DoD Cyber Academic Engagement Office Program Support Grants to National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity

The Department of Defense (DoD), through its Cyber Academic Engagement Office (CAEO), has issued a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NFO) under funding number HQ003425NFOEASD08. This initiative supports multiple programmatic areas tied to bolstering the cybersecurity workforce pipeline, aligned with the DoD Cyber Workforce Framework (DCWF). The funding is distributed across four distinct projects, each with a designated objective and funding ceiling. This opportunity exclusively targets four pre-selected institutions: California State University at San Bernardino, Whatcom Community College, University of West Florida, and the University of Alabama at Huntsville. Applications from other institutions will not be considered. The primary aim of the program is to enhance cyber education and workforce readiness through structured, community-driven academic initiatives. Project 1 establishes the NCAE-C Community National Center (CNC), a centralized body that leads collaboration among designated institutions and administers sub-awards. This CNC is responsible for creating and managing Communities of Practice (CoP), organizing annual symposia and job fairs, administering travel reimbursements, managing digital knowledge repositories, and aligning program activities with the DCWF. It must be led by an institution with at least eight years of experience in the NCAE-C program and the capacity to manage large-scale coordination and financial oversight. Project 2 comprises the NCAE-C Candidates and Peer Review National Center. This project aims to manage the intake and redesignation process for institutions seeking CAE accreditation. Two institutions will jointly manage this center, focusing on application evaluation, mentoring, tool development, and coordination of peer reviews. Applicants must demonstrate substantial experience with the NCAE-C program and capability in mentoring and advising both community colleges and universities. This project ensures that all candidate institutions are prepared and reviewed fairly and systematically. Project 3, titled “Regions Investing in the Next Generation (RING) Expansion,” is designed to scale an existing collaborative cybersecurity initiative. It aims to enhance instructional consistency, teacher training, equipment acquisition, and overall student capacity across a broader demographic footprint. The curriculum will align with DoD cyber work roles and national security needs, with particular emphasis on student readiness for DoD internships and careers. Project 4 supports Workforce Development Coalition Programs and is open to previously funded institutions. It encourages expansion and scaling of successful workforce development initiatives, originally focused on transitioning military personnel and first responders, to now include adult learners, military spouses, and displaced workers. Proposals must highlight sustainable models, industry partnerships, and ROI potential. All curricula produced under this award will be made public through the CLARK platform. Applications must be submitted through Grants.gov and comply with strict formatting and submission guidelines, including a 10-page narrative limit, specific PDF formatting, and use of approved federal forms (SF-424, SF-424A, etc.). Budgets must comply with a 15% indirect cost cap. The grant does not allow classified submissions, and any proprietary information must be clearly marked. Required documentation includes project abstract, project plan, budget, timeline, and roles of sub-awardees if applicable. Only authorized Grants Officers may commit federal funds, and final selections will be made on a rolling basis following technical, programmatic, and budgetary reviews. Key dates such as the opening and closing of the application window are to be verified on Grants.gov. Questions regarding the grant can be directed to Michael Fanizzo at michael.j.fanizzo.civ@mail.mil or Diane Clarke at diane.r.clarke.civ@mail.mil. Program-specific questions should be addressed to Alice Smitley at alice.e.smitley.civ@mail.mil. This grant opportunity is structured to reinforce the nation's cyber defense posture by investing in academic ecosystems that produce job-ready cybersecurity professionals.

Ensure all documents are in PDF and submitted via Grants.gov. Use Times New Roman 12 pt and 1-inch margins. Avoid classified content.