Questions_and_Answers__DFOP0019791.docx

This is a Questions and Answers document for federal grant opportunity DFOP0019791, the Advisory Support for Establishing a National Cybersecurity Operations Center (SOC) in Argentina. The Q&A addresses three key inquiries: the funding opportunity is posted on both Grants.gov and MyGrants; no special facility requirements exist for storing or handling project documentation; and key personnel are not required to hold a U.S. security clearance, though existing clearances may be advantageous but remain optional.

The underlying grant opportunity is a single cooperative agreement valued at $13,912,185 administered by the Department of State under CFDA 19.047 (Emerging Threats), with an application deadline of October 16, 2026, and anticipated start date of November 16, 2026. The 36-month agreement supports Argentina's development of a centralized, civilian-led national SOC to prevent, detect, analyze, and respond to advanced cyber threats. Eligible applicants include not-for-profit organizations, educational institutions, public international organizations, FFRDCs, and for-profit organizations. Funding is structured across five objectives: Comprehensive and Ongoing Assessments ($2,000,000); Legal and Policy Frameworks ($1,250,000); Governance and Operational Design ($1,250,000); Technical Architecture Advisory ($5,000,000); and Workforce Development and Skills-Based Training ($4,600,000). Applications, submitted via Grants.gov and limited to 40 pages, are evaluated on Quality and Feasibility (30 points), Organizational Capacity and Previous Grants (20 points), Program Planning and Ability to Achieve Objectives (15 points), Budget (10 points), Monitoring and Evaluation Plan (15 points), and Sustainability (10 points).