Opportunity Information: Apply for SFOP0010102

  • The Bureau of International Security-Nonproliferation in the other sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Countering North Korean and Iranian WMD, Missile, and UAS Proliferation" 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 2023-10-30.
  • Applicants must submit their applications by 2024-01-31. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
  • Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $250,000.00 in funding.
  • The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 25 candidate(s).
  • Eligible applicants include: Others.
Apply for SFOP0010102

[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:

Opportunity Summary:

The grant opportunity titled "Countering North Korean and Iranian WMD, Missile, and UAS Proliferation" (Funding Opportunity Number SFOP0010102) is a U.S. Department of State program run through the Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation, specifically its Office of Cooperative Threat Reduction (ISN/CTR). It is a discretionary funding opportunity using a cooperative agreement mechanism, which typically means awardees should expect substantial involvement, coordination, and oversight from the U.S. government during implementation rather than operating fully independently. The program is organized under CFDA number 19.033 and falls under an "Other" activity category, reflecting its specialized national security and nonproliferation focus rather than a domestic social program model.

At its core, the opportunity supports U.S. policy objectives aimed at limiting and disrupting weapons of mass destruction-related proliferation networks linked to North Korea and Iran, with a particular emphasis in the description on the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK). The stated context is that the United States continues to pursue negotiations with the DPRK toward denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, while simultaneously maintaining that international pressure and sanctions must remain in place until full denuclearization occurs. The grant is positioned as a practical tool in that pressure campaign, aiming to strengthen the ability of partner governments and institutions to enforce United Nations Security Council Resolutions (UNSCRs) designed to constrain DPRK proliferation activity. In plain terms, the U.S. is looking to fund projects that help other countries become better at identifying, stopping, and prosecuting sanctions evasion and illicit procurement activities that enable prohibited nuclear, chemical, biological, missile, and related delivery system programs, including unmanned aerial systems (UAS).

The types of activities highlighted revolve around capacity building and applied research intended to translate rules on paper into real-world enforcement. This includes training and equipping partners to implement UNSCR requirements, improving the detection of DPRK-linked sanctions evasion schemes, and impeding the material and financial streams that support WMD and delivery system development. The emphasis on "material and financial activities" is important: it signals interest not only in physical interdiction (like spotting illicit shipments) but also in financial disruption (like tracing payments, front companies, shell networks, shipping and insurance arrangements, and trade-based money laundering patterns). The notice also points to open-source research and other specialized efforts, suggesting that strong analytic work that maps networks, identifies typologies, and produces actionable leads for governments and enforcement bodies is considered part of the intended toolkit, especially for countries that are "at risk" for being used as transshipment points, financial hubs, or jurisdictions exploited by procurement agents.

A wide range of applicant types are eligible. This includes not-for-profit organizations such as think tanks and civil society or non-governmental organizations; public and private educational institutions; federally funded research and development centers (FFRDCs); for-profit organizations (with the specific note that ISN/CTR will issue cost-fee awards, which generally limits profit and ties payment to allowable costs plus an approved fee); and public international organizations and governmental institutions. This broad eligibility suggests the bureau is open to both operational implementers (who can run trainings and assistance programs in-country) and research and technical entities (who can produce analysis, develop tools, and advise on enforcement practices).

In terms of funding structure, the award ceiling is listed as USD 250,000 per award, and the opportunity anticipates approximately 25 awards. That combination usually indicates a portfolio approach: rather than funding one large multi-million dollar project, the agency appears to be aiming for multiple smaller, targeted projects that can be tailored to specific regions, vulnerabilities, or partner needs. The original closing date for applications was January 31, 2024, and the opportunity record shows a creation date of October 30, 2023. Even if a given cycle has closed, the details still help potential applicants understand what the bureau funds, how it frames its objectives, and what kinds of capabilities it prioritizes, which can be useful for planning for future rounds or similar solicitations.

Overall, the opportunity is best understood as a nonproliferation and sanctions-implementation capacity-building program focused on disrupting the networks, financing, and logistics that enable North Korean and Iranian WMD, missile, and UAS-related proliferation. Successful projects under a program like this typically combine practical training and institutional strengthening with credible analytical support, aiming for measurable improvements in partner countries' ability to detect evasion tactics, share information, apply legal and regulatory tools, and shut down the financial and material pipelines that keep proliferation programs running.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the name of this grant opportunity?

The opportunity is titled "Countering North Korean and Iranian WMD, Missile, and UAS Proliferation."

What is the Funding Opportunity Number (FON)?

The Funding Opportunity Number is SFOP0010102.

Which U.S. government office is running this program?

This is a U.S. Department of State program run through the Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation (ISN), specifically the Office of Cooperative Threat Reduction (ISN/CTR).

What type of award is being used (grant vs. cooperative agreement)?

The opportunity uses a cooperative agreement mechanism. That typically means awardees should expect substantial involvement, coordination, and oversight from the U.S. government during implementation rather than operating fully independently.

Is this a discretionary funding opportunity?

Yes. The notice describes it as a discretionary funding opportunity.

What is the CFDA number associated with this program?

The program is organized under CFDA number 19.033.

How is the activity category described?

The activity category is listed as "Other," reflecting a specialized national security and nonproliferation focus rather than a domestic social program model.

What is the core purpose of this funding opportunity?

The core purpose is to support U.S. policy objectives aimed at limiting and disrupting weapons of mass destruction (WMD)-related proliferation networks linked to North Korea and Iran, with particular emphasis on the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK).

Which country is emphasized most in the opportunity description?

While the title references both North Korea and Iran, the description places particular emphasis on the DPRK (North Korea).

How does this opportunity relate to U.S. policy toward the DPRK?

The opportunity is framed as part of a broader approach in which the United States pursues negotiations toward denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula while maintaining that international pressure and sanctions must remain in place until full denuclearization occurs. This funding is positioned as a practical tool to support that pressure campaign.

What role do United Nations Security Council Resolutions (UNSCRs) play in this program?

A central goal is strengthening the ability of partner governments and institutions to enforce UNSCRs designed to constrain DPRK proliferation activity.

What kinds of outcomes is the program trying to achieve?

Projects are intended to help partners better identify, stop, and prosecute sanctions evasion and illicit procurement activities that enable prohibited nuclear, chemical, biological, missile, and related delivery system programs, including unmanned aerial systems (UAS).

What types of activities are highlighted as a good fit?

The notice highlights capacity building and applied research aimed at translating rules into real-world enforcement. Examples mentioned include training and equipping partners to implement UNSCR requirements, improving detection of DPRK-linked sanctions evasion schemes, and impeding the material and financial streams that support WMD and delivery system development.

Does the opportunity focus only on stopping physical shipments?

No. The description emphasizes both physical interdiction and financial disruption, including attention to the "material and financial activities" that support proliferation networks.

What kinds of financial disruption work are relevant under this opportunity?

The description indicates interest in work such as tracing payments, identifying front companies and shell networks, analyzing shipping and insurance arrangements, and detecting trade-based money laundering patterns used to support proliferation activity.

Is open-source research within scope?

Yes. The notice points to open-source research and other specialized efforts, and suggests that analytic work mapping networks, identifying typologies, and producing actionable leads can be part of the intended toolkit.

What types of countries or jurisdictions are implied as priority areas for support?

The notice references countries that are "at risk" of being used as transshipment points, financial hubs, or jurisdictions exploited by procurement agents.

Who is eligible to apply?

The eligibility described is broad and includes not-for-profit organizations (such as think tanks and civil society/non-governmental organizations), public and private educational institutions, federally funded research and development centers (FFRDCs), for-profit organizations, public international organizations, and governmental institutions.

Are for-profit organizations eligible?

Yes. The notice states that for-profit organizations are eligible, with the note that ISN/CTR will issue cost-fee awards, which generally limits profit and ties payment to allowable costs plus an approved fee.

What is the maximum award amount?

The award ceiling is listed as USD 250,000 per award.

How many awards are anticipated?

The opportunity anticipates approximately 25 awards.

What does the combination of a $250,000 ceiling and about 25 awards suggest about the funding strategy?

It suggests a portfolio approach, meaning the agency appears to be aiming for multiple smaller, targeted projects rather than funding one large multi-million dollar project.

What was the application closing date listed in the opportunity record?

The original closing date for applications was January 31, 2024.

When was the opportunity record created?

The opportunity record shows a creation date of October 30, 2023.

If the closing date has passed, is the information still useful?

Yes. Even if a particular cycle has closed, the details help potential applicants understand what the bureau funds, how it frames its objectives, and what capabilities it prioritizes, which can help with planning for future rounds or similar solicitations.

What subject areas does the program cover?

The program focuses on nonproliferation and sanctions implementation related to WMD and associated delivery systems, specifically including nuclear, chemical, biological, missile, and unmanned aerial systems (UAS) proliferation networks tied to North Korea and Iran.

What kinds of organizations might be a strong fit based on the description?

Based on the described activities and eligible applicants, the opportunity appears open to both operational implementers (that can run trainings and assistance programs in partner countries) and research/technical entities (that can produce analysis, develop tools, and advise on enforcement practices).

What is the main practical focus of successful projects, as described?

Successful projects under a program like this typically combine practical training and institutional strengthening with credible analytical support, aiming for measurable improvements in partners' ability to detect evasion tactics, share information, apply legal and regulatory tools, and shut down financial and material pipelines supporting proliferation.

Browse more opportunities from the same agency: Bureau of International Security-Nonproliferation

Browse more opportunities from the same category: Other

Next opportunity: Fiscal Year 2024 NACA Program

Previous opportunity: OSMRE Semester Internship Program

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 SFOP0010102

 

[Watch] how do funding administrators access proposals?

Applicants also applied for:

Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (SFOP0010102) also looked into and applied for these:

Funding Opportunity
Nuclear Expediting the Energy Transition (NEXT) One Stop Shop for Small Modular Reactor (SMR) Support Program Apply for SFOP0010106

Funding Number: SFOP0010106
Agency: Bureau of International Security-Nonproliferation
Category: Other
Funding Amount: $5,000,000
Advancing Nuclear Safety, Security, and Nonproliferation through the FIRST Program Apply for SFOP0010105

Funding Number: SFOP0010105
Agency: Bureau of International Security-Nonproliferation
Category: Other
Funding Amount: $250,000
Addressing the Impacts of Proliferator State Advanced Conventional Weapons (ACW) Apply for SFOP0010112

Funding Number: SFOP0010112
Agency: Bureau of International Security-Nonproliferation
Category: Other
Funding Amount: $300,000
Identifying and Mitigating Russian Chemical and Biological Threat (RCBT) Apply for SFOP0010111

Funding Number: SFOP0010111
Agency: Bureau of International Security-Nonproliferation
Category: Other
Funding Amount: $300,000
Supporting Partner Implementation of Russia Sanctions Apply for SFOP0010114

Funding Number: SFOP0010114
Agency: Bureau of International Security-Nonproliferation
Category: Other
Funding Amount: $300,000
Program to Build Partner Capabilities to Address Russian Malign Influence Apply for SFOP0010113

Funding Number: SFOP0010113
Agency: Bureau of International Security-Nonproliferation
Category: Other
Funding Amount: $300,000
Nonproliferation Scientist Engagement Program Apply for SFOP0010108

Funding Number: SFOP0010108
Agency: Bureau of International Security-Nonproliferation
Category: Other
Funding Amount: $1,000,000
Roadmap to Rebuild, Modernize, and Decarbonize the Ukraine Steel Industry with Secure and Safe Small Modular Reactors (SMR) Apply for SFOP0010107

Funding Number: SFOP0010107
Agency: Bureau of International Security-Nonproliferation
Category: Other
Funding Amount: $5,000,000
Countering WMD Threats in Iraq Apply for SFOP0010110

Funding Number: SFOP0010110
Agency: Bureau of International Security-Nonproliferation
Category: Other
Funding Amount: $250,000
FY24 Protecting Semiconductor and CHIPS Technology Apply for SFOP0010109

Funding Number: SFOP0010109
Agency: Bureau of International Security-Nonproliferation
Category: Other
Funding Amount: $500,000
Global Engagements to Counter the Misuse of Advanced and Emerging Technologies Apply for SFOP0010116

Funding Number: SFOP0010116
Agency: Bureau of International Security-Nonproliferation
Category: Other
Funding Amount: $1,000,000
Global Biosecurity Engagement Activities Apply for SFOP0010115

Funding Number: SFOP0010115
Agency: Bureau of International Security-Nonproliferation
Category: Other
Funding Amount: $250,000
Implementation and Logistic support of a Police Athletic League in Guatemala Apply for OFOP0001256

Funding Number: OFOP0001256
Agency: Bureau of International Narcotics-Law Enforcement
Category: Other
Funding Amount: $200,000
FY 2 024 Request for Proposals for Cultural Orientation Technical Assistance Apply for SFOP0010123

Funding Number: SFOP0010123
Agency: Bureau of Population Refugees and Migration
Category: Other
Funding Amount: $1,800,000
Civil Society Support to Anticorruption and Criminal Justice Institutions Apply for 2023 22INCLE INLKYIV

Funding Number: 2023 22INCLE INLKYIV
Agency: U.S. Mission to Ukraine
Category: Other
Funding Amount: $250,000
Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund 2024 - Brazil Apply for FY24 BSB 410601

Funding Number: FY24 BSB 410601
Agency: U.S. Mission to Brazil
Category: Other
Funding Amount: $35,000
2024 Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) Program Implementer Apply for OFOP0001258

Funding Number: OFOP0001258
Agency: U.S. Mission to Barbados
Category: Other
Funding Amount: $20,000
U.S. Embassy Prague: Campaign to Mark the 25th Anniversary of the Czech Republic Joining NATO Apply for PAS 002 FY2024

Funding Number: PAS 002 FY2024
Agency: U.S. Mission to the Czech Republic
Category: Other
Funding Amount: $100,000
U.S. Embassy Prague PAS Annual Program Statement Apply for PAS 001 FY2024

Funding Number: PAS 001 FY2024
Agency: U.S. Mission to the Czech Republic
Category: Other
Funding Amount: $24,000
2024 Julia Taft Refugee Fund Apply for NGA POLECON GR 23 003 11092023

Funding Number: NGA POLECON GR 23 003 11092023
Agency: U.S. Mission to Nigeria
Category: Other
Funding Amount: $25,000

 

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

 

USGrants.org applicant portal membership

 

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 "SFOP0010102", 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.