May 16, 2024
The FCC released the agenda for the Open Commission meeting on June 6 regarding the E-rate cybersecurity pilot program.
Below reflects the FCC Fact Sheet on the proposed pilot program.
Schools and Libraries Cybersecurity Pilot Program
Report and Order – WC Docket No. 23-234
Background: Schools and libraries have been subject to increased cyberattacks by malicious actors to steal personal information, compromise online accounts, cause online personal harm or embarrassment, and otherwise disable critical networks that provide broadband connectivity. This item would establish the Schools and Libraries Cybersecurity Pilot Program (Pilot Program), modeled after the Connected Care Pilot Program, to study the effectiveness of using universal service funding to support cybersecurity services and equipment to protect school and library broadband networks.
What the Report and Order Would Do:
· Adopt final rules for a three-year Pilot Program.
* Provide up to $200 million in Universal Service Fund support available to participating eligible schools and libraries to defray the costs of eligible cybersecurity services and equipment.
* Allow a diverse array of eligible schools and libraries to apply to be selected as participants in the Pilot Program. Applications will be evaluated, and participants will be selected based on applicant type, discount rate, and the strength of the proposed projects contained in the applications.
* Leverage many of the existing forms, rules, and processes from the E-Rate, Emergency Connectivity Fund (ECF), and Connected Care Pilot programs. These rules and procedures cover all aspects of the Pilot, including seeking competitive bids, requesting eligible services and equipment, and submitting requests for reimbursement.
* Adopt robust program integrity protections, including competitive bidding, document retention, audits, restrictions on gifts, and suspension and debarment of bad actors.
* Designate the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) as the Administrator of the Pilot Program.
** Establish performance goals and data reporting requirements to track and measure the effectiveness of the Pilot Program.