What is CASCADE?

The California Advanced Supply Chain Analysis and Diversification Effort (CASCADE) is an initiative funded by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) to bolster California's defense supply chain cybersecurity resilience. CASCADE ties into OPR’s High Road Economic Development work by providing technical assistance programs and helping grow and sustain California's cybersecurity and smart technology workforce through education curricula, training, and apprenticeship programs. CASCADE includes multiple project components executed by a consortium comprised of community, industry and non-profit partners; state agencies; and educational institutions.

Internet-based smart technologies like satellite-based applications, the Internet of Things (IoT), and autonomy and robotics have significant potential to improve human life, shape global and regional economies, create family-supporting jobs, and contribute to climate solutions. But, the World Economic Forum Global Risks Report 2020 identified cybersecurity as one of the top five global risks and RiskIQ predicted that by 2021 cybercrime will cost the world $11.4 million each minute. So, it’s critical to secure the data the internet carries, stores, and transmits.

The National Cyber Strategy outlines a broad framework encompassing workforce development, supply chain management, and properly secured government networks as critical steps in protecting cybersecurity. It also calls for like-minded countries, industry, academia, and civil society to support technology development, digital safety policy, advocacy and research. CASCADE is working within that framework in California through a variety of activities, including:

  • Guidance on Cyber Provider Services
  • Cybersecurity Resilience Workshops
  • Cybersecurity Baseline Compliance Evaluations, Implementation & Execution
  • Cybersecurity for Space Systems
  • Cyber Career Commercial Pathways
  • Defense Workforce Cybersecurity Skills Upgrades
  • Cybersecurity Internships/Externships with DoD Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Firms and Cybersecurity Apprenticeships and Job Placements

Key Resources