Global Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and Critical and Emerging Technology (CET) Standards | DFOP0016578

Opportunity Information: Apply for DFOP0016578

The "Global Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and Critical and Emerging Technology (CET) Standards" opportunity (Funding Opportunity Number DFOP0016578) is a U.S. government-funded project designed to strengthen how international technology standards are developed and adopted, with a clear emphasis on openness, broad participation, and alignment with the United States government's approach to standards governance. The core idea is to support an international standards development process that is grounded in transparency, shaped primarily by private sector leadership, backed by public sector support, and informed by diverse stakeholders. In practice, this signals a preference for standards ecosystems where industry expertise and market realities drive technical outcomes, while governments help enable participation, coordination, and policy alignment without dominating the technical decision-making.

A central goal is to expand the representation and influence of "like-minded" nations in international standards bodies and related governance forums. By increasing participation from countries that share the U.S. vision for how standards should be set, the project aims to build a larger coalition that can contribute to, shape, and lead standards discussions across ICT and critical and emerging technologies. The intended effect is greater U.S. influence and leadership in international standards governance, not only through direct U.S. engagement but also by strengthening the capacity and presence of partner countries so that their voices are better represented and coordinated in international venues.

Another key component is helping participant countries adopt international standards into their domestic policies and legal frameworks. That means the work is not limited to technical meetings or standards drafting; it also extends into practical implementation support so that international standards can translate into national regulations, procurement rules, and other policy instruments. Over time, this kind of alignment can reduce fragmentation across markets, improve interoperability, and reinforce shared expectations for security, reliability, and governance in ICT and emerging technology domains. The opportunity also references Public International Organizations (PIOs), indicating that engagement with major international standards-related organizations and multilateral processes is likely part of the project scope.

From an administrative standpoint, this is a discretionary funding opportunity offered as a cooperative agreement, which typically implies substantial involvement by the funding agency during project execution compared to a standard grant. The sponsoring office is the Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy, and the activity category is listed as Science and Technology and other Research and Development under CFDA 19.665. The program anticipates making a single award, with an award ceiling of $2,250,000, suggesting a sizeable, centralized effort rather than multiple smaller subawards.

Eligibility is limited to nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status (excluding institutions of higher education) and certain other eligible entities as specified in the announcement. The opportunity was created on May 21, 2024, with an original application closing date of July 15, 2024. Overall, the funding is aimed at building durable international standards capacity and participation, expanding the number of countries aligned with the U.S. approach to standards, and accelerating the uptake of international standards into national-level policy and law, all in service of stronger U.S. and partner influence in global technology standards governance.

• The Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy in the science and technology and other research and development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Global Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and Critical and Emerging Technology (CET) Standards" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 19.665.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2024-05-21.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2024-07-15. (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 $2,250,000.00 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, Others.

Apply for DFOP0016578

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