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science_technology_and_other_research_and_development · DOS-ACN

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

Bureau of Arms Control and Nonproliferation · DFOP0018449

Closed

Award Range

$0$4.0M

Total Program Funding

$4.0M

Expected Awards

3

Deadline

July 21, 2026

GRANTQUICK SUMMARYPlain-English Overview

State Department's Nonproliferation Fund is spending $4M (3 awards) on projects to mitigate the biosecurity and chemical weapons risks posed by AI — specifically AI-enabled molecular models that could help bad actors design dangerous biological or chemical agents. This is cutting-edge AI safety + nonproliferation work: how do you prevent AI protein-folding and drug-design tools from being weaponized?

Who Should Apply

US-based nonprofits, NGOs, educational institutions, and think tanks working at the intersection of AI safety, biosecurity, and nonproliferation. Must be a US-based lead organization.

Who Should NOT Apply

Foreign-led organizations (can be sub-partners), AI companies seeking commercial R&D funding, or organizations without nonproliferation/biosecurity expertise.

Key Requirements (Plain English)

  • Must address AI-enabled proliferation risks (bio + chemical)
  • Must leverage nonproliferation opportunities from AI
  • Must be a US-based organization
  • 3 awards from $4M total
  • Must bridge AI technical expertise with nonproliferation policy

💡 GrantQuick Tip

This is at the absolute frontier of AI safety policy — maybe 20-30 organizations globally work on AI + WMD proliferation risks. If you're a biosecurity think tank (Nuclear Threat Initiative, Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security), an AI safety org (RAND, Georgetown CSET), or a university nonproliferation center, this is your niche. The interdisciplinary requirement (AI + biosecurity + policy) dramatically limits competition.

Competitiveness: Low competition despite prestige — the intersection of AI safety + nonproliferation + biosecurity is extremely narrow. Maybe 10-15 credible applicants.

What This Grant Funds

The Department of State’s Office of the Nonproliferation and Disarmament Fund (ACN/NDF) is pleased to announce an open competition for assistance awards through this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). ACN/NDF invites domestic non-profit/non-governmental organizations, educational institutions, and for-profit organizations to submit proposals for projects that will advance the mission of NDF’s efforts to identify, evaluate, and develop safeguards to counter the misuse risks enabled by the proliferation of chemical and biological Artificial Intelligence (AI) models (CBAIMs). Proposals may not exceed the total availability of funds under this NOFO. ACN/NDF welcomes proposals that fully address all or a clearly articulated, targeted subset of the key objectives of this NDF line of effort (Section II). Please indicate whether the proposal involves collaboration with a partner organization that is separately responding to this solicitation.

Attachments

Who Can Apply

U.S. Federal Government Entities. Lead applicant organizations must be based in the U.S. to be eligible.

Eligible Applicant Types

Small BusinessesNonprofits without 501(c)(3)For-Profit OrganizationsPrivate Colleges & UniversitiesOther (see NOFO for details)Public Colleges & Universities501(c)(3) Nonprofits

Funding Details

Maximum Award
$4.0M
Total Program Funding
$4.0M
Expected Number of Awards
3
Cost Sharing Required?
No
Funding Instrument
cooperative_agreement, other

Key Dates

Posted: June 29, 2026
Application Deadline: July 21, 2026 (0 days remaining)

Agency Contact

ACN/NDF Grants Mailbox

acn-ndf-grants@state.gov

Ready to apply?

View the full NOFO and submit your application on Grants.gov