DoD Cyber Academic Engagement Office Senior Military Colleges (SMC)

The Department of Defense (DoD), through its Cyber Academic Engagement Office, is offering a targeted funding opportunity exclusively to Norwich University under the Senior Military Colleges (SMC) Cyber Institute program. This grant supports the continued development of DoD Cyber Institutes, which are integral to building a robust and diverse cyber workforce for military and civilian needs. The program is rooted in 10 U.S.C. 2192 and aligns with the Defense Cyber Workforce Framework and the DoD Cyber Workforce Strategy Implementation Plan 2023–2027. The primary focus areas include strengthening cyber leadership skills, fostering cybersecurity-related research tied to defense challenges, and implementing competency development across academic disciplines. The initiative aims to build and expand programs that develop skills critical to Cyber Mission Force work roles and other national cybersecurity priorities. It encourages integration with existing academic and experiential programming and seeks to address skill gaps in areas such as cyber operations, cultural awareness, and leadership. Institutions are expected to create pathways for student development, particularly through the Cyber Leadership Development Program (CLDP), support research aligned with DoD and affiliated cyber agencies, and deliver faculty professional development to enhance the delivery and impact of these initiatives. A key metric-driven approach underpins the evaluation of success, with measures encompassing infrastructure capacity, cohort development, experiential opportunities, post-graduate outcomes, and inter-SMC collaboration. The award covers a base period from July 2025 to July 2027 with an optional extension through August 2028. A critical component of the program involves outreach to K–12 students and teachers, including the mandatory delivery of at least one student cybersecurity camp per summer and six outreach engagements per academic year. These activities are intended to increase awareness of cyber careers and support the integration of cybersecurity into school curricula. The recipient is also expected to contribute to governance and performance assessment activities under the evolving oversight of the DoD Chief Information Officer (CIO), which includes semi-annual working group meetings and an annual DoD Cyber Institute Summit. Only Norwich University is eligible to apply for this opportunity. Submissions must follow strict formatting guidelines and include a comprehensive project narrative of no more than 10 pages. The application must include SF-424 forms, a cover letter (optional), an abstract, a detailed project plan with milestones, budget information (subject to a 15% indirect cost cap), and descriptions of proposed personnel and sub-awards. Submissions are to be made through Grants.gov unless a waiver is approved, and all documentation must be in PDF format. Classified submissions are not permitted. Applications will be reviewed by government personnel based on the selection criteria outlined in 32 CFR 22.415. Reviewers will be bound by confidentiality and conflict-of-interest agreements. The review process includes technical evaluation, budget scrutiny, and integrity assessment through systems such as FAPIIS. Only one award is expected to be made, with a maximum award ceiling of $15.5 million. The grant does not currently specify required matching funds. All awardees will be subject to numerous federal regulations and policy requirements concerning nondiscrimination, environmental compliance, research ethics, and other administrative obligations. Key contacts for this opportunity include Michael Fanizzo (Grants Officer, michael.j.fanizzo.civ@mail.mil), Diane Clarke (Grants Specialist, diane.r.clarke.civ@mail.mil), and Alice Smitley (Program Office Contact, alice.e.smitley.civ@mail.mil). The opportunity is open and accepting applications, but the closing date must be confirmed via Grants.gov. Applicants are advised to register early with SAM.gov and Grants.gov to ensure compliance with electronic submission requirements.

Start SAM and Grants.gov registrations early; formatting and PDF submission rules are strict; Indirect costs capped at 15%.