Global Emerging Leaders in International Cyberspace Security (GEL-ICS) | DFOP0016603

Opportunity Information: Apply for DFOP0016603

The Global Emerging Leaders in International Cyberspace Security (GEL-ICS) opportunity (Funding Opportunity Number DFOP0016603) is a U.S. Department of State grant competition run by the Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy. It is a discretionary award offered as a cooperative agreement, which typically means the government expects to be more actively engaged than in a standard grant (for example, through collaboration on planning, oversight, or program direction). The activity area is listed under Science and Technology and other Research and Development, and the associated CFDA/Assistance Listing number is 19.665. The core purpose of GEL-ICS is to develop and connect a cohort of emerging leaders in international cyberspace security who will promote and defend the UN-affirmed Framework of Responsible State Behavior in cyberspace.

At the heart of the program is a fellowship and related activities designed to do two things at once: build technical and policy knowledge, and create durable international professional networks. The opportunity description emphasizes creating a cohesive group of leaders who are already working on cyberspace issues and who are committed to the Framework. The intent is not simply academic study, but practical leadership development: participants should come out of the program better prepared and better connected to act as advocates and champions of responsible state behavior in cyberspace across international and multilateral settings. The mention of “Public International Organizations” signals that the program is oriented toward international engagement and policy influence in global forums, not only domestic capacity-building.

Eligibility is limited to U.S.-based nonprofit organizations that have 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, excluding institutions of higher education. In practical terms, the applicant would likely be an experienced nonprofit capable of designing and running a structured fellowship program, recruiting and selecting participants, convening events or trainings, and maintaining a strong network component that connects fellows to relevant experts and institutions. Because the award is a cooperative agreement, the implementing organization should also be prepared to coordinate closely with the Department of State throughout the project, aligning program content and activities with the policy objective of strengthening adherence to the UN-affirmed responsible state behavior framework.

The funding parameters indicate a single anticipated award (Expected Awards: 1) with an award ceiling of $900,000. That suggests the government is looking for one lead implementer to run the full program rather than distributing smaller awards to multiple recipients. The opportunity was created on May 24, 2024, and the original application closing date was July 15, 2024, which indicates a relatively tight application window typical of competitively awarded foreign affairs programming. Overall, GEL-ICS is best understood as a leadership-and-network building initiative in international cyber policy, using a fellowship model to cultivate credible messengers and long-term advocates for the UN-endorsed norms and principles that make up the Framework of Responsible State Behavior.

• 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 Emerging Leaders in International Cyberspace Security (GEL-ICS)" 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 2024-05-24.
• 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 $900,000.00 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.

Apply for DFOP0016603

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