Advisory Support for Establishing a National Cybersecurity Operations Center (SOC) | DFOP0019791

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the official title of this grant opportunity?

The opportunity is titled "Advisory Support for Establishing a National Cybersecurity Operations Center (SOC)."

What is the Funding Opportunity Number (FON)?

The Funding Opportunity Number is DFOP0019791.

What type of funding instrument is being offered?

This opportunity will be administered as a Cooperative Agreement, which generally involves substantial involvement by the funding agency during project execution (for example, coordination on deliverables, technical direction, and/or joint planning).

Is this a discretionary or mandatory funding opportunity?

This opportunity is listed under the Discretionary category.

Which U.S. government entity is issuing the opportunity?

The issuing agency is the Bureau of Emerging Threats.

What is the main purpose of this cooperative agreement?

The core purpose is to provide expert advisory support to help Argentina design, stand up, and operationalize a centralized, civilian-led National Cybersecurity Operations Center (SOC).

What country is the program intended to support?

The program is intended to strengthen Argentina's national cybersecurity posture.

What is the intended outcome of the advisory support?

The intent is to move beyond purely conceptual planning and provide practical implementation guidance that results in a functioning national SOC capability.

What capabilities is the national SOC expected to improve?

The SOC is expected to improve Argentina's ability to prevent, detect, analyze, and respond to advanced cyber threats.

What networks or sectors are expected to benefit from the SOC?

The SOC is expected to support defense of Argentine government networks as well as critical infrastructure.

Is the SOC described as civilian-led or military-led?

The opportunity specifies a centralized, civilian-led National Cybersecurity Operations Center.

Does the opportunity emphasize alignment with specific security practices or partners?

Yes. A key emphasis is alignment with trusted U.S. and allied security practices, suggesting the work may incorporate internationally recognized SOC models, operational playbooks, governance approaches, and security standards commonly used across partner nations.

What program area or discipline does this opportunity fall under?

The program is categorized under Science and Technology and other Research and Development.

What is the CFDA number associated with this program?

The CFDA number is 19.047.

How many awards does the sponsor anticipate making?

The opportunity indicates a single anticipated award.

What is the maximum funding amount (award ceiling)?

The award ceiling is $13,912,185.

Does the funding level suggest a pilot project or a national-scale effort?

The award ceiling and single-award structure indicate a large, nationally significant effort rather than a small pilot.

When was the opportunity created?

The opportunity was created on 2026-09-10.

What is the original application closing date?

The original closing date is 2026-10-16.

What is the expected competitiveness of this opportunity?

Because only one award is expected, it is a single-award competition where proposals will likely be assessed closely for technical merit and the ability to lead a complex, multi-stakeholder national cybersecurity initiative.

What kinds of capabilities might reviewers look for in applicants?

Based on the description, proposals will likely be evaluated for demonstrated capacity to manage sensitive operational planning, coordinate effectively with government and critical infrastructure partners, and deliver credible, actionable advisory support that results in an operational centralized civilian SOC.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is broad and includes: not-for-profit organizations (including think tanks, civil society groups, and non-governmental organizations), public and private educational institutions, public international organizations and government institutions, federally funded research and development centers (FFRDCs), and for-profit organizations.

Are for-profit organizations allowed to apply?

Yes. For-profit organizations are included in the eligible applicant categories.

Are universities and educational institutions eligible?

Yes. Both public and private educational institutions are eligible.

Are think tanks and NGOs eligible?

Yes. Not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks, civil society groups, and non-governmental organizations, are listed as eligible.

Are FFRDCs eligible to apply?

Yes. Federally funded research and development centers (FFRDCs) are included as eligible applicants.

Are public international organizations and government institutions eligible?

Yes. Public international organizations and government institutions are explicitly included in eligibility.

Does the opportunity specify the preferred implementation model (e.g., university-led vs. private sector-led)?

No single model is mandated. The wide eligibility pool suggests the sponsor is open to different implementation models, including university-led consortia, think tanks, research centers, international organizations, and private sector teams with relevant experience.

Is this opportunity a direct SOC build-out contract?

The opportunity is framed as advisory support rather than a direct build-out contract. However, it is intended to provide implementation guidance leading to a functioning national SOC capability.

What is the overall focus of the advisory work?

The focus is on designing, standing up, and operationalizing a centralized civilian national SOC, with practical guidance informed by trusted U.S. and allied security practices.