Opportunity Information: Apply for SFOP0009226
The Department of State, through the Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation's Office of the Nonproliferation and Disarmament Fund (ISN/NDF), is offering a discretionary federal funding opportunity focused on the safety and security implications of advanced artificial intelligence during its research and development phase. The grant is framed as an open competition under a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) and is aimed at producing a comprehensive assessment of how advanced AI systems could create proliferation and broader security risks while they are being developed, tested, and refined. A central theme is the idea that the R&D pipeline itself can introduce unique vulnerabilities, such as the spread of sensitive capabilities, theft or leakage of models or training data, and pathways for advanced AI to be adapted for harmful uses before safeguards are mature.
The work requested is not limited to deliberate misuse. Applicants are also expected to analyze accidental or unintended negative outcomes arising from advanced AI R&D, including misalignment, meaning scenarios where an AI system behaves in ways that are not consistent with human intent, safety constraints, or policy goals. In practice, this points to a wide range of concerns that could include unsafe emergent behaviors, inadequate testing and evaluation, failures in oversight, or operational pressures that encourage premature deployment. The Department indicates a preference for proposals that fully address the stated scope of work, which is described in more detail in Section II of the formal solicitation, suggesting that the strongest applications will likely present a structured, end-to-end assessment rather than a narrow or purely theoretical treatment.
This opportunity is funded through a cooperative agreement, which typically implies a closer working relationship with the government compared with a standard grant, potentially including more coordination, iterative deliverables, or government involvement during performance. The funding activity category is listed under Science and Technology and other Research and Development, and the CFDA number associated with the opportunity is 19.224. The award ceiling is $250,000, with one award expected, so applicants are competing for a single relatively focused project rather than a large multi-award program. Proposals are required to stay within the total funds available under the NOFO.
Eligibility is oriented toward U.S.-based organizations, and the notice states that ISN/NDF invites proposals from non-profit/non-governmental organizations, educational institutions, and for-profit organizations based in the United States. The source data also lists eligible applicants as nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status (other than institutions of higher education), so applicants would need to reconcile these lines by checking the formal solicitation and ensuring their organizational type is clearly allowable. In any case, the target applicant profile is an organization capable of producing policy-relevant, security-informed research on advanced AI risks, especially as they relate to proliferation, misuse pathways, and governance or risk-reduction measures during AI R&D.
Key administrative details include the funding opportunity title, "Advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) Research and Development (R&D) Safety and Security," and the funding opportunity number SFOP0009226. The opportunity was created on October 26, 2022, with an original application deadline of November 28, 2022. Applicants are directed to consult the full solicitation for the specific application requirements, required formats, and the detailed scope of work, implying that compliance, deliverable structure, and alignment with Section II will be important factors in competitiveness.Apply for SFOP0009226
- The Department of State, Bureau of International Security-Nonproliferation in the science and technology and other research and development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) Research and Development (R&D) Safety and Security" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 19.224.
- This funding opportunity was created on Oct 26, 2022.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Nov 28, 2022. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $250,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education.
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the name of this funding opportunity?
The funding opportunity title is "Advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) Research and Development (R&D) Safety and Security."
What is the funding opportunity number?
The funding opportunity number is SFOP0009226.
Which federal agency is offering this opportunity?
This opportunity is offered by the U.S. Department of State, through the Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation (ISN), Office of the Nonproliferation and Disarmament Fund (ISN/NDF).
What type of competition is this?
It is described as an open competition under a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO).
What kind of award mechanism is expected?
The opportunity is funded through a cooperative agreement, which generally indicates a closer working relationship with the government than a standard grant, potentially including coordination during performance and iterative deliverables.
What is the main purpose of the project?
The project is intended to produce a comprehensive assessment of how advanced AI systems could create proliferation and broader security risks during the research and development (R&D) phase, including development, testing, and refinement.
What is meant by focusing on risks during the AI R&D phase?
The emphasis is on vulnerabilities that can arise while AI systems are being built and improved, such as the spread of sensitive capabilities, theft or leakage of models or training data, and ways advanced AI could be adapted for harmful uses before safeguards are mature.
Does the scope focus only on deliberate misuse of AI?
No. The requested work includes both deliberate misuse and accidental or unintended negative outcomes that could arise from advanced AI R&D.
What kinds of accidental or unintended outcomes should be addressed?
The opportunity specifically calls out misalignment scenarios, where an AI system behaves in ways not consistent with human intent, safety constraints, or policy goals. The notice also points toward concerns like unsafe emergent behaviors, inadequate testing and evaluation, failures in oversight, or operational pressures that encourage premature deployment.
How broad is the assessment expected to be?
The Department indicates a preference for proposals that fully address the stated scope of work, implying that stronger applications will likely provide a structured, end-to-end assessment rather than a narrow or purely theoretical treatment.
Where is the detailed scope of work described?
The notice references Section II of the formal solicitation as the place where the scope of work is described in more detail.
What funding category does this opportunity fall under?
The funding activity category is listed under Science and Technology and other Research and Development.
What is the CFDA number for this opportunity?
The CFDA number associated with the opportunity is 19.224.
How much funding is available?
The award ceiling is $250,000, and proposals are required to stay within the total funds available under the NOFO.
How many awards are expected?
One award is expected, meaning applicants are competing for a single award rather than a multi-award program.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligibility is oriented toward U.S.-based organizations. The notice states that ISN/NDF invites proposals from U.S.-based non-profit/non-governmental organizations, educational institutions, and for-profit organizations.
Is 501(c)(3) status required?
The source information also lists eligible applicants as nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status (other than institutions of higher education). Because the notice contains more than one eligibility description, applicants should confirm eligibility requirements in the formal solicitation and clearly document their organizational status in the application.
What kind of organization is this opportunity looking for?
The described target applicant profile is an organization capable of producing policy-relevant, security-informed research on advanced AI risks, especially related to proliferation, misuse pathways, and governance or risk-reduction measures during AI R&D.
When was the opportunity created?
The opportunity was created on October 26, 2022.
What was the application deadline?
The original application deadline was November 28, 2022.
What should applicants consult to ensure compliance with application requirements?
Applicants are directed to consult the full solicitation for specific application requirements, required formats, and the detailed scope of work, with particular attention to alignment with Section II.
What are examples of vulnerabilities in the R&D pipeline mentioned in the notice?
The notice highlights examples such as the spread of sensitive capabilities, theft or leakage of models or training data, and pathways for advanced AI to be adapted for harmful uses before safeguards are mature.
Does the notice suggest what makes an application competitive?
Based on the information provided, competitiveness is tied to fully addressing the stated scope of work and aligning closely with the detailed requirements described in the formal solicitation (including Section II), rather than submitting a narrow or purely theoretical proposal.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development
Next opportunity: U.S. Embassy Luanda Public Diplomacy Section Request for Statements of Interest: Annual Program Statement
Previous opportunity: HIV Care and Treatment
Applicant Portal:
Are you interested in learning about about how to apply for this government funding opportunity? You can create a free applicant account and receive instant access to our applicant portal that many business owners like you have benefited from.
Apply for SFOP0009226
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (SFOP0009226) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| Biology Integration Institutes Apply for 23 511 Funding Number: 23 511 Agency: National Science Foundation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Using the Rules of Life to Address Societal Challenges Apply for 23 512 Funding Number: 23 512 Agency: National Science Foundation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $3,000,000 |
| AFPMB DWFP FY 23 Announcement Apply for W911SR 22 S DWFP Funding Number: W911SR 22 S DWFP Agency: Department of Defense, ACC-APG-Detrick Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $300,000 |
| Partnerships in Astronomy & Astrophysics Research and Education Apply for 23 513 Funding Number: 23 513 Agency: National Science Foundation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Fellowship for Afghan Chemical and Biological Experts in Support of U.S. Security and Nonproliferation Projects Apply for SFOP0009255 Funding Number: SFOP0009255 Agency: Department of State, Bureau of International Security-Nonproliferation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $800,000 |
| Fellowship for Afghan Radiation and Nuclear Technology Experts in Support of U.S. Security and Nonproliferation Projects Apply for SFOP0009256 Funding Number: SFOP0009256 Agency: Department of State, Bureau of International Security-Nonproliferation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $800,000 |
| Fellowship for Counter Nuclear Smuggling in Support of U.S. Security and Nonproliferation Projects Apply for SFOP0009254 Funding Number: SFOP0009254 Agency: Department of State, Bureau of International Security-Nonproliferation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $800,000 |
| Research and Mentoring for Postbaccalaureates in Biological Sciences Apply for 23 514 Funding Number: 23 514 Agency: National Science Foundation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| D.2 – Transformational Tools and Technologies Project (TTT) Apply for NNH23ZEA001N TTT Funding Number: NNH23ZEA001N TTT Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration, NASA Headquarters Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Fort Huachuca Environmental Training Apply for W9124A 23 00001 Funding Number: W9124A 23 00001 Agency: Department of Defense Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $386,000 |
| Cybersecurity Innovation for Cyberinfrastructure Apply for 23 517 Funding Number: 23 517 Agency: National Science Foundation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| NSF Small Business Innovation Research / Small Business Technology Transfer Programs Phase II Apply for 23 516 Funding Number: 23 516 Agency: National Science Foundation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Small Business Innovation Research/ Small Business Technology Transfer Program Phase I Apply for 23 515 Funding Number: 23 515 Agency: National Science Foundation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Advanced Computing Systems & Services: Adapting to the Rapid Evolution of Science and Engineering Research Apply for 23 518 Funding Number: 23 518 Agency: National Science Foundation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $10,000,000 |
| DEVCOM ARMY RESEARCH LABORATORY BROAD AGENCY ANNOUNCEMENT FOR FOUNDATIONAL RESEARCH Apply for W911NF 23 S 0001 Funding Number: W911NF 23 S 0001 Agency: Department of Defense, Dept of the Army -- Materiel Command Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 Create the Future Independent Research Effort Apply for FOA AFRL AFOSR 2023 0001 Funding Number: FOA AFRL AFOSR 2023 0001 Agency: Department of Defense, Air Force Office of Scientific Research Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $4,500,000 |
| Campus Cyberinfrastructure Apply for 23 526 Funding Number: 23 526 Agency: National Science Foundation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $1,200,000 |
| NSF/CASIS Collaboration on Tissue Engineering and Mechanobiology on the International Space Station (ISS) to Benefit Life on Earth Apply for 23 522 Funding Number: 23 522 Agency: National Science Foundation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Oceanographic Facilities and Equipment Support Apply for 23 525 Funding Number: 23 525 Agency: National Science Foundation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $47,500,000 |
| 2023 HERO Appendix A: NASA Human Research Program Omnibus Opportunity Apply for NNJ23ZSA001N OMNIBUS Funding Number: NNJ23ZSA001N OMNIBUS Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration, NASA Johnson Space Center Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $150,000 |
Grant application guides and resources
It is always free to apply for government grants. However the process may be very complex depending on the funding opportunity you are applying for. Let us help you!
Apply for Grants
Inside Our Applicants Portal
Access Applicants Portal
- Grants Repository - Access current and historic funding opportunities with ease. Thousands of funding opportunities are published every week. We can help you sort through the database and find the eligible ones to apply for.
- Applicant Video Guides - The grant application process can be challenging to follow. We can help you with intuitive video guides to speed up the process and eliminate errors in submissions.
- Grant Proposal Wizard - We have developed a network of private funding organizations and investors across the United States. We can reach out and submit your proposal to these contacts to maximize your chances of getting the funding you need.
Premium leads for funding administrators, grant writers, and loan issuers
Thousands of people visit our website for their funding needs every day. When a user creates a grant proposal and files for submission, we pass the information on to funding administrators, grant writers, and government loan issuers.
If you manage government grant programs, provide grant writing services, or issue personal or government loans, we can help you reach your audience.
Learn More
Request more information:
Would you like to learn more about this funding opportunity, similar opportunities to "SFOP0009226", eligibility, application service, and/or application tips? Submit an inquiry below:
Don't forget to subscribe to our grant alerts mailing list to receive weekly alerts on new and updated grant funding opportunities like this one in your email.