Global Digital Threat Lab
Closed Posted
This opportunity was posted again on . See the latest posting
- Opportunity number
- DFOP0019364
- Agency
-
Bureau of Democracy Human Rights and Labor
Department of State
- Applications due
- Award size
- $2,960,039
Opportunity facts
- Assistance listings
- Funding instrument
- Grant
- Category
-
- Other
- Eligible applicants
- Not on record
- Points of contact
- Full announcement
Opportunity details come from Grants.gov. Updated .
About this opportunity
The Department of State Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor is soliciting applications for a Global Digital Threat Lab to investigate and mitigate digital attacks targeting civil society and independent voices, with an application deadline of August 13, 2026. The opportunity offers approximately $2.96 million from Fiscal Year 2025 Internet Freedom Earmark funding with one award anticipated; cost sharing is not required and will not improve competitive ranking.
Eligible applicants include U.S.-based and foreign-based nonprofit organizations, institutions of higher education (public or private), and for-profit organizations. All applicants must obtain a Unique Entity Identifier and maintain active registration in SAM.gov.
The project performance period is 36 months or less, with an anticipated start date of September 28, 2026. Activities must address two primary objectives: increased knowledge and threat information sharing about technology-based approaches used to suppress freedom of expression, particularly commercial spyware and AI-facilitated cyberattacks; and improved prevention, mitigation, and remedies for victims of advanced cyberattacks. Projects must demonstrate global relevance and be applicable to at least three State Department-defined regions: East Asia and the Pacific, Europe and Eurasia, the Western Hemisphere, North Africa and the Middle East, South and Central Asia, and Sub-Saharan Africa. The project must integrate research and analysis with incident response and prevention services on an ongoing basis.
Applicants must demonstrate organizational capacity, risk management expertise for high-risk environments, and collaboration with multiple partners. A minimum of 30 percent of funding must be dedicated to subgrants and subcontracts. If a cooperative agreement is selected, DRL will provide substantial involvement, including approval of workplans, key personnel, subaward selections, and participation in monthly check-ins.
The opportunity is assigned to CFDA 19.345 (International Programs to Support Democracy, Human Rights and Labor).
Synopsis
Freedom of expression online faces threats globally from authoritarian governments employing sophisticated technology to restrict speech, control the flow of information, and chill dissenting voices. These challenges infringe on privacy; access to information; and the exercise of freedoms of expression, peaceful assembly, association, and religion or belief online. The misuse of commercial spyware is increasingly deployed by authoritarian governments and other digital threat actors to suppress dissent and restrict freedom of expression and privacy. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is now facilitating cyberattacks, lowering the barrier of entry for threat actors and improving their efficiency and effectiveness.
Files
| File | Type | Posted |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 Proposal Submission Instructions (PSI).pdf | ||
| Global Digital Threat Lab NOFO.pdf |
Posting history
| Listing | Posted | Applications due |
|---|---|---|
| Opportunity | ||
| Opportunity |
On GovTribe
Work this opportunity
- Track it in your pipeline
- Find teaming partners
- Similar grant opportunities
- Ask GovTribe AI about this opportunity