Countering Chinese and Russian Proliferation of Advanced Conventional Weapons

The Countering Chinese and Russian Proliferation of Advanced Conventional Weapons grant, issued by the U.S. Department of State's Office of Cooperative Threat Reduction within the Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation (ISN/CTR), aims to mitigate the threat posed by advanced conventional weapons (ACW) proliferation by China and Russia. These two states are increasingly using ACW sales to finance their defense industries, extend malign influence, and build strategic dependencies with foreign militaries. The initiative operates under Assistance Listing Number 19.033, with up to $17 million available for award distribution during the FY25/26 cycle, subject to the availability of funds. Eligible applicants include U.S.- and foreign-based non-profit organizations, public and private institutions of higher education, for-profit organizations, Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs), Public International Organizations (PIOs), and Foreign Public Entities (FPEs). Each organization may submit one application, which can include multiple stand-alone projects. The Department anticipates awarding up to 10 grants ranging from $250,000 to $6,500,000, with the expected performance period lasting between 12 and 24 months. Applications are due by 30 July 2025, with a proposed project start date of 1 January 2026. All submissions must be made via Grants.gov unless applying under an Inter-Agency Agreement (IAA). Projects funded under this opportunity must address at least one of four aims: (1) Countering procurement networks used to acquire ACW, (2) Countering state-sponsored proliferation, (3) Addressing strategic defense dependencies, and (4) Countering malign activity by private military and security companies (PMSCs). Activities may include open-source research, technical workshops, consultations with key stakeholders, production of technical reports, and professionalization of procurement practices. In-person training informed by research is emphasized, targeting military and law enforcement personnel, policymakers, and private sector actors. Applications must include several components such as SF-424 and SF-424A forms, a summary page, key personnel list, monitoring and evaluation documents, a consolidated project list, and detailed project narratives and budgets for each proposal. For-profit entities are encouraged to include SF-424B, and lobbying disclosures are required if applicable. Submissions must follow specific formatting and content guidelines, and only final, timestamped applications will be reviewed. Proposals must demonstrate measurable objectives, a feasible methodology, and sustainability beyond the funding period. Evaluation will be conducted using a 100-point scale based on the feasibility and impact of the project, organizational capacity, planning and ability to meet objectives, budget justification, monitoring and evaluation plans, and long-term sustainability. Final funding decisions will consider geographic distribution, policy alignment, and risk assessments. Successful applicants will be required to submit quarterly performance and financial reports and comply with U.S. federal laws and administrative requirements, including those related to anti-discrimination, human rights, anti-terrorism, and trafficking. Direct inquiries should be submitted to ISN-CTR-BUDGET@state.gov and ctrspecialprojectsproposals@state.gov. Questions and answers about the NOFO will be posted weekly until 25 July 2025. All applicants must have a Unique Entity Identifier and an active SAM.gov registration prior to award issuance. Foreign organizations not doing business with the U.S. Department of Defense may apply without an NCAGE code. The Department reserves the right to reject proposals and will notify unsuccessful applicants by 15 October 2025.