Denying U.S. Adversaries Access to Sensitive Nuclear, Missile, and Advanced Technical Expertise for Weapons of Mass Destruction Programs that Threaten America

The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation, Office of Cooperative Threat Reduction (ISN/CTR), has announced a funding opportunity under the Nonproliferation Scientist Engagement Program (NSEP). The program aims to prevent the exploitation of vulnerable scientists, technicians, and engineers (STEs) by U.S. adversaries such as Iran, North Korea, and China, who may redirect their dual-use expertise to weapons of mass destruction (WMD) programs. The primary goal is to secure American lives, territory, and prosperity by denying adversaries access to high-risk civilian experts with technical knowledge applicable to nuclear, missile, and advanced weapons development. The NSEP specifically targets foreign-based civilian STEs who are either geographically displaced or economically vulnerable, rendering them susceptible to recruitment for WMD programs. The program provides capacity-building opportunities, including cybersecurity training and knowledge security best practices, as well as commercialization support by connecting scientists to U.S. partners. These efforts are part of broader U.S. foreign policy strategies, such as the Maximum Pressure Campaign on Iran and measures to counter the North Korean and Chinese WMD threat landscape. Eligible applicants include a wide range of U.S. and foreign entities, including nonprofit organizations, private and public institutions of higher education, for-profit organizations, and international and public foreign entities. Applicants must be registered in SAM.gov and possess a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI). Although cost-sharing is allowed, it is not required and does not impact application competitiveness. Each organization may submit only one application, but the submission can include multiple independently evaluated projects. The funding available for this opportunity totals $6 million, pending availability. Awards are expected to range between $100,000 and $2,000,000, with an estimated 10 projects to be funded. Projects are expected to be completed within 12–24 months, ideally 15 months or less. The award instrument may be a grant, cooperative agreement, or inter-agency agreement. ISN/CTR will be substantially involved in the planning and implementation of funded projects, including approval of participants and materials. Applicants must submit their proposals through Grants.gov by 30 July 2025 at 11:59 P.M. EDT. The application package must include various standard federal forms (e.g., SF-424, SF-424A), narrative documents (e.g., project narrative, monitoring and evaluation plans), budget documents (line-item and narrative), and supporting materials (e.g., resumes, past performance statements). Specific formatting requirements must be followed for all submitted documents, and all proposals must be in English and U.S. dollars. Applications will be evaluated based on the quality and feasibility of the project idea, organizational capacity, program planning and objectives, cost-effectiveness, monitoring and evaluation plans, and sustainability. Successful applicants will be notified by 15 October 2025. Awards will be issued through the HHS Payment Management System or G-Invoice system depending on the award type. Post-award, recipients are expected to submit regular financial and narrative performance reports, and to comply with all applicable federal regulations and policies.

Tailor activities to each project's technical and geopolitical context. Prioritize measurable results and cost effectiveness.