Techgate

The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy (CDP) is offering a funding opportunity under the Technology Gateway Program (TECHGATE) to promote the international adoption of secure and trusted digital and cybersecurity technologies. This cooperative agreement opportunity, cataloged under CFDA number 19.665, aims to support eligible foreign governments in acquiring and integrating American and allied digital technology solutions. The program intends to establish a comprehensive procurement and technology transfer mechanism that fosters secure digital ecosystems while advancing U.S. foreign policy and national security interests. TECHGATE is designed to address the growing demand among foreign governments for trusted and sustainable access to commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) cyber and digital technology. It promotes a supplier-agnostic procurement system that supports partners in identifying, obtaining, and deploying secure digital infrastructure. The Implementer selected for this program will play a pivotal role in assessing partner needs, managing complex procurement logistics, facilitating installations, and conducting training to build long-term technological capacity. The program places significant emphasis on transparency, sustainability, and alignment with U.S. standards and policy priorities, including combating the influence of subsidized and less secure foreign technologies. Funding for TECHGATE includes up to $25 million USD pending availability, with anticipated awards stemming from two funding streams: $13 million from FY2024 Economic Support Funds (ESF) and $12 million from FY2024 Assistance for Europe, Eurasia, and Central Asia (AEECA). One cooperative agreement is expected to be awarded, with a project performance period of 36 months. The Department will retain substantial involvement in the program’s implementation, including reviewing procurement processes, evaluating product suitability, and approving final work plans. Applicants are encouraged to propose consortium models that leverage a broad array of private sector and nonprofit expertise, especially in digital security, systems integration, and global deployment. Eligible applicants include U.S.-based nonprofit organizations under 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(6), and U.S.-based for-profit businesses. Individuals are not eligible. The selected Implementer must not sell its own products unless specifically authorized and must demonstrate deep technical and logistical capacity to operate globally. The program is intended to be demand-driven, with recipient foreign government partners being selected based on alignment with U.S. foreign policy objectives and strategic digital needs. The Implementer will not be responsible for identifying foreign government partners but will respond to requests channeled through the State Department. The deadline for submission of applications is August 25, 2025, by 11:59 PM ET, with the anticipated award date set for September 2025, pending the availability of funds. All applications must be submitted via Grants.gov or SAMS/MyGrants. Required materials include standard federal forms (SF-424, SF-424A, and SF-424B), a detailed project proposal following a specific format, a detailed line-item budget in Excel, a narrative budget explanation, and any letters of support. Organizations are also required to submit audits or explanations for the absence thereof and NICRA documentation if indirect costs are included. The review process includes an eligibility screening and evaluation by a merit review panel based on criteria such as quality of project design, organizational capacity, feasibility, evaluation plan, budget clarity, and sustainability. The CDP encourages proposals that build off existing donor efforts, support local ownership, and include cost-saving or burden-sharing models. The program is aligned with the Digital Connectivity and Cybersecurity Partnership (DCCP) and supports broader CDP strategic objectives, including improving open and secure internet access, increasing the presence of U.S. technology in foreign markets, and enhancing global cybersecurity standards.

Proposals should avoid specifying geographic targets unless illustrative; use consortiums to broaden capabilities; demonstrate experience with logistics, procurement, and digital deployment.