Yemen Counter Smuggling Investigations

The Yemen Counter-Smuggling Investigations grant is administered by the Bureau of Counterterrorism (CT) at the U.S. Department of State. This grant opportunity is designed to enhance the capacity of the internationally recognized Republic of Yemen Government (ROYG) to combat the smuggling of weapons and dual-use items that support terrorist groups such as the Houthis, Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), and ISIS. With FY24 NADR/ATA funds totaling $3,946,719, this cooperative agreement seeks to build the investigative and interdiction capabilities of Yemen's Ministry of Interior (MOI), Border Guards, and other relevant authorities. The anticipated program start date is September 30, 2025, with a project duration ranging from 12 to 36 months. The program focuses on improving ROYG’s ability to identify and interdict terrorist smuggling networks and enhance prosecutorial capacity through targeted training and mentorship. It will emphasize techniques such as forensic investigations, cross-border coordination, and network analysis. Applicants are expected to have subject matter expertise in counter-smuggling operations involving small arms, uncrewed aerial systems, and dual-use technologies, as well as cultural and language capabilities to work effectively in Yemen. The training will primarily target Yemen’s MOI and Border Guard units. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations (including think tanks and NGOs), for-profit organizations (if allowable by appropriation), public and private educational institutions, international organizations, and governmental institutions. All applicants must be registered in SAM.gov and have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) at the time of submission. Cost sharing or matching is required for this funding opportunity, and all application materials must be submitted through Grants.gov or MyGrants by July 30, 2025, at 12:00 a.m. EST. Questions regarding the application process must be submitted no later than July 14, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. EST. Applications must include specific elements such as a summary page, logic model, theory of change, performance monitoring plan (PMP), detailed budget narrative, and other required attachments including CVs of key personnel and letters of support. The review criteria emphasize alignment with counterterrorism outcomes, clarity and feasibility of program design, organizational capacity, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability. Applications will be evaluated by an independent panel of experts, with final award decisions made by the Department of State’s Grants Officer. The selected applicant must coordinate closely with the U.S. government in implementing all major programmatic components, including training plans and participation in donor meetings. Quarterly reporting of financial and performance data, including updates to the Performance Indicator Tracking Table (PITT), is mandatory. Reporting delays can impact payment approvals and future funding eligibility. If awarded, the recipient may begin incurring expenses from the official start date listed in the grant agreement. For any inquiries, applicants should contact videlai@state.gov. Support for MyGrants technical issues is available through the ILMS help desk, and Grants.gov technical issues should be directed to support@grants.gov. The NOFO reminds applicants that award issuance is contingent upon the availability of funding and does not guarantee financial support based on application submission alone.

Include strong alignment with FBS goals and CT outcomes; provide a logic model and PMP; adhere to SAM.gov and reporting requirements.