Countering Biological Weapons Threats

The U.S. Department of State's Office of Cooperative Threat Reduction (ISN/CTR), under the Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation, has announced the "Implementing China and Russia Sanctions" grant, opportunity number DFOP0017256. This funding initiative addresses the need to strengthen global sanctions enforcement targeting illicit financial networks and trade channels exploited by China and Russia. These nations are implicated in leveraging global financial and supply chain systems to support military modernization and proliferation activities, in violation of international laws and norms. The primary goal of this funding opportunity is to empower both public and private sectors to better enforce sanctions and mitigate risks associated with noncompliance. ISN/CTR seeks to engage stakeholders with technical trainings, consultations, open-source tools, and tailored resources. The aim is to identify, disrupt, and report activities and entities engaged in sanctions evasion and proliferation of sensitive goods. The initiative targets various sectors including financial institutions, technology startups, trade and logistics, and regulatory bodies. The total anticipated funding is $19.5 million, with individual awards ranging from $250,000 to $5,000,000. Approximately 10 awards are expected, subject to funding availability. Proposed projects should be completed within a 15-month period, with anticipated start dates beginning January 1, 2026. The grant supports projects that are cost-effective and build long-term compliance capabilities. Applications can be submitted by a range of entities including U.S. and foreign-based non-profits, for-profits, academic institutions, and international organizations. Applicants must submit a comprehensive proposal package including mandatory forms (SF-424, SF-424A), optional forms (SF-424B, SF-LLL), and a suite of narrative documents detailing key personnel, monitoring and evaluation plans, project narratives, and budgets. Proposals must be submitted via Grants.gov by July 30, 2025, at 11:59 P.M. EDT. Only one application per organization will be accepted, with the final submission being considered. Applications will be evaluated based on project quality, organizational capacity, planning, cost effectiveness, and sustainability. Reviewers may offer feedback and request clarifications, and ISN/CTR reserves the right to award based on initial applications without further negotiations. Award notices will be communicated by October 15, 2025. Applicants may submit questions to ISN-CTR-BUDGET@state.gov and ctrspecialprojectsproposals@state.gov. Weekly Q&A responses will be posted to Grants.gov until July 25, 2025. Required registration with SAM.gov and a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) is mandatory. The grant prohibits the use of funds for UNRWA support or for activities encouraging migration towards the U.S. southwest border. Recipients must comply with federal anti-discrimination laws, human rights standards, and reporting obligations throughout the award period.

Submit early to ensure Grants.gov compatibility, ensure each document meets formatting guidelines (1-inch margins, 12pt Calibri, etc.), confirm SAM.gov registration