oppPD-CTP-18-001-cfda97.127-instructions.pdf

DHS NOFO Template – Version 18-01

INSTRUCTIONS FOR COMPLETING

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)

NOTE: If you are going to apply for this funding opportunity and have not obtained a Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number and/or are not currently registered in the System for Award Management (SAM), please take immediate action to obtain a DUNS Number, if applicable, and then to register immediately in SAM. It may take 4 weeks or more after you submit your SAM registration before your registration is active in SAM, then an additional 24 hours for Grants.gov to recognize your information. Information on obtaining a DUNS number and registering in SAM is available from Grants.gov at:

http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/register.html. Detailed information regarding DUNS and SAM is also provided in Section D of this NOFO, subsection, Content and Form of Application Submission.

A. Program Description

Issued By U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), National Protection and Programs Directorate (NPPD), Office of Cybersecurity and Communications (CS&C)

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number

97.127

CFDA Title

Cybersecurity Education and Training Assistance Program (CETAP)

Notice of Funding Opportunity Title Cybersecurity Education and Training Assistance Program (CETAP): Expansion of a Portable Cybersecurity Education Teacher-Focused Model

NOFO Number

DHS-18-NPPD-127-NC001

Authorizing Authority for Program 6 U.S.C. 121 et seq.

Appropriation Authority for Program The Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2018, Title III, Protection, Preparedness, Response, and Recovery, (Infrastructure Protection and Information Security), P.L. 115-141

Program Type

New http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/register.html

Program Overview, Objectives, and Priorities

Overview The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has the lead for the federal government in securing civilian government computer systems, and works with industry and state, local, tribal and territorial governments to secure critical infrastructure and information systems by:

• analyzing and reducing cyber threats and vulnerabilities

• distributing threat warnings

• coordinating the response to cyber incidents to ensure that our computers, networks, and cyber systems remain safe

Furthermore, Presidential Policy Directive 21 requires DHS to serve as the focal point for the security of cyberspace. Within DHS, the National Protection and Programs Directorate (NPPD) Office of Cybersecurity and Communications (CS&C) works to enhance the security, resiliency, and reliability of the Nation’s cyber and communications infrastructure.

The DHS Cybersecurity Education and Awareness Branch (CE&A) manages programs to develop the highly-skilled cybersecurity professionals needed to secure the nation’s cyber infrastructure and information systems. Consequently, CE&A is seeking to make an investment to promote cybersecurity training and awareness for elementary, middle, and high school aged students and their teachers. Additionally, to optimize and expand existing cybersecurity education programs, a comprehensive engagement strategy is needed to reach those K-12 educators. By investing in the number of young people who will benefit from cybersecurity education and awareness, the return on investment will be multiplied.

Increasing the number of graduates of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) disciplines is key to the success of our nation. Furthermore, the recruitment and retention of individuals with these skills is an important element in the development of our Nation’s cybersecurity workforce.

Objectives

DHS, through CETAP, seeks to implement a Cyber-Integrated Curricular Model (CICM), which will accomplish the following goals:

Goal 1: Expand awareness of national cybersecurity education and workforce issues.

Goal 2: Encourage entry into cybersecurity academic programs and careers through hands-on, engaging cybersecurity-integrated ready-to-use tools.

Goal 3: Provide a portable curricular model to aid in replication to all 50 States, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands.

Goal 4: Offer the means to measure the long-term effects of teacher training in the use of the proposed curricular solution and its impact on students, including the number of teachers who are trained, the number of students they instruct, the number of students that choose to pursue cybersecurity-related STEM disciplines and cybersecurity professions, and define and track other key metrics.

Goal 5: Develop and implement a comprehensive engagement strategy that enables DHS to reaching an increasing number of K-12 stakeholders.

Priorities

1. Expand the awareness of national cybersecurity education and workforce issues by:

i. exposing students from across all 50 States, Washington D.C., and the US

Territories to cyber-integrated curricula and increasing awareness of the cybersecurity profession; and,

ii. exposing Elementary, Middle, and High School educators to the scope and depth of the program to aid them in gaining tools and techniques to advance their teaching capabilities.

2. Encourage entry into cybersecurity academic programs and careers by:

i. exposing students to descriptions of cybersecurity careers aligned to the National

Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE) Cybersecurity Workforce Framework, sample job roles and responsibilities and what a typical job entails;

ii. exposing students to real-world cybersecurity professionals as examples of the career field, conveying to students how they can enter the cybersecurity career through academic and non-academic paths; and,

iii. training teachers on the cybersecurity career fields and providing them with the tools and materials to instruct their students.

3. Provide a portable curricular model by:

i. providing a template of materials such that the cyber-integrated curricula program elements can be adopted and taught elsewhere (to include the recruitment and logistics details); and,

4. Offer the means to measure the long-term effects of teacher training and its impact on students by:

i. establishing metrics that track the impact to students over a 5 year time period; and,

ii. providing the materials and means by which the teachers can provide feedback to

DHS on how they are teaching subsequent students in the classroom.

5. Optimize and expand cybersecurity education programs by developing and implementing a comprehensive engagement strategy to reach K-12 educators by:

i. drafting for DHS approval elementary, middle, and high school cybersecurity education engagement strategies including target audience(s), messaging and themes, metrics (including projected measurable increases in students pursuing cybersecurity) and a detailed implementation schedule; and,

ii. upon DHS acceptance, executing the engagement strategy.

Performance Metrics

Through achieving the priorities listed above, DHS, through CETAP, seeks to:

• Measure and project the increase in the number of students pursuing cybersecurity-related degrees post high school, such as through 2- and 4- year degrees. DHS aims to establish a baseline in the first year and see at least a 2% increase over the previous year in each subsequent year.

• Measure and project the increase in the number of students intending to pursue cybersecurity-related careers. DHS aims to establish a baseline in the first year and see at least a 5% increase over the previous year in each subsequent year.

• Identify and increase the number of state-wide and district-level approvals of CICM curricula. DHS aims to see an increase of at least two states each year either adopting at least one CICM curriculum state-wide or containing school districts that have approved at least one CICM curriculum for district-wide use.

• Measure and increase the number of K-12 teachers utilizing the curricula in a classroom setting. Receive feedback from at least 20% of these teachers each year on how they are using the curricula and the approximate number of students who plan to pursue cybersecurity education and careers.

B. Federal Award Information

Award Amounts, Important Dates, and Extensions Available Funding for the NOFO: $4,300,000.00

Projected number of Awards: 1

Period of Performance:

1. 60 Months

2. Extensions to the Performance Period may be awarded but are not guaranteed.

Extensions approvals will be based on the availability of funds within the award and acceptable performance.

Projected Period of Performance Start Date(s): 10/01/2018

Projected Period of Performance End Date(s): 09/30/2023

Funding Instrument

Cooperative Agreement

DHS Substantial Involvement

• Provide technical guidance and direction. Communication will be in the form of email, teleconference(s), and in-person meeting(s) as directed by the government.

• Review and comment within 15 working days of submission to NPPD on any information (e.g., papers, briefings, posters) to be publicly released by the awardee.

• Participate in an in-person annual performance or end of the grant period review to discuss the Annual Performance Report. The main purpose of this review is to evaluate the progress of the awardee in meeting the overall performance goals, and in retiring the key technical risks necessary to continue the program. This review will be the basis for determining continued funding for the follow-on phase. The review shall include the following, where appropriate:

a. Review of the ending phase’s activity

b. Technical progress achieved against goals

c. Difficulties encountered and recovery actions

d. An overview of all funds expended by task to date

e. Scope of work for the proposed following phase

f. Schedule and cost breakdown for the proposed following phase

g. Lessons learned and their impact on future R&D

• The recipient is required to maintain close and regular contact with the program office which includes conference calls at least once per month and status updates from all sub-grantee(s) to the effort. These monthly discussions and/or correspondence will update the program officer on each aspect of the effort and current funding levels and expenditures.

C. Eligibility Information

Eligible Applicants

• Nonprofits with 501(c)(3) IRS status, other than institutions of higher education

Maintenance of Effort (MOE) N/A

Cost Share or Match

No Cost share required

D. Application and Submission Information

Key Dates and Times

Date Posted to Grants.gov: 07/11/2018

Application Submission Deadline: 08/03/2018 at 11:59:00 PM Eastern

Anticipated Funding Selection Date: 08/20/2018

Anticipated Award Date: 09/12/2018

Other Key Dates (If applicable).

Other Eligibility Criteria-Applications DHS Considers Non-Responsive

DHS will not consider applications that do not adhere to one or more of the following requirements:

1. Deadlines. DHS will not accept late applications. Without exception, applications must be received by Grants.gov on or before the deadline in this announcement or they will not be considered.

2. Application relevance. Applications that do not address the purpose of this announcement will not be considered.

3. Compliance and completeness. Applications must substantially comply with the application submission instructions and requirements in this announcement or they will not be considered.

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 write or fax a request to:

Sean Lilly at sean.lilly@hq.dhs.gov

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

Event Suggested Deadline For Completion

Obtaining DUNS Number Four weeks before actual submission deadline

7/13/2018 Obtaining a valid EIN Four weeks before actual submission deadline

7/13/2018 Updating SAM registration Four weeks before actual submission deadline

7/13/2018 Starting application in Grants.gov One week before actual submission deadline

7/27/2018 If applicable additional critical dates http://www.grants.gov/

Content and Form of Application Submission

Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov. If the applicant encounters difficulties, please contact the Grants.gov Help Desk at 1-800-518-4726 to report the problem and obtain assistance with the system. DHS is not in a position to assist applicants in case they encounter problems or difficulties with the grants.gov process;

applicants should directly contact the customer support help desk at the number listed above.

To submit an application through Grants.gov, applicants use Adobe Reader. You must use a version of Adobe Reader that is compatible with Grants.gov. Adobe Reader is available from Grants.gov at no charge.

The applicant must submit the required forms and document listed below.

Complete the required forms in accordance with the application instructions on Grants.gov. If submitting any information that is deemed proprietary, privileged or confidential commercial or financial, please denote the beginning and ending of such information with asterisks (***).

Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM)

All applicants for this award must:

1. Be registered in SAM before submitting its application;

2. Provide a valid DUNS number in the application; and

3. Continue to maintain an active SAM registration with current information at all times during which it has an active federal award or an application or plan under consideration by a DHS FAO.

DHS may not make a federal award to an applicant until the applicant has complied with all applicable DUNS and SAM requirements and, if an applicant has not fully complied with the requirements by the time DHS is ready to make a federal 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 Apply is provided to aid in fulfilling these requirements:

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 applicants to submit their applications online through Grants.gov.

How to Register to Apply through Grants.gov

1. Instructions: 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 Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) Number, 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, refer to: https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration.html

Organization applicants can find complete instructions here:

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

2. Obtain a DUNS Number: All entities applying for funding, including renewal funding, must have a Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number from Dun & Bradstreet (D&B). Applicants must enter the DUNS number in the data entry field labeled "Organizational DUNS" on the SF-424 form.

For more detailed instructions for obtaining a DUNS number, refer to:

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration/step-1-obtain-duns-number.html

3. Register with SAM: In addition to having a DUNS number, 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.

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

4. Create a Grants.gov Account: The next step in the registration process is to create an account with Grants.gov. Applicants must know their organization's DUNS number to complete this process.

For more information, follow the on-screen instructions or refer to:

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration/step-1-obtain-duns-number.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration/step-1-obtain-duns-number.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

5. 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 applications. To add an organizational profile to your Grants.gov account, enter the DUNS Number for the organization in the DUNS 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

6. 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 login 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

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

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

8. 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 individuals who are able to make legally binding commitments on behalf of the organization as an AOR; this step is often missed and it is crucial for valid and timely submissions.

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 Notice of Funding Opportunity (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

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

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

2. 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.

3. Adobe Reader: If you decide not to apply by filling out webforms you can download individual PDF forms in Workspace so that they will appear similar to other Standard or DHS forms. The individual PDF forms can be downloaded and 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

4. 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.

5. Complete SF-424 Fields First: The forms are designed to fill in common required fields across other forms, such as the applicant name, address, and DUNS 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.

6. 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.

7. Track a Workspace: After successfully submitting a workspace package, 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 you are applying for.

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 the DHS with tracking your issue and understanding background information on the issue.

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

Timely Receipt Requirements and Proof of Timely Submission

Online Submissions. All applications must be received by Midnight Eastern Standard 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.

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. 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.

Intergovernmental Review

An intergovernmental review may be required. Applicants must contact their state’s Single Point of Contact (SPOC) to comply with the state’s process under Executive Order 12372 (See http://www.fws.gov/policy/library/rgeo12372.pdf).

Funding Restrictions

The use of award funds is restricted to activities related to the roll-out of cyber-integrated curricula to multiple communities in the United States. DHS funds may only be used for the purpose set forth in the agreement, and must be consistent with the statutory authority for the award. Cooperative agreement funds and non-monetary support may not be used for cost-sharing or matching funds for other Federal grants, lobbying, or intervention in Federal regulatory or adjudicatory proceedings. In addition, Federal funds may not be used to sue the Federal government or any other government entity.

http://www.fws.gov/policy/library/rgeo12372.pdf

Management and Administration (M&A) Costs.

Indirect Costs (IDC) are allowable by the grant recipient and sub-awardees. Applicant must provide a copy of its federally-approved and negotiated IDC rate at the time of application, if they have one and intend to request indirect costs.

Indirect Facilities & Administrative (F&A) Costs.

Applicants must attach a copy of their latest indirect cost rate (IDC) agreement, if they have one. If no IDC rate agreement exists, no indirect costs should be listed in the budget.

Other Submission Requirements

a. If the Component/Directorate introduces subsequent amendments to this application, those amendments will be posted to www.grants.gov.

b. The government is not obligated to make any awards as a result of this announcement.

c. Only Grant Officers can bind the government to the expenditure of funds.

E. Application Review Information

Application Evaluation Criteria

Prior to making a federal award, the DHS FAO is required by 31 U.S.C. § 3321 and 41 U.S.C. § 2313 to review information available through any OMB-designated repositories of government wide eligibility qualification or financial integrity information. Therefore, application evaluation criteria may include the following risk based considerations of the applicant:

1. Financial stability.

2. Quality of management systems and ability to meet management standards.

3. History of performance in managing federal award.

4. Reports and findings from audits.

5. Ability to effectively implement statutory, regulatory, or other requirements.

Review and Selection Process

Applications are reviewed by DHS program and administrative staff. Any issues or concerns noted in the application will be negotiated with the applicant prior to the award being issued.

i. “Prior to making a federal award with a total amount of federal share greater than the simplified acquisition threshold, DHS is required to review and consider any information about the applicant that is in the designated integrity and performance system accessible through SAM (currently FAPIIS).

ii. An applicant, at its option, may review information in the designated integrity and performance systems accessible through SAM and comment on any information about itself that a federal awarding agency previously entered and http://www.grants.gov/ is currently in the designated integrity and performance system accessible through SAM.

iii. DHS will consider any comments by the applicant, in addition to the other information in the designated integrity and performance system, in making a judgment about the applicant’s integrity, business ethics, and record of performance under federal awards when completing the review of risk posed by applicants as described in 2 CFR § 200.205 federal awarding agency review of risk posed by applicants.”

DHS conducts an initial review of all applications to determine whether they meet the following minimum requirements, if not they will be deemed non-responsive and not forwarded to the Objective Review Panel.

Applications will be deemed non-responsive and not forwarded to the Objective Review Panel if:

All required forms are not included in application;

Non-profit documentation is not included;

Application is not received by the Application Submission Deadline Date, for any reason, including but not limited to: problems with obtaining a DUNS Number, registration to SAM, or unresolved submission issues or difficulties with Grants.gov;

Supporting Narrative longer than 25 pages;

Supporting narrative or documentation which fails to sufficiently address or substantiate

Section E components that will be scored by the review panel

*No appeals of disqualified/rejected applications will be allowed for the factors listed above.

All applications that do meet the requirements listed above will be reviewed by an Objective Review Panel (ORP) and assessed against the stated criteria, as outlined below. The Selection Authority will make the final determination, based on the ORP’s review.

All applications deemed eligible for a review will be sent to the Objective Review Panel (ORP).

The review panel will receive a copy of each application and will evaluate it against the criteria above and the applicant’s technical approach to implementing the expansion of the model.

Through this selection process, the government will determine the proposal that best addresses all program requirements and is, therefore, most worthy of funding.

Individuals with any actual or perceived conflict of interest shall not participate in the selection process. All reviewers shall sign a conflict of interest/non-disclosure certificate which is retained by the DHS Cybersecurity Education Office.

Grant applicants will be eligible only if they:

• Have had direct experience with and oversight of the management of a Cyber-Integrated Curricular Model (CICM) that addresses all scored areas listed below.

• Have had direct experience with and oversight of the management of a portable, teacher-focused a CICM with a multi-disciplinary approach to high school teacher and student cyber education and experience. The model must be portable in order to be implemented in multiple communities and must have the capacity to affect at least 1.7 million high school students in cyber education over 10 years.

• Have and are able to demonstrate at least five years of experience managing this model and operating a camp in each of these five years.

• Have at least three years of direct experience in reaching out to a new community to assist it in attaining the capability to host a camp that meets the criteria outlined in Section E above.

Applications shall be evaluated with the following points (highest total score is 100):

Program Design and Rationale (20 points): The extent to which the applicant proposes a comprehensive approach to having created and being capable of implementing CICM in multiple communities across the Nation. The extent to which the applicant is able to justify how the program design will form the basis of a successful and effective CICM that will bolster cyber education in communities across the Nation. The extent to which the applicant is able to show the relationship between the program design and projected outcomes. The extent to which the applicant demonstrates how the proposed the CICM can be implemented across multiple communities that will result in greater knowledge of cybersecurity topics among high school teachers and their students, with the intent of encouraging the overall secure and safe use of the Internet and of cyber education and careers.

Project Management and Organizational Capability (20 points): The degree to which the applicant, as the lead technical institution, has a sound management and fiscal structure including: well-defined roles for administrators and staff, established financial management systems, and a commitment to ongoing staff and volunteer development and training to ensure effective program implementation. The extent to which the applicant identifies and demonstrates that qualifications, capabilities, and educational background of the identified key personnel (at a minimum the Project Manager) who will manage and implement the proposed program are relevant and will contribute to the success of program goals and objectives.

Demonstrated Experience and Past Performance (50 points): The extent to which the applicant demonstrates direct experience with and oversight of the management of a portable, teacher-focused CICM with a multi-disciplinary approach to high school teacher and student cyber education and experience. The extent to which the applicant has experience managing Federal grant-funded projects. The extent to which the applicant has experience establishing a baseline of community maturity as defined in section above and experience measuring effectiveness of efforts and progress over time.

The extent to which the applicant has a track record of successfully promoting cyber education among high school teachers and students through the CICM The extent to which the applicant has established relationships with academic institutions, including four-year and two-year academic institutions and with high schools, both within its own geographic region and in the geographic region of potential host communities. The depth of the applicant’s experience in working to coordinate activities with multiple entities that led to successful hosting of a CICM.

Project Plan and Budget Narrative (10 points): The extent to which the applicant explains each element of the project phases and provides milestones that are well defined and can realistically be completed within the grant cycle. The extent to which the applicant is able to correlate and support the program’s budget to the project phases and implementation timeline. The extent to which administrative/management costs are balanced with funds designated for project operation.

Application Selection Process The application requires the applicant to describe its existing portable CICM and its plan to facilitate the successful implementation of the CICM in communities in the United States. A well-described and thought-out plan is vital to the successful roll-out of the model. For this reason, the application will be evaluated primarily based upon the applicant's technical approach to the implementation of the model, demonstrating its understanding of this announcement’s objectives, the plan for implementing and successfully demonstrating these objectives, and the reasonableness of this plan. In particular, the applicant must address how it meets the eligibility criteria listed (in the scored sections above) and provide evidence demonstrating this eligibility.

The applicant must submit an application, demonstrating its experience developing and hosting a teacher-focused, portable CICM, as well as its capacity to serve as the Lead Technical Institution, including its experience in reaching out to and assisting communities in the United States to implement the camp. If the application fails to address each of the evaluation criteria listed in the scored Sections (above), the applicant will be deemed ineligible and will not be selected.

The DHS Cybersecurity Education Office is the entity responsible for organizing the Objective Review Panel and the final selection process.

F. Federal Award Administration Information

Notice of Award

DHS issues formal award notification documents following fulfillment of DHS Congressional notifications. All DHS grants and cooperative agreements are subject to the standard DHS award Terms and Conditions, which are attached to this NOFO package.

Program-specific terms and conditions include:

The award will be made under a cooperative agreement and will be signed by the Federal Grants Officer authorized to obligate DHS funding. The award will be sent to the grant recipient via the GFAD Online Grants Solutions System.

Administrative and National Policy Requirements

A complete list of Federal Financial Requirements is available at:

https://www.grants.gov/forms.html . Furthermore, all successful applicants for all DHS grant(s) and cooperative agreement(s) are required to comply with DHS Standard Administrative Terms and Conditions. This information is enumerated in the DHS Chief Financial Officer Financial Management Policy Manual.

Before accepting the award the authorized official must carefully read the award package for instructions on administering the grant award and the terms and conditions associated with responsibilities under Federal Awards. Recipients must accept all conditions in this NOFO as well as any Special Terms and Conditions in the Notice of Award to receive an award under this program.

All successful applicants for DHS grant and cooperative agreements are required to comply with DHS Standard Terms and Conditions, which are available online at:

DHS Standard Terms and Conditions

The applicable DHS Standard Terms and Conditions will be for the last year specified at that URL, unless the application is for a continuation award. In that event, the terms and conditions in effect for the fiscal year that award was originally made will apply.

Before accepting the award, the Authorized Organizational Representative (AOR) should carefully read the award package for instructions on administering the grant award. The AOR must also read and accept the terms and conditions associated with responsibilities under federal awards.

Recipients must accept all conditions in this NOFO as well as any special terms and conditions in the Notice of Award to receive an award under this program.

Reporting

Quarterly Federal Financial Reports (SF-425) must be submitted to the DHS Grants Officer within 30 days after the end of each quarter. Reports are due January 30, April 30, July 30, and October 30. Reports shall be submitted via the Grants Solution System.

Quarterly Cash Transaction Reports (SF-425) must be submitted to the Department of Health and Human Services Division of Payment Management.

Final Federal Financial Report (SF-425) must be submitted to the DHS Grants Officer within 90 days after the expiration date of the Performance Period.

Federal Financial Reporting Requirements.

The Federal Financial Reporting Form (FFR) is available online at:

SF-425 OMB #4040-0014

https://www.grants.gov/forms.html http://www.dhs.gov/publication/fy15-dhs-standard-terms-and-conditions https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/post-award-reporting-forms.html#sortby=1

Program Performance Reporting Requirements.

The recipient is required to submit the following performance reports:

a. Quarterly Performance Reports must be submitted to the DHS Grants Officer within 30 days after the end of each quarter. Reports are due January 30, April 30, July 30, and October 30.

b. Final Performance Report must be submitted to the DHS Grants Officer no later than 90 days after the expiration date of the performance period.

c. The Final Report shall be submitted to the DHS Grants Officer and the DHS Program Officer.

d. The Recipient shall submit the Final Report to the DHS Grants Officer and the

DHS Program Officer within 90 days following the execution of the final activity in the summer of 2019.

Close Out Reporting Requirements

Within 90 days after the end of the period of performance, or after an amendment has been issued to close out a grant, whichever comes first, recipients must submit a final FFR and final progress report detailing all accomplishments and a qualitative summary of the impact of those accomplishments throughout the period of performance.

If applicable, an inventory of all construction projects that used funds from this program must be reported with the final progress report.

After these reports have been reviewed and approved by DHS Cybersecurity Education & Awareness Branch, a close-out notice will be completed to close out the grant. The notice will indicate the period of performance as closed, list any remaining funds that will be deobligated, and address the requirement of maintaining the grant records for three years from the date of the final FFR.

The recipient is responsible for returning any funds that have been drawn down but remain as unliquidated on recipient financial records.

G. DHS Awarding Agency Contact Information

Contact and Resource Information Latasha McCord

Program Officer DHS Program Officer, Cybersecurity Education and Awareness Branch Address: 245 Murray Ln., Bldg. 410, Washington, DC 20528 Email: CETAP-Info@dhs.gov Phone: 703-705-6672

Sean Lilly Grants Officer DHS - Grants and Financial Assistance Division Email: sean.lilly@hq.dhs.gov Phone: 202-447-5869

H. Additional Information

Extensions

1. Extensions to the Period of Performance can only be authorized in writing by the DHS Grants Officer.

2. The extension request shall be submitted to the DHS Grants Officer sixty (60) days prior to the expiration date of the performance period.

3. Requests for time extensions to the Period of Performance will be considered, but will not be granted automatically, and must be supported by adequate justification to be processed. The justification is a written explanation of the reason or reasons for the delay; an outline of remaining resources/funds available to support the extended period of performance; and a description of performance measures necessary to complete the project. Without performance and financial status reports current and justification submitted, extension requests shall not be processed.

4. If necessary, this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) will also award an unspecified number of supplemental awards to the recipient in the event of emergencies, Special Events with National Significance, and limited alterations to ensure a secure and resilient nation with the capabilities required across the whole community to prevent, protect against, mitigate, respond to, and recover from the threats and hazards that pose the greatest risk.

5. DHS has no obligation to provide additional resources/funding as a result of an extension.

Disclosure: Risk Assessment Evaluation mailto:CETAP-Info@dhs.gov mailto:sean.lilly@hq.dhs.gov

DHS staff will evaluate the risks to the program posed by each applicant, including conducting due diligence to ensure an applicant’s ability to manage federal funds. This evaluation is in addition to the evaluation of the applicant’s eligibility and the quality of its application on the basis of the Selection Criteria, and results from this evaluation may assist funding decisions. If an award is made, DHS may apply special conditions that correspond to the degree of risk of the award.

In evaluating risks, DHS may consider the following:

• Financial stability;

• Quality of management systems and ability to meet the management standards prescribed in applicable OMB Guidance;

• Applicant’s record in managing previous DHS awards, cooperative agreements, or procurement awards, including:

1. Timeliness of compliance with applicable reporting requirements

2. Accuracy of data reported

3. Conformance to the terms and conditions of previous federal awards

4. If applicable, the extent to which any previously awarded amounts will be expended prior to future awards

5. Information available through OMB-designated repositories of government-wide eligibility qualification or financial integrity information, such as: Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System (FAPIIS), Duns and SAM

6. Reports and findings from single audits performed under Subpart F – Audit Requirements, 2 C.F.R. Part 200 and findings and reports of any other available audits

7. Applicant organization’s annual report

8. Publicly available information, including information from the applicant organization's website

9. Applicant’s ability to effectively implement statutory, regulatory, or other requirements imposed on award recipients.

In addition, organizations who have not received prior DHS Grants and Financial Assistance Division (GFAD) awards may be required to complete a risk assessment questionnaire as part of the pre-award financial and administrative review.

Applicant Disclosure of High Risk Status

Applicants are to disclose if they are currently designated as high risk by a federal awarding agency. This includes, but is not limited to, any status requiring additional oversight by a federal awarding agency due to past programmatic, administrative or financial concerns. If an applicant is designated as high risk by a federal awarding agency, it should provide an explanation with the application package and include the following information:

• The federal awarding agency that assigned the high risk status;

• The federal awarding agency’s point of contact for the risk status, including name, phone number and email address;

• Date of the risk status designation;

• Reason(s) for the risk status.

DHS seeks this information to ensure appropriate federal oversight of all grant awards.

The disclosure of an organization’s risk status does not disqualify it from receiving an award; however additional grant oversight may be required. If necessary, this information will be provided in the award documentation. Failure to disclose high risk status may result in award termination or other remedies.