-school programs, curriculum sharing among schools, potential apprenticeship hosts/employers, etc.). During each fiscal year throughout the period of performance, recipients are required to partner/forge partnerships with at least three employers or industry/trade associations that align with the needs of employers with entry-level skilled cybersecurity needs. An industry/trade association, also known as an industry trade group, business association, sector association, or industry body, is an organization founded and funded by businesses that operate in a specific industry. The employer partner(s) will play an important role in supporting grant success with respect to employer engagement and career pathways.

b. Optional Affiliates We strongly encourage applicants to collaborate with other entities that can support and advance the work of bolstering the cybersecurity workforce. These include state, local, tribal, and territorial entities. Other organizations include those functioning as workforce and industry intermediaries (including entities such as workforce development entities, labor-management organizations, community-based organizations, and industry associations, which help broker local, regional, and national workforce solutions);

foundations and philanthropic organizations; Federal agencies; providers of supportive and specialized services; and disability service providers.

c. Target Audience The intent of this cooperative agreement is to fund a program which will enable NTTPs to provide in-demand training to underserved individuals who will gain the skills and competencies required to secure entry-level skilled cybersecurity jobs.

Participants of the NTTP’s cybersecurity training and placement program must be at least 17 years old and, more specifically, individuals who belong to underserved communities such as Black, Latino, and Indigenous and Native American persons, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders and other persons of color; members of religious minorities; lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) persons; persons with disabilities; persons who live in rural areas; and persons otherwise adversely affected by persistent poverty or inequality that have been denied opportunities to receive cyber-related education and who are seeking full-time employment into entry-level skilled cybersecurity positions.

4. Cost Share or Match There is NO cost share requirement for this program. There is NO preference factor if an applicant voluntarily shares or matches costs.

D. Application and Submission Information

1. Key Dates and Times

a. Application Start Date:

05/04/2023 (open 61 days)

b. Application Submission Deadline:

07/06/2023 at 11:59:59 PM ET

c. Anticipated Funding Selection Date:

No later than 09/29/2023

d. Anticipated Award Date:

No later than 09/29/2023

e. Other Key Dates

2. Agreeing to Terms and Conditions of the Award

By applying, applicants agree to comply with the requirements of this NOFO and the terms and conditions of the award, should they receive an award.

3. Address to Request Application Package Application forms and instructions are available at Grants.gov. To access these materials, go to http://www.grants.gov. select “Applicants” then “Apply for Grants.” In order to obtain the application package, select “Download a Grant Application Package.” Enter the CFDA and/or the funding opportunity number located on the cover of this NOFO, select “Download Package,” and then follow the prompts to download the application package.

For a hardcopy of the full NOFO, please contact the Grants Officer by:

Email: Sean.Lilly@hq.dhs.gov

Phone: 202-601-9303

In addition, the following Telephone Device for the Deaf (TDD) and/or Federal

Event Suggested Deadline for Completion Initial Registration at SAM.gov (includes UEI issuance) Four weeks before actual submission deadline

Obtaining a valid EIN Four weeks before actual submission deadline Updating SAM registration Four weeks before actual submission deadline Starting application in Grants.gov Two weeks before actual submission deadline http://www.grants.gov/ mailto:Sean.Lilly@hq.dhs.gov

Information Relay Service (FIRS) number available for this Notice is: 1-800-518-4726 (Grants.gov Help Desk).

Applications will be processed through the Grants.gov portal.

4. Unique entity identifier and System for Award Management (SAM) Each applicant, unless they have a valid exception under 2 CFR § 25.110, must:

a. Be registered in SAM.gov before application submission.

b. Provide a valid unique entity identifier in its application.

c. Continue to always maintain an active SAM registration with current information during the Federal Award process.

5. Steps Required to Submit an Application, Unique Entity Identifier, and System for Award Management (SAM) To apply for an award under this program, all applicants must:

a. Have an account with https://login.gov/

b. Register for, update, or verify their SAM account and ensure the account is active and

Employer ID Number (EIN) before submitting the application.

c. Create a Grants.gov account.

d. Add a profile to a Grants.gov account.

e. Establish an Authorized Organizational Representative (AOR) in Grants.gov.

f. Submit application in Grants.gov.

g. Continue to maintain an active SAM registration with current information, including information on a recipient’s immediate and highest-level owner and subsidiaries, as well on all predecessors that have been awarded a federal contract or grant within the last 3 years, if applicable, at all times during which it has an active federal award or an application or plan under consideration by a federal awarding agency.

Applicants are advised that DHS may not make a federal award until the applicant has complied with all applicable SAM requirements. Therefore, an applicant’s SAM registration must be active not only at the time of application, but also during the application review period and when DHS is ready to make a federal award. Further, as noted above, an applicant’s or recipient’s SAM registration must remain active for the duration of an active federal award. If an applicant’s SAM registration is expired at the time of application, expires during application review, or expires any other time before award, DHS may determine that the applicant is not qualified to receive a federal award and use that determination as a basis for making a federal award to another applicant.

The Standard Language for Using Grants.gov to Apply is provided to aid in fulfilling these requirements (if applicable), based off of https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/grantors/grantor-standard-language.html.

6. Electronic Delivery DHS is participating in the Grants.gov initiative to provide the grant community with a single site to find and apply for grant funding opportunities. DHS encourages or requires applicants https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/grantors/grantor-standard-language.html to submit their applications online through Grants.gov, depending on the funding opportunity. For this funding opportunity, the DHS Grants and Financial Assistance Division requires applicants to submit applications through Grants.gov.

7. How to Register to Apply through Grants.gov

a. Instructions: Registering in Grants.gov is a multi-step process. Read the instructions below about registering to apply for DHS funds. Applicants should read the registration instructions carefully and prepare the information requested before beginning the registration process. Reviewing and assembling the required information before beginning the registration process will alleviate last-minute searches for required information.

The registration process can take up to four weeks to complete. Therefore, registration should be done in sufficient time to ensure it does not impact your ability to meet required application submission deadlines.

Organizations must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) Number with an active System for Award Management (SAM) registration, and Grants.gov account to apply for grants.

If individual applicants are eligible to apply for this grant funding opportunity, then you may begin with step 3, Create a Grants.gov account, listed below.

Creating a Grants.gov account can be completed online in minutes, but SAM registration may take several weeks. Therefore, an organization's registration should be done in sufficient time to ensure it does not impact the entity's ability to meet required application submission deadlines. Complete organization instructions can be found on Grants.gov here:

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration.html.

i. Register with SAM: All organizations applying online through Grants.gov must register with the System for Award Management (SAM). Failure to register with SAM will prevent your organization from applying through Grants.gov. SAM registration must be renewed annually. Organizations will be issued a UEI number with the completed SAM registration.

For more detailed instructions for registering with SAM, refer to:

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration/step-2-register-with-sam.html.

ii. Create a Grants.gov Account: The next step is to register an account with Grants.gov. Follow the on-screen instructions or refer to the detailed instructions here: https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration.html.

iii. Add a Profile to a Grants.gov Account: A profile in Grants.gov corresponds to a single applicant organization the user represents (i.e., an applicant) or an individual applicant. If you work for or consult with multiple organizations and have a profile for each, you may log in to one Grants.gov account to access all of your grant https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration/step-2-register-with-sam.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration/step-2-register-with-sam.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration.html applications. To add an organizational profile to your Grants.gov account, enter the UEI Number for the organization in the UEI field while adding a profile. For more detailed instructions about creating a profile on Grants.gov, refer to:

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration/add-profile.html.

iv. EBiz POC Authorized Profile Roles: After you register with Grants.gov and create an

Organization Applicant Profile, the organization applicant's request for Grants.gov roles and access is sent to the EBiz POC. The EBiz POC will then log in to Grants.gov and authorize the appropriate roles, which may include the AOR role, thereby giving you permission to complete and submit applications on behalf of the organization. You will be able to submit your application online any time after you have been assigned the AOR role. For more detailed instructions about creating a profile on Grants.gov, refer to:

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration/authorize-roles.html.

v. Track Role Status: To track your role request, refer to:

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration/track-role-status.html.

vi. Electronic Signature: When applications are submitted through Grants.gov, the name of the organization applicant with the AOR role that submitted the application is inserted into the signature line of the application, serving as the electronic signature. The EBiz POC must authorize people who are able to make legally binding commitments on behalf of the organization as a user with the AOR role; this step is often missed, and it is crucial for valid and timely submissions.

8. How to Submit an Application to DHS via Grants.gov Grants.gov applicants can apply online using Workspace. Workspace is a shared, online environment where members of a grant team may simultaneously access and edit different webforms within an application. For each NOFO, you can create individual instances of a workspace.

Below is an overview of applying on Grants.gov. For access to complete instructions on how to apply for opportunities using Workspace, refer to:

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/workspace-overview.html.

a. Create a Workspace: Creating a workspace allows you to complete it online and route it through your organization for review before submitting.

b. Complete a Workspace: Add participants to the workspace to work on the application together, complete all the required forms online or by downloading PDF versions, and check for errors before submission. The Workspace progress bar will display the state of your application process as you apply. As you apply using Workspace, you may click the blue question mark icon near the upper-right corner of each page to access context-sensitive help.

c. Adobe Reader: If you decide not to apply by filling out webforms you can download individual PDF forms in Workspace. The individual PDF forms can be downloaded and https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration/add-profile.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration/authorize-roles.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration/track-role-status.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/workspace-overview.html saved to your local device storage, network drive(s), or external drives, then accessed through Adobe Reader.

NOTE: Visit the Adobe Software Compatibility page on Grants.gov to download the appropriate version of the software at:

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/adobe-software-compatibility.html.

d. Mandatory Fields in Forms: In the forms, you will note fields marked with an asterisk and a different background color. These fields are mandatory fields that must be completed to successfully submit your application.

e. Complete SF-424 Fields First: The forms are designed to fill in common required fields across other forms, such as the applicant’s name, address, and UEI number. To trigger this feature, an applicant must complete the SF-424 information first. Once it is completed, the information will transfer to the other forms.

f. Submit a Workspace: An application may be submitted through workspace by clicking the Sign and Submit button on the Manage Workspace page, under the Forms tab.

Grants.gov recommends submitting your application package at least 24-48 hours prior to the close date to provide you with time to correct any potential technical issues that may disrupt the application submission.

g. Track a Workspace Submission: After successfully submitting a workspace application, a Grants.gov Tracking Number (GRANTXXXXXXXX) is automatically assigned to the application. The number will be listed on the Confirmation page that is generated after submission. Using the tracking number, access the Track My Application page under the Applicants tab or the Details tab in the submitted workspace.

For additional training resources, including video tutorials, refer to:

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/applicant-training.html.

Applicant Support: Grants.gov provides applicants 24/7 support via the toll-free number 1- 800-518-4726 and email at support@grants.gov. For questions related to the specific grant opportunity, contact the number listed in the application package of the grant to which you are applying.

If you are experiencing difficulties with your submission, it is best to call the Grants.gov Support Center and get a ticket number. The Support Center ticket number will assist DHS with tracking your issue and understanding background information on the issue.

9. Timely Receipt Requirements and Proof of Timely Submission

a. Online Submission. All applications must be received by 11:59 P.M. Eastern time on the due date. Proof of timely submission is automatically recorded by Grants.gov. An electronic date/time stamp is generated within the system when the application is successfully received by Grants.gov. The applicant with the AOR role who submitted the application will receive an acknowledgement of receipt and a tracking number (GRANTXXXXXXXX) from Grants.gov with the successful transmission of their application. This applicant with the AOR role will also receive the official date/time stamp and Grants.gov Tracking number in an email serving as proof of their timely submission.

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/adobe-software-compatibility.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/applicant-training.html mailto:support@grants.gov

When DHS successfully retrieves the application from Grants.gov, and acknowledges the download of submissions, Grants.gov will provide an electronic acknowledgment of receipt of the application to the email address of the applicant with the AOR role who submitted the application. Again, proof of timely submission shall be the official date and time that Grants.gov receives your application. Applications received by Grants.gov after the established due date for the program will be considered late and will not be considered for funding by DHS.

Applicants using slow internet, such as dial-up connections, should be aware that transmission can take some time before Grants.gov receives your application. Again, Grants.gov will provide either an error or a successfully received transmission in the form of an email sent to the applicant with the AOR role attempting to submit the application.

The Grants.gov Support Center reports that some applicants end the transmission because they think that nothing is occurring during the transmission process. Please be patient and give the system time to process the application.

10. Content and Form of Application Submission All applications must submit all required forms and required documents listed in this section. Applications missing any of the required forms or documents listed in this section may not be considered for review. The Project Narrative is limited to 25 double-spaced single-sided 8.5 x 11-inch pages with Times New Roman 12-point text font and 1-inch margins. You must number the Project Narrative beginning with page number 1. We will not read or consider any materials beyond the specified page limit in the application review process. The Budget and Budget Narrative do not count against the page limit requirements for the Project Narrative.

The following instructions provide all the information needed to complete the Budget, Budget Narrative and Project Narrative. Carefully read and consider each section below and include all required information in your application. The agency will evaluate the submitted content using the evaluation criteria identified in Section E.1. You must use the same section headers identified below for each section of the Budget Narrative and Project Narrative. The maximum possible score is 100 points.

a. REQUIRED FORMS

i. Form SF-424 – Application for Federal Assistance Complete the SF-424 application form. This form may be completed on the Grants.gov website or it can be completed offline in its entirety.

NOTE: Applications submitted through Grants.gov must use the SF-424 provided by Grants.gov. The SF-424 application forms can only be viewed and downloaded once Adobe Reader has been installed. The SF-424 application form on Grants.gov is formatted so applicants are only required to complete fields which are indicated with an asterisk (*) and color coded. Once the application is complete, close the document (you will then be prompted to save changes or not).

ii. Form SF-424A – Budget

Complete the budget in its entirety. Provide budget amounts by object class (salaries, fringe, travel, indirect, etc.). Funds may be requested if the item and amount are necessary to perform the proposed work and are not precluded by the cost principles or program funding restrictions. Additional guidance on how to complete the Form SF-424A can be found at: http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms.html

iii. Budget Narrative (Maximum of 10 points)

The Budget Narrative must provide a description of costs associated with each line item on the SF-424A. The Budget Narrative should also include a section describing any leveraged resources provided (as applicable) to support cooperative agreement activities. Leveraged resources are all resources, both cash and in-kind, in excess of this award. Applicants are encouraged to leverage resources to increase stakeholder investment in the project and broaden the impact of the project itself. Each category should include the total cost for the period of performance. Use the following guidance for preparing the Budget Narrative.

The Budget Narrative should address how the funds allocated to each eligible activity will be spent and how costs were determined for the following cost purposes:

1) Planning Costs (2 points) The Budget Narrative must identify the planning activities on which proposed costs will be spent each year. Provide detail on proposed activities.

2) Personnel and Contractual Costs (2 points) The Budget Narrative must include any personnel costs of staff who support the development and implementation of the training program including, employee fringe benefit costs, travel costs, and supplies. Additional items, such as contractual costs for any goods and services, must also be included.

3) Delivery Costs (4 points) The Budget Narrative must provide detail on proposed numbers of students to benefit from the cybersecurity curriculum, number of education hours, anticipated location of training, outputs expected.

4) Equipment Purchase Costs (2 points) Each activity that proposes equipment purchase must provide a line-item cost breakout of equipment, including equipment description, unit cost, and quantity proposed for purchase. All equipment purchases will be reviewed by the Program Office.

iv. Program Narrative (Maximum of 90 points)

The Program Narrative must demonstrate the applicant’s capability to implement the objectives of the cooperative agreement in accordance with the provisions of this announcement. It provides a comprehensive framework and description of all aspects of the proposed program. It must be succinct, self-explanatory, and well-organized so that reviewers can understand the proposed approach. The application must include a program narrative that provides a detailed overview description of the proposed efforts and thoroughly addresses the objectives. Provide or describe the following:

1) Organizational Information (6 points) http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms.html

• Organization’s name, mission, organizational structure, and the capacity to support the project by leading the development of training, apprenticeship, and employment placement activities within at least one local/regional area. (3 points)

• A summary introduction/overview of the project’s goals. (1 point)

• Contact information, to include the name, title, address, email, and phone number of the primary contact and his/her back up. (2 points)

• Applicants must provide information confirming its status as a nonprofit organization, other than institutions of higher education, described under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and exempt from tax under section 501(a) of such code, or nonprofit organizations, other than institutions of higher education, that are not described under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and exempt from tax under section 501(a) of such code. Any of the following is acceptable evidence of nonprofit status: (a) a reference to the applicant organization’s listing in the Internal Revenue Service’s (IRS) most recent list of tax-exempt organizations described in section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Code; (b) a copy of a currently valid IRS tax exemption certificate; (c) a statement from a State taxing body, State Attorney General, or other appropriate State Official certifying that the applicant organization has a nonprofit status and that none of the net earnings accrue to any private shareholders or individuals; (d) a certified copy of the organization’s certificate of incorporation or similar document that clearly establishes nonprofit status; (e) any of the above proof for a State or national parent organization and a statement signed by the parent organization that the applicant organization is a local nonprofit affiliate.

2) Communities Served (4 points) Applicants must provide a clear identification and description of the specific target communities that will be served, as identified in Section C.2.a. Target Community. The description of target communities must include demographic characteristics as identified in Section C.3.a. Target Audience and an explanation of how the target audience will meet and benefit from the requirements of this cooperative agreement.

3) Jurisdictional and Geographic Area(s) (2 points) Applicants must provide the county or other equivalent jurisdiction in which the program is located and any other counties or jurisdictions that will benefit.

4) Past Performance (13 points)

Full description of the applicant’s proven past performance in leading the development of training, apprenticeship, and employment placement activities within at least one local/regional area during the performance period for the grant/cooperative agreement. This could include evidence of the applicant managing federally and/or non-federally funded assistance agreements leading engagement strategies, or other activities similar in size, scope, and relevance to the proposed project within the last five years, as of the closing date of this Announcement. (4 points)

• Demonstration that applicants have experience in developing and implementing cybersecurity training and placement programs for the target communities identified in Section C.2 Applicant Eligibility Criteria and enrolling participants in those training programs, including securing employment placements for entry-level or higher-skilled cybersecurity jobs.

(4 points)

• Applicants must submit, as part of their past performance, the total grant/cooperative agreement amount, and the percentage of funds spent during the period of performance for their most recently completed grant or cooperative agreement, where applicable. Applicants will receive points for their spending rate. (4 points) o Applicants that expended at least 98% of the award funds for their most recently completed grant/cooperative agreement will receive. (4 points) o Applicants that expended at least 80% but less than 98% of the award funds for their most recently completed grant will receive. (2 points) o Applicants that expended less than 80% of the award funds for their most recently completed grant will receive. (0 points)

• Applicants must provide past performance data related to outputs and associated outcomes that were achieved in past related initiatives. (1 point) NOTE: Past performance documentation shall include:

o Grantor name and contact information o Project/program information o Grant objectives o Performance goals o Spending rate analysis o Overall objectives of the grant o Community served o Funding amount o Total number of participants who completed training and apprenticeship activities o Total number of participants who completed training and apprenticeship activities and secured full-time employment

5) Proposed Design (45 points)

Scoring is based on the measurable standards below which assess a proposed design and implementation plan. For the purpose of scoring, applicants must describe a clear, realistic plan (to include proposed outreach, training and placement services designed to assist…