Semiconductor Security Academy | DFOP0009897

Opportunity Information: Apply for DFOP0009897

The Semiconductor Security Academy (Funding Opportunity Number DFOP0009897) is a U.S. Department of State, Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation (ISN) opportunity aimed at helping partner countries put stronger safeguards in place to prevent semiconductors, chips, and related technologies from being diverted, misused, or routed to unauthorized end users. In practical terms, the program is focused on building real-world capacity so that governments and relevant institutions in participating countries can better protect sensitive semiconductor supply chains and manage the security risks that come with advanced chip-related know-how and equipment.

This award is being offered as a discretionary Cooperative Agreement under CFDA 19.901, which typically means the U.S. government expects to have substantial involvement in shaping, guiding, or coordinating the project during implementation rather than simply issuing a grant and stepping back. The funding activity category is listed as "Other," reflecting that the work cuts across policy, technical capacity building, and security-oriented training rather than fitting neatly into a single traditional program area.

Geographically, the funding is intended to support countries in two key regions. In the Americas, the initial focus is on Costa Rica, Mexico, and Panama. In the Indo-Pacific, the initial focus is on Indonesia, the Philippines, and Vietnam, plus additional countries that may be identified by ISN/ECC (the office within ISN responsible for export controls and related security efforts). The use of "initially" is important, because it signals that while those countries are the starting point, the implementing partner may need to remain flexible if the U.S. government expands or adjusts the list of target countries based on evolving security priorities.

The heart of the program is capacity building around semiconductor-related security and control measures. The notice makes clear that ISN/ECC has identified "crucial areas" where partner countries need support to enhance their ability to safeguard chip-related technologies. While the summary does not list those areas in detail, the overall intent strongly suggests activities such as training, institutional strengthening, and practical assistance that help countries detect and prevent diversion, improve controls and oversight, and reduce opportunities for misuse. The framing emphasizes prevention and protection, meaning the Academy concept is likely designed to standardize knowledge, improve interagency coordination, and raise implementation capability in areas connected to export controls, technology protection, and supply chain security.

The opportunity anticipates a single award, with an award ceiling of $1,400,000. That structure suggests the Department is looking for one lead implementer to design and run the Academy approach, potentially coordinating multiple trainings, workshops, technical modules, or partner engagements across more than one country and region. The original closing date for applications was May 3, 2024, and the opportunity was created on March 13, 2024, which indicates it was run on a relatively short application timeline.

Eligibility is broad and includes a wide range of domestic and international organizations. Eligible applicants include domestic non-federal entities such as state and local governments, federally recognized tribes, institutions of higher education, and nonprofit organizations. It also allows foreign nonprofit organizations, foreign public entities (including foreign public international organizations), and both domestic and foreign for-profit organizations, with the condition that for-profits must waive any fee or profit. That waiver requirement is a common feature in certain State Department assistance awards and is meant to ensure the work is implemented on a cost-reimbursement basis without profit-making built into the budget.

Overall, the Semiconductor Security Academy opportunity is designed to strengthen global semiconductor security by helping selected partner countries develop the policies, skills, and operational measures needed to keep sensitive chip-related technologies from being diverted or exploited. The single, relatively large cooperative agreement and the multi-country, multi-region scope point to a program that is meant to be structured, repeatable, and scalable, with close coordination between the awardee and ISN/ECC as the project is rolled out.

• The Bureau of International Security-Nonproliferation in the other sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Semiconductor Security Academy" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 19.901.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2024-03-13.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2024-05-03. (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 $1,400,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Others.

Apply for DFOP0009897

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