Approximately $160,000 in funding will support market research to better understand the current and future ICS and OT cybersecurity workforce landscape.
Office of Cybersecurity, Energy Security, and Emergency Response
November 13, 2024
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As part of a larger effort to strengthen its cybersecurity workforce strategy, U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Cybersecurity, Energy Security, and Emergency Response (CESER) is accepting submissions for its State of Industrial Control System Cybersecurity (ICS) Training opportunity. This effort will fund market research to better understand the ICS and operational technology (OT) cybersecurity workforce landscape and future needs in the energy sector.
Specifically, the program aims to define the state of ICS/OT cybersecurity workforce development and training, understand the energy sector’s cybersecurity workforce needs and pipeline, and inform the development of a cybersecurity workforce strategic plan.
Approximately $160,000 will be available to fund one to two awards. Proposal submissions are due Wednesday, December 11, 2024.
“This opportunity highlights the importance of understanding industry challenges so our initiatives to develop the cybersecurity workforce in this critical sector are aligned with industry needs,” said Mara Winn, Deputy Director of Preparedness, Policy and Risk Analysis at CESER. “As the Sector Risk Management agency for the energy sector, it is important that we support relevant workforce solutions that improve the ability of our industry partners to protect the nation’s critical energy assets.”
To focus strategic investments in improving the cybersecurity workforce, CESER requires awareness of the existing market of ICS /OT cybersecurity training programs, courses, and related workforce development efforts. This market research opportunity will also provide insights into the current cybersecurity energy pipeline and the knowledge, skills and abilities that the energy sector is seeking in cybersecurity professionals. In addition, selected performer(s) will provide recommendations to inform CESER’s three to five-year cybersecurity workforce development strategy that will be used to prioritize financial investments to accomplish workforce strategy goals.
This program is managed by TechWerx in partnership with DOE, a collaboration made possible through an innovative Partnership Intermediary Agreement set up by the DOE's Office of Technology Transitions. This agreement enables TechWerx to broaden DOE's engagement with innovative organizations and non-traditional partners, facilitating the rapid development, scaling, and deployment of clean energy solutions.
For more information on eligibility, proposal requirements, and how to submit a proposal, please visit: https://www.techwerx.org/opportunities/CESER-SICSCT. A webinar on the training opportunities can be found here: TechWerx - Opportunities.