[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 177 (Thursday, September 12, 2024)]
[Notices]
[Page 74250]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-20652]



[[Page 74250]]

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

Office of the Secretary


Notice of Solicitation of Proposals for the Department of Defense 
University Consortium for Cybersecurity Support Center

AGENCY: Office of the Chief Information Officer, Department of Defense 
(DoD).

ACTION: Solicitation of applications.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The Secretary of Defense has determined the need for a Support 
Center (Center) for the University Consortium for Cybersecurity (UC2). 
The Center will provide, during a two-year term, administrative support 
for the academic research and engagement activities of UC2. To be 
eligible, interested institutions must have been designated as National 
Centers of Academic Excellence (NCAE) in cybersecurity for at least 24 
months from the date of the publication of this notice and, further, 
must demonstrate an understanding of cybersecurity research, be 
eligible for access to classified material, and demonstrate commitment 
to the UC2 mission of a closer collaboration between academia and the 
DoD.

DATES: Consideration will be given to all applications received by 
October 15, 2024.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. Gwyneth Sutherlin, 202-685-2080. 
The application shall include a cover page, labeled ``PROPOSAL UC2 
Support Center,'' that includes the prospective proposer's 
administrative point of contact, to include a telephone number and 
email address. The application must be limited to three (3) pages, 
single-sided, and must include: a certificate of NCAE designation 
status for 24 months, a statement of experience and understanding with 
cybersecurity research, evidence of eligibility to access to classified 
material, a narrative description of potential contribution and support 
to UC2 mission, and a potential team and management plan. Reference and 
other citations are not required but may be included outside the three-
page limit.
    Documents must be submitted on 8.5 x 11-inch paper, single spaced, 
with 1-inch margins, in 12 point, Times New Roman font. The name of the 
institution must be in the header or footer.
    Applications shall be addressed to: College of Information and 
Cyberspace, University of Consortium for Cybersecurity, Attn: Dr. 
Gwyneth Sutherlin, 300 Fifth Ave., Bldg. 62, Fort Lesley J. McNair, 
Washington, DC 20319-5066.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In accordance with Section 1505 of Public 
Law 117-263 (Dec. 23, 2022; 136 Stat. 2395), the Secretary shall 
require proposals be submitted by institutions designed as a National 
Center of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity (NCAE-C).
    The NCAE-C program is managed by the National Cryptologic School at 
the National Security Agency. U.S. Government partners include the 
Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency and the Federal Bureau 
of Investigation. Such designation was created to manage a 
collaborative cybersecurity educational program with community 
colleges, colleges, and universities that: (1) establishes standards 
for cybersecurity curriculum and academic excellence; (2) includes 
competency development among students and faculty; (3) values community 
outreach and leadership in professional development; (4) integrates 
cybersecurity practice within the institution across academic 
disciplines; and (5) actively engages in solutions to challenges facing 
cybersecurity education.
    There are three types of designations:
    The Cyber Defense (CAE-CD) Designation is awarded to regionally 
accredited academic institutions offering cybersecurity degrees and/or 
certificates at the associates, bachelors, and masters and doctoral 
levels.
    The Cyber Research (CAE-R) designation is awarded to DoD schools, 
doctoral degree-producing military institutions, or regionally 
accredited, degree granting four-year institutions rated by the 
Carnegie Foundation Basic Classification system as either a Doctoral 
University--Highest Research Activity (R1), Doctoral University--Higher 
Research Activity (R2), or Doctoral University--Moderate Research 
Activity (R3).
    The Cyber Operations (CAE-CO) program is a deeply technical, inter-
disciplinary, higher education program firmly grounded in the computer 
science, computer engineering, and/or electrical engineering 
disciplines, with extensive opportunities for hands-on applications via 
labs and exercises.
    More information can be found here: https://www.nsa.gov/Academics/Centers-of-Academic-Excellence/.
    An added requirement is the capability to be immediately eligible 
or current Facility Clearance (FCL) eligibility for access to 
classified information. As required by the Defense Counterintelligence 
and Security Agency (DCSA), entities (including companies and academic 
institutions) engaged in providing goods or services to the U.S. 
Government involving access to or creation of classified information 
may be granted an FCL. Mandated by the guidelines set forth in the 
National Industrial Security Program, DCSA processes, issues, and 
monitors the continued eligibility of entities for an FCL.
    More information can be found here: https://www.esd.whs.mil/Portals/54/Documents/DD/issuances/dodm/520001m_vol3.pdf and https://www.dcsa.mil/Industrial-Security/Entity-Vetting-Facility-Clearances-FOCI/Facility-Clearances/.

    Dated: September 8, 2024.
Aaron T. Siegel,
Alternate OSD Federal Register Liaison Officer, Department of Defense.
[FR Doc. 2024-20652 Filed 9-11-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6001-FR-P