Department of War Cyber Service Academy (DoW CSA)

The Department of War (DoW) Cyber Service Academy (CSA) grant program is a federally authorized initiative established under Chapter 112 of Title 10, U.S. Code, Section 2200. Administered by the DoW, this program is designed to fortify the national cybersecurity workforce by enhancing recruitment and retention efforts and supporting higher education institutions in developing cyber-focused academic programs. Through this funding opportunity, the DoW aims to increase the pipeline of highly skilled cyber professionals equipped to support national defense and information security operations. This funding opportunity is directed at U.S.-based institutions of higher education that have received designation as National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity (NCAE-C), including specializations in Cyber Defense, Cyber Research, and Cyber Operations. These designated institutions are invited to submit proposals to administer full-time, grant-supported scholarship programs in cyber-related disciplines for the 2026–2027 academic year. These scholarships are targeted toward community college students, undergraduates (freshman through senior), master’s and doctoral candidates. The program is structured into two pathways: recruitment of new students and retention of current professionals, with separate application streams. Institutions only manage recruitment-based awards; retention applicants apply separately. Allowable uses of funds include direct student support through scholarships and stipends, as well as modest institutional capacity building. Institutions may request additional funding to strengthen cyber curriculum, faculty development, and laboratory enhancements. This supports the broader mission of enhancing institutional readiness to operate DoW-aligned cyber programs. However, the program expressly prohibits standalone capacity-building applications without associated student scholarships. Funded institutions are required to comply with rigorous reporting standards including quarterly financial and performance reports, in alignment with the Department of War's fiscal calendar. Applications must be submitted via Grants.gov and include several standard federal forms such as the SF-424, SF-424A, SF-424B, and SFLLL, as well as narrative components and a budget/student identification worksheet. Submission requirements include Times New Roman 12-point font, 1-inch margins, and PDF formatting. A complete proposal must be institutionally approved, signed, and submitted by April 20, 2026. Late applications will not be considered under any circumstance. All organizations must possess a valid UEI, active SAM registration, and be registered on Grants.gov to apply. The evaluation process will include programmatic, budgetary, and risk assessments, with a focus on alignment to stated objectives, compliance, and integrity as assessed through the Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System (FAPIIS). Selected awardees will be notified via email, though official authorization to expend funds is only granted upon receipt of a signed Notice of Award from a DoW grants officer. The performance period for awards will run up to five years from the date of award issuance, with annual re-application required for continued support. The CSA program mandates strict compliance with federal nondiscrimination and national policy requirements, including environmental protections, research ethics, and lobbying restrictions. Institutions must agree to publicize the CSA program, support scholar success, and adhere to all federal reporting and ethical standards. This NOFO does not permit classified project submissions. There is no indication of a recurring cycle mentioned explicitly; however, historical structure implies an annual cadence, warranting follow-up in subsequent years.