Policy & Funding

Application Window for FCC Cybersecurity Pilot to Open Sept. 17

• By Rhea Kelly
• 09/04/24

The application filing window for the Federal Communications Commission Schools and Libraries Cybersecurity Pilot Program will be open from Sept. 17 to Nov. 1, 2024. During this time, schools, libraries, and consortia can complete the FCC Form 484 Part 1, available via the Universal Service Administrative Company's E-Rate Productivity Center (EPC) system, to "provide basic information about their cybersecurity needs, experience, and plans to use the cybersecurity funding if selected to participate in the pilot," according to an FCC-issued public notice.

The Cybersecurity Pilot is a three-year program that will provide up to $200 million in funding to offset the cost of cybersecurity services and equipment for eligible schools and libraries. Institutions must meet the E-Rate Program's eligibility requirements to participate. The FCC said it will "award support to a combination of large and small and urban and rural schools, libraries, and consortia, with an emphasis on funding proposed pilot projects that include low-income and Tribal applicants," in order to put together a diverse set of projects for the pilot and provide funds to the populations most in need of cybersecurity support.

Eligible cybersecurity services and equipment include:

• Advanced/next-generation firewalls;
• Endpoint protection;
• Identity protection and authentication;
• Monitoring, detection, and response; and
• Training, provided that it is basic instruction on the use of eligible equipment and services, directly associated with installation, and is part of the contract or agreement for the equipment and services.

Pilot participants will be required to contribute a portion of the costs of these services and equipment (ranging from 20% to 90% of the pre-discount price), "similar to the share that E-Rate applicants are required to contribute towards the cost of E-Rate eligible services and equipment," the FCC noted.

In a second part of the application process, selected participants will be asked to provide more detailed cybersecurity information in Part 2 of the FCC Form 484 (submission window to be announced). Information is forthcoming on "how to complete Part 2 of the FCC Form 484 application, as well as the processes for conducting competitive bidding, seeking reimbursement for eligible cybersecurity services and equipment, complying with the Pilot's periodic reporting requirements, and other processes," the FCC said.

The USAC is offering a series of trainings to support applicants:

• Schools and Libraries Cybersecurity Pilot Program FCC Form 484 Part 1 Overview and FAQs (Sept, 10, 2024, 3 p.m. ET)
• Schools and Libraries Cybersecurity Pilot Program FCC Form 484 Part 1 System Walkthrough (Sept. 17, 2024, 3 p.m. ET)

An e-mail signup for USAC updates on the Cybersecurity Pilot Program is also available here.

For more information, read the FCC's public notice here.