The Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation (ISN) within the U.S. Department of State has announced the funding opportunity titled *Moldovan Institutions Capacity Development on Sanctions Enforcement.* This initiative aims to strengthen Moldova’s compliance with international strategic trade control norms and United Nations sanctions resolutions. The program emphasizes capacity building, regulatory alignment, and private sector outreach to ensure industry stakeholders understand and adhere to nonproliferation obligations. By enhancing institutional frameworks and enforcement mechanisms, the initiative seeks to improve Moldova's ability to prevent sanctions evasion and illicit proliferation activities.

The purpose of this funding opportunity is to build institutional capacity within Moldova for effective sanctions enforcement. The program’s objectives include aligning national regulations with international norms, improving risk assessment and compliance strategies, and fostering interagency cooperation. Additionally, the initiative will engage the private sector to raise awareness about strategic trade controls, ensuring better compliance and reducing vulnerabilities to sanctions evasion. Outreach activities will focus on educating industries about their obligations under international nonproliferation frameworks and promoting best practices for trade control compliance.

The award will be issued as a cooperative agreement, with an award ceiling and floor set at $355,204. The project will involve substantial engagement and oversight by ISN, including approvals of key project components, such as agendas, participant lists, and training materials. Activities funded under this program may include workshops, training sessions, technical assistance, and policy advisory support, tailored to address Moldova’s unique regulatory and operational challenges in sanctions enforcement.

Eligible applicants for this funding opportunity include domestic non-federal entities such as state and local governments, Indian tribes, institutions of higher education, and nonprofit organizations. Foreign nonprofit organizations, domestic and foreign for-profit organizations (with the condition that they waive any profit or fees), and foreign public entities, including foreign public international organizations, are also eligible to apply. Applicants must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov).

Proposals must outline a clear plan addressing the project’s goals and objectives, with specific activities and measurable outcomes. Submissions should include detailed budgets, a risk assessment and mitigation plan, a timeline of activities, and an evaluation strategy to track project performance and effectiveness. Proposals must demonstrate the applicant’s capacity to manage international development projects, build partnerships with local stakeholders, and address regulatory and operational challenges in sanctions enforcement.

The evaluation criteria will focus on the clarity and feasibility of the proposed project plan, the relevance of activities to the stated objectives, the qualifications of key personnel, and the potential for long-term impact on Moldova’s sanctions enforcement capacity. Applications must demonstrate a strong understanding of strategic trade controls and include measurable performance indicators to assess success.

Applications must be submitted electronically via Grants.gov or MyGrants by March 31, 2025, at 11:59 PM EST. Questions regarding the application process can be directed to ECC_Grants@state.gov. Further details about the funding opportunity, including access to required application documents and resources, are available through the provided grant portal link.