On September 17, 2024, the FCC’s cybersecurity pilot program officially opened its doors. FCC Form 484 “part one” – the application to be considered for participation in the pilot – may now be filed in USAC’s EPC portal. Applications are due November 1, 2024.
With a goal of collecting data regarding the network security needs of K-12 schools and public libraries, the FCC’s cybersecurity pilot program is funded with $200 million and set to run for a period of three years.
Eligible services include:
- advanced and next-generation Firewalls
- endpoint protection
- identity protection and authentication
- monitoring, detection, and response
K-12 schools and public libraries can apply to be selected to participate in the pilot program by filing the FCC Form 484, in which they supply basic information about their current cybersecurity posture and resources as well as their planned cybersecurity technology projects and estimated costs if they are selected to participate in the pilot. The FCC will review applicant submissions and select pilot program participants, who will then complete the process via competitive bidding, a funding application, and billing and invoicing similar to the E-rate program.
Applications to be considered for the pilot program are due on November 1, 2024. For more information about the pilot and further resources, please visit https://www.fundsforlearning.com/cybersecurity-pilot/.
