Meet Cybersecurity and SCRM Requirements for Receiving BEAD Funding and E-ACAM Support
Cybersecurity and supply chain risk management requirements are among the most important of the many federal requirements that internet service providers must meet to qualify for Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program funding and Enhanced Alternative Connect America Model (E-ACAM) Program funding.
Be Eligible for BEAD and E-ACAM Federal Grants
To be eligible for either BEAD or E-ACAM federal grants, ISPs must have operational cybersecurity and SCRM plans prior to receiving any funds, and these plans must meet key National Institute of Standards and Technology standards.
Proactively meeting NIST requirements now will prevent costly delays in receiving your awards and will put your network in a secure cybersecurity posture.
Our AISN specialists have the necessary cybersecurity expertise and experience with the BEAD and E-ACAM programs to help your organization meet these requirements quickly.
Talk to One of Our Experts
Interested in learning more about how we can help your organization align with E-ACAM and BEAD grant requirements? Get in touch today to learn more or schedule a no-cost cybersecurity consultation.
Navigate the BEAD Grant Program Successfully With Expert Support
Aligning with BEAD grant requirements is a significant undertaking for any company. Underestimating the time it will take could prove costly.
Many applicants don’t realize the extensive preparation required for a cybersecurity assessment and C-SCRM compliance audit. Delaying this important step could jeopardize your chances of accessing your share of the $42.45 billion in federal BEAD grant funds, and a decision on any application is final.
Not every organization has the resources in-house to navigate a BEAD grant application. For this reason, it makes sense to work with experts. Collaborating with AISN gives you access to an experienced team with a proven track record of compliance success.
Get a Comprehensive BEAD Grant Cybersecurity Assessment by AISN
At AISN, our BEAD information security officer has created BEAD grant policy for a state broadband office. We fully grasp the complexities of BEAD cybersecurity and are ready to assess your environment, offering custom-tailored solutions to align with the NIST Cybersecurity Framework and C-SCRM requirements.
With our cybersecurity expertise and deep understanding of broadband, AISN is the ideal partner on your journey toward BEAD funding eligibility.
WHAT’S BEAD?
The Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program is set to empower broadband service providers to extend their reach across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and five U.S. territories. The goal is to bring affordable, reliable, high-speed internet to every corner of the nation. With an unprecedented $42.45 billion, BEAD is more than an initiative; it’s a revolution in universal connectivity, poised to transform the nation’s digital landscape. BEAD grant recipients must have operational cybersecurity and SCRM plans in place and on file with their state broadband office by a date to be determined by each state.
Operationalize Your Cybersecurity and SCRM Plans for E-ACAM
Closely matching the BEAD Grant Program requirements, operational cybersecurity and SCRM plans are required of Enhanced A-CAM carriers by the start of the E-ACAM support term (January 1, 2024). But after carriers submit their NIST-based plans, what’s next?
Be Prepared and Proactive with Your Next Steps to Compliance
Having cybersecurity and SCRM plans filed and in place, according to Federal Communications Commission E-ACAM rules, is only part of the battle. Knowing how to operationalize the plans is a much larger challenge. You will need to proactively tackle heavy-duty tasks such as assessing the network routinely, remediating vulnerabilities, planning upgrades, educating staff and more.
If you’ve submitted your cybersecurity and SCRM plans but are now struggling with how to operationalize them successfully and provide the necessary reporting, AISN has the cybersecurity depth of experience and the broadband expertise to help you succeed.
WHAT’S E-ACAM?
Enhanced Alternative Connect America Model (Enhanced A-CAM or E-ACAM) Program funding is intended to ensure that rural customers in high-cost areas receive broadband service that's just as reliable as those funded by other federal initiatives. Carriers benefiting from the E-ACAM program must have had operational cybersecurity and SCRM plans in place and on file with the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) by January 1, 2024, which is the beginning of the support term for the E-ACAM.
Partner With AISN to Move Toward BEAD Grant Eligibility and Achieve E-ACAM Compliance
The need for high-speed broadband has never been greater. At AISN, our seasoned team is ready to help your organization prepare for the cybersecurity and compliance requirements of E-ACAM and BEAD grants. Our expertise includes comprehensive cybersecurity assessments and compliance audits that align with NIST industry frameworks.
Learn how partnering with AISN can position your organization for BEAD grant funding and/or E-ACAM success. Reach out today, and a leader on our team will be glad to answer any questions.
Prepare for BEAD Funding and E-ACAM Cybersecurity by Partnering With AISN
With a strong track record as a strategic partner for enterprise and government organizations seeking security and compliance expertise, AISN is your trusted solution for BEAD grant and E-ACAM eligibility.
Our process for BEAD grant preparation is extensive, with no stone left unturned. Here is how we can help your organization:
Full Cybersecurity and Supply Chain Risk Management (C-SCRM) Assessment
Our team will conduct thorough assessments to ensure that your organization meets regulatory standards, including NIST 800-53 and NIST 800-161. We’ll meticulously examine your cybersecurity and C-SCRM protocols to identify potential vulnerabilities and provide actionable steps for improvement. SCRM extends the organization’s approach to managing risk and resilience, applying it to the supply chain in a coordinated manner.
Implementation or Augmentation of Security Effort Plans
It pays to plan ahead, and at AISN, we specialize in enhancing security by implementing long-term strategies. This includes a range of plans for cybersecurity, disaster recovery, business continuity, incident responses and SCRM. We tailor these plans to align seamlessly with your organization’s specific needs, ensuring complete coverage and preparedness in the face of potential threats.
Assurance of Policies and Protocols
We assure you that all necessary policies and protocols are in place to govern your security efforts and align with your company’s chosen standard of adherence. This includes a comprehensive review of your existing policies to ensure that they meet the required standards and effectively safeguard your organization.
Full Documentation of Compliance
AISN provides comprehensive documentation of compliance for each control requirement. Our detailed documentation process includes written adherence to NIST standards and other relevant regulations, providing a clear record of your organization’s commitment to cybersecurity and C-SCRM.
Assistance from AISN's Certified Experts
AISN’s certified professionals are always here for ongoing solutions. Our highly-specialized team is ready to assist with audits, assessments, testing, training and simulations to maintain continued compliance.
Whether it’s staying up-to-date with protocols or achieving alignment with complex compliance requirements, AISN’s advisors are dedicated to supporting your organization’s cybersecurity needs.
Additional Support as Needed
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Network Penetration Testing
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Phishing Simulations
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Physical Security Assessments
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Public Information Profiling
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Security Policy Updates and Governance
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Security Training
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Vulnerability Assessments
Talk to One of Our Experts
Interested in learning more about how we can help your organization align with BEAD and E-ACAM grant requirements? Get in touch today to learn more or schedule a no-cost cybersecurity consultation.