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:

Semiconductor Security Academy (DFOP0009897) - FAQs

What is the Semiconductor Security Academy funding opportunity?

The Semiconductor Security Academy is a U.S. Department of State, Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation (ISN) funding opportunity (Funding Opportunity Number DFOP0009897) focused on helping partner countries strengthen safeguards that prevent semiconductors, chips, and related technologies from being diverted, misused, or routed to unauthorized end users.

Which U.S. government office is sponsoring this opportunity?

The opportunity is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation (ISN). The work is associated with ISN/ECC, the office within ISN responsible for export controls and related security efforts.

What is the main goal of the program?

The main goal is to build real-world capacity so that governments and relevant institutions in participating countries can better protect sensitive semiconductor supply chains and manage security risks associated with advanced chip-related knowledge, equipment, and technologies.

What problem is the program trying to address?

The program is intended to reduce the risk that sensitive semiconductor-related items and know-how are diverted, misused, or transferred to unauthorized end users, by strengthening partner-country safeguards, controls, and implementation capability.

What type of award is this?

This award is offered as a discretionary Cooperative Agreement under CFDA 19.901.

What does it mean that this is a Cooperative Agreement?

A Cooperative Agreement typically means the U.S. government expects to have substantial involvement during implementation. In practice, that implies ISN/ECC may help shape, guide, coordinate, or otherwise remain closely engaged with the project as it is carried out, rather than issuing funding and stepping back.

What is the funding activity category?

The funding activity category is listed as "Other," reflecting that the work spans policy, technical capacity building, and security-oriented training rather than fitting neatly into a single traditional program area.

How much funding is available?

The award ceiling is $1,400,000.

How many awards does the opportunity expect to make?

The opportunity anticipates a single award, meaning one lead implementer is expected to design and run the Academy approach.

What is the anticipated geographic focus of the program?

The funding is intended to support partner countries in two regions: the Americas and the Indo-Pacific.

Which countries are initially targeted in the Americas?

In the Americas, the initial focus is on Costa Rica, Mexico, and Panama.

Which countries are initially targeted in the Indo-Pacific?

In the Indo-Pacific, the initial focus is on Indonesia, the Philippines, and Vietnam, plus additional countries that may be identified by ISN/ECC.

Can the list of target countries change?

Yes. The notice uses the term "initially," indicating that the starting list of countries may expand or shift if ISN/ECC adjusts target countries based on evolving security priorities.

What kinds of activities is the Academy expected to support?

The core of the program is capacity building around semiconductor-related security and control measures. While specific "crucial areas" are referenced but not detailed in the provided summary, the intent suggests activities such as training, institutional strengthening, and practical assistance to help partners detect and prevent diversion, improve controls and oversight, and reduce opportunities for misuse.

Is the program focused more on policy or technical training?

Based on the description, the program cuts across policy, technical capacity building, and security-oriented training, with an emphasis on prevention and protection of sensitive semiconductor supply chains and technologies.

What does "capacity building" mean in this context?

In this context, capacity building refers to strengthening the policies, skills, institutional processes, and operational measures that enable partner governments and relevant institutions to safeguard chip-related technologies and prevent diversion to unauthorized end users.

Does the opportunity emphasize supply chain security?

Yes. The description highlights safeguarding sensitive semiconductor supply chains and managing the security risks linked to advanced chip-related know-how and equipment.

Is the program connected to export controls?

The framing references ISN/ECC and emphasizes controls and prevention of diversion, which aligns with export control and technology protection objectives. The Academy concept is described as supporting improved controls, oversight, and implementation capability in related areas.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is broad. Eligible applicants include domestic non-federal entities such as state and local governments, federally recognized tribes, institutions of higher education, and nonprofit organizations. The opportunity also allows foreign nonprofit organizations, foreign public entities (including foreign public international organizations), and both domestic and foreign for-profit organizations (with a specific condition regarding profit).

Are for-profit organizations eligible to apply?

Yes. Both domestic and foreign for-profit organizations are eligible, provided they waive any fee or profit.

What does it mean that for-profits must waive any fee or profit?

It means for-profit applicants must agree to implement the work without adding profit or fees to the budget. The intent is for the project to be carried out on a cost-reimbursement basis rather than as a profit-making activity.

What is the CFDA number associated with this opportunity?

The opportunity is listed under CFDA 19.901.

When was the opportunity created?

The opportunity was created on March 13, 2024.

What was the application closing date?

The original closing date for applications was May 3, 2024.

What does the single-award structure imply about program delivery?

With one anticipated award and a $1,400,000 ceiling, the structure suggests the Department of State is seeking one lead implementer to design and operate an Academy approach that can be delivered across multiple countries and regions, potentially through coordinated trainings, workshops, technical modules, or partner engagements.

What is meant by an "Academy approach" in this opportunity?

Based on the description, the Academy concept appears intended to be structured, repeatable, and scalable, helping standardize knowledge and strengthen implementation capability across participating countries, while being rolled out in close coordination with ISN/ECC.

How closely will the awardee be expected to coordinate with the U.S. government?

Because the award is a Cooperative Agreement, substantial involvement by the U.S. government is expected during implementation. This suggests ongoing coordination with ISN/ECC on project direction, sequencing, and execution as the program is rolled out.

What is the overall expected outcome of the program?

The program is designed to strengthen global semiconductor security by helping selected partner countries develop stronger safeguards, policies, skills, and operational measures to protect sensitive semiconductor-related technologies and reduce diversion or exploitation risks.

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

Browse more opportunities from the same category: Other

Next opportunity: BJA FY24 Office of Justice Programs Community Based Violence Intervention and Prevention Initiative Site-Based

Previous opportunity: Revision of the educational program for entry-level law enforcement officers

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 DFOP0009897

 

Applicants also applied for:

Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (DFOP0009897) also looked into and applied for these:

Funding Opportunity
FY 2024 Arctic Indigenous Exchange Program Apply for SFOP0010298

Funding Number: SFOP0010298
Agency: Bureau Of Educational and Cultural Affairs
Category: Other
Funding Amount: $1,500,000
FY 2024 Global Undergraduate Exchange Program Apply for SFOP0010299

Funding Number: SFOP0010299
Agency: Bureau Of Educational and Cultural Affairs
Category: Other
Funding Amount: $6,770,000
U.S. Embassy Lusaka Public Diplomacy Section Request for Statements of Interest (RSOI): Annual Program Statement Apply for PDS LUSAKA FY24 01

Funding Number: PDS LUSAKA FY24 01
Agency: U.S. Mission to Zambia
Category: Other
Funding Amount: $40,000
2024 Notice of Funding Opportunity for Proposals for NGO Programs Benefiting Displaced Persons in Al-Hol and Roj Camps, Syria Apply for DFOP0009877

Funding Number: DFOP0009877
Agency: Bureau of Population Refugees and Migration
Category: Other
Funding Amount: $1,000,000
2024 Media Professionalization Assistance Program Apply for 2024 FY23AEECA PASPODGORICA MEDIA

Funding Number: 2024 FY23AEECA PASPODGORICA MEDIA
Agency: U.S. Mission to Montenegro
Category: Other
Funding Amount: $70,000
Leadership Essentials for Sustainability Curriculum Update Apply for 24PR11

Funding Number: 24PR11
Agency: National Institute of Corrections
Category: Other
Funding Amount: $175,000
Intelligence Community Centers for Academic Excellence Apply for ODNI FOA 24 01

Funding Number: ODNI FOA 24 01
Agency: Office of the Director of National Intelligence
Category: Other
Funding Amount: $2,500,000
24.PMWRA.1May2024.Unsolicited.RFI Apply for DFOP0009885

Funding Number: DFOP0009885
Agency: Bureau of Political-Military Affairs - WRA
Category: Other
Funding Amount: Case Dependent
2024 Child Protection Compact (CPC) Partnership Programming in Nepal Apply for DFOP0009157

Funding Number: DFOP0009157
Agency: Office to Monitor-Combat Trafficking in Persons
Category: Other
Funding Amount: $10,500,000
U.S. SPEAKER AND SPECIALIST GRANTS PROGRAM Apply for BH007FY2024

Funding Number: BH007FY2024
Agency: U.S. Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina
Category: Other
Funding Amount: $8,000
U.S. Embassy Tashkent Public Diplomacy Annual Program Statement Apply for TASHKENT PDS FY24 007

Funding Number: TASHKENT PDS FY24 007
Agency: U.S. Mission to Uzbekistan
Category: Other
Funding Amount: $50,000
Crisis Response Planning and Preparedness in Nigeria Apply for DFOP0009915

Funding Number: DFOP0009915
Agency: Bureau of Counterterrorism
Category: Other
Funding Amount: $1,480,019
Africa Regional Services Paris Annual Program Statement: ARS Speaker Program Apply for AF PDPA FY24 01

Funding Number: AF PDPA FY24 01
Agency: Africa Regional Services
Category: Other
Funding Amount: $10,000
FY 2024 Global Sports Mentoring Program Apply for SFOP0010307

Funding Number: SFOP0010307
Agency: Bureau Of Educational and Cultural Affairs
Category: Other
Funding Amount: $1,140,000
FY 2024 Online Professional English Network (OPEN) Program Apply for SFOP0010309

Funding Number: SFOP0010309
Agency: Bureau Of Educational and Cultural Affairs
Category: Other
Funding Amount: $6,000,000
FY 2024 Leaders Lead On-Demand Program Apply for SFOP0010306

Funding Number: SFOP0010306
Agency: Bureau Of Educational and Cultural Affairs
Category: Other
Funding Amount: $1,000,000
FY 2024 Youth Ambassadors Programs Apply for SFOP0010305

Funding Number: SFOP0010305
Agency: Bureau Of Educational and Cultural Affairs
Category: Other
Funding Amount: $650,000
FY 2024 Notice of Funding Opportunity for NGO programs benefiting vulnerable PRM populations of concern in South America Apply for DFOP0009901

Funding Number: DFOP0009901
Agency: Bureau of Population Refugees and Migration
Category: Other
Funding Amount: $5,000,000
FY 2024 American Music Mentorship Program (AMMP) Apply for SFOP0010308

Funding Number: SFOP0010308
Agency: Bureau Of Educational and Cultural Affairs
Category: Other
Funding Amount: $702,000
DRL Combatting Descent-based Slavery in the Sahel Region of West Africa Apply for SFOP0010304

Funding Number: SFOP0010304
Agency: Bureau of Democracy Human Rights and Labor
Category: Other
Funding Amount: $2,000,000

 

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

 

Inside Our Applicants Portal

  • Grants Repository - Access current and historic funding opportunities with ease. Thousands of funding opportunities are published every week. We can help you sort through the database and find the eligible ones to apply for.
  • Applicant Video Guides - The grant application process can be challenging to follow. We can help you with intuitive video guides to speed up the process and eliminate errors in submissions.
  • Grant Proposal Wizard - We have developed a network of private funding organizations and investors across the United States. We can reach out and submit your proposal to these contacts to maximize your chances of getting the funding you need.
Access Applicants Portal

 

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.

Learn More

 

 

Request more information:

Would you like to learn more about this funding opportunity, similar opportunities to "DFOP0009897", 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.

 

Ask a Question: