The Ports for the Future Partnerships grant, managed by the Bureau of Counterterrorism under the U.S. Department of State, is a discretionary funding opportunity designed to support initiatives in the transportation sector, specifically targeting port infrastructure development. This program will coordinate with the Quad (Australia, India, Japan, and the United States) to hold the first Quad Ports and Transportation Conference in Mumbai, India, in 2025. The grant's objective is to partner with organizations that have substantial experience and established networks in port infrastructure and management within the region. A primary focus will be on coordinating technical assistance and capacity-building efforts that meet the extensive infrastructure needs of regional ports, aligning with the strategic priorities of the Quad countries.

The grant will be awarded as a cooperative agreement, enabling a close collaboration between the U.S. Department of State and the recipient to ensure the alignment of program activities with the initiative's strategic objectives. The total funding available for this award is $1,275,904, which also serves as both the maximum and minimum funding level for this grant, meaning only one award is anticipated. The program does not require cost-sharing or matching funds from the awardee, allowing for full coverage of approved project costs by the grant.

Eligible applicants include a wide range of entities such as U.S.-based and foreign nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations (with or without 501(c)(3) status), for-profit organizations, public and private educational institutions, public international organizations, and governmental institutions. This broad eligibility requirement ensures that organizations with relevant expertise in port management, transportation, and infrastructure, regardless of their legal structure or location, can apply if they meet the program's criteria and objectives.

Applicants interested in this opportunity must submit their applications by December 6, 2024. The application materials will likely need to include detailed descriptions of proposed activities, expertise in the sector, and strategies for aligning efforts with Quad priorities. While the full application requirements are not detailed here, interested applicants are encouraged to consult the full announcement on MyGrants for specific application guidelines.

Evaluation criteria may involve the applicant's experience, access to networks in the region's ports sector, and their proposed approach to capacity-building and technical assistance coordination. Successful applicants will need to demonstrate their ability to contribute to the infrastructure goals of the Quad partnership and effectively engage with international partners to maximize the program's impact.

For additional questions or difficulties accessing the application materials, applicants are advised to contact the grant officer at khanz@state.gov. This opportunity represents a chance to play a pivotal role in advancing infrastructure efforts in South and Central Asia in alignment with the shared security and economic goals of the Quad nations.