Deadline: 9-Dec-21
European Commission is calling for proposals for Improved Efficiency of Cyber Trainings and Exercises.
Scope
- The objective of this topic is to create a toolset that allows significantly increased efficiency in the cyber trainings and exercises process while also enhancing cyber ranges interoperability and cost efficiency, taking into account challenges described.
- To develop a technological demonstrator modules that can be easily configured and interfaced to existing systems used to conduct cyber trainings and exercises. Integration of the technologies must be demonstrated within TRL 4-8, but specific TRL may wary depending on the work package.
Objective
Personnel development is one of the key requirements for effective cyber defence. Extensive trainings and exercises constitute the best means to enhance and validate the skills of the cyber defence workforce. For this, Member States have invested in establishing cyber ranges that provide controlled artificial environments where, among others, malicious activities can be simulated without negative impact on live systems in an organization. However, the existing cyber ranges can be developed further to achieve their full personnel development potential. In turn, it supports cyber operators improving their skillset and benefits military commanders in understanding cyber as a cross-domain challenge. This includes addressing threats and opportunities driven from the emerging disruptive technologies.
Funding Information
- The Union is considering a contribution of up to EUR 20 000 000 to support proposals addressing the above mentioned topic and its associated specific challenge, scope, targeted activities and functional requirements.
- Up to one action may be funded under this call.
Targeted Activities
The proposals must cover the following activities as referred in article 10.3 of the EDF Regulation, not excluding upstream or downstream activities eligible for development actions if deemed useful to reach the objectives:
- Studies, such as feasibility studies to explore the feasibility of new or improved technologies, products, processes, services and solutions;
- The design of a defence product, tangible or intangible component or technology as well as the definition of the technical specifications on which such design has been developed which may include partial tests for risk reduction in an industrial or representative environment;
- The development of a model of a defence product, tangible or intangible component or technology, which can demonstrate the element’s performance in an operational environment (system prototype);
- The testing of product, tangible or intangible component or technology.
Eligibility Criteria
Participation of entities from other countries is subject to conditions defined to ensure the security and defence interests of the EU and its Member States. They also guarantee the freedom of action of Member States in the use and export of resulting defence equipment. More particularly:
- Entities established in the EU but controlled by entities from can participate as member of the consortium and receive funding provided security-based conditions are met.
- Entities established outside the EU can also cooperate and need to adhere to similar security-based conditions, but they cannot receive funding from the EDF.
For more information, visit https://bit.ly/3nUEzTI