Establish a Legal/Regulatory Framework for Strategic Trade Controls in Vietnam

The Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation, Office of Export Control Cooperation (ISN/ECC), under the U.S. Department of State, has issued a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) titled *"Strengthen the Strategic Trade Control Framework in Thailand."* This initiative aims to enhance Thailand's strategic trade control (STC) system by improving its regulatory and enforcement capabilities to prevent the misuse and diversion of sensitive technologies, dual-use items, and advanced technologies. With a total funding amount of $789,343, the project is designed as a cooperative agreement, emphasizing substantial involvement from the Department of State. The project period is set for 24 months, with an anticipated start date of October 1, 2025. Thailand, as a key trade hub in Southeast Asia, faces significant risks related to the transfer and diversion of sensitive technologies, particularly in light of global proliferation and sanctions evasion concerns. Despite adopting the Trade Controls of Weapons of Mass Destruction (TCWMD) Act in 2020, the absence of crucial implementing regulations has limited its enforcement. The project seeks to build Thailand's capacity to license, regulate, and enforce controls over dual-use items, specifically nuclear technologies, which the Department of Foreign Trade (DFT) plans to begin licensing in 2025. Activities will include training workshops, capacity-building exercises, and the development of Internal Compliance Programs (ICPs) for industry stakeholders. Eligible applicants include U.S. and foreign non-profit organizations, public and private educational institutions, for-profit organizations (without profit eligibility), and public international organizations. Applicants must demonstrate the capacity to build partnerships with local entities and show experience in implementing similar international projects. Registration in SAM.gov and obtaining a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) are mandatory for application eligibility. Proposals are expected to include a clear program design, measurable objectives, an evaluation framework, and a sustainability plan. The program's key objectives focus on enhancing regulatory frameworks, building licensing authorities' capabilities, promoting interagency cooperation, and increasing industry awareness and compliance. Specific activities include conducting licensing and enforcement workshops, fostering government-industry collaboration, and sharing best practices for trade control measures. Proposals must address anticipated risks, provide detailed budgets, and include a monitoring and evaluation plan to measure progress against defined performance indicators. Applications must be submitted electronically via MyGrants by March 31, 2025, with an earlier deadline for questions set for February 7, 2025. Proposals will be reviewed based on quality, feasibility, organizational capacity, budget appropriateness, monitoring and evaluation plans, and alignment with program goals. The final award will be determined based on programmatic alignment, geographic distribution, and funding availability. Successful applicants will be required to submit regular performance and financial reports, comply with U.S. Department of State regulations, and demonstrate alignment with diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) objectives. Awardees will also need to develop strategies for long-term sustainability beyond the cooperative agreement period. For further details, applicants are encouraged to review the full NOFO and reach out to ISN/ECC for clarification and support during the application process.