Yemen Counter Smuggling Investigations

The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Counterterrorism (CT) has announced a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) titled "Yemen Counter-Smuggling Investigations," with the opportunity number DFOP0017368. This cooperative agreement offers up to $3,946,719 in total funding and is intended to support the Government of Yemen’s capacity to combat weapons and materials smuggling that fuels terrorism in the region. The program is funded through FY24 Nonproliferation, Anti-terrorism, Demining and Related Programs/Anti-Terrorism Assistance (NADR/ATA) and aims to improve border security, investigative techniques, and law enforcement coordination in Yemen, with a specific focus on the Ministry of Interior (MOI) and Border Guard units. The anticipated program start date is September 30, 2025, and the project period may range from 12 to 36 months. This initiative addresses the ongoing conflict in Yemen, where smuggling has enabled terrorist groups such as the Houthis, al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), and ISIS to acquire weapons, UAV parts, and other dual-use materials. The program’s objective is to build the capacity of Yemeni authorities to detect, interdict, and prosecute such smuggling activities. Selected applicants will assess the existing capabilities of Yemen’s MOI and Border Guards, develop a work plan, and deliver specialized training in investigative techniques, forensics, and network analysis. The ultimate goal is to strengthen U.S. and allied security by disrupting supply chains used by terrorist organizations in Yemen and the broader Red Sea region. Eligible applicants include U.S. and international not-for-profit and for-profit organizations, public and private educational institutions, and international organizations. All applicants must be registered in SAM.gov and possess a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) at the time of application. Cost sharing or matching is required. Applications must be submitted via Grants.gov or MyGrants and must include all required federal forms, a full project proposal, performance monitoring plan, logic model, budget narrative, audit documentation, and other required attachments. Proposals must be submitted in English with budgets in U.S. dollars. Proposals will be evaluated based on the quality and feasibility of the program design, organizational capacity, cost-effectiveness, program methodology, and the potential for sustainable impact beyond the award period. A preliminary performance monitoring plan must outline how results will be measured against stated goals and should include at least three CT indicators, a logic model, and a theory of change. Applicants must also describe how they will assess baseline conditions and collect quarterly data to report through a Performance Indicator Tracking Table (PITT). Questions about the application process must be submitted by July 14, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. EST. Final proposals are due no later than July 30, 2025, at 12:00 a.m. EST. Applications that are incomplete or not compliant with formatting and content requirements will be deemed ineligible. Awards will be announced after the review panel has completed evaluations, and final approval will come from the Grants Officer. All submissions are subject to the availability of funds and the discretion of the U.S. Department of State. The designated contact for this funding opportunity is videlai@state.gov. All materials must be submitted through Grants.gov or MyGrants, and organizations outside the U.S. must comply with the registration and UEI requirements as specified. Successful applicants will be required to comply with federal reporting and auditing standards, and CT may conduct site visits during the performance period.

Proposals must clearly align with CT Functional Bureau Strategy goals, include at least 3 CT indicators, and use the required templates for logic model and PMP. Failure to follow formatting and documentation requirements will result in ineligibility.