Federal cybersecurity grants
As part of the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021, the Commonwealth of Virginia has applied for federal cybersecurity grants to help state, local and tribal public bodies address gaps in government cybersecurity programs.
Actions taken by the Commonwealth of Virginia
Driven by the increase in cyber threats, the grants do require states to cover a percentage of the costs with matching funds. Earlier this year, the Virginia General Assembly appropriated those state matching funds, more than $4.9 million.
With the application process now complete, VITA and our partners including the Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM) serving as the State Administrative Agency (SAA), are collaborating with the cybersecurity planning committee, which was created in response to grant program requirements. The committee is developing and will approve the cybersecurity plan and priorities.
The Virginia Cybersecurity Planning Committee (VCPC)
- Learn more about VCPC and a list of members
- View the VCPC Meeting Schedule
Contact Information
The Cybersecurity Planning Committee can be reached at: cybercommittee@vita.virginia.gov
Call for Advisors
We are looking for advisors for the Commonwealth’s cybersecurity planning committee. If you have professional experience relating to cybersecurity or information technology, and are interested in applying, please complete our online application.
Background of State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program
On September 16, 2022, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced a first-of-its-kind cybersecurity grant program specifically for state, local, and territorial (SLT) governments across the country.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), through the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) released the notice of funding opportunity information on their website: https://www.cisa.gov/cybergrants.
Application requirements include the establishment of a cybersecurity planning committee, and the completion of a CISA-approved state cybersecurity plan.
The State Administrative Agency (SAA) for the Commonwealth, the Virginia Department of Emergency Management, and VITA applied for the grant program on behalf of Virginia on Nov. 15, 2022. Once the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) determines whether and how much federal grant funding each state will receive, the designated SAA will then distribute the funding to local governments in accordance with state law/procedure.