National Cyber Security Awareness | PD CSA 19 001

National Cyber Security Awareness Grant (PD CSA 19 001): Frequently Asked Questions

1) What is the National Cyber Security Awareness grant opportunity?

This is a discretionary funding opportunity from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), specifically the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). It supports a nationwide effort to improve public understanding of cybersecurity and encourage safer online behavior through a coordinated national awareness campaign.

2) What is the Funding Opportunity Number (FON)?

The Funding Opportunity Number is PD CSA 19 001.

3) Which federal agency and office administer the award?

The program is offered through DHS/CISA, and the administering office listed is the Office of Procurement Operations, Grants Division.

4) What is the Assistance Listing (CFDA) number for this opportunity?

The Assistance Listing (CFDA) number provided is 97.128.

5) What is the main purpose of the grant?

The core purpose is to strengthen and expand a comprehensive national cybersecurity awareness campaign. The work is intended to improve public understanding of cybersecurity and promote safer online behavior at a national scale.

6) What types of activities does the opportunity emphasize?

The opportunity emphasizes developing and deploying specific programs, activities, materials, and outreach efforts that build on the federal government’s existing national cybersecurity awareness work. A major expectation is that the effort is coordinated nationally and designed to reinforce consistent messaging and resources across partners.

7) Is this meant to be a national campaign or a local/regional effort?

The description points to a campaign coordinated at a national scale. It emphasizes alignment and collaboration so that messaging and outreach do not operate as disconnected efforts.

8) Who is the campaign expected to partner with?

The campaign is expected to bring together partners across the private sector, the nonprofit community, and all levels of government (federal, state, and local).

9) How important is collaboration and message alignment in this grant?

Collaboration and alignment are central expectations. The opportunity highlights the need for coordinated messaging, outreach, and educational resources so partner efforts reinforce one another rather than functioning independently.

10) Does the grant require research or evaluation?

Yes. A central feature is that the work should be guided by research and evidence-based planning. The recipient is expected to implement a research-driven strategy that informs what programs and activities are most effective for different audiences.

11) Does the grant focus only on communications materials?

No. While outreach and materials are part of the work, the opportunity specifically emphasizes research-driven strategy and evidence-based planning rather than producing generic awareness materials alone.

12) Is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month (October) part of the expected work?

Yes. The opportunity highlights the inclusion of activities tied to National Cybersecurity Awareness Month in October. The project is expected to support or enhance October-focused initiatives while also contributing to year-round awareness and education.

13) What is the award mechanism (grant vs. cooperative agreement)?

The award is structured as a cooperative agreement.

14) What does a cooperative agreement imply for project coordination?

Based on the description, a cooperative agreement typically signals substantial federal involvement during performance. In practice, that suggests ongoing coordination with DHS/CISA on campaign direction, major deliverables, messaging consistency, and partner engagement.

15) What is the funding activity category?

The funding activity category is listed as Science and Technology and other Research and Development, reflecting an expectation that the campaign is informed by research and evaluation, not only communications output.

16) Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is limited to nonprofit organizations with IRS 501(c)(3) status.

17) Are institutions of higher education eligible?

No. The eligibility statement excludes institutions of higher education.

18) What is the maximum award amount (award ceiling)?

The listed award ceiling is $549,996, which indicates the maximum anticipated funding for a single award under this notice.

19) How many awards are expected to be made?

The expected number of awards is not specified in the information provided.

20) When was the opportunity created and when did it close?

The opportunity was created on 2019-04-08, and the original application closing date was 2019-05-09.

21) Is this opportunity described as discretionary funding?

Yes. The information provided describes it as a discretionary funding program.

22) What is the overall outcome the program is trying to achieve?

The stated outcome is improved public understanding of cybersecurity and increased adoption of safer online behaviors, achieved through a coordinated, research-driven, nationwide awareness campaign.

23) Is the work expected to build on existing federal cybersecurity awareness efforts?

Yes. The opportunity specifies that programs, activities, materials, and outreach should build on the government’s existing national cybersecurity awareness work.