Washington, D.C.: Today, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced a new, $1.5 million request for proposals (RFP) for projects that can help U.S. manufacturers both defend against cybersecurity attacks and reduce their energy consumption. 

Increased automation, such as advanced sensors and controls, is a critical tool for improving the energy efficiency of the manufacturing sector. However, as manufacturers become more dependent on automation, the risks of cyber threats increase. Recent advances in machine learning, artificial intelligence and augmented reality have the potential to improve productivity, performance and safety while reducing disruptions from cyber-attacks. 

“The manufacturing supply chain is vulnerable to cybersecurity attacks at every point between the factory floor and the customer,” said Acting Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Kelly Speakes-Backman. “These investments will help protect American manufacturers, ensure that they are prepared to respond and recover from cyber-attacks, and make them more competitive and resilient.” 

Projects funded through this solicitation will develop technologies that address the cybersecurity threats posed by connected devices, networking, and real-time data. This will allow manufacturers to safely and securely deploy the advanced technologies that contribute to the decarbonization of American industry.

View the request for proposals here.

DOE's Cybersecurity Manufacturing Innovation Institute (CyManII) will manage these projects. CyManII is the sixth institute funded by the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy’s Advanced Manufacturing Office, which co-manages the institute with Office of Cybersecurity, Energy Security, and Emergency Response .

Founded in 2020, CyManII is also a part of Manufacturing USA®, a network of federally funded institutes that have a specialized technology focus to increase U.S. manufacturing competitiveness and promote a robust and sustainable national manufacturing R&D infrastructure.