Preventing U.S. Adversaries’ Access to Critical Technologies and Exploitation of Scientific and Commercial Facilities for Military Advancement

Background
The grant opportunity titled 'Preventing U.S. Adversaries’ Access to Critical Technologies and Exploitation of Scientific and Commercial Facilities for Military Advancement' is issued by the International Security and Nonproliferation Office of Cooperative Threat Reduction, Department of State. This initiative aims to address the growing threat posed by U.S. adversaries, particularly China, in acquiring advanced technologies that could enhance their military capabilities and facilitate the development of weapons of mass destruction (WMD). The program seeks to protect U.S. intellectual property and prevent exploitation of scientific and commercial partnerships.

Grant Details
The grant focuses on several key tasks aimed at mitigating the risks associated with the exploitation of critical technologies by adversaries. Proposed projects should include:

1) Raising awareness in tech and research communities about dual-use applications of technologies;
2) Establishing or improving national research security policies;
3) Enhancing institutional data security measures;
4) Improving physical security and due diligence practices in technology supply chains;
5) Enabling foreign decision-makers to identify risks associated with joint scientific facilities;
6) Providing tools and case studies to support foreign partners in denying access to sensitive technologies;
7) Preventing adversaries from developing AI capabilities that threaten U.S. security.

Activities may involve trainings, workshops, risk assessments, and developing security strategies.

Eligibility Requirements
Eligible applicants include U.S. for-profit organizations, non-profit organizations (with or without 501(c)(3) status), institutions of higher education, foreign-based NGOs, Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs), Public International Organizations (PIOs), Foreign Public Entities (FPEs), and foreign institutions of higher education. All applicants must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) issued via SAM.gov.

Period of Performance
The period of performance for this grant is expected to be between 12 to 24 months, with proposed projects ideally completed within 15 months.

Grant Value
The total available funding for this grant opportunity is $30 million, with individual awards ranging from a minimum of $250,000 to a maximum of $1 million.

Place of Performance
The grant activities are anticipated to be conducted globally, focusing on key partner countries identified by ISN/CTR.