Enforcing Sanctions on China and Russia

The U.S. Department of State’s Office of Cooperative Threat Reduction (CTR) within the Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation (ISN) is offering a funding opportunity titled "Implementing China and Russia Sanctions," under opportunity number DFOP0017256. This grant program is designed to counteract illicit procurement and sanctions evasion tactics used by actors in China and Russia. The funding stems from the Nonproliferation, Antiterrorism, Demining and Related Programs (NADR) account for FY25/26, with a strong focus on mitigating threats posed by weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and related delivery systems. The program seeks to enhance global enforcement of sanctions, focusing on strengthening compliance mechanisms in both the public and private sectors. The initiative targets complex sanctions evasion strategies and supports partners in identifying and disrupting networks that facilitate these efforts. Through targeted technical training, tools, and engagement activities, ISN/CTR aims to reinforce sanctions compliance in regions such as East Asia and the Pacific. Private sector stakeholders of interest include financial institutions, dual-use manufacturers, and trade and logistics organizations, while public sector efforts will involve enforcement and regulatory bodies. ISN/CTR anticipates distributing approximately 10 awards ranging between $250,000 and $5,000,000, with total funding availability set at $19,500,000, pending appropriations. Project performance periods may range from 12 to 24 months, with an anticipated start date of January 1, 2026. The funding may be issued through grants, cooperative agreements, or Inter-Agency Agreements (IAAs). Applicants must ensure proposals demonstrate measurable impact, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness, with the possibility for multiple projects under a single application. Cost-sharing is not required and does not affect competitive ranking. Eligible applicants include U.S. and foreign-based nonprofit and for-profit entities, higher education institutions, public international organizations, federally funded research and development centers, and foreign public entities. All applicants must possess a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and have active SAM.gov registration. Applications must be submitted through Grants.gov by July 30, 2025, 11:59 P.M. EDT. U.S. government entities seeking IAAs must submit via email to ctrspecialprojectsproposals@state.gov and ISN-CTR-BUDGET@state.gov. Only the final submitted application per organization will be reviewed. The application package must include mandatory forms (SF-424, SF-424A), a summary page, key personnel information, a monitoring and evaluation narrative and tracker, a consolidated project list, project narratives (limited to 3 pages per project), and budget documentation. Optional forms like SF-424B and SF-LLL may also be submitted. Each project must include deliverables, methods, risk analysis, and sustainability plans. Evaluation criteria include project feasibility, organizational capacity, planning effectiveness, financial prudence, and the strength of monitoring and evaluation frameworks. Applicants can submit questions to the designated email addresses until July 25, 2025, with responses posted weekly on Grants.gov. Final decisions are expected by October 15, 2025. Awards will be administered via the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Payment Management System or G-Invoice for IAAs. Reporting requirements include quarterly performance and financial reports and a final summary within 120 days of project completion. Additional restrictions apply, including prohibitions on support for designated terrorist organizations and activities encouraging mass migration toward the U.S. border.