Opportunity Information: Apply for DFOP0016994
The Nonproliferation Scientist Engagement Program (NSEP) is a U.S. government grant opportunity run by the Department of State, Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation, under its Cooperative Threat Reduction (ISN/CTR) efforts. The core purpose of the program is to reduce the risk that civilian scientists, technologists, and engineers (STEs) with sensitive, dual-use expertise are recruited, coerced, or otherwise exploited by proliferator states or rogue actors. The program was created in response to the instability and displacement caused by Russias further invasion of Ukraine, which has left some highly skilled technical professionals financially vulnerable or geographically displaced and therefore at higher risk of being targeted for proliferation-related work.
NSEP is narrowly focused on a specific group: civilian STEs whose scientific or engineering knowledge could realistically be repurposed to support nuclear, biological, chemical, or missile programs. The underlying concern is that these weapons programs, if advanced with outside expertise, could threaten the United States and its allies and partners. While Ukraine is a central focus due to the conflict, the program explicitly notes that many of the relevant at-risk experts are now located across parts of the Caucasus and Central Asia, including countries such as Armenia, Georgia, and Kazakhstan, along with other states in those regions.
The funding mechanism is a cooperative agreement, which generally means the U.S. government expects substantial involvement during the period of performance (for example, coordination on plans, oversight, and collaboration on implementation details), rather than a more hands-off grant model. The opportunity is listed as discretionary funding within an "Other" activity category, and it is associated with CFDA number 19.033. The funding opportunity number is DFOP0016994.
In terms of scale, the program anticipates making around five awards, with an award ceiling of up to $2,000,000 per award. The original closing date for applications is January 17, 2025. These awards are intended to deliver near-term capacity-building and other practical support designed to keep these experts productively and securely engaged in legitimate, peaceful work so they are less susceptible to proliferation-linked recruitment or financial pressure.
Eligibility is broad and includes a mix of U.S. and foreign organizations capable of implementing international scientific engagement and support activities. Eligible applicants include U.S.-based non-profit or 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. In practice, this range of eligible entities suggests the program is designed to attract implementers with strong networks in the affected regions and the ability to rapidly stand up support, training, collaboration pathways, and other stabilizing professional opportunities for at-risk technical experts.
Overall, NSEP is a targeted nonproliferation risk-reduction effort: it aims to blunt the proliferation threat created when highly trained civilian technical specialists, disrupted by war and displacement, become vulnerable to being diverted into weapons-related work. The program uses capacity-building and engagement support as the main tools to keep that expertise aligned with peaceful, secure, and transparent activities rather than being captured by actors seeking to advance NBC or missile capabilities.Apply for DFOP0016994
- The Bureau of International Security-Nonproliferation in the other sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Nonproliferation Scientist Engagement Program" 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 2024-10-26.
- 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 $2,000,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 5 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Others.
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Other
Next opportunity: Development and Application of PET and SPECT Imaging Ligands as Biomarkers for Drug Discovery and for Pathophysiological Studies of CNS Disorders (R01 Clinical Trial Optional)
Previous opportunity: NIH Support for Conferences and Scientific Meetings (Parent R13 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
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 DFOP0016994
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (DFOP0016994) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| Build Partner Capabilities to Counter the Russian Federation’s Chemical and Biological Threats Apply for DFOP0016992 Funding Number: DFOP0016992 Agency: Bureau of International Security-Nonproliferation Category: Other Funding Amount: $5,000,000 |
| USG Exchange Program Logistics and Honorarium Apply for AF PD MAP FY25 02 Funding Number: AF PD MAP FY25 02 Agency: U.S. Mission to Mozambique Category: Other Funding Amount: $21,000 |
| U.S. Embassy Tirana PAS Annual Program Statement Apply for PAS TIRANA FY2025 Funding Number: PAS TIRANA FY2025 Agency: U.S. Mission to Albania Category: Other Funding Amount: $100,000 |
| Facilitated Dialogue: Victim-Offender Dialogue Training for Facilitators Apply for 25PR04 Funding Number: 25PR04 Agency: National Institute of Corrections Category: Other Funding Amount: $120,000 |
| Advancing Food and Childcare Systems in Rural Georgia: Childcare Access and Nutrition Systems (CANS) Grant Program Apply for SCRC CANS 01 25 Funding Number: SCRC CANS 01 25 Agency: Southeast Crescent Regional Commission Category: Other Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund Program FY 2025 Apply for SMK800 25 PAS001 Funding Number: SMK800 25 PAS001 Agency: U.S. Mission to North Macedonia Category: Other Funding Amount: $35,000 |
| U.S. Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation – Albania Apply for AFCP TIRANA 2025 Funding Number: AFCP TIRANA 2025 Agency: U.S. Mission to Albania Category: Other Funding Amount: $500,000 |
| Safety Matters: Managing Relationships in Women’s Facilities Apply for 25AC07 Funding Number: 25AC07 Agency: National Institute of Corrections Category: Other Funding Amount: $100,000 |
| USAID/Indonesia-Disaster Management Capacity Support Activity Apply for 72049725RFI00001 Funding Number: 72049725RFI00001 Agency: Indonesia USAID-Jakarta Category: Other Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Alumni Outreach Program FY2025 Apply for SMK800 25 PAS002 Funding Number: SMK800 25 PAS002 Agency: U.S. Mission to North Macedonia Category: Other Funding Amount: $80,000 |
| Youth Coalitions for Drug Demand Reduction Apply for OFOP0001671 Funding Number: OFOP0001671 Agency: Bureau of International Narcotics-Law Enforcement Category: Other Funding Amount: $700,000 |
| Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFG) Apply for DHS 24 GPD 044 00 98 Funding Number: DHS 24 GPD 044 00 98 Agency: Department of Homeland Security - FEMA Category: Other Funding Amount: $9,000,000 |
| Somalia - Operational Mentorship SOI Apply for DFOP0017004 Funding Number: DFOP0017004 Agency: Bureau of African Affairs Category: Other Funding Amount: $15,000,000 |
| U.S. Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation Grants Program Apply for FY25 BSB 410601 Funding Number: FY25 BSB 410601 Agency: U.S. Mission to Brazil Category: Other Funding Amount: $500,000 |
| Management Development for Minorities and Women in Corrections training Apply for 25JD11 Funding Number: 25JD11 Agency: National Institute of Corrections Category: Other Funding Amount: $62,700 |
| U.S. Embassy Sofia PDS Annual Program Statement Apply for PDS APS FY25 01 SOFIA Funding Number: PDS APS FY25 01 SOFIA Agency: U.S. Mission to Bulgaria Category: Other Funding Amount: $25,000 |
| Ambassador's Fund for Cultural Preservation Grants Program Apply for AFCP LAPAZ FY25 Funding Number: AFCP LAPAZ FY25 Agency: U.S. Mission to Bolivia Category: Other Funding Amount: $500,000 |
| AMBASSADORS FUND FOR CULTURAL PRESERVATION(AFCP) 2025 Apply for AFABJ 25 01 Funding Number: AFABJ 25 01 Agency: U.S. Mission to Nigeria Category: Other Funding Amount: $500,000 |
| U.S. Embassy Mozambique Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) Annual Program Statement Apply for AF PD MAP FY25 01 Funding Number: AF PD MAP FY25 01 Agency: U.S. Mission to Mozambique Category: Other Funding Amount: $250,000 |
| Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund 2025 Apply for WINDHOEKAEIF FY25 04 01 Funding Number: WINDHOEKAEIF FY25 04 01 Agency: U.S. Mission to Namibia Category: Other Funding Amount: $35,000 |
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
Access 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.
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 "DFOP0016994", 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.