“We are pleased to work with our partners at all levels of government to help strengthen the information technology infrastructure across Maryland,” said MDEM Secretary Russ Strickland. “Residents expect to safely access information and services from government agencies, and this grant will help to strengthen the resilience of information technology systems.”

The goal of the program is to help state and local governments address cybersecurity risks and threats to information systems. The program enables the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to make targeted cybersecurity investments in State and local government agencies, improving the security of critical infrastructure and resilience of services provided to the public.

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) are jointly managing the program. CISA will provide subject-matter expertise and determine allowable activities, while FEMA will conduct eligibility reviews and issue/administer the grant awards consistent with all applicable laws, regulations, and policies.

Applying for this award is a multi-step process and requires time to complete. The Maryland Cybersecurity Planning Committee, co-chaired by MDEM and the Maryland Department of Information Technology, has developed two programs to distribute the funds. Applicants are eligible to apply for both programs.