Opportunity Information: Apply for SFOP0009313
The U.S. Department of State, Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation, offered a discretionary cooperative agreement opportunity titled "Improving Trade Controls through Port Management Practices" (Funding Opportunity Number SFOP0009313; CFDA 19.901). The program is focused on strengthening national security-related trade control systems in partner countries, with particular emphasis on how ports and border management practices can be used to close gaps that malign state actors might exploit. In practical terms, the grant is meant to help partner nations improve the rules, procedures, and institutional capacity that govern how goods, money, and sensitive technologies move across borders and through critical trade nodes like seaports and related logistics networks.
The core goal is to address deficiencies across several interconnected areas that often determine whether a country can effectively prevent illicit or strategically sensitive transfers. These areas include export controls (the legal and administrative mechanisms that restrict or monitor exports of controlled goods and technologies), public procurement safeguards (how governments purchase goods and services without opening pathways for corruption or hostile influence), financial controls (systems that reduce the risk of illicit finance supporting prohibited procurement or transfers), investment screening (processes to review foreign investments for national security risk), and critical infrastructure protection (measures to secure assets such as ports, logistics hubs, and associated digital systems). The opportunity also explicitly highlights building institutional capabilities in customs and border enforcement, aiming to improve the operational side of prevention: inspections, targeting and risk management, interdiction, compliance checks, and coordination among port authorities, customs services, and other enforcement stakeholders.
Because the funding instrument is a cooperative agreement, the award structure typically implies substantial involvement by the U.S. government in shaping or overseeing implementation compared with a standard grant. That generally means the selected recipient would be expected to work closely with the Department of State on planning, execution, and reporting, ensuring the project activities align with U.S. national security objectives and the specific capacity-building outcomes sought in partner nations. The opportunity anticipated making a single award, with an award ceiling of $296,296, indicating a relatively focused project scope rather than a large multi-recipient program.
Eligibility is listed broadly as "Others," with additional eligibility details referenced in the original announcement. The opportunity was created on January 3, 2023, with an original closing date of March 4, 2023. Overall, the grant centers on improving the integrity and security of international trade channels by strengthening port management and border enforcement practices alongside the policy and governance frameworks that support effective trade controls, reducing opportunities for hostile actors to exploit weak points in national systems.Apply for SFOP0009313
- The Department of State, Bureau of International Security-Nonproliferation in the other (see text field entitled explanation of other category of funding activity for clarification) sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Improving Trade Controls through Port Management Practices" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 19.901.
- This funding opportunity was created on Jan 03, 2023.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Mar 04, 2023. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $296,296.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the title of this funding opportunity?
The opportunity is titled "Improving Trade Controls through Port Management Practices."
Which U.S. agency is offering this opportunity?
It is offered by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation.
What type of funding instrument is being used?
This opportunity uses a discretionary cooperative agreement.
Why does it matter that this is a cooperative agreement (not a standard grant)?
Because it is a cooperative agreement, the award is expected to involve substantial U.S. government involvement in shaping or overseeing implementation compared with a standard grant. The recipient would typically work closely with the Department of State on planning, execution, and reporting to ensure activities align with U.S. national security objectives and the targeted capacity-building outcomes in partner nations.
What is the Funding Opportunity Number (FON)?
The Funding Opportunity Number is SFOP0009313.
What is the CFDA number associated with this opportunity?
The CFDA number listed is 19.901.
What is the main purpose of the program?
The program focuses on strengthening national security-related trade control systems in partner countries, with particular emphasis on how ports and border management practices can close gaps that malign state actors might exploit.
What kinds of problems is the program trying to solve?
It aims to address deficiencies that affect a country’s ability to prevent illicit or strategically sensitive transfers of goods, money, and sensitive technologies through borders and critical trade nodes (such as seaports and related logistics networks).
What parts of a country's trade control system are emphasized?
The opportunity highlights several interconnected areas that influence trade control effectiveness, including:
- Export controls (legal and administrative mechanisms to restrict or monitor exports of controlled goods and technologies)
- Public procurement safeguards (how governments purchase goods and services while reducing corruption or hostile influence risks)
- Financial controls (systems to reduce the risk of illicit finance supporting prohibited procurement or transfers)
- Investment screening (processes to review foreign investments for national security risks)
- Critical infrastructure protection (measures to secure ports, logistics hubs, and related digital systems)
How does port management connect to national security trade controls?
The program treats ports and border management practices as practical leverage points for strengthening trade controls. By improving the rules, procedures, and institutional capacity governing trade flows through seaports and logistics networks, partner nations can reduce opportunities for hostile actors to exploit weak controls.
Does the opportunity focus only on policy, or also on operations?
It covers both. In addition to policy and governance frameworks, the opportunity explicitly emphasizes building institutional capabilities in customs and border enforcement and strengthening operational prevention activities.
What operational customs and border enforcement capabilities are mentioned?
The opportunity specifically references improvements in:
- Inspections
- Targeting and risk management
- Interdiction
- Compliance checks
- Coordination among port authorities, customs services, and other enforcement stakeholders
What is the expected scale of funding for this opportunity?
The opportunity anticipated a relatively focused project scope and listed an award ceiling of $296,296.
How many awards were anticipated?
The opportunity anticipated making a single award.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligibility is listed broadly as "Others", with additional eligibility details referenced in the original announcement.
When was the opportunity created?
The opportunity was created on January 3, 2023.
What was the original closing date?
The original closing date was March 4, 2023.
What kinds of outcomes does the opportunity appear to be seeking?
Based on the description, the intended outcomes include improved integrity and security of international trade channels by strengthening:
- Trade control policy and governance frameworks
- Port management and border enforcement practices
- Institutional capacity across relevant agencies and stakeholders
- Coordination mechanisms that reduce exploitable gaps for malign actors
What trade nodes or infrastructure are specifically called out?
The description specifically references seaports and related logistics networks, as well as broader critical infrastructure such as ports, logistics hubs, and associated digital systems.
What types of risks are highlighted in the opportunity?
The opportunity highlights risks tied to:
- Malign state actors exploiting weak points in national systems
- Illicit or strategically sensitive transfers of goods and technologies
- Illicit finance enabling prohibited procurement or transfers
- Corruption or hostile influence pathways through public procurement
- National security risks associated with foreign investment
- Vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure and related digital systems
What does "strengthening trade control systems" mean in practical terms here?
In practical terms, the grant is meant to help partner nations improve the rules, procedures, and institutional capacity that govern how goods, money, and sensitive technologies move across borders and through critical trade nodes like seaports and logistics networks.
What role does coordination among agencies play in this opportunity?
Coordination is explicitly mentioned as part of strengthening enforcement effectiveness, including coordination among port authorities, customs services, and other enforcement stakeholders.
Is this opportunity focused on partner countries rather than U.S.-based domestic systems?
Yes. The program is described as capacity-building to strengthen trade control systems in partner countries, aligned with U.S. national security objectives.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification)
Next opportunity: Climate Program Office (CPO), Earth System Science and Modeling Research for Coastal Inundation
Previous opportunity: FY23 Dept of Navy (DoN) Science Technology Engineering & Mathematics (STEM) Education and Workforce Program
Applicant Portal:
Are you interested in learning about about how to apply for this government funding opportunity? You can create a free applicant account and receive instant access to our applicant portal that many business owners like you have benefited from.
Apply for SFOP0009313
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (SFOP0009313) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| Advancing Existing Baltics IT Tools for Customs Apply for SFOP0009312 Funding Number: SFOP0009312 Agency: Department of State, Bureau of International Security-Nonproliferation Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $234,074 |
| FY22 DRL Syria Programs - Statements of Interest Apply for SFOP0009291 Funding Number: SFOP0009291 Agency: Department of State, Bureau of Democracy Human Rights and Labor Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $2,000,000 |
| Complementary Response Small Grants Program (CRSGP) to Support Ukrainian Refugees Apply for POLECON RIGA FY23 CRSGP 01 Funding Number: POLECON RIGA FY23 CRSGP 01 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to Latvia Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $250,000 |
| DRL FY22 IRF: Promoting Inclusive Societies in Mongolia Apply for SFOP0009318 Funding Number: SFOP0009318 Agency: Department of State, Bureau of Democracy Human Rights and Labor Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $500,000 |
| USAID/Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) Request for Information (RFI) only from qualified local entities supporting USAID funded HIV/AIDS activities. Apply for 660 RFI 23 000001 Funding Number: 660 RFI 23 000001 Agency: Agency for International Development, Democratic Republic of the Congo USAID-Kinshasa Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| U.S. Embassy Mozambique Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) Annual Program Statement Apply for AF PAS MAP FY23 03 Funding Number: AF PAS MAP FY23 03 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to Mozambique Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $30,000 |
| FY 2022 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFG) Apply for DHS 22 GPD 044 00 98 Funding Number: DHS 22 GPD 044 00 98 Agency: Department of Homeland Security, Department of Homeland Security - FEMA Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $9,000,000 |
| Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF 2023) Apply for DOS GEO 23 002 01092023 Funding Number: DOS GEO 23 002 01092023 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to Georgia Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $35,000 |
| Journalism and Media Training Apply for PDS CHISINAU FY23 04 Funding Number: PDS CHISINAU FY23 04 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to Moldova Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $500,000 |
| U.S. Embassy Belgrade - University Partnership Program (FY2023) Apply for SRB10023FO 03 Funding Number: SRB10023FO 03 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to Serbia Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $450,000 |
| U.S. Embassy Belgrade - Democracy Commission Small Grants (FY2023) Apply for SRB10023FO 02 Funding Number: SRB10023FO 02 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to Serbia Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $50,000 |
| Global Engagement Center - Annual Program Statement Apply for SFOP0009317 Funding Number: SFOP0009317 Agency: Department of State, Bureau of Global Public Affairs Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $500,000 |
| 2023 Local Grants Program - Annual Program Statement Apply for PAS ULAANBAATAR 002 FY2023 Funding Number: PAS ULAANBAATAR 002 FY2023 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to Mongolia Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $15,000 |
| University Partnership Initiative Apply for PDS DKR NOFO UPI FY23 02 Funding Number: PDS DKR NOFO UPI FY23 02 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to Senegal Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $50,000 |
| 2023 Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund Apply for PAS JOR FY23 001 Funding Number: PAS JOR FY23 001 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to Jordan Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $35,000 |
| U.S. Embassy Abuja PDS Annual Program Statement Apply for DOS NGA PD ABV FY23 001 Funding Number: DOS NGA PD ABV FY23 001 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to Nigeria Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $50,000 |
| Sources Sought to Provide Auditing Services to USAID’s local partners Apply for MX RFI 2023 001 Funding Number: MX RFI 2023 001 Agency: Agency for International Development, Mexico USAID-Mexico City Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| USAID/Cambodia Human Rights Apply for 72044223APS00001 Funding Number: 72044223APS00001 Agency: Agency for International Development, Cambodia USAID-Phnom Penh Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $15,000,000 |
| Supporting Syrian Independent Media Apply for SFOP0009333 Funding Number: SFOP0009333 Agency: Department of State, Assistance Coordination Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $5,000,000 |
| U.S. Embassy Belgrade - English Language Small Grants (FY2023) Apply for SRB10023FO 05 Funding Number: SRB10023FO 05 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to Serbia Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $30,000 |
Grant application guides and resources
It is always free to apply for government grants. However the process may be very complex depending on the funding opportunity you are applying for. Let us help you!
Apply for Grants
Inside Our Applicants Portal
Access Applicants Portal
- Grants Repository - Access current and historic funding opportunities with ease. Thousands of funding opportunities are published every week. We can help you sort through the database and find the eligible ones to apply for.
- Applicant Video Guides - The grant application process can be challenging to follow. We can help you with intuitive video guides to speed up the process and eliminate errors in submissions.
- Grant Proposal Wizard - We have developed a network of private funding organizations and investors across the United States. We can reach out and submit your proposal to these contacts to maximize your chances of getting the funding you need.
Premium leads for funding administrators, grant writers, and loan issuers
Thousands of people visit our website for their funding needs every day. When a user creates a grant proposal and files for submission, we pass the information on to funding administrators, grant writers, and government loan issuers.
If you manage government grant programs, provide grant writing services, or issue personal or government loans, we can help you reach your audience.
Learn More
Request more information:
Would you like to learn more about this funding opportunity, similar opportunities to "SFOP0009313", eligibility, application service, and/or application tips? Submit an inquiry below:
Don't forget to subscribe to our grant alerts mailing list to receive weekly alerts on new and updated grant funding opportunities like this one in your email.