The Next Generation of Academia-Based Cyber Research, Development, and Demonstration (RD&D) funding opportunity, issued by the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Cybersecurity, Energy Security, and Emergency Response (CESER), seeks to advance cybersecurity in energy delivery systems through academic partnerships. The goal of this program is to integrate cybersecurity tools and technologies into the energy infrastructure to enhance resilience. The initiative focuses on fostering university-led research and collaborations with industry and government partners to identify and mitigate national security threats. This funding opportunity is designed to address evolving cybersecurity challenges and bridge the gap between academic research and practical implementation in critical infrastructure.

The program provides a total of $10 million for fiscal year 2025, which will be allocated to a single award. The anticipated award amount is $10 million, and the period of performance is expected to span three to five years from October 1, 2025, to September 30, 2028. Applicants are required to contribute a minimum cost share of 20 percent for research and development projects and 50 percent for demonstration projects.

Eligible applicants include domestic entities such as institutions of higher education, for-profit and nonprofit organizations, state and local governments, and Indian tribes. DOE and non-DOE Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs) may participate as subrecipients but are not eligible to apply as prime recipients. Foreign entities are generally ineligible, but limited exceptions may be approved through written waivers. All project work must be performed in the United States unless a waiver for foreign work is approved.

Applicants must submit a comprehensive proposal that includes key components such as a technical volume (maximum 15 pages), project objectives, milestone logs, budget justifications, and letters of commitment. Proposals must clearly outline the project's relevance to program goals, anticipated outcomes, and plans for commercialization. Additional documents, including resumes of key personnel, current and pending support, and environmental questionnaires, are also required. Applications must be submitted electronically via the DOE eXCHANGE portal no later than February 18, 2025, at 8:00 PM ET.

Applications will be evaluated based on four main criteria: technical merit and innovation, significance and impact, project execution approach, and team and resources. Reviewers will assess the proposed technical solutions, their potential impact on energy sector resiliency, and the feasibility of project implementation. The qualifications of the project team, resource availability, and the strength of partnerships will also be considered. Additional selection factors may include geographic diversity, alignment with programmatic objectives, and contribution to underserved communities.

The anticipated award notification date is May 21, 2025, with awards expected to be issued by September 30, 2025. Post-award administration will follow DOE regulations, including cost-sharing requirements, intellectual property provisions, and compliance with the Build America Buy America Act for infrastructure projects. Recipients must meet reporting obligations, including financial and technical progress updates.

For further questions regarding this funding opportunity, applicants can contact the DOE at nextgenerationcyberresearch@netl.doe.gov. Clarifications must be submitted at least three business days before the application deadline. All additional resources and templates for submissions are available on the DOE eXCHANGE portal.