[Bureau of International Security-Nonproliferation](https://www.state.gov/bureaus-offices/under-secretary-for-arms-control-and-international-security-affairs/bureau-of-international-security-and-nonproliferation/)

July 30, 2025

$100,000–$2,000,000 per award | Estimated total funding: $6,000,000 | ~5 awards expected

Supports engagement and redirection of civilian scientists, technicians, and engineers with WMD-relevant expertise to prevent exploitation by U.S. adversaries for weapons programs.

--- ## Description This program, administered by the Bureau of International Security-Nonproliferation (ISN), aims to prevent the proliferation of sensitive nuclear, missile, and advanced technical expertise to U.S. adversaries such as Iran, North Korea, and China. The initiative, under the Nonproliferation Scientist Engagement Program (NSEP), provides focused, near-term national security engagement to civilian scientists, technicians, and engineers (STE) who possess expertise relevant to weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and are at risk of being exploited for adversarial WMD programs. The program not only seeks to deny adversaries access to critical expertise but also fosters partnerships between these scientists and the U.S. private sector and research community, thereby protecting America’s technological edge and national security. --- ## Due Dates - Applications are due by **July 30, 2025**. --- ## Funding Amount - **Award Range:** $100,000 to $2,000,000 per project - **Estimated Total Program Funding:** $6,000,000 - **Expected Number of Awards:** Approximately 5 - **Funding Instrument:** Cooperative Agreement - **Cost Sharing/Matching:** Not required --- ## Eligibility Eligible applicants include: - U.S. for-profit organizations or businesses - U.S.-based non-profit/non-governmental organizations (with or without 501(c)(3) status) - U.S.-based private, public, or state institutions of higher education - Foreign-based non-profit organizations/NGOs - Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs) - Public International Organizations (PIO) - Foreign Public Entities (FPE) - Foreign-based institutions of higher education --- ## Application Process - Review the full opportunity and application instructions on [Grants.gov](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/359218). - Prepare and submit your application package via Grants.gov by the stated deadline. - For additional details and requirements, refer to the [Link to Opportunity in MyGrants](https://mygrants.servicenowservices.com/mygrants?id=mygrants_form&table=x_g_usd4_d_grant_funding_opportunity&sys_id=d8b2d3861b7d6a50baa70fe4604bcb9a&view=Default). --- ## Additional Information - The program is focused on civilian STEs with expertise that could be redirected by adversaries for nuclear, missile, or advanced weapons programs. - The initiative is tailored for FY 25/26 priorities, including countering threats from Iran, North Korea, and China. - No cost sharing or matching is required. --- ## External Links - [Full Grant Listing on Grants.gov](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/359218) - [Additional Information in MyGrants Portal](https://mygrants.servicenowservices.com/mygrants?id=mygrants_form&table=x_g_usd4_d_grant_funding_opportunity&sys_id=d8b2d3861b7d6a50baa70fe4604bcb9a&view=Default) - [Bureau of International Security-Nonproliferation](https://www.state.gov/bureaus-offices/under-secretary-for-arms-control-and-international-security-affairs/bureau-of-international-security-and-nonproliferation/) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Email | |------------------------|-----------------------------| | Program Inquiries | SciEngagement@state.gov |

Denying U.S. Adversaries Access to Sensitive Nuclear, Missile, and Advanced Technical Expertise for Weapons of Mass Destruction Programs that Threaten America

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