Global Cyber and Digital Policy Training Draft Scope of Work Template.docx

Global Cyber and Digital Policy Training Draft Scope of Work Template

Instructions in blue are for the applicant.

A. BACKGROUND

Recognizing the growing role of technology as a cross-cutting national security issue, the State Department created the Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy (CDP) in April 2022 to lead and coordinate U.S. diplomacy on cyber and digital policy. The bureau addresses the national security challenges and economic opportunities presented by cyberspace and digital technologies and promotes standards and norms that are fair, transparent, and support the rights-respecting use of technology. Through robust engagement in multilateral organizations, bilateral diplomacy with partners round the world, and encouragement of responsible state behavior in cyberspace, CDP empowers U.S. leadership in cyber, digital, and technology diplomacy.

CDP deploys foreign assistance to strengthen international cooperation, create new partnerships, promote economic growth and development, and assist in the defense of our foreign partners to uphold an open, interoperable, secure, and reliable Internet.

Calibrated cyber and digital policies help form the backbone of our deeply interconnected world, are vital to U.S. national and economic security, and are required to fully harness the transformative power of technology. As citizens around the world eagerly seek increased Internet connectivity to access the tremendous opportunities afforded by digital transformation, the United States is working to ensure this connectivity is secure, meaningful, governed fairly, and serves the interests of its users. Foreign assistance programs aim to advance an affirmative vision of technology as a tool that supports collective security, prosperity, and democratic values.

More information on CDP is available at https://www.state.gov/bureaus-offices/deputy-secretary-of-state/bureau-of-cyberspace-and-digital-policy/. https://www.state.gov/functional-bureau-strategies/

The Digital Connectivity and Cybersecurity Partnership (DCCP) is a global, interagency initiative led by CDP to promote an open, interoperable, secure, and reliable Internet. DCCP provides foreign assistance to partner nations to promote investments in secure, diverse, and resilient information and communication technologies (ICT) infrastructure; support the adoption of inclusive, rights-respecting, multi-stakeholder models of Internet governance; grow global markets for trusted ICT goods and services; and enhance cybersecurity. CDP foreign assistance programming follows these core tenets of DCCP. More information on DCCP is available at https://www.state.gov/digital-connectivity-and-cybersecurity-partnership/.

B. STRATEGIC & PROGRAM GOALS & OBJECTIVES

This project should contribute to the following CDP strategic goals and objectives outlined in the Functional Bureau Strategy, and DCCP Pillar:

CDP Strategic Goals and Objectives Bureau Goal 1: Advance cyber and digital policies that align with U.S. national interests and foreign policy objectives.

· Objective 1.1: Deepen relationships with existing U.S. partners, forge new partnerships, and engage with a range of countries to advance a common vision for the Internet and digital technologies.

· Objective 1.3: Identify, enhance, cultivate, and develop strategic engagements across the private sector and multistakeholder communities.

· Objective 1.4: Increase secure and open digital connectivity and access to the Internet.

DCCP Pillars:

Pillar 1: Build Connections by promoting investments in secure, diverse, and resilient ICT (Information and Communications Technology) infrastructure.

Pillar 2: Advance an open, interoperable, reliable, and secure Internet by promoting inclusive, rights-respecting, multi-stakeholder models of internet governance and pro-competition, pro-innovation digital economy policies and regulations.

Pillar 3: Grow Global Markets for U.S. ICT goods and services, especially high-quality, interoperable, secure ICT equipment, software, and services.

Pillar 4: Enhance Cybersecurity by increasing adoption and implementation of cybersecurity best practices

C. PROJECT GOAL

This project should be designed to achieve the following high-level goal:

Insert the high-level goal the project is expected to achieve and will be supported by the objectives.

Applicant completes D through F.

D. PROJECT OBJECTIVES

This project should be designed to achieve the following objectives:

Objective 1: Strengthened collaboration and coordination among global stakeholders in cybersecurity and digital policy, resulting in closer alignment with U.S. government policy and priorities, enhanced mutual understanding, and increased capacity for addressing emerging challenges in cybersecurity, telecommunications, and other digital and emerging technologies.

Objective 2: Improved awareness of regulatory environments conducive for secure, transparent, and trusted cybersecurity and digital policy in the benefiting countries to be determined post award, leading to increased investment and innovation in the digital sector, and ultimately contributing to economic growth, international stability, and digital governance consistent with U.S. democratic values.

Objective 3: Increased engagement and collaboration among regional alumni of USG funded trainings (networks) on topics related to cybersecurity and digital policy, promote knowledge sharing, and cooperation in the future.

E. Activities and Expected Milestones The table below details how the project will achieve its objectives through activities designed to achieve specific results in accordance with overarching program (CDP and DCCP) strategic goals and objectives. In awarding funds for this project, CDP expects that the activities and milestones listed below will be accomplished within the project’s period of performance.

Project Objective 1:

Strengthened collaboration and coordination among global stakeholders in cybersecurity and digital policy, resulting in closer alignment with U.S. government policy and priorities, enhanced mutual understanding, and increased capacity for addressing emerging challenges in cybersecurity, telecommunications, and other digital and emerging technologies.

Expected Outcomes Achievement of project objectives is expected to result in the following outcomes:

· 1.1: Establishment and implementation of effective cybersecurity and digital policies, leading to a more secure, resilient, and rights-respecting digital ecosystem.

· 1.2: Increased alignment of partner nations’ cyber and digital policies to U.S. government cyber and digital policy and priorities.

· Insert additional project outcomes.

Project Objective 2:

Improved awareness of regulatory environments conducive for secure, transparent, and trusted cybersecurity and digital policy in the benefiting countries to be determined post award, leading to increased investment and innovation in the digital sector, and ultimately contributing to economic growth, international stability, and digital governance consistent with U.S. democratic values.

Expected Outcomes Achievement of project objectives is expected to result in the following outcomes:

· 2.1: Establishment of rights-respecting regulatory institutions and frameworks for cybersecurity and digital policy

· 2.2: Greater investment and innovation in target countries’ digital sector, as demonstrated by an increase in the number of startups; growth of existing companies in areas such as e-commerce, fintech, and digital services; and increased connectivity and digital inclusion.

· 2.3 Increased exchange of best practices and the development of inclusive, innovative solutions to digital policy challenges.

Project Objective 3:

Increased engagement and collaboration among regional alumni of USG funded trainings (networks) on topics related to cybersecurity and digital policy, promote knowledge sharing, and cooperation in the future.

Expected Outcomes Achievement of project objectives is expected to result in the following outcomes:

· 3.1: Greater understanding and awareness among the alumni of CDP programs about digital policy issues and trends in the region, including emerging technologies and their implications for policy and regulation.

· 3.2: Enhanced capacity of alumni to engage in and contribute to digital policy discussions and initiatives through training, mentoring, and other capacity-building activities.

· 3.3: Increased visibility and influence of alumni networks in regional and global digital policy discussions and initiatives, through partnerships, advocacy, and thought leadership.

· 3.4: Expansion and greater alignment of alumni networks with U.S. government policy and priorities, contributing to the achievement of broader U.S. government goals in the region related to digital policy, economic growth, and regional stability.

Activities To achieve the expected project objectives and outcomes, the project must include, but is not limited to, the following:

· Build and maintain an alumni network of beneficiaries of USG funded trainings.

· Develop and submit to CDP relevant and impactful training curriculum materials.

· Deliver in-person or hybrid courses, focused on a range of cybersecurity and digital policy, and emerging technology issues in target countries or regions. The purpose of these courses is to encourage the establishment of strong U.S. aligned cyberspace and digital policy foundations and to develop a diverse, professional base capable of regulating, operating, and maintaining and growing a secure, trusted, and rights-respecting digital ecosystem.

· Include a diverse group of experts from the U.S. government, industry leaders, and other relevant stakeholders among course facilitators and speakers.

· Include interactive sessions, groups exercises, and case studies to encourage active participation and knowledge sharing.

· Incorporate into trainings members of regulatory institutions in targeted countries.

· Develop targeted trainings that address the regulatory environment, to be offered within the first year of the project timeline. Emphasize a multistakeholder approach inclusive of civil society.

· Directly engage with the private sector, by hosting industry roundtables, industry site visits and networking events. Emphasize a multistakeholder approach inclusive of civil society.

· Conduct needs assessments to identify the key issues and challenges in regions of operation to determine the capacity building needs of the alumni networks. This can be done via surveys, interviews, and focus group discussions.

· Develop and deliver training or professional development programs for alumni on key topics and to include expertise from the U.S. government, the multistakeholder community, and regional experts.

· Establish communication channels to facilitate ongoing engagement and collaboration among alumni, such as social media groups, online forums, and/or newsletters. These channels can also be used to share information on upcoming events, training opportunities.

To achieve the expected project objectives and outcomes, the project should address, but is not limited to addressing, the following:

· Cybersecurity threats and challenges -- understanding the evolving threat landscape, common attack vectors, and strategies for risk management and mitigation.

· ICT policy and regulatory frameworks: exploring best practices and innovative approaches to policy and regulatory development, with a focus on promoting strong U.S. aligned telecommunications ICT policy and regulatory foundations.

· Digital and cyber strategy development: providing participants with practical tools and frameworks for developing effective digital and cyber strategies that align with national development priorities.

· Secure network deployment: exploring best practices and standards for network security, including supplier diversity, encryption, access control, and intrusion detection and prevention.

· Emerging technologies and their impact on ICT policy: examining the potential of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, the Internet of Things, and others, and their implications for policy and regulation.

· Stakeholder engagement and collaboration: exploring strategies for building partnerships and collaboration between government agencies, private sector entities, civil society organizations, and other relevant stakeholders.

· Gender and ICT policy: examining the gender dimensions of ICT policy and regulation and exploring strategies for promoting gender equality and women's empowerment in the digital ecosystem.

· Digital freedom: understanding digital accessibility and openness by focusing on online freedoms and digital inclusion and promoting the responsible and rights-respecting use of technology.

· Insert additional project activities.

Performance Indicators

· DCCP 1.5: Number of national or sub-national telecom/ICT, internet, or digital economy strategies developed or improved with USG assistance.

· DCCP 1.6: Number of people trained in telecom/ICT or digital economy issues with USG support.

· DCCP 1.7: Number of people trained on telecom/ICT or digital economy issues who demonstrate improved knowledge or skill.

· DCCP 1.10: Number of new secure network connections to households or businesses established with USG assistance.

· DCCP 2.1: Number of instances of U.S. telecom/ICT policy positions presented in international or regional fora by the U.S. or DCCP partner countries.

· DCCP 2.2: Number of telecom/ICT governance policies, laws, or regulations drafted, proposed, adopted, improved, or implemented with USG assistance.

· DCCP 3.2: Number of telecom/ICT public-private partnership opportunities identified or established with USG assistance.

· DCCP 4.1: Number of people trained in cybersecurity with USG support.

· DCCP 4.2: Number of people trained in cybersecurity who demonstrate improved knowledge or skill.

· Insert additional performance indicators.

F. Sustainability Applicant’s plan for continuing the project beyond the grant period, or the availability of other resources, if applicable. Include ways project activities will ensure sustainability.

G. KEY TERMS AND DEFINITIONS

Activity: A specific action undertaken over a specific timeframe through which inputs are mobilized to produce specific outputs. An activity can be a sub-component of a program, project, or process.

Goal: The highest-order outcome or end state to which a program, project, process or policy is intended to contribute.

Monitoring: An ongoing system of gathering information and tracking performance to assess progress against established goals and objectives. Monitoring provides an indication of progress against goals and indicators of performance, reveals whether desired results are occurring, and confirms whether implementation is on track.

Objective: A statement of the condition or state one expects to achieve toward accomplishing a program or project goal.

Outcome: A result or effect that may be contributed to by the program or project, or attributable to the program or project. Outcomes may be short-term or long-term, intended or unintended, positive or negative, direct or indirect.

Performance Indicators: Performance indicators measure a particular characteristic or dimension of a project’s outputs or outcomes. Outputs are directly attributable to the project activities, while outcomes typically represent longer-term results to which a given program contributes but for which it is not solely responsible.

Program: A set of activities or projects that are typically implemented by several parties over an unspecified timeframe and may cut across sectors, themes, and/or geographic areas.

Project: A set of activities intended to achieve a defined product, service, or result within specified resources and implementation schedules. A set of projects makes up the portfolio of a program.