The Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation (ISN) under the U.S. Department of State has announced a funding opportunity titled Albania Sanction Platform Development. This initiative aims to support the Government of Albania in creating a comprehensive sanction platform to enhance the implementation and enforcement of international sanctions. Effective sanction enforcement is a critical tool for upholding international security, preventing illicit trade, and promoting global peace and stability. The program seeks to strengthen Albania’s institutional and technical capacity to monitor, track, and enforce sanctions in alignment with international standards and obligations.

The primary purpose of this initiative is to assist Albania in building a robust, transparent, and efficient sanctions enforcement system. The objectives include developing technical infrastructure, enhancing institutional coordination, improving legal and regulatory frameworks related to sanctions enforcement, and providing training and capacity-building programs for relevant government agencies. The platform will enable better risk assessment, case tracking, and monitoring of compliance with international sanctions regimes. Additionally, the project will focus on fostering interagency collaboration and establishing best practices to prevent sanctions evasion and illicit financial flows.

The award will be issued as a cooperative agreement with an anticipated funding ceiling of $98,667. The funding instrument reflects a high level of collaboration between the recipient and the Department of State, with substantial involvement from the agency in overseeing and guiding the project’s implementation. Activities supported under this program may include workshops, technical training, development of digital tools for sanctions monitoring, creation of standard operating procedures, and advisory support to enhance enforcement mechanisms.

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, foreign public entities (including foreign public international organizations), and domestic and foreign for-profit organizations (with the requirement to waive any fees or profit) are also eligible to apply. All applicants must possess 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 clearly outline how the proposed project will meet the program’s objectives, including a detailed description of activities, expected outcomes, key personnel, and measurable performance indicators. Proposals should also include a budget justification narrative, a project timeline, and a risk assessment plan addressing potential challenges and mitigation strategies. Emphasis will be placed on the applicant’s experience in sanctions enforcement, institutional capacity building, and collaboration with government agencies.

The evaluation criteria will prioritize the clarity and feasibility of the proposed project plan, the qualifications and experience of the project team, and the potential long-term impact of the initiative on Albania’s sanctions enforcement capabilities. Proposals demonstrating innovative approaches, strong partnerships with local stakeholders, and sustainable outcomes will be given preference.

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.