Strategic Trade Control Capacity Building in the Western Hemisphere | DFOP0013441

Opportunity Information: Apply for DFOP0013441

The Strategic Trade Control Capacity Building in the Western Hemisphere opportunity (Funding Opportunity Number DFOP0013441) is a discretionary U.S. government grant managed by the Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation under CFDA 19.901. It is structured as a cooperative agreement, which typically means the agency expects to remain actively involved during implementation rather than simply providing funds and stepping back. The program’s core goal is to strengthen the ability of partner countries in the Western Hemisphere to put effective strategic trade controls in place and to enforce them in practice, reducing the risk that sensitive goods, technology, or know-how could be diverted to weapons of mass destruction programs or other proliferation-related end uses.

The work supported by this award is intended to help Export Control and Border Security (EXBS) partner governments build practical, enforceable systems to manage proliferation risk. That includes improving legal and regulatory frameworks for export controls, strengthening licensing and compliance processes, and improving the operational capabilities of the agencies responsible for customs, border security, investigations, and enforcement. In addition to traditional export control capacity, the opportunity explicitly references related mechanisms that can mitigate national security risks, including foreign direct investment screening regimes. In other words, the grant is not limited to controlling physical exports at the border; it also supports broader policy and institutional tools that help governments identify and manage strategic risk as commerce and investment flows evolve.

The maximum award amount listed is $2,600,000, and the agency anticipated making up to three awards, suggesting a competitive selection where a small number of implementers may run regional or multi-country efforts, or distinct projects that cover different subregions or capability areas. The original closing date for submissions was June 7, 2024, and the funding opportunity was created on April 3, 2024. The activity category is listed as “Other,” which is common for nonproliferation and security cooperation programs that do not fit neatly into traditional sector labels like health or education.

Eligibility is broad and includes a mix of U.S.-based and non-U.S.-based organizations. Eligible applicants include domestic non-federal entities such as state and local governments, federally recognized tribes, institutions of higher education, and nonprofit organizations. Foreign nonprofit organizations are also eligible, along with domestic and foreign for-profit organizations, provided for-profits agree to waive any fee or profit. Foreign public entities are eligible as well, including foreign public international organizations. This wide eligibility pool reflects the range of implementers that might credibly deliver training, technical assistance, legal and regulatory advising, institutional development support, or specialized analytical work related to strategic trade controls.

In practical terms, an application responsive to this opportunity would typically propose a set of capacity-building activities for Western Hemisphere partners that can demonstrably improve implementation and enforcement of strategic trade controls. That may include developing or modernizing export control laws and regulations, building licensing and commodity identification expertise, improving interagency coordination and information sharing, strengthening outreach to industry and academia to promote compliance, and enhancing enforcement capabilities such as targeting, inspection procedures, investigations, and case development. Work connected to investment screening could involve helping partners design screening frameworks, clarify decision-making roles, develop risk criteria, and establish procedures that balance openness to investment with protection against strategic technology transfer risks. Because this is a cooperative agreement, proposals generally need to show a clear plan for coordination with the U.S. government during execution, along with realistic milestones and measurable outcomes tied to strengthened partner capacity.

Overall, the opportunity is designed to reduce proliferation and strategic technology diversion risks in the Western Hemisphere by supporting partner governments and institutions as they build the policies, institutions, trained personnel, and operational tools needed to control sensitive trade and related pathways. The funding level and expected number of awards indicate an emphasis on substantial, well-managed programs rather than many small grants, with implementers expected to deliver concrete, sustainable improvements in national and regional strategic trade control systems.

• The Bureau of International Security-Nonproliferation in the other sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Strategic Trade Control Capacity Building in the Western Hemisphere" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 19.901.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2024-04-03.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2024-06-07. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $2,600,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 3 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Others.

Apply for DFOP0013441

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