Mitigating Proliferation Risks Posed by Artificial Intelligence Enabled Molecular Models and Leveraging Nonproliferation Opportunities

The U.S. Department of State, through the Bureau of Arms Control and Nonproliferation and its Office of the Nonproliferation and Disarmament Fund, is offering funding under a Notice of Funding Opportunity focused on mitigating proliferation risks associated with artificial intelligence enabled molecular models. This program is designed to support the United States Government’s broader mission to prevent the spread of weapons of mass destruction and related technologies by addressing emerging risks introduced by advances in artificial intelligence applied to chemistry and biology. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to support projects that identify, assess, and mitigate risks associated with the misuse of AI driven molecular modeling technologies. These technologies, while beneficial for drug discovery and scientific advancement, can also be leveraged to design harmful chemical and biological agents. The program seeks proposals that develop safeguards, tools, and best practices to ensure responsible development and use of such technologies, while also exploring opportunities where AI can strengthen nonproliferation efforts. Funding under this opportunity will support activities such as technical assessments, development of mitigation strategies, creation of software tools or secure platforms, and international engagement efforts. Projects may include identifying key global stakeholders, evaluating vulnerabilities in AI systems and datasets, developing safeguards, and publishing international guidelines or codes of ethics. Additional activities may include workshops, training, and collaborative exercises aimed at strengthening global capacity to prevent misuse of AI in molecular sciences. Eligibility is limited to U.S.-based organizations, including nonprofit organizations with or without 501c3 status, public and private institutions of higher education, for-profit organizations, and U.S. federal entities. The lead applicant must be based in the United States. Applicants may form consortia, but one organization must serve as the lead applicant. Cost sharing is not required and does not influence the competitiveness of an application. Applications must be submitted through the MyGrants platform and include several required components. These include standard federal forms, a project narrative limited to ten pages, a detailed budget and budget narrative, documentation for key personnel, and a monitoring and evaluation plan. The proposal must clearly outline objectives, activities, timeline, partnerships, and sustainability strategy. Applicants must also maintain active registration in SAM.gov and obtain a Unique Entity Identifier prior to submission. Proposals will be evaluated through a multi-stage review process, beginning with a technical eligibility review followed by a merit-based panel review. Evaluation criteria include the quality and relevance of proposed activities, organizational capability, budget realism, and past performance. Awards are expected to support projects with a period of performance of up to twenty four months, and recipients will be required to provide regular financial and performance reports throughout the project lifecycle. The application deadline is July 21, 2026 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time. Awards are subject to the availability of funds, with an estimated total funding pool of four million dollars. Successful applicants will engage in ongoing coordination with the Department of State and participate in structured reporting and project oversight activities.

Ensure proposal directly addresses stated objectives; demonstrate technical expertise; provide clear measurable outcomes; align budget with activities