Countering Chinese and Russian Proliferation of Advanced Conventional Weapons

The U.S. Department of State's International Security and Nonproliferation Office of Cooperative Threat Reduction (ISN/CTR) is offering funding through the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) titled "Countering Chinese and Russian Proliferation of Advanced Conventional Weapons" (Opportunity Number: DFOP0017236). This funding is part of the Fiscal Years 2025 and 2026 Nonproliferation, Antiterrorism, Demining, and Related Programs (NADR) budget. It aims to mitigate threats associated with the proliferation of advanced conventional weapons (ACW) and related technologies by Russia, China, and other proliferator states and non-state actors. A total of approximately $17 million is available for award, with individual award amounts ranging from $250,000 to $6,500,000. Up to ten awards are anticipated depending on fund availability and the amount of each award. The expected project performance period ranges from 12 to 24 months, beginning January 1, 2026. The NOFO outlines four core project aims: countering illicit procurement networks, opposing state-sponsored proliferation, addressing strategic defense dependencies, and countering malign activities of private military and security companies (PMSCs). These efforts seek to engage stakeholders across multiple sectors through open-source-informed training sessions, technical consultations, and development of detailed, targeted analyses. Projects should aim to be sustainable beyond the funding period and foster cross-sector collaborations. Eligible applicants include U.S.-based for-profit and non-profit organizations (with or without 501(c)(3) status), U.S. and foreign institutions of higher education, Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs), Public International Organizations (PIOs), and Foreign Public Entities (FPEs). All applicants must possess a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and maintain active registration in SAM.gov. While cost-sharing is not required, voluntary contributions are permitted and should be detailed within the budget if included. Applicants must submit a comprehensive proposal package through Grants.gov unless they are U.S. government entities, in which case submissions should go directly to ctrspecialprojectsproposals@state.gov and ISN-CTR-BUDGET@state.gov. The package should include multiple documents, including mandatory and optional federal assistance forms, summary and narrative documentation for each project, monitoring and evaluation (M&E) materials, budget details, and supporting attachments like CVs, NICRA (if applicable), and past performance statements. Each application may encompass several independent projects, which will be evaluated on individual merits. The review process evaluates proposals based on six primary criteria: project quality and feasibility, organizational capacity and experience, planning and ability to achieve objectives, cost-effectiveness, monitoring and evaluation strength, and sustainability. Applications will undergo a technical eligibility check followed by review by a merit panel consisting of subject matter experts. Final award decisions will be made by a senior official at ISN/CTR. Applications must be submitted by 11:59 PM EDT on July 30, 2025. Questions submitted to the above contacts will be compiled weekly and publicly posted on Grants.gov until July 25, 2025. Awards will be announced by October 15, 2025. Reporting requirements include quarterly narrative and financial updates, with a final report due within 120 days of the award’s end date. Compliance with numerous federal laws and policies, including the Leahy Law and the Trafficking Victims Protection Act, is required. Special funding restrictions apply to entities such as the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) and activities supporting mass-migration caravans toward the U.S. Southwest border.

Follow exact formatting rules, align proposed activities with NOFO aims, include measurable objectives, and clearly differentiate multiple projects in one application.