When should I schedule my project to fit in the grant requirements?
The start date for the grant funded project should be no earlier than 12/1/2023, with the end date of no later than 11/30/2027. Some entities awarded funding in previous cycles started projects before funding became available, because they knew they had been awarded funding.
Are there any match funding requirements for this grant?
Yes, there are match funding requirements for this grant. The required match has been provided by the State Legislature for FY22 and FY23.
When will grant approvals be announced, and when will the funds be available?
Grant approval announcements for this funding round are tentatively scheduled for early August 2024. Funds are expected to be available by October 2024. Please note that these dates are approximate and could be subject to changes depending on the evaluation process and other factors.
For a grant application involving multiple projects, is it recommended to submit separate spreadsheets for each project or to create additional tabs within a single spreadsheet?
You can create additional tabs within a single spreadsheet for each project. This method is often more efficient as it allows the applicant to fill out common fields, such as the Applicant information, only once. This approach can save time and reduce the possibility of inconsistencies across multiple documents.
Can I apply for a project over a multiple-year timeframe to take advantage of better vendor pricing?
Yes, you may submit the project for multiple years to capitalize on more favorable vendor pricing. However, if the project extends beyond the period of performance, it is crucial to include in the Budget Narrative section how the costs will be managed after the grant funding ends. This planning is essential to ensure clarity and sustainability for the financial commitments of the project.
When will the next application round open?
The applications for FY23 funding will open on March 29, and should be submitted by May 10, 2024.
How long will it take to receive notice of winning a grant?
The time needed for processing applications depends on the number received. A high volume may require more time to process, score, select for funding, and submit to the federal government for approval. The current timeline calls for presenting a project list to the Planning Committee in August.
If our jurisdiction gets a grant, when can I expect the money?
Once the applications have been processed, scored, and approved for funding, and the projects approved by FEMA/CISA, grant agreements will be drafted and will need to be executed (signed by both parties Washington Military Department and the jurisdiction). Once those agreements are in place, projects can proceed. Grant money will be disbursed as a reimbursement when all the conditions of the agreements are met.
Will there be any help available for filling out the application?
Yes. There are two help sessions in the works for April 8, and April 23, 2024
Who is eligible for a cybersecurity grant?
State agencies, higher education institutions, school districts, Tribal governments, cities, counties, and special purpose districts such as Public Utility Districts are examples of local governments eligible for grant funding. Cybersecurity or Privacy projects that align with the objectives of the grant program and state cybersecurity plan will be considered.
How much money did the state get?
The state received roughly $14 million over four years. The state Legislature has provided the matching funds for the first two years (so local jurisdictions don’t need to meet the matching fund requirement). In the first round of funding, roughly $3 million was allocated to cybersecurity and privacy projects across the state. The second round of funding, which opened March 29, 2024, will allocate roughly $6 million. The amount of the grant tapers in the last two years.
What are the criteria being used to score project applications?
Each project must align with one objective:
- Objective 1: Develop and establish appropriate governance structures, as well as develop, implement, or revise cybersecurity plans, to improve capabilities to respond to cybersecurity incidents and ensure continuity of operations.
- Objective 2: SLT agencies understand their current cybersecurity posture and areas for improvement based on continuous testing, evaluation, and structured assessments.
- Objective 3: Implement security protections commensurate with risk (outcomes of Objectives 1 & 2)
- Objective 4: Ensure organization personnel are appropriately trained in cybersecurity, commensurate with responsibility.
Each project should also explain how it aligns with the WA State Cybersecurity Plan, explain the gaps you’re trying to solve with funding, the intended outcome of the project, and a budget narrative.
Our jurisdiction received funding in a previous round/year. Can we apply for funds in this or future years?
Yes.
How are the projects and applications being prioritized?
The Planning Committee would like to spread the grant money around the state as much as possible, so most awards are targeted at about $100,000 or less per jurisdiction/project. Federal law requires 80% of project grants go to local governments and 25% to rural governments.
Is there local government representation on the Planning Committee?
Yes. The Association of Washington Cities and the Washington State Association of Counties both chose individuals to help on the Planning Committee. The federal law also requires that everyone on the Planning Committee have some IT experience, or cybersecurity experience and that public health and education both be represented.
Who received grants in the first year?
During the first year, 94 jurisdictions or entities received some funding from the first round including cities, counties, school districts, and Tribal governments. Projects ranged from training to dot gov or multi factor authentication migrations.