Deadline: 17 February 2017
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) is seeking project proposals from organisations and businesses for its “Cyber Cooperation Program” to build cyber capacity in the Indo-Pacific to develop their institutional capacity to address cyber threats, strengthen cyber security and combat cybercrime, through public–private partnerships.
The aim of the Program is to build cyber capacity primarily in the Indo-Pacific region, including through public–private partnerships.
The Program is part of Australia’s Overseas Development Assistance (ODA). Projects must be ODA eligible. The Program will complement and align with existing cyber capacity building activities undertaken by Australian Government agencies, including the Attorney-General’s Department (AGD) and the Australian Federal Police (AFP).
Thematic Areas
Initial proposals are sought with a focus on the following key thematic areas:
- Raising Cyber Security Capability and Awareness: The security and openness of computer networks are an enabler of economic growth and development for countries of the Indo-Pacific, including Australia. Building the level of cyber security awareness and capability across the Indo-Pacific will raise the capacity of countries as well as reducing risks to Australian interests.
- Combating Cybercrime ‘Safehavens’: Partnerships between Australia and other countries are critical to developing mutual confidence and ensuring that cyber criminals have limited opportunities to exploit cyberspace for malicious purposes. Proposals are encouraged which lift the ability of Indo-Pacific nations to respond effectively to cybercrime.
- Digital Economy and the Online Delivery of Government Services: Cyberspace and the internet have a vast potential to contribute to economic and social development including through the delivery of government services. A clear partnership between the public and private sectors is needed to build a safe online environment where businesses and entrepreneurship can thrive.
- International Cyber Policy: Developing an awareness of the international cyber policy agenda will enable governments of the Indo-Pacific to participate fully in the international debate. Proposals are encouraged that promote awareness of key issues, concepts and controversies in the international debate including the role of international law, norms of responsible state behaviour in cyberspace and practical confidence building measures to reduce the risk of conflict and promote international cyber stability.
Funding Information
The Cyber Cooperation Program will consider providing grants up to a maximum of $100,000 (inclusive of all taxes) per project, with a timeframe of up to two years duration.
Eligibility Criteria
Project proposals are welcomed from any organisation or business with a proven track-record of delivering cyber capacity building projects on time and budget and with effective networks of contacts, especially with host governments.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted via email at the address given on the website.
Eligible Countries: Madagascar, Seychelles, Comoros, Maldives, Micronesia, New Caledonia, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Fiji, Tonga, Marshall Islands, Australia.
For more information, please visit DFAT Cyber Cooperation Program.