What is the Cybersecurity State and Local Grant Program?

The Cybersecurity State and Local Grant program is a four-year, $1 billion grant funded through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (also referred to as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law). Local governments are not eligible to apply directly to the federal government for funds. Rather, States request the funds and then provide sub-awards to local governments.

Since the release of the notice of this program on September 16, GMA has been working to learn more about how local governments can take advantage of the program.  The Georgia Technology Authority is taking a leading role in administering this program for Georgia and developing the multi-agency Cybersecurity Planning Committee that reviews the federal guidelines, develops the State Cybersecurity Plan, and guides the distribution of funds. GMA staff and several city officials have been invited to serve as members of this Committee responsible for representing municipal interests. GTA is committed to working closely with representatives of local governments about this grant and is being responsive to their concerns.

While final details of the grant are still being worked out, here is what GMA has learned so far:   

• Funding for each state is calculated using a formula determined by the federal Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and Georgia will be requesting the entire amount it is eligible for ($4.8 million for the first year.)

• This is a multi-year grant FY 2022 – 2025. Cities will have the opportunity to apply for sub-awards each year.  

• The State of Georgia must allocate 80% of the funding to local governments; of this amount, 25% must go to Rural Counties/ Municipalities as defined by the U.S. Census Bureau's 2010 Report.

• The State Cybersecurity Planning Committee will determine allocations to local governments and play a role in determining whether local governments should receive state-wide services or direct funds or a combination.

• For the first tranche of funding, the required local match is 10% of the project costs but applicants may count in-kind contributions toward that amount.

• Georgia Technology Authority will post information on its website about how local governments can request funding, eligible expenses, the deadlines for such requests, and all other details.

• GMA and GTA are in communication with FEMA and the Department of Homeland Security/CISA to better understand whether individual local government project requests must be submitted as part of the State Cybersecurity Plan, which must be submitted by November 15.

If you have any questions regarding GMA's efforts to understand more about the Cybersecurity State and Local Grant Program, please reach out to Becky Taylor or Alison Earles.