Application Guide

The purpose of the State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program (SLCGP) is to improve Montana's public sector cybersecurity readiness and reduce collective cyber risk through targeted investment in State and Local Government organizations.

This guide is intended as an overview to assist applicants with navigating the SLCGP grant application. Full program requirements can be found in State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program State Guidance.

Eligible Activities Under SLCGP

The Montana Cybersecurity Planning Committee designated five specific project focus areas that SLCGP will fund:

• Focus Area 1: Security Awareness Training for Workforce (SAT)
• Focus Area 2: Professional Development Training for Technical Workforce (PD)
• Focus Area 3: Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR)
• Focus Area 4: Network Traffic Monitoring
• Focus Area 5: Multi-Factor Authentication

The five focus areas provide an opportunity for targeted investment to close an eligible applicant’s cybersecurity gaps. Applicants have the flexibility to apply for a combination of services in the five focus areas based on the needs (cybersecurity gaps) of their organization.

Eligibility Requirements for Local Applicants

Eligible applicants for competitive awards include local governments. Local government means a city, town, county, consolidated city-county, special district, school district or subdivision of these entities. Nonprofit, for-profit, and other entities not deemed as a local government are not eligible to receive SLCGP funds.

Awardees are not required to match (share) costs for the FY 2022 and 2023 SLCGP. Awardees will have to match costs for FY 2024 and FY 2025 awards. Match amounts for future award years are 30% for FY 2024 and 40% for FY 2025. Match may be in-kind (soft) from eligible activities. This application will award funds from FY22 and FY23 SLCGP.

Structure of the Application

The application consists of a general information section (Part A, B, and C) followed by the five focus areas. All applicants will complete the general information section containing: 

• Part A: Applicant Entity Information
• Part B: Applicant Assessment
• Part C: Baseline Requirements

After completing the general information section (Parts A, B, and C) please complete the corresponding form for each focus area:

1. Security Awareness Training for the Workforce
2. Professional Development Training - Technical Workforce
3. Endpoint Detection and Response
4. Network Traffic Monitoring (County Networks)
5. Multi-Factor Authentication

On each of the five focus areas, use the YES or NO button to validate that you are requesting funding or services.  When you request funding or services, please complete the General Information sections for which you are applying.

Application Review and Award Process

MT DES will accept and review applications on a rolling basis until January 9, 2025, at 11:55 pm. After the application period closes, the SLCGP team at MT DES will review all submission based on order of submission.  Award letters will be sent out to successful applicants by January 31, 2026. DES will award funding based on availability of funds.

The SLCGP application will act as the baseline of information necessary to review your request.  If awarded, the SLCGP Coordinator will work with you to gather further information needed.

SLCGP awards for the five focus areas will either be a direct award or an award of services in lieu of funding. For service in lieu of funding, you will be given access to services through a State of Montana managed services and will not need to purchase services. For a direct award, you will receive grant funds as a reimbursement payment. You will submit a request for reimbursement after the purchase is made, and the invoice is paid. Proof of payment documentation is required for reimbursement approval.

SLCGP Contact Information

Submit completed application to MTDESGrants@mt.gov.