The contracting entity offers the task "Operator of the Danish Coordination Centre for Cybersecurity's work to strengthen the Danish cybersecurity sector".

The purpose of the assignment is to support the Danish Coordination Centre for Cyber Security (NCC) in creating greater cohesion in the Danish cybersecurity ecosystem, increasing Danish take-back of cybersecurity funds from the EU and supporting the development and increased use of cybersecurity solutions. Specifically, the operator must:

• Create, maintain and operate a professional network of cybersecurity actors

• Start and manage grant pools for industry-oriented cybersecurity solutions

The tasks primarily consist of:

• Case management of applications for membership of the network and for funds from grant pools

• Organization of networking events

• Guidance of cyber security actors in application techniques, project development and networking and consortium formation

See section II.2.4) and Appendix 1 for further information on the task solution.

The task solution includes:

1) to support innovation collaboration in the Danish cybersecurity sector across research and industry through the establishment and maintenance of the professional network. The operator must therefore offer activities and services aimed at strengthening the cohesion of the network in order to increase Danish participation in the European grant funds: the Digital Europe Programme (DEP), Horizon Europe (HE) and the European Defence Fund (EDF).

The operator shall therefore deliver:

- A concept for the professional network that sets the overall framework

- A digital access to apply for membership of the professional network

- Processing of applications for membership in cooperation with NCC

- 1 bi-monthly information and/or networking event over the term of the contract,

- Assist members of the professional network with development projects that can apply for the EU funds DEP, HE or EDF. The assistance includes non-binding guidance in application processes as well as knowledge sharing and consortium formation

- Disseminate knowledge about the professional network and disseminate content from NCC and European Cybersecurity Competence Centre (ECCC)

2) to create an overview of the professional network

The operator shall:

- Recruit members for the professional network

- Create and maintain a digital overview of the professional network's members, as well as applicants who have been refused membership

- Implement a technical solution to transfer information about the members of the professional network to the ECCC

3) to assist NCC in the administration of grant pools;

During 2024 and 2025, NCC will tender grant funds to strengthen the cybersecurity industry and industry collaborations on cybersecurity. The starting point is a total of DKK 17,300,000. These are to be translated into grant projects. You can apply for a maximum of DKK 917,275 with 50% co-financing from the project participants. If the contract is extended, it is expected that the same grant amount will accrue in 2026 and 2027.

For up to 4 pool openings per year, the operator shall perform the following tasks:

- A digital access to apply for grants from NCC's grant pools

- Prepare material for advertising and dissemination of grant pools

- Communicate the grant pools

- Handle the initial processing of the applications – including recommending commitments or rejections to NCC. NCC takes the final decision on commitments or refusals

- Manage the subsequent contact with successful applicants. This includes following up on project progress by obtaining updated budgets and declarations for reporting purposes

- Plan and carry out biannual evaluations of the grant pools and the professional network