Cybersecurity Pilot Program
Schools and libraries have increasingly become the target of cybersecurity attacks by malicious actors seeking to steal personal information, compromise online accounts, cause online harm or embarrassment, and otherwise disable/disrupt critical networks that provide broadband connectivity. To help address these threats, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) launched the Schools and Libraries Cybersecurity Pilot Program (Pilot Program) to gather the data needed to better understand whether and how universal service funds could be used to support the cybersecurity needs of schools and libraries.
The three-year Pilot Program, administered by the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) with oversight by the FCC, provides up to $200 million in universal service support to eligible schools and libraries to defray the cost of eligible cybersecurity services and equipment. The Pilot Program will follow many of the processes used in the E-Rate program, including competitive bidding, requests for eligible service and equipment, and a reimbursement process.
This fall, the FCC will open an application filing window for entities that are interested in participating in the Pilot Program. Eligible schools, libraries, and consortia of schools and libraries will be able to apply to participate in the Pilot Program through a two-part process using a newly created FCC Form 484. In Part One, interested applicants will share information about their school, library, or consortia and the type of cybersecurity services and equipment they would request if selected for the Pilot Program. If selected to participate in the Pilot Program, participants will be required to provide more detailed information about their cybersecurity experiences in Part Two of the application.
From the applicants who complete the FCC Form 484, the FCC will select a diverse array of schools, libraries, and consortia to participate in the Pilot Program, with a focus on selecting applicants with the greatest need.
Stay Informed
To learn more about the Schools and Libraries Cybersecurity Pilot Program, please sign up for Pilot Program emails. You can also visit the FCC’s Schools and Libraries Cybersecurity Pilot Program website.
Pilot Program Training
USAC and the FCC will offer robust training to help schools, libraries, and consortia navigate the Pilot Program’s selection and application process. Further training will also be provided to program participants regarding the Pilot Program’s competitive bidding, funding application, and reimbursement processes. Pilot Program trainings and webinars will be announced on this website and via email.
Schools & Libraries Cybersecurity Pilot Program Get Ready Webinar
Thursday, June 27 @ 3 p.m. ET