Cybersecurity Pilot Program for K-12 Schools and Libraries

Bridge The Digital Divide Apply Now to Secure Your Share of $200M Federal Funding

With today’s rapidly-advancing cyber threat landscape, the FCC announced in June a new three-year cybersecurity pilot program to help better protect K-12 schools and libraries from growing cyberattacks against their broadband networks and data.

What is the Pilot Program?

Administered by the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC), the pilot program provides up to $200 million in universal service support to eligible schools and libraries to defray the costs of eligible cybersecurity services and equipment, including never-before-offered advanced security solutions.

Application filing starts this Fall, with a two-part process using a newly-created FCC Form 484. To start, applicants will share information about their school, library, or consortia, detailing the type of services and equipment they would request if selected. From among those applicants the FCC will then select a diverse array of participants, with a focus on selecting applicants with the greatest need, with an emphasis on low-income and Tribal applicants.

How Much Will Applicants Be Reimbursed?

The program has established per-student and per-library budgets to specify the amount of funding that participants receive:

Schools: $40.80 per student ($45,000 minimum / $4.5M maximum)
Libraries: $45,000 per site ($525,000 maximum)
Consortia:

Submit Your Application

Use FCC Form 484 Part 1 During Filing Window

FCC Selects Pilot Participants

Pilot participants announced via public notice
If selected, submit detailed cybersecurity assessment detailing:
- Current Network Vulnerabilities
- Unauthorized Network Access
- Cybersecurity Response Plan

Submit Forms for Competitive Bidding Process

Use Cyber Pilot Form 470
Use Form 471 to cover all 3 years

What Are the Award Factors?

The FCC will award support to a combination of large and small, urban and rural schools, libraries, and consortia, with an emphasis on funding proposed Pilot projects that include low-income and Tribal applicants

Resource Challenged
Provide funding and solutions to economically-challenged schools. Maximum discount allowed for the Pilot program is 90%.
Underserved Communities
Provide much-needed support to traditionally underserved communities, such as rural and tribal communities, in an effort to promote digital equity and bridge the digital divide.
Broad Mix of Application
Provide tools and solutions to serve a broad, diverse mix of communities with the greatest need, from large, urban areas to smaller, rural schools.

How To Increase Your Chances of Submitting a Successful Proposal:

Here are the key steps for navigating the application and submission process. With deadlines fast approaching, start preparing your application now!

Application Form Review: Review information required in Form 484.
Comprehensive Pre-Assessment: Conduct a detailed audit/pre-assessment and inventory of your specific security needs.
Develop/Modify Your Plan: Streamline your plan based upon information required in Form 484.
Budget Request: Obtain timely, accurate quotes for eligible services and non-eligible related services, such as audits, assessments, and more.
Submit Application: Apply for Pilot program to help establish the need for your school or library and potentially be funded!

Let’s Bridge the Digital Divide – Together!

For over two decades, Netsync has served as a trusted SLED provider and is one of the nation’s leading E-Rate service providers having been awarded over $1B by our school and library customers.

What We Deliver:

Two comprehensive assessments to help you identify your cybersecurity needs:
- NIST Cybersecurity Framework Assessment
- Penetration Testing and Vulnerability Assessment
Best-in-category cybersecurity solutions from leading, world-class partners
Detailed methodology, technical insight, and proven best-practices
Ensure the best, cost-effective solution for your school, library, or consortia

Get Started, Get Educated, Get Funded!

Partner with Netsync and let our experts source and recommend the most cost-effective cybersecurity solutions for your school, library or consortia.