FEMA clarifies rules for cybersecurity grant funding | brief
FEMA clarifies rules for cybersecurity grant funding | brief
https://www.scworld.com/brief/fema-clarifies-rules-for-cybersecurity-grant-funding
Publish Date: 2026-07-02 10:57:00
Source Domain: www.scworld.com
Coverage from Statescoop indicates that the Federal Emergency Management Agency has issued new guidance regarding the use of funds from its State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program and the Tribal Cybersecurity Grant Program, specifically addressing restrictions on membership fees for cybersecurity services.FEMA has clarified that state and local governments are prohibited from using federal cyber grant funds to pay for membership fees that bundle cybersecurity or technical services, as the agency cannot determine the reasonableness of these bundled costs. Previously, a broader prohibition on spending grant funds on services from the Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center (MS-ISAC) was in place. The new bulletin clarifies that purchasing individual products or services through membership organizations is permissible, provided recipients adhere to federal procurement standards. This clarification comes after some officials expressed frustration with the initial restrictions.Additionally, recipients of federal cyber grants are no longer required to complete the Nationwide Cybersecurity Review, though an alternative assessment may be mandated in the future. This update follows a bill introduced by Senator Mark Warner to restore annual funding to the MS-ISAC, highlighting ongoing discussions about federal support for state and local cybersecurity efforts.Source: Statescoop
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