FCC’s Filing Window for $200 Million Cybersecurity Pilot Program is Now Open

The filing window for the Federal Communications Commission (FCC)’s Cybersecurity Pilot Program opened on September 17, 2024, and will close on November 1, 2024. Schools, libraries, and consortia are encouraged to apply early for this $200 million, three-year program to provide funding for eligible cybersecurity services and equipment.

Program Highlights

• Eligibility: All schools, libraries and consortia that meet the FCC Universal Service Fund’s E-Rate program’s eligibility requirements
• Eligible Services and Equipment: Funding may be used for a wide variety of services and equipment, including advanced/next generation firewalls, endpoint protection, identity protection and authentication, and monitoring, detection, and response
• Funding Amount: Up to $13.60 per student for schools and $15,000 per library annually depending upon district size

Application Process:

• Part 1: Applicants must provide basic information regarding their cybersecurity needs, experience, and plans for using the pilot funds.
• Part 2: Selected applicants will then be asked to provide more detailed information about their school’s cybersecurity practices and experiences.
• Upon approval: Participants will be required to complete a competitive bidding process for their equipment and services before submitting reimbursement requests.

Important Next Steps

While there are numerous steps schools can take to improve their applications, below are two immediate actions that must be completed to ensure schools do not miss this opportunity:

1. Confirm registration requirements are satisfied as soon as possible.

Prospective applicants must have an FCC Registration Number, a USAC Billed Entity Number, an E-Rate Productivity Center User Registration, and a SAM.gov Unique Entity Identifier. They also must be in good financial standing with the federal government. More details on these requirements can be found in the FCC’s Cybersecurity Program Application Guide.

2. Submit Part 1 of Form 484 between Tuesday, September 17, 2024 at 8am EST and Friday, November 1, 2024 at 11:59pm EST.

Interested schools must submit Part 1 of the FCC Form 484 to provide a general level of information about their cybersecurity needs, experiences, and how they plan to use funds.

Partner with Lightspeed Systems to Enhance Your Cybersecurity Pilot Program

Lightspeed Systems products enhance school security and data privacy strategies, including blocking malicious websites and network tools and streamlining edtech app vetting and data privacy management.

Lightspeed products provide added protection to bolster your cybersecurity defense, and all products are eligible under grant guidelines. Learn more about how Lightspeed capabilities align with services and equipment eligible for pilot funding.