In a significant move to enhance digital safety, the Washington State Department of Commerce has initiated the development of a comprehensive Broadband Cybersecurity Literacy Program.

This initiative aims to create culturally relevant cybersecurity curricula tailored for eight specific communities, ensuring that all residents are equipped with the knowledge to protect themselves online.

Targeted Communities

The program focuses on the following groups, referred to as “Covered Populations”:

Aging Individuals: Residents aged 60 and above.

Incarcerated Individuals: Persons in state prisons, local jails, juvenile correctional facilities, and other detention centers.

Individuals with Disabilities: Those with physical or mental impairments that substantially limit major life activities.

Individuals with Language Barriers: This includes:

Limited English Proficient Individuals: People who speak a language other than English at home and are not fluent in English.

Low Literacy Individuals: Those with limited reading and writing skills.

Low-Income Households: Families earning no more than 150% of the federal poverty level.

Racial and Ethnic Minorities: Individuals identifying as non-White or Hispanic/Latino.

Rural Inhabitants: Residents in areas with fewer than 100 people per square mile or in counties smaller than 225 square miles.

Veterans: Individuals aged 18 and older who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces.

Program Objectives

The primary goal is to design and develop curricula that address advanced cybersecurity topics in a manner that resonates with each community’s unique cultural context. By doing so, the program seeks to:

Enhance Digital Safety: Equip residents with the tools and knowledge to protect themselves from online threats.

Promote Digital Equity: Ensure all communities, especially those historically underserved, have access to vital cybersecurity information.

Foster Community Engagement: Encourage active participation from community members in understanding and addressing cybersecurity challenges.

Funding and Support

This initiative is funded through the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA)’s Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program. The grant was awarded to the Washington State Broadband Office (WSBO) to implement the state’s Digital Equity Plan. The focus is on Strategy 5 and Universal Objective 5 of the plan, which emphasize promoting practices that keep residents safe from cyber threats.

Request for Proposals (RFP)

To bring this initiative to fruition, the Department of Commerce has issued an RFP seeking qualified entities to undertake the curriculum design and development. Key details include:

Contract Duration: April 2025 to October 2025.

Pre-Proposal Conference: Held on January 21, 2025, at 1 p.m. PST.

Proposal Submission Deadline: February 26, 2025, by 4 p.m. PST.

Interested parties can access the RFP and related documents on the Washington State Department of Commerce website.

Community Impact

By focusing on these eight communities, the program aims to bridge the digital divide and ensure that all Washington residents can navigate the online world safely. The culturally tailored curricula will address specific challenges faced by each group, making cybersecurity knowledge accessible and actionable.

Looking Ahead

As the digital landscape continues to evolve, the importance of cybersecurity cannot be overstated. Washington state’s proactive approach in developing this comprehensive literacy program underscores its commitment to protecting its residents and fostering a safer online environment for all.