DoD Cyber Service Academy (DoD CSA)

The Department of Defense (DoD) Cyber Service Academy (CSA) Grant Program, established under 10 U.S.C. §2200 and reinforced by the FY2023 and FY2024 National Defense Authorization Acts (NDAA), aims to bolster national cybersecurity capabilities by cultivating a highly skilled cyber workforce. Administered through Washington Headquarters Services, this initiative supports both recruitment and retention of cyber professionals by providing scholarships and institutional capacity-building grants to National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity (NCAE-Cs). NCAE-Cs include academic institutions recognized for their focus on cyber defense, research, and operations, which are eligible to host and manage grant-funded, full-time scholarship programs in cyber-related disciplines. The CSA program prioritizes developing the next generation of cybersecurity professionals through partnerships with NCAE-Cs. Eligible institutions must be in good standing with the NCAE-C Program Office and may collaborate with other accredited institutions, including minority-serving institutions. The initiative emphasizes inclusion of diverse student populations and allows participating institutions to request additional support for faculty development, laboratory enhancements, and curriculum advancement. These elements aim to build sustainable academic infrastructures that can support robust cybersecurity education and training efforts. Scholarships under this grant are available for various categories of students, including rising juniors in bachelor’s programs, master’s and doctoral candidates, and community college students transitioning to four-year institutions. Cross-training opportunities are also open to individuals holding non-cyber degrees. ROTC cadets without current service obligations and DoD civilians nominated by their component are eligible as well. Active-duty military and DoD civilians participate in a separate retention program under the CSA umbrella, processed via a distinct application pathway. Applicants must submit a complete application package by March 28, 2025, via Grants.gov. Required documents include multiple federal forms (e.g., SF-424, SF-424A, SF-424B, SFLLL), a project abstract, narratives specific to the type of scholarship (recruitment or retention), and a custom Excel budget template. All documents must follow strict formatting rules and be submitted in PDF format, except for the Excel budget file. Student applications must also be submitted by the institution as part of the overall proposal. Institutions must possess a UEI, maintain an active SAM.gov registration, and adhere to all required non-discrimination and federal compliance policies. The program will issue approximately 75 awards with funding levels ranging from $50,000 to $20 million. The performance period is 15 months, starting from Fall 2025. While no cost sharing is required, all applicants must ensure compliance with relevant civil rights and environmental regulations. Proposals will undergo technical and budget reviews, and notification of awards will be made via email, followed by formal authorization through a Notice of Award issued by a grants officer. The grant is currently accepting applications through January 22, 2030, with the current cycle’s materials due by March 28, 2025. Recurrence is confirmed, and institutions can expect future cycles following a similar timeline. Contact for further inquiries is Jonathan Bertsch ([email protected]), the designated Grants Officer. Additional support may be obtained via the DoD CSA program office at [email protected].