Regional Alliances and Multistakeholder Partnerships to Stimulate (RAMPS) Cybersecurity Education and Workforce Development

Background
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), under the United States Department of Commerce, is seeking applications for the Regional Alliances and Multistakeholder Partnerships to Stimulate (RAMPS) Cybersecurity Education and Workforce Development. The NIST National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE) aims to establish community-based partnerships to develop cybersecurity career pathways that address local workforce needs.

Grant Details
The RAMPS program seeks to build multistakeholder workforce partnerships of employers, schools, institutions of higher education, and other community organizations. The program requires applicants to include a plan to establish a multistakeholder education and workforce partnership that prioritizes diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. The proposed project must align with the Department of Commerce Strategic Plan, meet Effective Workforce Investment Criteria, advance Good Jobs Principles, and demonstrate how it aligns with the NICE Strategic Plan or supports the strategies of the NICE Implementation Plan. Additionally, the project should identify workforce needs of the local economy and assess such workforce in accordance with the NICE Framework.

Eligibility Requirements
Eligibility for the program is open to all non-Federal entities including accredited institutions of higher education; non-profit organizations; for-profit organizations incorporated in the United States; state, local, territorial, and Indian tribal governments; foreign public entities; and foreign organizations. However, individuals and unincorporated sole proprietors are not eligible to apply. Non-federal cost share contributions in an amount not less than 50 percent of the Federal funds provided are required for awards issued pursuant to this NOFO.

Period of Performance
The project period of performance is up to 2 years with an anticipated start date for awards under this NOFO in August 2024.

Grant Value
In Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24), NIST anticipates funding up to 15 awards for up to $200,000 in federal funding per award.