(a) On an ongoing basis, the Department develops and implements strategies for publicly communicating about the DHS cybersecurity mission and the DHS-CS and for proactively recruiting individuals likely to possess CTMS qualifications.

(b) The Department develops and implements strategies described in paragraph (a) of this section based on:

(1) CTMS qualifications and DHS-CS cybersecurity work; and

(2) Strategic talent priorities.

(c) In developing and implementing strategies described in paragraph (a) of this section, the Department may collaborate with:

(1) Other Federal agencies including the Department of Defense, the Office of Personnel Management, and the Department of Veterans Affairs;

(2) Institutions of higher education, as defined in 20 U.S.C. 1001, including historically Black colleges or universities, as described in 20 U.S.C. 1061(2), and other minority-serving institutions, as described in 20 U.S.C. 1067q(a);

(3) National organizations, including veterans service organizations recognized by the Department of Veterans Affairs, and professional associations chartered by Congress under 36 U.S.C. Part B; and

(4) Other similar organizations and groups.

(d) The Department considers the availability of preference eligibles and veterans for appointment under this part, and develops and implements specific strategies to proactively recruit such individuals.