Countering Biological Weapons Threats

The Countering Biological Weapons Threats grant, issued by the U.S. Department of State's Office of Cooperative Threat Reduction (ISN/CTR), is a competitive funding opportunity under the Biosecurity Engagement Program (BEP). This opportunity seeks to support projects that protect against biological weapons development and use by adversaries and enhance security around biotechnological assets. BEP aims to advance the directives outlined in the Executive Order on Improving the Safety and Security of Biological Research by fostering partnerships with countries and institutions to strengthen laboratory and cybersecurity practices, protect sensitive U.S. biotechnologies and data, and increase resilience to biological threats. The program has a global focus, prioritizing partnerships across Africa, East Asia Pacific, Europe, the Near East, South and Central Asia, and the Western Hemisphere. Specific countries of interest include Argentina, Brazil, Hungary, India, Kenya, Republic of Korea, Romania, Thailand, and Vietnam, among others. The target audiences include a wide range of institutions, such as biotech laboratories, data repositories, academic organizations, biosafety associations, and private industry actors. Within these institutions, BEP projects aim to engage scientific staff, laboratory personnel, policymakers, and technical managers. Funding will be made available for projects that meet the dual goals of preventing adversarial use of biological weapons and securing U.S. biotechnology supply chains. Example activities include training in pathogen and data protection, enhancing oversight for high containment laboratories, improving operations and maintenance of biorepositories, and developing cybersecurity protocols for facilities that manage sensitive biological information. Programs should also promote the adoption of U.S. standards in biosafety, cybersecurity, and laboratory operations among international partners. The anticipated performance period is between 12 and 24 months, with proposed projects to be completed within 15 months. Approximately $15 million in total funding is available, subject to availability, with individual awards ranging from $250,000 to $5 million. Up to 10 awards are expected to be granted. Cooperative agreements may involve substantial engagement from ISN/CTR, including input on project planning, participant selection, and event logistics. Cost sharing is not required but may be included voluntarily. Applications are due by 30 July 2025 at 11:59 PM EDT and must be submitted through Grants.gov, unless the applicant is a U.S. government entity seeking Inter-Agency Agreement (IAA) funding, in which case direct email submission is allowed. Applicants may submit one application containing multiple standalone projects. Each project requires detailed narratives, budget documentation, monitoring and evaluation plans, and consolidated project listings. Required forms include the SF-424, SF-424A, and potentially SF-424B or SF-LLL. Additional materials, such as resumes of key personnel and NICRA documentation (if applicable), must be included. Applications will be evaluated on six criteria: quality of project idea, organizational capacity and track record, ability to achieve objectives, financial capacity and cost effectiveness, strength of monitoring and evaluation plans, and sustainability. Successful applicants will demonstrate a clear alignment with the program’s nonproliferation goals, solid implementation plans, and strong measures for risk mitigation. Award decisions will be made by ISN/CTR and final notifications to unsuccessful applicants are expected by 15 October 2025. For questions, applicants may contact ISN-CTR-BUDGET@state.gov and bep@state.gov. Questions will be answered publicly via Grants.gov updates posted every Friday until 25 July 2025. All applicants must have an active registration in SAM.gov with a valid Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) prior to applying. Exemptions may be considered on a case-by-case basis. Strict compliance with federal regulations, including anti-discrimination laws, anti-terrorism clauses, and export control policies, is required. Final reporting includes both financial and narrative summaries, and all documentation must be submitted in English.

Align proposal with BEP’s nonproliferation objectives; follow submission and formatting rules carefully; only final submission counts.