Fueling AI Innovation and Adoption

The Fueling AI Innovation and Adoption program (FAIIA) is a federal funding opportunity issued by the Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy within the U.S. Department of State. This program is designed to advance U.S. leadership in artificial intelligence globally by supporting partner countries in developing the infrastructure, policies, and workforce necessary to adopt and integrate AI technologies aligned with U.S. standards. The initiative reflects broader U.S. foreign policy and national security objectives, including countering competing international AI ecosystems and promoting secure, open, and innovation-driven digital environments. FAIIA focuses on addressing foundational barriers to AI adoption in partner countries by strengthening national AI readiness, enabling supportive regulatory environments, and building local technical capacity. The program emphasizes three primary lines of effort: developing national AI strategies and governance frameworks, fostering policy environments that support AI innovation and investment, and training a skilled workforce capable of deploying and sustaining AI technologies. Through these efforts, the program aims to position partner countries as long-term adopters of American AI systems and contributors to a trusted global technology ecosystem. Funding for this opportunity is provided through Economic Support Funds authorized under federal appropriations legislation. The total available funding is $4,000,000, with one anticipated award issued as a cooperative agreement. This funding mechanism includes substantial involvement from the Department of State in project implementation, including collaboration on work plans, approvals of key activities, and coordination with partners. The project performance period is up to 36 months, with an anticipated start date in May 2026. There is no requirement for cost sharing or matching contributions, and offering such contributions does not influence the competitiveness of an application. Eligible applicants include U.S.-based nonprofit organizations, including think tanks and civil society organizations, as well as U.S.-based for-profit entities. Applicants must demonstrate strong expertise in artificial intelligence technologies, policy and regulatory development, and capacity-building initiatives. Competitive applicants are expected to have experience managing complex international programs and may benefit from forming consortiums or partnerships to deliver multidisciplinary capabilities. Preference may be given to applicants with regional experience in Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands. The application process requires submission through Grants.gov or MyGrants and includes several mandatory components. Applicants must submit standard federal forms such as SF-424, SF-424A, and related assurances, along with a detailed proposal following a specified template. The proposal includes sections such as an executive summary, project overview, organizational background, project design, monitoring and evaluation plan, and sustainability strategy. Additional required materials include a detailed budget and justification narrative, resumes of key personnel, letters of support from partners, and other supporting documentation. Applications must adhere to strict formatting and page limitations. Applications are due by May 11, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. There are no pre-application requirements such as letters of intent. Following submission, applications undergo a technical eligibility review and a merit-based evaluation process scored across multiple criteria, including project design, organizational capacity, feasibility, monitoring and evaluation, budget quality, and sustainability. Final award decisions are made by senior officials within the Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy. Applicants can expect notification of results within approximately 60 days after the deadline. Award recipients will be required to comply with federal reporting and administrative requirements, including quarterly performance and financial reports, participation in monitoring and evaluation activities, and adherence to federal regulations. The program also includes branding, communications, and compliance obligations related to federal funding. While the opportunity does not explicitly state recurrence, it represents a strategic initiative aligned with ongoing U.S. government priorities in global technology leadership and international development.

Ensure strong alignment with program objectives demonstrate measurable outcomes and provide detailed realistic budget justification