Post-Quantum Cryptography in the Indo-Pacific | SFOP0009117

Opportunity Information: Apply for SFOP0009117

The "Post-Quantum Cryptography in the Indo-Pacific" opportunity (Funding Opportunity Number SFOP0009117) is a U.S. Department of State program administered by the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs. It is offered as a discretionary award under the Regional Development activity category and is funded through FY 2021 Economic Support Funds (ESF). The program is structured as a cooperative agreement, which typically means the State Department expects to remain actively involved during implementation rather than simply issuing a grant and stepping back.

The award is for an exact total of 1,009,433 USD, with a single award anticipated (Expected Awards: 1). Because the ceiling is stated as the exact award amount, applicants should assume the project budget is expected to align precisely with that figure rather than proposing a wide range. The planned period of performance is 36 months, so the project is designed as a multi-year effort with enough time to build capability, deliver training, and support real-world adoption rather than only producing reports or short workshops.

The core purpose is to strengthen understanding of quantum computing and cryptography across the Indo-Pacific and to move from awareness into practical action by enabling training and deployment of "quantum-proof" (post-quantum) encryption technologies. In plain terms, the program is aimed at preparing institutions and technical communities in the region for the cybersecurity risks posed by large-scale quantum computers, which are expected to undermine widely used public-key cryptography systems (for example, common approaches to key exchange and digital signatures). The focus on "training and deployment" signals that this is meant to be applied: building human capacity (skills, curriculum, hands-on practice) and helping organizations begin implementing or transitioning toward post-quantum cryptographic solutions.

Eligibility is listed as "Others," with additional eligibility details referenced in the full announcement text. That wording usually indicates that eligibility may extend beyond standard categories (like state or local governments) and could include entities such as non-profits, educational institutions, research organizations, or other qualified implementers, depending on the specific criteria in the full notice. The announcement was created on July 22, 2022, with an original application closing date of September 2, 2022.

Overall, this opportunity funds a three-year, regionally oriented effort to raise technical readiness in the Indo-Pacific for the coming shift to post-quantum security, combining knowledge-building around quantum/cryptography with concrete steps to train relevant stakeholders and support adoption of encryption methods designed to remain secure even in a future where quantum computing is more capable.

• The Department of State, Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs in the regional development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Post-Quantum Cryptography in the Indo-Pacific" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 19.124.
• This funding opportunity was created on Jul 22, 2022.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Sep 02, 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 $1,009,433.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).

Apply for SFOP0009117

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