Local government entities encouraged to submit cybersecurity projects for funding consideration from the State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program

Local government entities have until March 14 to submit cybersecurity projects for funding consideration from the State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program (SLCGP). The SLCGP is a federal grant program that helps eligible entities address cybersecurity risks and threats to information systems owned or operated by local government entities and federally recognized tribal governments.

This year, Texas was allocated $8.4 million for the program from the federal government.

Eligible entities are encouraged to apply. Projects submitted for consideration must align with the state’s Cybersecurity Plan and the SLGCP’s four objectives:

• Objective 1 – Governance and Planning: develop and establish appropriate governance structures (including developing, implementing, or revising cybersecurity plans) to improve response capabilities for cybersecurity incidents and ensure continuity of operations.
• Objective 2 – Assessment and Evaluation: understand the current cybersecurity posture and areas for improvement based on continuous testing, evaluation, and structured assessments.
• Objective 3 – Mitigation: implement security protections commensurate with risk.
• Objective 4 – Workforce Development: ensure staff are appropriately trained in cybersecurity.

In Texas, the Office of the Governor serves as the fiscal agent and authorizing official of SLCGP funds and will administer sub-recipient grants once awarded.

The Texas Department of Information Resources (DIR) serves as the subject matter expert pertaining to all programmatic requirements and federal regulations associated with the SLCGP. DIR also chairs the SLCGP Planning Committee and will make funding recommendations for projects to the Office of the Governor.

Information about the SLCGP and the state’s Cybersecurity Plan can be found on DIR’s website at https://dir.texas.gov/information-security/state-and-local-cybersecurity-grant-program-slcgp.

For information on how to access the request for applications (RFA), review additional eligibility requirements, and apply for funding consideration from the SLCGP, visit the eGrants website at https://egrants.gov.texas.gov/.

Please send questions about the RFA and eligibility requirements to [email protected]. All other questions may be sent to [email protected].