Enforcing Sanctions on China and Russia

The “Implementing China and Russia Sanctions” funding opportunity, issued by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation, Office of Cooperative Threat Reduction (ISN/CTR), supports efforts to counter sanctions evasion tactics used by China and Russia. This initiative is part of the Department's broader efforts to mitigate threats from proliferator states and non-state actors by disrupting their access to proliferation-sensitive goods, technologies, and financing networks. The Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), numbered DFOP0017256, seeks innovative programs that improve global enforcement and implementation of international sanctions. The program is structured around engaging partners—public and private—in regions vulnerable to exploitation by Chinese and Russian actors, particularly those operating in East Asia Pacific, Europe, and other strategic jurisdictions. ISN/CTR intends to build sustainable and regionally relevant capacity to detect and disrupt sanctions evasion through training, technical engagement, open-source tools, and tailored private consultations. Funding is supported by the Nonproliferation, Antiterrorism, Demining and Related Programs (NADR) budget and other accounts. Proposed projects must be completed within 12–24 months, with a performance start date anticipated on or after January 1, 2026. Total funding available under this NOFO is approximately $19,500,000, with individual awards ranging from $250,000 to $5,000,000. Up to 10 awards are expected, depending on budget availability and the nature of proposals received. Grants, cooperative agreements, and Inter-Agency Agreements (IAAs) are all eligible funding instruments. While cost sharing is not required, applicants offering voluntary contributions should be aware that partial fulfillment of cost-sharing commitments may proportionally reduce the Department's funding. Eligible applicants include U.S.-based for-profit and non-profit organizations, institutions of higher education, foreign NGOs, foreign public entities, and public international organizations. All applicants must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and active registration in SAM.gov. Applications must be submitted via Grants.gov by July 30, 2025, at 11:59 P.M. EDT. U.S. government entities pursuing IAAs must submit their applications via email to ctrspecialprojectsproposals@state.gov and ISN-CTR-BUDGET@state.gov. The application must include mandatory forms (SF-424, SF-424A), optional forms (SF-424B, SF-LLL if applicable), a summary page, key personnel list, a monitoring and evaluation (M&E) narrative and tracker, a consolidated project list, detailed project narratives, a line-item budget, and a budget justification narrative. Additional required documentation includes CVs of key personnel, NICRA (if applicable), past performance references, and any permission letters needed for implementation. Applications will be evaluated on a 100-point scale based on six main criteria: project feasibility and quality (25 points), organizational capacity and experience (20), clarity and realism of program planning (15), financial soundness and cost-effectiveness (15), monitoring and evaluation strategy (15), and sustainability (10). Awards will be made based on both merit review and alignment with Department priorities. Unsuccessful applicants will be notified by October 15, 2025. The program includes provisions for substantial involvement by ISN/CTR staff, who will help guide project implementation, review materials, and coordinate logistical and participant selection aspects. Funded recipients must comply with all federal reporting, anti-discrimination, and due diligence requirements, including adherence to the Leahy Law, foreign assistance data tracking, and federal financial management standards. Quarterly progress and financial reports are mandatory. Final reports are due within 120 days aft

Each proposal must be well-aligned with NOFO objectives and adhere to all formatting, page limits, and content instructions.