CYBER CERTIFICATION PROGRAM 2026-01

The U.S. Small Business Administration is seeking proposals to establish a two-year Cyber Certification Program aimed at training entrepreneurial development resource partners—such as Small Business Development Centers, Women’s Business Centers, and SCORE advisors—to deliver standardized cybersecurity education to small businesses nationwide. Only state entities or universities located in Delaware, Michigan, or Ohio are eligible to apply, and applicants must demonstrate prior experience managing a robust state-wide or nationwide cyber training program. The opportunity, identified as SB-OEDSB-26-003, is a cooperative agreement with a maximum award amount of $500,000 and a submission deadline of September 9, 2026, through Grants.gov. Proposals must include a technical narrative not exceeding ten pages, resumes of the Project Director and key personnel capped at two pages each, an organizational chart, descriptions of any contractors or consultants with selection rationale, letters of support from partners, and complete budget documentation. The program’s scope includes curriculum development, course delivery, participant assessment and certification, and program management, with performance measured by the number of certified advisors, training completion rates, and adherence to quarterly milestones. All activities must comply with 2 CFR Part 200 on financial management, and costs must be allowable, allocable, and reasonable. Financial reports are submitted electronically using the SF-270 form via GrantSolutions.gov, and performance reporting requires a narrative not exceeding twenty pages. There is no requirement for matching funds, but program income is permitted under specific conditions. Selection will be based on organizational capacity, project feasibility, collaboration strategy, operational controls, and cost efficiency, with award decisions guided by a trade-off approach that prioritizes value and risk over lowest price. The award will be administered by the SBA’s Office of Small Business Development Centers, with technical oversight provided by a Grants Officer Technical Representative and financial oversight by a designated Grants Officer.