There is a Cyber Maryland Program in the Department. The purposes of the Program are to: create and execute a talent pipeline that materially reduces workforce vacancies by July 1, 2026; serve as a one–stop shop for employers seeking to leverage cyber workforce development programs offered by the State and its partners; inform cybersecurity training and education programs operated by public or private entities with industry–driven needs; build the most advanced local and State information technology workforce in the nation, which, to the maximum extent possible, reflects the racial, gender, ethnic, and geographic diversity of the State; coordinate and accelerate cybersecurity research and innovation in the State; and support the efforts of the Department of Information Technology to improve the State government’s cybersecurity posture, including State agencies, local government units, and critical infrastructure. The Program shall: conduct ongoing research by collaborating with the Cybersecurity Association, Inc., Cybersecurity Talent Advisory Board to collect and analyze real–time industry data to identify cybersecurity workforce needs as described in the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Talent Pipeline Management Approach; use the results of the research described in item (1) of this subsection to increase the effectiveness of existing State cybersecurity workforce programs for employers in the State; facilitate partnerships for new training and education programs to address the workforce needs identified under item (1) of this subsection; develop a statewide strategic plan for cybersecurity workforce development, using the results of the research described in item (1) of this subsection and with input from the Cybersecurity Association, Inc., Cybersecurity Talent Advisory Board on or before December 1, 2023; develop, promote, support, and invest in talent improvement strategies, such as strategies that leverage the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Talent Pipeline Management Approach; and ensure that outcomes of the Program are inclusive and, to the maximum extent practicable, reflect the racial, gender, ethnic, and geographic diversity of the State. Beginning in fiscal year 2026, the Program, in consultation with the Board, shall award competitive grants or contracts to enhance cybersecurity workforce development, including cybersecurity for operational technology.