Advancing Secure Digital Connectivity in Paraguay

The U.S. Department of State, through its Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs Office of Policy Planning and Coordination (WHA/PPC), has announced a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) titled "Advancing Secure Digital Connectivity in Paraguay." This opportunity aims to support the Government of Paraguay's efforts to expand secure internet access and digital literacy, particularly in rural areas. This initiative aligns with Paraguay’s recent national 5G spectrum tender and broader digital integration agenda. The program will fund one cooperative agreement of up to $6,000,000 USD using Fiscal Year 2024 Economic Support Funds. The anticipated project start date is September 30, 2025, and the period of performance will last up to 54 months. The project has three primary objectives: 1) expand rural internet connectivity; 2) build institutional capacity within the Paraguayan government, specifically with MITIC (Ministry of Information and Communications Technology) and CONATEL (National Telecommunications Commission); and 3) enhance digital literacy among rural populations. Up to 3,600 sites are expected to benefit from new internet access points, utilizing technologies such as satellite, fiber optic, or fixed wireless, depending on site feasibility and government priorities. Equipment must meet security standards and be sourced from trusted vendors. Internet supplies and related services must comply with procurement regulations under 2 CFR § 200. Additionally, the awardee must deliver technical assistance and digital skills training to at least 50 rural communities and conduct outreach to reach a minimum of 100,000 individuals with information on cybersecurity and digital rights. At least 200 community-based trainers will be trained to support scalable engagement. Collaboration with educational institutions and community leaders will be vital to ensure the effectiveness and sustainability of these training programs. Eligibility is open to U.S.-based 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations, overseas-based NGOs with equivalent legal status, Paraguayan-based NGOs, institutions of higher education, and public international organizations. For-profit entities and individuals are not eligible to apply. NGOs based in Paraguay are strongly encouraged to apply. Only one application per organization will be accepted. No cost sharing or matching is required, although it is permitted. Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov by August 4, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. EST. Interested applicants may submit questions until July 18, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. EST. All applications must include a full proposal package, including SF-424 forms, executive summary, proposal narrative, budget details, and performance monitoring plan, as outlined in the NOFO and accompanying Proposal Submission Instructions. The selection will be based on a merit review process evaluating technical feasibility, financial capacity, organizational history, monitoring and evaluation strategy, and sustainability planning. Final approval will be made by the Department’s Grants Officer. Applicants are encouraged to register early in SAM.gov and obtain a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) to meet eligibility requirements. Additional inquiries during the open application period may be directed to AsuncionEmbassyGrants@state.gov.

Ensure early registration in SAM.gov; carefully follow Proposal Submission Instructions (PSI); highlight alignment with U.S. foreign policy priorities; demonstrate collaboration with MITIC and CONATEL