EXBS Legal Regulatory Support

The EXBS Legal & Regulatory Support program is administered by the U.S. Department of State through the Bureau of Arms Control and Nonproliferation. This initiative operates under the Export Control and Border Security (EXBS) program, which aims to strengthen global systems that prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and related technologies. The Bureau plays a central role in advancing U.S. national security objectives by supporting partner countries in developing robust legal, regulatory, and enforcement frameworks for strategic trade controls. The purpose of this funding opportunity is to address evolving nonproliferation threats across critical regions in Asia and Europe. The program specifically targets vulnerabilities in export control systems, foreign direct investment screening, and supply chain oversight. Countries of focus include the Philippines, Cambodia, Malaysia, Taiwan, Türkiye, and Ukraine, where risks such as diversion of dual-use goods, exploitation of weak regulatory systems, and unauthorized technology transfers have been identified. The initiative seeks to mitigate these risks by strengthening institutional capacity and compliance mechanisms. Funding will support activities that enhance legal and regulatory frameworks, improve institutional and private-sector compliance, and develop data-driven enforcement capabilities. Allowable uses of funds include technical assistance, policy development, training programs, and systems strengthening initiatives. The program emphasizes preventing the proliferation of sensitive technologies, including advanced semiconductors, critical minerals, and defense-related items. As a cooperative agreement, the awarding agency is expected to have substantial involvement in program implementation. There is no cost sharing or matching requirement associated with this opportunity, which lowers the barrier to entry for eligible applicants. The total program funding is $2,441,589, with a single award expected. The funding ceiling is equal to the total program amount, indicating that one organization will be selected to implement the full scope of the project. The performance period is not explicitly stated but is typically defined in the full award documentation following selection. Eligible applicants include a broad range of U.S. and foreign entities, such as nonprofit organizations, think tanks, civil society organizations, public and private educational institutions, and for-profit organizations under certain conditions. For-profit applicants may be subject to additional review and are not permitted to earn profit under the award. This inclusive eligibility framework is designed to attract organizations with expertise in legal systems, international trade, and nonproliferation. The application process requires submission through Grants.gov by the stated deadline of July 20, 2026. While specific application components are not detailed in the synopsis, applicants can expect to provide a full proposal outlining technical approach, organizational capacity, and budget. Evaluation criteria likely include technical merit, experience, and alignment with program objectives. Questions or issues accessing the full announcement can be directed to the program email contact provided. The opportunity is currently open for applications, with a posting date of June 5, 2026. There is no indication that the program is recurring, and no pre-application steps such as a letter of intent are specified. Applicants are encouraged to review the full announcement for detailed submission instructions and evaluation criteria. Award notifications and project timelines will be determined following the review process.