Duties of small business development center counselors

(a)

Cyber training

Section 21 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 648) is amended by adding at the end the following:

(o)

Cyber strategy training for small business development centers

(1)

Definitions

In this subsection— (A)the term cyber strategy means resources and tactics to assist in planning for cybersecurity and defending against cyber risks and attacks; and (B)the term lead small business development center means a small business development center that receives reimbursement from the Administrator under paragraph (5). (2)

Certification program

The Administrator shall establish a cyber counseling certification program, or designate 1 or more substantially similar governmental or private cybersecurity certification programs, to certify the employees of lead small business development centers in providing cyber planning assistance to small business concerns. (3)

Number of certified employees

The Administrator shall ensure that the number of employees of each lead small business development center who are certified in providing cyber planning assistance is not less than the lesser of— (A)5; or (B)10 percent of the total number of employees of the lead small business development center. (4)

Cyber strategy

In carrying out paragraph (2), the Administrator, to the extent practicable, shall consider any cyber strategy methods included in the Small Business Development Center Cyber Strategy developed under section 1841(a)(3)(B) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 (Public Law 114–328; 130 Stat. 2662). (5)

Reimbursement for certification

(A)

In general

Subject to the availability of appropriations, the Administrator may reimburse each lead small business development center for costs relating to the certification of 1 or more employees of the lead small business center in providing cyber planning assistance under a program established or designated under paragraph (2). (B)

Limitation

The total amount reimbursed by the Administrator under subparagraph (A) may not exceed $350,000 in any fiscal year.

(b)

Implementation

Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Small Business Administration shall implement paragraphs (2), (3), and (4) of section 21(o) of the Small Business Act, as added by subsection (a).