The Ukraine Capacity Development in Foreign Direct Investment Screening program, administered by the Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation at the U.S. Department of State, seeks proposals to strengthen Ukraine's capacity to screen and manage foreign direct investment (FDI) in critical and sensitive sectors. This initiative aims to mitigate risks from malign actors gaining access to Ukraine’s defense technologies and critical resources. The program will be implemented as a cooperative agreement with significant federal involvement, offering a total funding of $98,667. The project is expected to commence on October 1, 2025, with a performance period of 12 to 18 months.

This program addresses Ukraine’s need for effective FDI screening mechanisms amid its post-2022 war recovery. Ukraine has seen an increase in domestic production of defense and dual-use technologies and interest from foreign investors in critical sectors, including natural resources. However, the government currently lacks a comprehensive framework to assess and mitigate FDI-related risks. The objectives of the program include training and advising Ukrainian government agencies to implement FDI screening policies and procedures and to establish interagency mechanisms for efficient decision-making. The program aligns with U.S. priorities to counter malign influences from Russia and other state or non-state actors.

Eligible applicants include U.S. and foreign nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, for-profit entities (excluding profit-making activities under the grant), and public international organizations. Applications from for-profit entities are subject to additional review to ensure compliance with cost principles. A cost-sharing match is not required but may be included voluntarily. All applicants must register with SAM.gov and obtain a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) prior to submission. Subrecipients must also comply with UEI requirements before receiving funds.

Proposals must include a detailed plan addressing goals, activities, and evaluation metrics. Mandatory components include an executive summary, organizational introduction, problem statement, project goals and methods, a timeline, monitoring and evaluation strategies, and plans for sustainability. Applicants are encouraged to submit a Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) plan that outlines strategies for inclusive program design, staff recruitment, and participant engagement. A risk assessment and mitigation plan is also required, addressing potential challenges such as political instability or cybersecurity risks.

Applications are to be submitted in two stages: a preliminary SF-424 form via MyGrants and a full proposal by April 9, 2025. A detailed budget justification and supplementary documents, such as audit reports and risk assessments, must accompany the proposal. ISN/ECC will review applications based on feasibility, organizational capacity, program design, budget reasonableness, sustainability, and alignment with DEIA principles. The review process will include merit evaluation, risk assessment, and final approval by a Grants Officer.

Successful applicants will coordinate closely with ISN/ECC throughout implementation. Federal involvement includes reviewing training content, approving agendas, and monitoring performance metrics. Awardees will submit quarterly financial and programmatic reports and comply with all applicable federal regulations. Payments will be made on a reimbursement basis unless otherwise approved.

This program represents an opportunity to support Ukraine in securing its economic and technological future while mitigating global security risks from FDI-related threats. For further details, applicants are encouraged to consult MyGrants or contact ECC_Grants@state.gov.