Overview
Title
To amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to provide for education and training programs and resources of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency of the Department of Homeland Security, and for other purposes.
ELI5 AI
H.R. 9770 is a plan to help students learn about computers and internet safety by giving them free school money if they promise to work on computer safety jobs for two years. The plan includes working with schools to make sure students have fun activities and learn a lot, but it needs clear rules about who can join and how to make it all work smoothly.
Summary AI
H.R. 9770, known as the "Cyber PIVOTT Act," proposes amendments to the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to enhance education and training programs led by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). It aims to establish partnerships with community colleges and technical schools to create new programs, including the PIVOTT Program, which offers full scholarships for students pursuing cyber-related education. Participants in these programs must fulfill a two-year service obligation in a cybersecurity role, although there are exceptions for those with prior or ongoing military service. The bill also outlines requirements for internships, outreach initiatives, and benefits upon program completion, along with measures for monitoring compliance and scholarship repayment under certain conditions.
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AnalysisAI
The proposed bill, titled the "Providing Individuals Various Opportunities for Technical Training to Build a Skills-Based Cyber Workforce Act of 2024" or the "Cyber PIVOTT Act," aims to amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002. It is designed to establish a program that partners with community colleges and technical schools to provide educational opportunities, training, and internships in cybersecurity. The bill proposes full scholarships for eligible students who commit to a two-year service obligation in a cyber role within federal, state, or local governments.
General Summary of the Bill
This bill seeks to build a skilled cybersecurity workforce through the "Providing Individuals Various Opportunities for Technical Training to Build a Skills-Based Cyber Workforce Program" (PIVOTT Program). The program targets community colleges and technical schools to offer education and training related to cybersecurity. Participating students are eligible for full scholarships covering tuition, fees, and other expenses. In return, students must commit to a two-year service term in a cyber role within government sectors. The program includes internship opportunities and skills-based exercises to ensure students gain practical experience. Moreover, it sets ambitious enrollment goals, aiming to scale the program to accommodate up to 10,000 students annually within ten years.
Summary of Significant Issues
Several issues arise from the bill's provisions. First, there is no clear cap on the budget for the scholarship program, potentially leading to unmanageable financial commitments. Second, the exceptions allowed for the service obligation, such as military enlistment, may undermine the program's primary goal of nurturing a federal cyber workforce. The eligibility criteria for both students and institutions are broad, which might result in ambiguity or favoritism, causing unexpected growth in enrollment and associated costs. Moreover, there is a lack of defined metrics for evaluating the program's effectiveness, potentially leading to inefficient use of funds. Additionally, the requirement for students to complete at least one in-person skills-based exercise might impose logistical or financial burdens on remote learners. Finally, significant decision-making authority is deferred to the Director of CISA without clear guidelines, increasing the risk of arbitrary decisions.
Public Impact
Broadly, the bill could have significant implications for public education and the national cybersecurity workforce. If successful, the program could enhance cybersecurity literacy and create job opportunities for individuals across the country. However, without a clear budget cap and effective oversight mechanisms, there is a risk that the program could fall short of its objectives or incur excessive costs.
Potential Impact on Stakeholders
For students, particularly those in community colleges and technical schools, the bill offers substantial financial support and promising career opportunities in cybersecurity. However, those unable to fulfill in-person requirements might face challenges due to logistical constraints. Educational institutions stand to gain by enhancing their offerings and student enrollment, provided they meet the eligibility requirements. Government agencies could benefit from an influx of qualified cybersecurity professionals, yet they may face challenges related to coordinating and managing increased administrative duties. On the other hand, without effective performance metrics, there's a risk that resources may be wasted, impacting taxpayers and the program's long-term sustainability.
In summary, while the bill holds promising potential for advancing cybersecurity education and workforce development, it requires careful consideration and refinement to address the identified issues, ensuring that its objectives align with practical capabilities and financial constraints.
Issues
The bill in Section 2 lacks a clear cap or budget limitation for the scholarship program, which includes full tuition, travel, and other expenses, leading to potential unmanageable financial commitments.
Section 2 outlines a service obligation for students to work in a cyber role, but exceptions such as military enlistment might defeat the goal of building a federal cyber workforce.
The eligibility criteria for both students and institutions in Section 2 are broad and vague, creating potential ambiguity or favoritism in selection and leading to higher than expected enrollment and costs.
The bill does not specify clear metrics or methods for evaluating the effectiveness of the CISA program in Section 1334, which might lead to inefficient use of funds and lack of accountability.
Section 2 states that students must complete at least one skills-based exercise in person, which could impose logistical and financial burdens especially for remote students, potentially limiting participation.
The definition of 'cyber-relevant' in Section 2 is vague and covers various fields, which might lead to disputes over eligibility and dilution of program goals.
The bill defers significant decision-making to the Director of CISA without clear constraints, as noted in Section 1334, escalating the risk of arbitrary decisions.
In Section 1334, the outreach and advisory committee formation are inadequately detailed, which could lead to inefficiencies and lack of accountability.
The repayment mechanism outlined in Section 1334 for scholarship defaults is complex and lacks straightforward enforcement details, potentially complicating the recovery of funds.
Sections
Sections are presented as they are annotated in the original legislative text. Any missing headers, numbers, or non-consecutive order is due to the original text.
1. Short title Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
This section introduces the title of the proposed law, which can be called the “Providing Individuals Various Opportunities for Technical Training to Build a Skills-Based Cyber Workforce Act of 2024” or, more simply, the “Cyber PIVOTT Act”.
2. CISA education and training programs and resources Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The section establishes a new program called the "Providing Individuals Various Opportunities for Technical Training to Build a Skills-Based Cyber Workforce Program" (PIVOTT Program), partnering with community colleges and technical schools to provide education, training, and internships in cybersecurity. It offers full scholarships, requires a two-year service obligation in a cyber role, and includes a completion timeline, skills-based exercises, and internship opportunities, all designed to build a skilled cybersecurity workforce for government roles.
1334. CISA education and training programs and resources Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The CISA education and training programs section details a program called the "PIVOTT Program," which collaborates with community colleges and technical schools to provide scholarships, internships, and job opportunities in cybersecurity for eligible students. Participants are required to complete the program within four years, engage in skills-based exercises, and fulfill a two-year service commitment in a cyber role with certain exceptions; the program also outlines steps for scholarship repayment if obligations are not met, as well as initiatives to expand and monitor the program's growth and effectiveness.