Review and Selection Procedures

1. Qualified information assurance professionals from the National Security Agency, the Department of Homeland Security, and the Committee on National Security Systems will assess applications. Other qualified individuals will be invited to assess applications, as needed.

2. Applications will be rated independently using the point system identified in the criteria. Points will be consolidated, and a point spread average will be assigned.

3. Applicants will receive written notification of the determination late March or early April.

4. Qualifying colleges and universities will be designated as National Centers of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Education for a period of 3 academic years, after which they must successfully reapply in order to retain the designation.