EXBS Legal & Regulatory Support

The EXBS Legal & Regulatory Support funding opportunity is administered by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Arms Control and Nonproliferation, under the Export Control and Border Security (EXBS) program. This program is designed to strengthen global nonproliferation efforts by enhancing partner countries’ legal, regulatory, and enforcement frameworks related to export controls, foreign direct investment screening, and protection of sensitive technologies. The initiative focuses on mitigating risks associated with diversion of dual-use goods, advanced technologies, and critical materials to malign actors or unauthorized end users, particularly in strategically significant regions such as Asia, Europe, and conflict-affected areas. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to support a comprehensive, multi-country program that addresses vulnerabilities in export control systems, supply chain security, and enforcement capabilities. The program is structured around multiple lines of effort covering countries including the Philippines, Cambodia, Malaysia, Taiwan, Turkiye, and Ukraine. Activities include legal and regulatory development, institutional capacity building, industry compliance training, supply chain analysis, and customs targeting improvements. The overarching goal is to prevent proliferation of weapons-related technologies and safeguard U.S. and allied technological advantages. Funding is provided through a cooperative agreement, indicating substantial involvement by the Department of State in project implementation. The total available funding is $2,441,589, with one award anticipated. The performance period is expected to range from 12 to 24 months, with an anticipated project start date of October 1, 2026. Applicants must propose projects that address all required lines of effort; failure to do so will result in disqualification. Allowable uses of funds include program staffing, travel, training delivery, consultations, technical assistance, and development of regulatory frameworks. Restrictions include prohibitions on certain activities such as supporting mass migration caravans or providing funds to prohibited entities. Eligibility for this opportunity is broad and includes U.S. and foreign nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, for-profit organizations (with restrictions on profit), public international organizations, and governmental institutions. Applicants must maintain a valid registration in SAM.gov and possess a Unique Entity Identifier. Cost sharing is not required and does not provide a competitive advantage, although voluntary contributions may be included. Subawards are permitted, but the primary recipient retains full responsibility for compliance and program management. The application process requires submission through the MyGrants system and includes multiple required components such as SF-424 forms, a detailed proposal narrative, budget documentation, risk assessment, and scope of work. Proposals must clearly address all program objectives and include detailed implementation plans, monitoring and evaluation strategies, and sustainability considerations. Applications are evaluated based on criteria including quality and achievability, organizational experience, cost effectiveness, monitoring and evaluation plans, and long-term impact. The application deadline is July 20, 2026, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time. Questions from applicants were due June 4, 2026, with responses provided publicly. Award notifications are expected by October 2026. Reporting requirements for awarded projects include quarterly financial and programmatic updates, along with compliance with federal regulations outlined in 2 CFR 200. The cooperative agreement structure ensures ongoing coordination between the grantee and the Department of State throughout the project lifecycle.

Ensure all lines of effort are fully addressed or application will be disqualified; demonstrate strong technical expertise and measurable outcomes; align proposal closely with U.S. national security objectives; include detailed monitoring and evaluation metrics