Effectively Strengthening Safety and Security of Biological Research Globally

The U.S. Department of State, through its Office of the Biological Policy Staff under the Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation (ISN/BPS), has released a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) titled "Activities in Support of the Biological Weapons Convention." This funding initiative is part of a broader effort to strengthen global biosecurity and biosafety in alignment with the United States’ commitments under international nonproliferation treaties. The funding, provided under the FY 2024 Nonproliferation, Antiterrorism, Demining and Related Programs (NADR) account, supports projects that prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and mitigate associated security threats from both state and non-state actors. The grant has a total funding amount of $2 million and anticipates awarding a single cooperative agreement. The performance period is 24 months, with an anticipated start date in October 2025. Activities funded under this opportunity must advance national implementation of the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC). Specifically, the program seeks to enhance the safety and security of biological research through policy support, training, and international collaboration. The geographic scope is global, with a priority focus on countries including Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, India, Indonesia, Mexico, Panama, Peru, the Philippines, Republic of Korea, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. The program has three major components: (1) strengthening biorisk management at high containment laboratories—particularly in Latin America; (2) promoting policies for oversight of potentially dangerous gain-of-function research globally; and (3) supporting the global biorisk research agenda with data-informed best practices. Approximately 40% of funds will be allocated to the first two objectives, and the remaining 20% to the third. Selected implementers will conduct regional workshops and meetings, engage with policymakers and researchers, and coordinate applied biosafety research efforts aligned with the U.S. strategic vision. Eligible applicants include a broad spectrum of entities such as U.S.-based for-profit and nonprofit organizations, public and private institutions of higher education, federally funded research and development centers (FFRDCs), foreign public entities, and international organizations. While cost-sharing is not required and will not influence application competitiveness, applicants who include voluntary cost-share must fulfill their commitment. All applicants must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and be registered with SAM.gov. The application process requires submission through Grants.gov unless the applicant is a U.S. government entity seeking inter-agency agreement (IAA) funding, in which case applications should be submitted via email. Required documents include standard federal forms (SF-424 series), a project narrative, budget documentation, monitoring and evaluation plans, key personnel information, and relevant attachments such as CVs and past performance records. Detailed instructions and formatting guidelines are provided in the NOFO. Applications are due by August 11, 2025, at 11:59 PM EST. Submissions will be reviewed on criteria including project feasibility, organizational capacity, alignment with objectives, cost-effectiveness, monitoring plans, and sustainability. The award process is competitive, and proposals that best meet the outlined goals will be selected following a merit review by U.S. government experts. Unsuccessful applicants will be notified by November 30, 2025. For technical or eligibility questions, applicants may contact ISN-BPS-DL@state.gov.