Global Digital Threat Lab
Closed Posted
- 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 to establish or expand a global digital threat lab providing digital security support to civil society organizations and human rights defenders targeted by cyberattacks, with an application deadline of August 13, 2026 and a single award of approximately $2,960,039.
Eligible applicants include U.S.-based and foreign-based non-profit organizations, institutions of higher education, and for-profit organizations. Cost sharing is not required, though the NOFO recommends dedicating a minimum of 30 percent of funding to subgrants and subcontracts with small implementing partners to enhance competitiveness.
The project period extends up to 36 months with an anticipated start date of September 28, 2026. Funding is provided under Fiscal Year 2025 Internet Freedom Earmark and Democracy Funds under the Foreign Assistance Act, classified as CFDA 19.345 (International Programs to Support Democracy, Human Rights and Labor).
The program addresses two integrated objectives: increased knowledge and threat information sharing about digital attacks targeting independent voices globally, and improved prevention, mitigation, and access to remedy for those targeted by advanced cyberattacks. Activities include conducting advanced digital forensics, supporting emergency response help desks, developing peer-to-peer networks, training subject matter experts, and producing research on evolving digital threats. Projects must demonstrate global relevance across at least three State Department regions, with particular emphasis on East Asia and the Pacific, Europe and Eurasia, and the Western Hemisphere.
All applicants must obtain a Unique Entity Identifier and maintain active registration in SAM.gov. Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov or MyGrants, with budget submissions in the specified OMB cost-category format and indirect costs calculated using either a Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement or the de minimis rate of 15 percent of Modified Total Direct Costs.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Global Digital Threat Lab NOFO.pdf | ||
| Budget Template FY26 with MTDC Calculation_Final (1).xlsx | XLSX spreadsheet | |
| 2026 Proposal Submission Instructions_(Revised).pdf |
Posting history
| Listing | Posted | Applications due |
|---|---|---|
| Opportunity | ||
| Opportunity |
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