The Rural and Municipal Utility Cybersecurity (RMUC) Program is offering a grant opportunity for electric cooperative, municipal, and small investor-owned utilities with limited cybersecurity resources. The Advanced Cybersecurity Technology (ACT) 1 Prize is a three-phase competition that challenges eligible utilities to identify risks and implement solutions to improve their overall cybersecurity posture. Utilities that progress through the competition will receive cash prizes and technical assistance to invest in staff training, governance processes, and cybersecurity tools and technologies.

To apply, interested applicants should review the official rules for the complete application process and requirements. Eligible utilities can then create a HeroX account, accept the ACT 1 Prize Competitor Agreement, and choose whether to compete as a team. Application templates are available to aid in completing the application. Additionally, Phase 1 applicants must participate in two mandatory virtual webinars.

The ACT 1 Prize offers a total prize pool of up to $8.96 million in cash and technical assistance across three phases: Commitment, Planning, and Implementation. Each phase concludes with a prize award. In the Commitment Phase, utilities prepare submission packages describing their resources, need for improving cybersecurity, and commitment to participating. In the Planning Phase, utilities work with technical assistance providers to assess systems, identify training needs, understand risks and solutions, and draft an implementation roadmap. Finally, in the Implementation Phase, utilities make progress towards completing their roadmap with the help of technical assistance providers.

Administered by DOE's National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and managed by DOE's Office of Cybersecurity, Energy Security, and Emergency Response (CESER), the RMUC Program's ACT 1 Prize is part of a larger initiative to enhance the cybersecurity posture of electric utilities. The program will provide $250 million over five years to support critical investments, deliver technical assistance, and provide cybersecurity training to utility workers. This will result in a more secure and resilient energy grid. Interested parties can visit the RMUC Program webpage for more information and to sign up for updates.