Advancing Secure Digital Connectivity in Paraguay

The U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs, through its Office of Policy Planning and Coordination (WHA/PPC), has issued a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for a new grant titled "Advancing Secure Digital Connectivity in Paraguay." This opportunity, funded by Fiscal Year 2024 Economic Support Funds (ESF), offers up to $6,000,000 through a cooperative agreement for one organization to implement a multi-faceted digital connectivity initiative across Paraguay. The expected project start date is September 30, 2025, with a duration of 54 months. Applications must be submitted via Grants.gov by August 6, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. This funding initiative supports the Government of Paraguay’s national digital agenda and recent 5G spectrum efforts by facilitating the installation and support of secure internet infrastructure, the development of institutional capacity to maintain and manage this infrastructure, and the delivery of digital literacy training to rural populations. Specifically, the awardee will work in consultation with Paraguay's Ministry of Information and Communications Technology (MITIC), the National Telecommunications Commission (CONATEL), and the U.S. Embassy in Asuncion to prioritize and implement up to 3,600 secure internet access points throughout the country. The internet equipment and services provided must align with international standards and be procured in accordance with U.S. and recipient organization procurement policies as outlined in 2 CFR § 200. Beyond infrastructure deployment, the grant also emphasizes sustainability and local capacity-building. Grantees are expected to collaborate with MITIC to develop an institutionalization plan that ensures the long-term monitoring, management, and maintenance of these access points. In addition, grantees must design and deliver training programs targeting rural communities, with a goal of improving digital literacy, enhancing cybersecurity awareness, and supporting secure online practices. Outreach efforts should reach at least 100,000 individuals through public campaigns, and training should be delivered in no fewer than 50 communities, including at least 200 community-based trainers of trainers (ToTs). Eligible applicants include U.S.-based nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status, overseas NGOs, institutions of higher education, and public international organizations, with a requirement that applicants have a presence in Paraguay. Paraguayan NGOs are strongly encouraged to apply. For-profit organizations and individuals are not eligible. Cost-sharing is not required for this funding opportunity, and applications may be submitted individually or as part of a consortium. Applicants may only submit one application per organization. All applicants must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and be registered with SAM.gov to be eligible. Proposals will be evaluated based on several key criteria, including the quality and feasibility of the project idea, organizational capacity, the ability to achieve objectives, cost-effectiveness, performance monitoring and evaluation planning, and the sustainability of impact. All applicants must include a proposal narrative, detailed budget, budget narrative, project timeline, and performance monitoring plan. The final award will be determined by a review panel and the Department of State's Grants Officer, subject to availability of funds and Congressional notification. Questions regarding the NOFO must be submitted via email to AsuncionEmbassyGrants@state.gov by July 18, 2025. Regular updates and clarifications will be posted on Grants.gov. Technical support for Grants.gov submissions is available through their Helpdesk. Applicants are reminded to carefully follow all NOFO instructions and to verify that their applications are complete and submitted on time.

Applicants should ensure full compliance with 2 CFR 200, and work closely with MITIC and CONATEL. All submissions must go through Grants.gov and meet detailed formatting and submission requirements. Applicants should confirm their SAM.gov registration is active well before submission.