The Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation (ISN) under the U.S. Department of State has announced a funding opportunity titled Establish a Legal Framework for Strategic Trade Controls in Vietnam. This initiative aims to support Vietnam in developing and strengthening its legal and regulatory framework for strategic trade controls (STC). The program seeks to ensure Vietnam possesses the necessary legal authorities, regulatory mechanisms, and enforcement capacities to monitor and regulate the transfer of technologies and goods that could be used for weapons of mass destruction (WMD), related delivery systems, or advanced conventional weapons. Strengthening these controls is essential to prevent the proliferation of sensitive technologies and to align Vietnam’s practices with international nonproliferation standards and obligations.

The primary objective of this initiative is to build Vietnam’s legal and institutional capacity to develop, implement, and enforce comprehensive strategic trade controls. This includes creating or enhancing legislative frameworks, training regulatory and enforcement personnel, and improving interagency coordination to ensure consistent enforcement. The program will also focus on increasing Vietnam’s capacity to conduct risk assessments, identify illicit trade practices, and respond effectively to export control violations. Technical assistance, policy advisory services, and capacity-building workshops will be key components of this effort.

The award will be issued as a cooperative agreement with an anticipated funding ceiling of $789,343. The funding instrument reflects substantial involvement from the U.S. Department of State, including oversight, guidance, and technical expertise throughout the project implementation process. Activities under this award may include legal consultations, training sessions for government officials, workshops on strategic trade enforcement, and advisory support to align Vietnam’s legal instruments with international export control norms.

Eligible applicants include domestic non-federal entities such as state and local governments, Indian tribes, institutions of higher education, and nonprofit organizations. Additionally, foreign nonprofit organizations, domestic and foreign for-profit organizations (with the requirement to waive any profit or fees), and foreign public entities, including foreign public international organizations, are also eligible to apply. All applicants must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and maintain an active registration in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov) at the time of application submission.

Applications must include a comprehensive proposal outlining activities, objectives, timelines, and expected outcomes. Proposals should detail how the project will address identified gaps in Vietnam’s legal and regulatory infrastructure for strategic trade controls. Additionally, applicants must submit a detailed budget, a risk assessment and mitigation plan, a project monitoring and evaluation strategy, and key performance indicators to measure success.

The evaluation criteria will focus on the clarity and feasibility of the proposed project plan, the applicant’s experience and expertise in strategic trade controls and capacity-building initiatives, and the potential long-term impact of the project on Vietnam’s export control and nonproliferation capabilities. Proposals demonstrating a strong understanding of Vietnam’s legal landscape, sustainable outcomes, and collaborative partnerships with local stakeholders will receive priority consideration.

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.