Opportunity Information: Apply for DFOP0016987
Build Partner Capabilities to Protect Semiconductor and CHIPS Technology is a U.S. government discretionary funding opportunity from the Department of State, Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation. The basic goal is to help partners outside the United States strengthen their ability to safeguard semiconductors and semiconductor-related research, manufacturing know-how, data, and talent from theft, diversion, or other exploitation. The opportunity is grounded in the idea that semiconductors sit at the center of modern electronics and are also essential inputs for advanced military systems, weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and their delivery systems, and other high-impact dual-use technologies such as artificial intelligence. Because of this, losing control of chips, chipmaking equipment, designs, research results, or specialized expertise can translate directly into strategic and security risks.
The notice emphasizes that “malign actors” actively try to bypass normal business and research practices to gain improper access to semiconductor technology for economic and military advantage. According to the description, these actors take advantage of weak or inconsistent due diligence practices, gaps in physical security, and insufficient cybersecurity. The threat is not limited to theft of finished chips; it also includes the acquisition of manufacturing technology, sensitive research, intellectual property, proprietary data, and even the recruitment or coercion of skilled personnel. A key problem the program aims to address is that many international government bodies, research institutions, and private companies may not fully recognize how easily seemingly civilian semiconductor work can be repurposed for military end uses, leaving them exposed to loss or diversion.
In practical terms, the opportunity is about building partner capabilities, meaning projects would likely focus on improving awareness, policies, procedures, and defenses that reduce the risk of unauthorized transfer or exploitation. While the summary text does not list specific required activities, it clearly signals the areas of concern the program wants to strengthen: stronger due diligence to identify risky customers, partners, and transactions; better physical protection of facilities and sensitive assets; and improved cybersecurity to protect designs, research data, and manufacturing systems. The broader intent is to raise the baseline of protection across global semiconductor and semiconductor-adjacent ecosystems so that research organizations, manufacturers, and government counterparts are less vulnerable to coercion, insider threats, cyber intrusion, and illicit procurement networks.
Eligibility is broad and includes U.S.-based and foreign-based entities across nonprofit, academic, research, international, public, and commercial categories. Eligible applicants include U.S.-based non-profit and non-governmental organizations (with or without 501(c)(3) status), foreign-based NGOs, federally funded research and development centers (FFRDCs), public international organizations, foreign public organizations, U.S.-based private/public/state institutions of higher education, foreign-based institutions of higher education, and U.S. for-profit organizations or businesses. This wide eligibility suggests the government is open to proposals from groups that can deliver training, technical assistance, capacity-building programs, institutional strengthening, and possibly assessments or implementation support related to security, compliance, and risk management in semiconductor contexts.
The funding opportunity number is DFOP0016987, and the associated CFDA number is 19.033. The award ceiling is $4,000,000, with an expectation of around five awards, indicating a competitive process with a limited number of sizable projects rather than many small grants. The original closing date listed is 2025-01-17. The notice was created on 2024-10-25. The funding instrument type is listed as “Other,” and the activity category is also listed as “Other,” which typically means applicants should read the full notice carefully for the exact structure, allowable costs, and programmatic requirements.
Overall, this opportunity is aimed at reducing global vulnerabilities that allow sensitive semiconductor technology, research, and expertise to be diverted toward destabilizing military or WMD-related ends. It prioritizes raising awareness of dual-use risk and putting concrete safeguards in place across due diligence, physical security, and cybersecurity so that legitimate innovation and commerce can continue without inadvertently strengthening illicit or hostile capabilities.Apply for DFOP0016987
- The Bureau of International Security-Nonproliferation in the other sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Build Partner Capabilities to Protect Semiconductor and CHIPS Technology" 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 2024-10-25.
- Applicants must submit their applications by 2025-01-17. (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 $4,000,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 5 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Others.
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