Agency: Department of Energy – Cybersecurity, Energy Security, and Emergency Response
Description:
Competitive grants and technical assistance to deploy advanced cybersecurity technologies for electric utility systems and increase threat information sharing. Priority is given to entities with limited cybersecurity resources, that own assets critical to the reliability of the bulk power system, or that own defense critical electric infrastructure.
Bill Section:
40124
New or Existing:
New
Potential Cost:
$250,000,000
Timeline:
Grants each fiscal year FY2022-2026
Implementation Status/Rulemaking:
On October 20, 2022, DOE issued a Request for Information (RFI) seeking public input on the Rural and Municipal Utility Advanced Cybersecurity Grant and Technical Assistance (RMUC) Program. Comments were due December 19, 2022: Source
On August 30, 2023, DOE launched the Advanced Cybersecurity Technology (ATC) 1 Prize, with a total prize pool of up to $8.96 million. The competition has three phases – Commitment, Planning, and Implementation – with each phase concluding with a cash prize. Applications to enter were due November 29, 2023: Source
On November 16, 2023, DOE announced the availability of $70 million in RMUC funding under three topic areas: Advanced Cybersecurity Technologies (ACT) for Distribution, Generation, and Transmission Utilities; Strengthening the Peer-to-Peer and Not-for-Profit Technical Assistance Ecosystem; and Increasing Access to Technical Assistance and Training for Utilities with Limited Cybersecurity Resources. Applicants selected for award negotiations must submit a cybersecurity plan to DOE prior to receiving funding. Pre-applications are due December 19, 2023 and full applications are due May 16, 2024: Source