Impeding MCF Through STCs

The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation (ISN), through its Office of Export Control Cooperation (ECC), has released a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) titled "Impeding Military-Civil Fusion (MCF) Through Strategic Trade Controls (STCs)." This grant aims to counter the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) efforts to exploit global technology supply chains to acquire advanced, dual-use, or weaponizable technologies for military and economic dominance. The opportunity supports international partnerships and compliance efforts to limit such access via improved export controls and trade compliance mechanisms in both government and industry sectors. The total anticipated funding for this initiative ranges from $3,354,100 to $5,919,000, subject to the availability of funds. The expected period of performance for funded projects is 24 months, with an anticipated start date of October 1, 2025. The Department plans to issue up to two cooperative agreements, depending on funding levels. There are two defined Lines of Effort (LOEs): LOE 1 focuses on strengthening the capacity of foreign governments to implement STCs targeting emerging technology sectors; LOE 2 targets private sector firms developing advanced artificial intelligence and related technologies to enhance their understanding and implementation of export control measures. Eligibility is open to U.S. and foreign organizations, including nonprofit organizations (e.g., think tanks, NGOs), public and private educational institutions, for-profit organizations, governmental institutions, and public international organizations. Notably, for-profit applicants are not allowed to earn a profit from the assistance awards and may be subject to additional scrutiny during the review process. Applicants must also have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and active registration in SAM.gov at the time of submission. The application process includes completing several forms and attachments: SF-424 and SF-424A forms, a proposal narrative, a scope of work, a detailed budget and justification, a risk assessment, and supporting documents. The narrative portion should clearly articulate the project’s goals, methods, timeline, monitoring and evaluation plan, and sustainability strategy. Applications are to be submitted electronically via MyGrants and must follow strict formatting and documentation requirements. Applications must be submitted by August 6, 2025, 23:59:59 EST. Questions regarding the NOFO are due by July 23, 2025, and responses will be posted on MyGrants no later than July 30, 2025. The Department has emphasized that cost-sharing is voluntary and will not impact the competitive ranking of applications. All awards will be made as cooperative agreements, which means the Department will be substantially involved in project planning, material review, and participant selection. Award decisions will consider the quality and feasibility of the proposed program, organizational capacity, clarity of planning, budget reasonableness, monitoring and evaluation strategies, and potential for long-term sustainability. Unsuccessful applicants will be notified by October 2025. Payments for awarded projects will be made through the HHS Payment Management System or SF-270 reimbursements. Reporting will be required quarterly, and recipients will also be expected to support the Department’s foreign assistance data reporting requirements. The program is aligned with ISN/ECC's broader goals of protecting U.S. technological leadership and preventing proliferation through enhanced global export controls and industry outreach mechanisms.

Include quantitative outcomes, risk mitigation for beneficiaries, co-design sustainability plans with local actors.