Global Cyber and Digital Policy Training Program

Deadline: 18-Sep-23

The U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy (CDP) announces an open competition for organizations with the capacity and interest to carry out the Global Cyber and Digital Policy Training Program.

CDP seeks to partner with a capable organization to develop curricula and provide training to international entities and personnel for the development of responsible cybersecurity and digital policy.

The training is intended to provide specialized and technical in-person capacity building training to primarily but not limited to government officials, from developing countries who are key stakeholders in cyber and digital policy in their respective countries, regional or multilateral institutions.

Training activities are intended to take place in the United States and in other countries. While the training is primarily for developing country participants from every region of the globe, a portion of these funds are specifically designated for trainings benefiting the Africa region.

CDP Strategic Goal and Objectives

Bureau Goal 1: Advance cyber and digital policies that align with U.S. national interests and foreign policy objectives:
- Objective 1.1: Deepen relationships with existing U.S. partners, forge new partnerships, and engage with a range of countries to advance a common vision for the Internet and digital technologies.
- Objective 1.3: Identify, enhance, cultivate, and develop strategic engagements across the private sector and multi–stakeholder communities.
- Objective 1.4: Increase secure and open digital connectivity and access to the Internet.

DCCP Pillars

Pillar 1: Build Connections by promoting investments in secure, diverse, and resilient ICT (Information and Communications Technology) infrastructure.
Pillar 2: Advance an open, interoperable, reliable, and secure Internet by promoting inclusive, rights-respecting, multi-stakeholder models of internet governance and pro-competition, pro-innovation digital economy policies and regulations.
Pillar 3: Grow Global Markets for U.S. ICT goods and services, especially high-quality, interoperable, secure ICT equipment, software, and services.
Pillar 4: Enhance Cybersecurity by increasing adoption and implementation of cybersecurity best practices.

Project Objectives and Outcomes

Project Objective 1:
- This project should be designed to achieve the following Project Objective 1: Strengthened collaboration and coordination among global stakeholders in cybersecurity and digital policy, resulting in closer alignment with U.S. government policy and priorities, enhanced mutual understanding, and increased capacity for addressing emerging challenges in cybersecurity, telecommunications, and other digital and emerging technologies.
Expected Outcomes:
- Achievement of Project Objective 1 is expected to result in the following outcomes:
  - 1.1: Establishment and implementation of effective cybersecurity and digital policies, leading to a more secure, resilient, and rights-respecting digital ecosystem.
  - 1.2: Increased alignment of partner nations’ cyber and digital policies to U.S. government cyber and digital policy and priorities.
Project Objective 2:
This project should be designed to achieve the following Project Objective 2:
- Improved awareness of regulatory environments conducive for secure, transparent, and trusted cybersecurity and digital policy in the benefiting countries to be determined post award, leading to increased investment and innovation in the digital sector, and ultimately contributing to economic growth, international stability, and digital governance consistent with U.S. democratic values.
Expected Outcomes
- Achievement of Project Objective 2 is expected to result in the following outcomes:
  - 2.1: Establishment of rights-respecting regulatory institutions and frameworks for cybersecurity and digital policy
  - 2.2: Greater investment and innovation in target countries’ digital sector, as demonstrated by an increase in the number of startups; growth of existing companies in areas such as e-commerce, fintech, and digital services; and increased connectivity and digital inclusion.
  - 2.3: Increased exchange of best practices and the development of inclusive, innovative solutions to digital policy challenges.
Project Objective 3:
- This project should be designed to achieve the following Project Objective 3:
  - Increased engagement and collaboration among regional alumni of USG funded trainings (networks) on topics related to cybersecurity and digital policy, promote knowledge sharing, and cooperation in the future.
Expected Outcomes
- Achievement of Project Objective 3 is expected to result in the following outcomes:
  - 3.1: Greater understanding and awareness among the alumni of CDP programs about digital policy issues and trends in the region, including emerging technologies and their implications for policy and regulation.
  - 3.2: Enhanced capacity of alumni to engage in and contribute to digital policy discussions and initiatives through training, mentoring, and other capacity-building activities.
  - 3.3: Increased visibility and influence of alumni networks in regional and global digital policy discussions and initiatives, through partnerships, advocacy, and thought leadership.
  - 3.4: Expansion and greater alignment of alumni networks with U.S. government policy and priorities, contributing to the achievement of broader U.S. government goals in the region related to digital policy, economic growth, and regional stability.

Funding Information

Total Funding: $2,600,000 USD
$2,000,000 USD: FY22 Economic Support Funds (ESF)
$600,000 USD: FY22 Development Assistance Funds (DA)
Anticipated Number of Awards: 1
Period of Performance: 24 months
Anticipated Time to Award: September 2023

Eligibility Criteria

CDP welcomes applications from U.S.- based non-profit organizations subject to sections 501(c)(3) or 501 (c)(6) of the U.S. tax code; Public International Organizations (PIOs); U.S. private, public, or state institutions of higher education (universities and colleges); and U.S. for-profit organizations or businesses.

For more information, visit Grants.gov.