National Cybersecurity Preparedness Consortium

The National Cybersecurity Preparedness Consortium grant is administered by the Department of Homeland Security through the Federal Emergency Management Agency, specifically under the National Preparedness Directorate’s National Training and Education Division. This funding opportunity is part of a broader federal effort to strengthen national preparedness capabilities by supporting cybersecurity training initiatives. The program operates within FEMA’s National Training and Education System and contributes to the National Preparedness Goal, which aims to enhance the nation’s ability to prevent, protect against, mitigate, respond to, and recover from threats and hazards, including cyber incidents. The consortium structure enables collaboration across institutions to deliver coordinated and scalable training nationwide. The purpose of this grant is to develop, deliver, and evaluate high quality cybersecurity training programs tailored to state, local, tribal, and territorial partners. The initiative focuses on addressing emerging cyber threats and closing capability gaps by leveraging evidence based training approaches. The program emphasizes accessibility, ensuring that training reaches a wide audience including emergency managers, first responders, and information technology professionals. It also prioritizes innovation in instructional design, encouraging the use of new methodologies and technologies to improve training effectiveness and scalability. Funding under this opportunity is provided through a cooperative agreement and is intended to support a wide range of training related activities. Allowable uses include course development, course delivery, recertification of existing training programs, and evaluation of training outcomes. The program explicitly prohibits construction and renovation costs and restricts certain activities such as lobbying and reimbursement of claims against the federal government. Indirect costs are permitted, and management and administration expenses are capped at five percent of the award. There is no cost share or matching requirement associated with this funding opportunity. Eligibility for this grant is highly specific. The University of Texas at San Antonio’s Center for Infrastructure Assurance and Security is designated as the primary eligible applicant, serving as the executive agent for the consortium. Subawards are allowed, enabling collaboration with additional partners; however, subapplicants must comply with federal requirements, including restrictions related to foreign nationals and security policies. Applicants must also meet all federal registration requirements, including maintaining active registrations in SAM.gov, Grants.gov, and FEMA GO, and obtaining a Unique Entity Identifier. The application process is conducted through FEMA GO and requires submission of standard federal forms along with program specific documentation. Applicants must provide a detailed project narrative, budget narrative, and other required forms such as SF 424 and related assurances. The application deadline is July 31, 2026 at 12 p.m. Eastern Time. Applicants are encouraged to complete all registrations well in advance, as these processes can take several weeks. FEMA evaluates applications based on threshold criteria, application criteria, and financial integrity considerations, with final award decisions approved by senior leadership. The timeline for this opportunity includes a projected application period beginning July 1, 2026 and ending July 31, 2026. Funding selection is anticipated in mid August 2026, with awards expected by September 1, 2026. The period of performance runs from September 1, 2026 through August 31, 2029, providing a multi year timeframe for program implementation. Reporting requirements include quarterly financial reports and semiannual performance reports, ensuring accountability and progress tracking throughout the award lifecycle. Post award administration includes strict compliance with federal regulations, reporting requirements, and oversight provisions. Recipients must adhere to cybersecurity requirements, procurement standards, and audit processes. The program also includes provisions for termination, monitoring, and evaluation to ensure alignment with national priorities. Through this structured approach, the grant aims to enhance national resilience by building a skilled cybersecurity workforce capable of addressing evolving threats.

Align proposal with National Preparedness Goal and demonstrate measurable training outcomes; emphasize evidence based curriculum and scalability