Opportunity Information: Apply for ISN ISNCTR 16 008
Apply for ISN ISNCTR 16 008
- The DOS-ISN in the other (see text field entitled explanation of other category of funding activity for clarification) sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Cooperative Threat Reduction FY16 Metrics" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 19.033.
- This funding opportunity was created on Dec 04, 2015 and posted on Dec 04, 2015.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Feb 12, 2016. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Private institutions of higher education.
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
Opportunity Summary:
The Cooperative Threat Reduction FY16 Metrics opportunity (Funding Opportunity Number ISN ISNCTR 16 008) is a discretionary U.S. Department of State grant announcement released by the Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation (DOS-ISN), specifically its Cooperative Threat Reduction (ISN/CTR) program. Posted on December 4, 2015, with an application deadline of February 12, 2016, the opportunity calls for proposals to evaluate and measure how effective ISN/CTR programming has been. Rather than funding on-the-ground threat reduction activities directly, this solicitation focuses on assessment work: applicants are expected to develop and carry out metrics, monitoring, evaluation, or similar analytical efforts that help determine what program activities are achieving, where they fall short, and how they can be strengthened.
At the center of the announcement is ISN/CTR's broader mission: supporting partner governments in building durable, self-sustaining security cultures across nuclear, biological, and chemical (NBC) domains. In practice, "security culture" usually refers to the habits, institutional behaviors, leadership priorities, and professional norms that drive consistent compliance and vigilance, not just one-time improvements in equipment or procedures. The grant therefore targets proposals that can credibly assess whether ISN/CTR investments are actually leading to lasting, locally owned capabilities and practices that reduce risks associated with weapons of mass destruction, related materials, and expertise. A strong proposal under a call like this would typically be expected to translate high-level objectives (for example, improved biosafety and biosecurity practices or better nuclear material security governance) into measurable indicators and evaluation methods that show progress over time and across different partner contexts.
The award instrument for this opportunity is a cooperative agreement, which generally implies substantial federal involvement during implementation compared to a standard grant. That typically means the Department of State may expect ongoing coordination on evaluation design, data collection approaches, reporting formats, and interpretation of findings, especially where the work touches sensitive security topics or requires alignment with U.S. foreign policy and nonproliferation objectives. The funding activity category is listed as "Other," indicating that the work does not fit neatly into common buckets like research or training alone and is instead centered on program effectiveness assessment and metrics development.
Eligibility is relatively broad within the non-profit and academic sectors. Eligible applicants include public and state controlled institutions of higher education, private institutions of higher education, and nonprofit organizations both with and without 501(c)(3) status (so long as they are not institutions of higher education in the non-501(c)(3) category). The description also indicates interest in non-profit/non-governmental organizations and international organizations, signaling that applicants with field presence, evaluation expertise, or international program measurement experience may be particularly relevant. The solicitation anticipates making one award, suggesting a single lead organization may be selected to run the metrics effort, potentially with partners or subcontractors if needed.
Several administrative data points are notable. The CFDA (now commonly referred to as Assistance Listing) number is 19.033, which corresponds to Cooperative Threat Reduction programming. The award ceiling is listed as 0, which often indicates that a firm maximum funding level was not specified in the public synopsis, not necessarily that no funds are available. In those cases, the actual budget expectations are typically clarified in the full announcement or through agency communications, and applicants are expected to propose a reasonable budget aligned with the scope of work and the evaluation approach.
Overall, this opportunity is best understood as an initiative to bring clearer, evidence-based measurement to ISN/CTR activities, with the goal of showing what outcomes are being achieved in partner countries and how those outcomes contribute to sustained NBC security culture improvements. Competitive proposals would generally need to demonstrate a strong evaluation methodology, experience working in international or security-related contexts, an ability to handle sensitive or complex stakeholder environments, and a plan for translating findings into actionable recommendations that ISN/CTR and partner governments can use to improve program impact over time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Cooperative Threat Reduction FY16 Metrics (ISN ISNCTR 16 008)
What is the Cooperative Threat Reduction FY16 Metrics opportunity?
This is a discretionary U.S. Department of State funding opportunity (Funding Opportunity Number ISN ISNCTR 16 008) released by the Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation (DOS-ISN), specifically the Cooperative Threat Reduction (ISN/CTR) program. It seeks proposals focused on evaluating and measuring the effectiveness of ISN/CTR programming.
Which U.S. government office is offering this opportunity?
The opportunity is offered by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation (DOS-ISN), through its Cooperative Threat Reduction (ISN/CTR) program.
What is the main purpose of this funding opportunity?
The main purpose is to support assessment work (metrics, monitoring, evaluation, and other analytical efforts) that determines what ISN/CTR program activities are achieving, where they fall short, and how they can be strengthened.
Does this opportunity fund on-the-ground threat reduction activities?
No. The solicitation is described as focusing on assessment work rather than directly funding on-the-ground threat reduction activities.
What types of work are applicants expected to propose?
Applicants are expected to develop and carry out metrics, monitoring, evaluation, or similar analytical efforts. The goal is to evaluate effectiveness and measure outcomes of ISN/CTR programming, including identifying gaps and recommending improvements.
What is meant by "security culture" in this announcement?
In this context, "security culture" refers to the habits, institutional behaviors, leadership priorities, and professional norms that support consistent compliance and vigilance. It is framed as more than one-time improvements in equipment or procedures, emphasizing durable and self-sustaining practices.
Which domains does ISN/CTR focus on for security culture?
The opportunity references nuclear, biological, and chemical (NBC) domains, with a focus on reducing risks associated with weapons of mass destruction, related materials, and expertise.
What kinds of outcomes is this evaluation work intended to measure?
The evaluation work is intended to assess whether ISN/CTR investments are leading to lasting, locally owned capabilities and practices that reduce risks related to weapons of mass destruction and associated materials and expertise, and whether those efforts strengthen security culture over time.
How does the opportunity suggest applicants should approach measurement?
It indicates that strong proposals would translate high-level objectives (for example, improved biosafety and biosecurity practices or better nuclear material security governance) into measurable indicators and evaluation methods that can demonstrate progress over time and across partner contexts.
What type of award instrument will be used?
The award instrument is a cooperative agreement.
What does it mean that the award instrument is a cooperative agreement?
A cooperative agreement generally implies substantial federal involvement during implementation compared to a standard grant. The description suggests the Department of State may expect ongoing coordination on evaluation design, data collection approaches, reporting formats, and interpretation of findings, particularly where the work involves sensitive security topics or alignment with U.S. foreign policy and nonproliferation objectives.
What is the funding activity category for this opportunity?
The funding activity category is listed as "Other," reflecting that the work is centered on program effectiveness assessment and metrics development rather than fitting neatly into a single category such as research or training alone.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligibility is broad within the non-profit and academic sectors. Eligible applicants include public and state controlled institutions of higher education, private institutions of higher education, and nonprofit organizations with or without 501(c)(3) status (with the noted limitation that non-501(c)(3) nonprofits are eligible so long as they are not institutions of higher education in that category).
Are nonprofit and non-governmental organizations specifically encouraged?
The description indicates interest in non-profit/non-governmental organizations and international organizations, suggesting those types of applicants may be relevant, particularly if they have evaluation expertise or international program measurement experience.
Are international organizations mentioned as relevant applicants?
Yes. The description notes interest in international organizations.
How many awards does the solicitation anticipate making?
The solicitation anticipates making one award.
Does the announcement say anything about partnering or subcontracting?
It does not specify requirements, but it notes that a single lead organization may be selected to run the metrics effort, potentially with partners or subcontractors if needed.
When was the opportunity posted?
The opportunity was posted on December 4, 2015.
What is the application deadline?
The application deadline is February 12, 2016.
What is the Assistance Listing (CFDA) number for this opportunity?
The CFDA (Assistance Listing) number is 19.033, which corresponds to Cooperative Threat Reduction programming.
What does it mean that the award ceiling is listed as 0?
The award ceiling being listed as 0 often indicates that a firm maximum funding level was not specified in the public synopsis, not necessarily that no funds are available. In such cases, the budget expectations are typically clarified in the full announcement or through agency communications, and applicants are expected to propose a reasonable budget aligned with the scope of work and evaluation approach.
What qualities would a competitive proposal typically demonstrate based on the announcement description?
Based on the description, competitive proposals would generally be expected to show a strong evaluation methodology, experience in international or security-related contexts, an ability to handle sensitive or complex stakeholder environments, and a plan for translating findings into actionable recommendations that ISN/CTR and partner governments can use to improve program impact over time.
Why is evidence-based measurement emphasized in this opportunity?
The opportunity is framed as an initiative to bring clearer, evidence-based measurement to ISN/CTR activities so that outcomes in partner countries can be understood and improved, particularly as they relate to sustained NBC security culture improvements.
What kinds of coordination might be expected with the Department of State during the project?
The description suggests ongoing coordination may be expected on evaluation design, data collection approaches, reporting formats, and interpretation of findings, especially where the work touches sensitive security topics or requires alignment with U.S. foreign policy and nonproliferation objectives.
Is this opportunity focused on short-term outputs or longer-term sustainability?
The description emphasizes durable, self-sustaining security cultures and lasting, locally owned capabilities and practices, implying a focus on longer-term sustainability rather than one-time improvements.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification)
Next opportunity: Digitize Early 20th Century Photographs and the Elizabeth Bacon Custer Personal Paper Collection
Previous opportunity: Engineering for Natural Hazards
USGrants.org Applicant Portal:
Are you interested in learning about about how to apply for this government funding opportunity? You can create a free applicant account and receive instant access to our applicant portal that many business owners like you have benefited from.
Apply for ISN ISNCTR 16 008
[Watch] how do funding administrators access proposals?
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (ISN ISNCTR 16 008) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| Statistical Support for Inventory and Monitoring Projects Apply for F16AS00020 Funding Number: F16AS00020 Agency: DOI-FWS Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $95,114 |
| Human Rights for All Apply for APS 624 16 000002 Funding Number: APS 624 16 000002 Agency: USAID-WAF Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $700,000 |
| Notice of Intent to Award: Fort! Flag! Fourth! (Milestones to History) – Fort McHenry Apply for NPS 16 NERO 0007 Funding Number: NPS 16 NERO 0007 Agency: DOI-NPS Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $75,000 |
| DRL: Interfaith Programming in Eastern and Central Europe Apply for DRLA DRLAQM 16 020 Funding Number: DRLA DRLAQM 16 020 Agency: DOS Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $950,000 |
| FY 2016 Study of the U.S. Institutes for Student Leaders from Europe Apply for ECA ECAAE 16 011 Funding Number: ECA ECAAE 16 011 Agency: DOS-ECA Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| Cooperative Management of Ebey's Landing National Historical Preserve Apply for NPS NOIP1600037 Funding Number: NPS NOIP1600037 Agency: DOI-NPS Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $845,000 |
| Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) Program Apply for 2016 NIST SURF 01 Funding Number: 2016 NIST SURF 01 Agency: DOC-NIST Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Cooperative Agreement Apply for MCC 16 GRA 0001 Funding Number: MCC 16 GRA 0001 Agency: MCC Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $206,000 |
| U.S. Ambassador’s Special Self-Help Fund 2015-2016, U.S. Embassy Lilongwe Apply for DOS MWI ASSHF FY16 Funding Number: DOS MWI ASSHF FY16 Agency: DOS-MWI Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $10,000 |
| Notice of Intent to Award: Support Education and Interpretive Programs through SCA Internship – Frederick Law Olmsted NHS Apply for NPS 16 NERO 0004 Funding Number: NPS 16 NERO 0004 Agency: DOI-NPS Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $44,121 |
| Collection and Compilation of Water Pipeline Field Performance Data Apply for R16 NOI DO 002 Funding Number: R16 NOI DO 002 Agency: DOI-BOR Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $450,000 |
| Notice of Intent to Award: Work Plan – Implementing Mutually Agreed to Projects, Programs and Activities for the benefit of Chesapeake Gateways and Trails Apply for NPS 16 NERO 0001 Funding Number: NPS 16 NERO 0001 Agency: DOI-NPS Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $56,859 |
| Landscape Factors Influencing functional connectivity for Greater Sage-grouse Apply for F16AS00036 Funding Number: F16AS00036 Agency: DOI-FWS Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $89,300 |
| Sivungam Nevngallgha Quteghllagmun (Savoonga's Bond & Connection to the Great land (Chukotka) Apply for P16AS00004 Funding Number: P16AS00004 Agency: DOI-NPS Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| Water Resources Research National Competitive Grants Program Apply for G16AS00016 Funding Number: G16AS00016 Agency: DOI-USGS1 Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $250,000 |
| Notice of Intent to Award: Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller NHP; Developing Public Narratives and Leadership Around Complex Histories: An Evaluation of the 21st Century Parks Leadership Community – Phase 1 Apply for NPS 16 NERO 0002 Funding Number: NPS 16 NERO 0002 Agency: DOI-NPS Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $30,000 |
| DRL FY15 Supporting Human Rights in Afghanistan Apply for DRLA DRLAQM 16 027 Funding Number: DRLA DRLAQM 16 027 Agency: DOS-DRL Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| FY 2016 Economic Development Assistance Programs  Application submission and program requirements for EDA’s Public Works and Economic Adjustment Assistance programs. Apply for EDAP2016 Funding Number: EDAP2016 Agency: DOC-EDA Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $3,000,000 |
| Kenya Electoral Assistance Program (KEAP) 2017 Apply for RFA 615 16 000001 Funding Number: RFA 615 16 000001 Agency: USAID-EAF Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $20,000,000 |
| Stanford-USGS Micro-Isotope Analytical Center (SUMAC) Apply for USGS 16 FA 0006 Funding Number: USGS 16 FA 0006 Agency: DOI-USGS1 Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
Grant application guides and resources
It is always free to apply for government grants. However the process may be very complex depending on the funding opportunity you are applying for. Let us help you!
Apply for Grants
Premium leads for funding administrators, grant writers, and loan issuers
Thousands of people visit our website for their funding needs every day. When a user creates a grant proposal and files for submission, we pass the information on to funding administrators, grant writers, and government loan issuers.
If you manage government grant programs, provide grant writing services, or issue personal or government loans, we can help you reach your audience.
Subscribe to Leads
Request more information:
Would you like to learn more about this funding opportunity, similar opportunities to "ISN ISNCTR 16 008", eligibility, application service, and/or application tips? Submit an inquiry below:
Don't forget to subscribe to our grant alerts mailing list to receive weekly alerts on new and updated grant funding opportunities like this one in your email.