Opportunity Information: Apply for HQ003425NFOEASD08
The DoD Cyber Academic Engagement Office Program Support Grants to National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity is a U.S. Department of Defense discretionary grant opportunity administered through Washington Headquarters Services (WHS). It is categorized under the education funding activity area and is listed under CFDA number 12.903. The opportunity is identified by Funding Opportunity Number HQ003425NFOEASD08 and was created on July 11, 2025, with an original application closing date of August 11, 2025. The announcement notes that the specific tasks, deliverables, and requirements are contained in an attached PDF Notice of Funding Opportunity (NFO), which applicants would normally use to understand the scope of work, reporting expectations, and compliance obligations.
Funding is structured as a grant with an overall award ceiling of $11,000,000, and the government anticipates making four awards. The program is positioned as support for DoD cyber academic engagement efforts tied to the National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity (CAE) ecosystem, which generally focuses on strengthening cybersecurity education, building talent pipelines, supporting curriculum and program quality, and helping institutions align with national cybersecurity workforce needs. While the public synopsis does not list the specific work elements, it clearly signals that the funded activities will be aligned to CAE-related program support and DoD engagement objectives described in the NFO document.
A defining feature of this opportunity is that eligibility is restricted to a fixed set of institutions, and no other applicants will be considered. Awards will only be made to California State University at San Bernadino, Whatcom Community College, the University of West Florida, and the University of Alabama at Huntsville. Even though the eligible applicant type is broadly labeled as "Others" in the source data, the description functions as a strict limitation on competition, effectively making this a targeted solicitation rather than an open call. As a result, organizations outside the named institutions should treat the opportunity as closed to them, regardless of their qualifications or CAE status.
In practical terms, this listing is best understood as a directed DoD investment intended to fund cyber education and engagement work at four pre-selected CAE-associated institutions, with the detailed scope and performance requirements defined in the official PDF NFO. Anyone evaluating this opportunity should focus on the key administrative facts (agency, timeline, ceiling, and expected number of awards) and, most importantly, the explicit eligibility restriction that limits consideration to those four named entities.Apply for HQ003425NFOEASD08
- The Washington Headquarters Services in the education sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "DoD Cyber Academic Engagement Office Program Support Grants to National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 12.903.
- This funding opportunity was created on 2025-07-11.
- Applicants must submit their applications by 2025-08-11. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $11,000,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 4 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Others.
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the name of this grant opportunity?
The opportunity is titled: DoD Cyber Academic Engagement Office Program Support Grants to National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity.
Which federal agency is offering this grant?
This is a U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) discretionary grant opportunity.
Who administers the grant?
The opportunity is administered through Washington Headquarters Services (WHS).
What type of funding is this?
The funding is structured as a grant.
What is the funding activity area/category?
The opportunity is categorized under the education funding activity area.
What is the CFDA number for this opportunity?
The listing is under CFDA number 12.903.
What is the Funding Opportunity Number (FON)?
The Funding Opportunity Number is HQ003425NFOEASD08.
When was this opportunity created/posted?
The opportunity was created on July 11, 2025.
What is the original application closing date?
The original application closing date is August 11, 2025.
What is the maximum total amount available under this opportunity?
The overall award ceiling is $11,000,000.
How many awards does the government expect to make?
The government anticipates making four awards.
Is this an open competition?
No. Eligibility is restricted to a fixed set of institutions, and the announcement states that no other applicants will be considered.
Which institutions are eligible to apply?
Awards will only be made to the following institutions:
- California State University at San Bernadino
- Whatcom Community College
- University of West Florida
- University of Alabama at Huntsville
If my organization is not one of the named institutions, can we apply anyway?
No. The eligibility language is explicit that only the four named institutions will be considered, regardless of other qualifications or CAE status.
The applicant type is listed as "Others." Does that mean any organization can apply?
No. Even though the applicant type is broadly labeled as "Others" in the source data, the description limits eligibility to four specific institutions and states that no other applicants will be considered.
What is the program generally intended to support?
Based on the public synopsis, the program is positioned as support for DoD cyber academic engagement efforts tied to the National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity (CAE) ecosystem. This generally relates to strengthening cybersecurity education, building talent pipelines, supporting curriculum and program quality, and helping institutions align with national cybersecurity workforce needs.
Are the specific tasks, deliverables, and requirements listed in the public synopsis?
No. The announcement notes that the specific tasks, deliverables, and requirements are contained in an attached PDF Notice of Funding Opportunity (NFO).
Where do applicants find the detailed scope of work and performance requirements?
The detailed scope of work, deliverables, and requirements are described in the attached PDF Notice of Funding Opportunity (NFO), which is referenced as the primary source for understanding scope, reporting expectations, and compliance obligations.
What should someone focus on when evaluating this listing?
The listing highlights key administrative facts (agency, timeline, award ceiling, and expected number of awards) and, most importantly, the explicit eligibility restriction limiting consideration to the four named institutions. The detailed work elements are in the PDF NFO.
How should this opportunity be understood in practical terms?
In practical terms, it reads as a directed DoD investment intended to fund cyber education and engagement work at four pre-selected CAE-associated institutions, with the detailed scope and performance requirements defined in the official PDF NFO.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Education
Next opportunity: OJJDP FY25 Internet Crimes Against Children Data System Enhancements
Previous opportunity: FY 2025 Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Program: Placement Components
Applicant Portal:
Are you interested in learning about about how to apply for this government funding opportunity? You can create a free applicant account and receive instant access to our applicant portal that many business owners like you have benefited from.
Apply for HQ003425NFOEASD08
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (HQ003425NFOEASD08) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| Office of Postsecondary Education (OPE): Higher Education Programs (HEP): Institutional Service: Native Hawaiian-Serving Institutions (ANNH) Program (Part A), Assistance Listing Number (ALN) 84.031W Apply for ED GRANTS 071425 002 Funding Number: ED GRANTS 071425 002 Agency: Department of Education Category: Education Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Office of Postsecondary Education (OPE): Higher Education Programs (HEP): Native American-Serving Nontribal Institutions (NASNTI) Program, Assistance Listing Number 84.031X Apply for ED GRANTS 071425 004 Funding Number: ED GRANTS 071425 004 Agency: Department of Education Category: Education Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Office of Postsecondary Education (OPE): Higher Education Programs (HEP): Institutional Service: Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions (AANAPISI) Program, Assistance Listing Number 84.031L Apply for ED GRANTS 071425 003 Funding Number: ED GRANTS 071425 003 Agency: Department of Education Category: Education Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Office of Postsecondary Education (OPE): Transition Programs for Students with Intellectual Disabilities into Higher Education (TPSID), Assistance Listing Number (ALN) 84.407A Apply for ED GRANTS 071425 005 Funding Number: ED GRANTS 071425 005 Agency: Department of Education Category: Education Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Office of Postsecondary Education (OPE): Model Comprehensive Transition and Postsecondary Programs for Students with Intellectual Disabilities Program (TPSID-CC), Assistance Listing Number 84.407B Apply for ED GRANTS 071425 006 Funding Number: ED GRANTS 071425 006 Agency: Department of Education Category: Education Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Advancing English Language Education as a Pathway to Prosperity, Stability, and Strong Bilateral Ties with El Salvador Apply for OFOP0002204 Funding Number: OFOP0002204 Agency: U.S. Mission to El Salvador Category: Education Funding Amount: $80,000 |
| Masterclass on AI for Economic Growth and Innovation Apply for OFOP0002200 Funding Number: OFOP0002200 Agency: U.S. Mission to El Salvador Category: Education Funding Amount: $29,150 |
| U.S. – Ukraine Reconstruction Engineering Scholarships Apply for PDS UKRAINE FY25 04 Funding Number: PDS UKRAINE FY25 04 Agency: U.S. Mission to Ukraine Category: Education Funding Amount: $2,000,000 |
| Fiscal Year 2025 Homeland Security National Training Program National Domestic Preparedness Consortium Apply for DHS 25 NPD 005 00 98 Funding Number: DHS 25 NPD 005 00 98 Agency: Department of Homeland Security - FEMA Category: Education Funding Amount: $20,840,000 |
| Fiscal Year 2025 Homeland Security National Training Program Apply for DHS 25 NPD 005 00 96 Funding Number: DHS 25 NPD 005 00 96 Agency: Department of Homeland Security - FEMA Category: Education Funding Amount: $5,400,000 |
| Alliance for System Safety of Unmanned Aircraft Systems through Research Excellence (ASSURE) Apply for DHS 25 NPD 146 00 99 Funding Number: DHS 25 NPD 146 00 99 Agency: Department of Homeland Security - FEMA Category: Education Funding Amount: $1,800,000 |
| National Cybersecurity Preparedness Consortium Apply for DHS 25 NPD 148 00 97 Funding Number: DHS 25 NPD 148 00 97 Agency: Department of Homeland Security - FEMA Category: Education Funding Amount: $7,200,000 |
| Somalia Operational Mentorship and Sustainment Capacity Building Apply for DFOP0017536 Funding Number: DFOP0017536 Agency: Bureau of Political-Military Affairs - WRA Category: Education Funding Amount: $10,000,000 |
| Office of Elementary and Secondary Education (OESE): Assistance for Arts Education (AAE) Program, Assistance Listing Number (ALN) 84.351A Apply for ED GRANTS 081125 001 Funding Number: ED GRANTS 081125 001 Agency: Department of Education Category: Education Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| MINE HEALTH AND SAFETY STATE GRANTS Apply for MSHA 2025 1 Funding Number: MSHA 2025 1 Agency: Mine Safety and Health Administration Category: Education Funding Amount: $800,000 |
| Brookwood-Sago Mine Safety Grants Apply for FOA BS 2025 1 Funding Number: FOA BS 2025 1 Agency: Mine Safety and Health Administration Category: Education Funding Amount: $250,000 |
| Office of Elementary and Secondary Education (OESE): Innovation and Early Learning Programs: Education Innovation and Research (EIR) Program Expansion Grants Assistance Listing Number 84.411A Apply for ED GRANTS 091225 001 Funding Number: ED GRANTS 091225 001 Agency: Department of Education Category: Education Funding Amount: $15,000,000 |
| Office of Elementary and Secondary Education (OESE): Innovation and Early Learning Programs: Education Innovation and Research (EIR) Program Mid-Phase Grants Assistance Listing Number 84.411B Apply for ED GRANTS 091225 002 Funding Number: ED GRANTS 091225 002 Agency: Department of Education Category: Education Funding Amount: $10,000,000 |
| Office of Elementary and Secondary Education (OESE): Office of Safe and Supportive Schools: Mental Health Service Professional (MHSP) Demonstration Grant Program, Assistance Listing Number 84.184X Apply for ED GRANTS 092925 002 Funding Number: ED GRANTS 092925 002 Agency: Department of Education Category: Education Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Office of Elementary and Secondary Education (OESE): Office of Safe and Supportive Schools: School-Based Mental Health Services (SBMH) Grant Program, Assistance Listing Number (ALN) number 84.184H Apply for ED GRANTS 092925 001 Funding Number: ED GRANTS 092925 001 Agency: Department of Education Category: Education Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
Grant application guides and resources
It is always free to apply for government grants. However the process may be very complex depending on the funding opportunity you are applying for. Let us help you!
Apply for Grants
Inside Our Applicants Portal
Access Applicants Portal
- Grants Repository - Access current and historic funding opportunities with ease. Thousands of funding opportunities are published every week. We can help you sort through the database and find the eligible ones to apply for.
- Applicant Video Guides - The grant application process can be challenging to follow. We can help you with intuitive video guides to speed up the process and eliminate errors in submissions.
- Grant Proposal Wizard - We have developed a network of private funding organizations and investors across the United States. We can reach out and submit your proposal to these contacts to maximize your chances of getting the funding you need.
Premium leads for funding administrators, grant writers, and loan issuers
Thousands of people visit our website for their funding needs every day. When a user creates a grant proposal and files for submission, we pass the information on to funding administrators, grant writers, and government loan issuers.
If you manage government grant programs, provide grant writing services, or issue personal or government loans, we can help you reach your audience.
Learn More
Request more information:
Would you like to learn more about this funding opportunity, similar opportunities to "HQ003425NFOEASD08", eligibility, application service, and/or application tips? Submit an inquiry below:
Don't forget to subscribe to our grant alerts mailing list to receive weekly alerts on new and updated grant funding opportunities like this one in your email.