Ukraine Capacity in Intangible Technology Controls

The Bureau of Arms Control and Nonproliferation at the U.S. Department of State has announced a Notice of Funding Opportunity titled “Strengthening Ukraine’s ITT Controls” under opportunity number DFOP0017454. This initiative aims to enhance Ukraine’s capacity to control intangible technology transfers (ITT), a crucial aspect of strategic trade controls. The program responds to security and political developments in Ukraine, including the impact of increased defense production and joint ventures that have resulted from the 2022 Russian invasion. These developments expose Ukraine to advanced defense technologies and underscore the need for effective safeguards to prevent inappropriate transfers of sensitive technologies to unauthorized end users. The program seeks to develop Ukraine’s regulatory and enforcement framework for ITT controls while also promoting awareness among industry, academia, and research institutions. Specific objectives include updating and developing guidelines for ITT safeguards, strengthening risk assessment capabilities, improving interagency coordination, and raising awareness of compliance practices and due diligence among stakeholders. Activities will also include training engagements, both in-person and virtual, aimed at government agencies and up to 60 research and development entities and emerging defense industry actors. The award will be provided through a cooperative agreement, signifying substantial involvement by the Department of State in project implementation. The anticipated performance period is 24 months, with an expected start date of October 1, 2025. The total available funding is $345,338, and a single award is anticipated. The funding range for applicants is between $100,000 and $345,338. Funding will be provided under the Foreign Assistance Act from FY23/24 NADR Bilateral Ukraine Funds. The program’s success will be measured by improvements in licensing processes, compliance practices, and enforcement mechanisms, as well as increased industry awareness and engagement. Eligible applicants include U.S. and foreign not-for-profit organizations, think tanks, civil society organizations, public and private educational institutions, for-profit entities (with restrictions), public international organizations, and governmental institutions. For-profit applicants may be subject to additional review and are prohibited from earning profit under assistance awards. Individuals are not eligible to apply. Cost-sharing is not required but may be offered voluntarily without affecting competitiveness. All applicants must have a Unique Entity Identifier and an active registration in SAM.gov prior to submission. Applications must be submitted electronically via MyGrants and Grants.gov. Required documents include SF-424 forms, a detailed budget, a proposal of no more than 15 pages, a two-page scope of work, and a budget justification narrative. Proposals should demonstrate an understanding of the program’s goals and include a project timeline, key personnel, monitoring and evaluation plans, and sustainability strategies. A risk assessment is also required, addressing political, cybersecurity, and operational risks. Attachments such as the NICRA and recent audits should be included as applicable. Applications are due by August 18, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. EST. Questions must be submitted by July 30, 2025, with responses provided by August 1, 2025. Award notifications will be sent in October 2025. Payments will be managed through the HHS Payment Management System or by SF-270 submission. Reporting requirements include quarterly financial and program reports, monthly performance reports, and compliance with Foreign Assistance Data Review standards. Contact ECC_Grants@state.gov for questions related to the application process.

Ensure proposal aligns with program goals; provide measurable objectives; include a risk assessment and sustainability plan; adhere to formatting and page limits