Opportunity Overview
The Maryland Department of Emergency Management (MDEM) is accepting applications for the Maryland Local Cybersecurity Support Fund (LCSF). The state-created fund supports eligible local governments in building baseline or advanced cybersecurity capabilities.
Deadline
Applications are due September 14, 2026 at 11:59:59 PM Eastern Time. MDEM states that late applications will not be considered.
Who Can Apply
Eligible local-government entities include local school systems, local school boards, municipalities and local health departments. Applicants should follow the controlling MDEM NOFO and forms for the current round.
What the Funding Supports
Eligible projects include cybersecurity capability assessments; updating devices and networks with current protections; new cybersecurity-related hardware, software, devices and firewalls; vulnerability assessments and remediation; information-sharing infrastructure; cybersecurity workforce recruitment and training; certain wastewater-system cybersecurity upgrades; assistance applying for federal cybersecurity preparedness grants; and limited management and administration costs.
Applicants pursuing non-assessment projects must have completed a qualifying cybersecurity capabilities assessment within the preceding 12 months or document an assessment that will be completed within the next 12 months. MDEM also identifies a free Maryland Department of Information Technology assessment pathway.
Application Process
The application is document-based. MDEM requires the applicable project forms plus a Budget Narrative & Justification Template and assessment-status documentation. Completed forms are submitted by email using the subject-line format prescribed by MDEM. Projects may not begin until MDEM approval and a fully executed Recipient Award Agreement are in place.
Funding and Administration
The current public program page does not state a universal applicant award floor or ceiling. The LCSF operates on a reimbursement basis, and recipients must retain documentation showing that expenses are allowable, within the approved scope, purchased and paid.
Healthcare and School Relevance
This is directly relevant to Maryland school systems, school boards and local health departments seeking to protect networks, devices, sensitive information and public-service continuity. It is a cybersecurity-capacity opportunity rather than a clinical-care or remote-exam funding pathway.
Atlas Analysis
Atlas Opportunity Score: 84/100. The program is current, explicitly includes school and public-health entities, and supports tangible cybersecurity modernization. The strongest applicants will document current cybersecurity gaps, assessment status, prioritized remediation, a realistic budget, implementation controls and ongoing sustainability.
N9+ Direct Vendor Fit: 0/100. QC Healthcare Fit: 0/100. The controlling allowable-use categories are cybersecurity preparedness, not clinical equipment, telehealth delivery or physician coverage. Atlas should not position N9+ or QC Healthcare under this fund.
Next Action
Eligible Maryland entities should review the current MDEM NOFO and mandatory forms, confirm assessment status, select an allowable project type, complete the budget narrative and submit all required materials before the September 14 deadline.
Official source: Maryland Department of Emergency Management — Local Cybersecurity Support Fund.