CFPs: Pax Silica Artificial Intelligence Assistance Project (US)

The Pax Silica Artificial Intelligence Assistance Project is offering US$1 million to US$50 million to establish a trusted AI supply chain credentialing and provenance platform. The initiative aims to strengthen global AI supply chain security by verifying the origin, authenticity, and compliance of AI infrastructure, semiconductors, and critical minerals. Phase 1 will focus on Panama, with future expansion to other trusted partner economies.

Program Overview: Strengthening AI Supply Chain Security

The Pax Silica Artificial Intelligence Assistance Project is a large-scale funding initiative that supports the development of secure, transparent, and trusted AI supply chains.

The project seeks to establish a credentialing and provenance platform that enables organizations to verify the origin, movement, and compliance of critical AI supply chain components throughout their lifecycle.

Key Objectives of the Program

• Strengthen global AI supply chain security
• Establish trusted credentialing and provenance systems
• Verify the origin of AI supply chain goods
• Improve transparency across AI infrastructure supply chains
• Support secure trade of semiconductors and critical minerals
• Enhance customs and logistics processes
• Reduce supply chain risks through advanced technologies

Priority Focus Areas

AI Supply Chain Security

• Trusted AI infrastructure
• Supply chain integrity
• Secure sourcing
• Compliance verification

Credentialing and Provenance

• Digital credentialing systems
• Product origin verification
• End-to-end provenance tracking
• Compliance documentation

Critical AI Technologies

• AI infrastructure
• Semiconductors
• Critical minerals
• High-value technology supply chains

Logistics and Customs Innovation

• Cryptographic cargo verification
• AI-assisted risk assessment
• Expedited customs processing
• Secure cross-border logistics

Funding Structure

Grant Amount

• Minimum: US$1,000,000
• Maximum: US$50,000,000

Geographic Scope

Phase 1

• Panama

Phase 2

• Expansion to other like-minded partner economies

Who is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

U.S. Businesses

• U.S. for-profit organizations
• U.S. commercial businesses

Nonprofit Organizations

• U.S.-based nonprofit organizations
• U.S.-based non-governmental organizations (NGOs)
• Organizations with or without 501(c)(3) status

Higher Education Institutions

• U.S.-based private colleges and universities
• U.S.-based public universities
• U.S.-based state institutions of higher education

Application Requirements

Applicants must:

• Clearly address all program goals and objectives
• Prepare all application documents in English
• Present budgets in U.S. dollars without cents
• Number all application pages
• Follow all prescribed formatting requirements
• Submit applications through Grants.gov

How the Program Works (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Review Program Objectives

Understand the funding priorities related to AI supply chain security and trusted provenance systems.

Step 2: Develop a Technical Proposal

Prepare a proposal that explains:

• Technical solution
• Implementation strategy
• Expected outcomes
• Security and compliance approach

Step 3: Prepare the Budget

Develop a detailed budget:

• In U.S. dollars
• Without decimal cents
• Consistent with project activities

Step 4: Complete Application Documents

Ensure:

• English-language submission
• Proper formatting
• Numbered pages
• Complete supporting documentation

Step 5: Submit Through Grants.gov

Upload the completed application through the official Grants.gov portal before the deadline.

Step 6: Evaluation Process

Applications will be assessed based on:

• Alignment with program objectives
• Technical capability
• Implementation feasibility
• Potential impact on AI supply chain security

Importance of the Program (Why It Matters)

This initiative helps:

• Improve trust in global AI supply chains
• Strengthen semiconductor security
• Enhance transparency in critical mineral sourcing
• Reduce supply chain fraud and counterfeit risks
• Modernize customs and logistics systems
• Support secure AI infrastructure development
• Foster international cooperation on trusted technology ecosystems

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Failing to address program objectives
• Submitting documents in a language other than English
• Preparing budgets with incorrect formatting
• Omitting page numbers
• Ignoring required formatting guidelines
• Submitting applications outside Grants.gov
• Providing incomplete technical documentation

Tips for a Strong Application

• Clearly demonstrate expertise in AI supply chain security
• Present a scalable credentialing and provenance solution
• Explain how the project improves transparency and compliance
• Include detailed implementation milestones
• Provide a realistic and well-justified budget
• Highlight experience with secure logistics, cryptography, or AI systems
• Ensure complete compliance with application requirements

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How much funding is available?

Grants range from US$1,000,000 to US$50,000,000.

2. What is the primary objective of the project?

To establish a trusted credentialing and provenance platform that strengthens global AI supply chain security.

3. Where will the project begin?

Phase 1 will be implemented in Panama, with later expansion to other partner economies.

4. Who can apply?

Eligible U.S. for-profit businesses, nonprofits, NGOs, and higher education institutions.

5. What technologies are prioritized?

AI infrastructure, semiconductors, critical minerals, cryptographic cargo verification, AI-assisted risk assessment, and supply chain provenance systems.

6. How must the application be submitted?

Applications must be submitted through Grants.gov.

7. What language and budget format are required?

Applications must be prepared in English, and budgets must be presented in U.S. dollars without cents.

Conclusion

The Pax Silica Artificial Intelligence Assistance Project is a major funding initiative designed to strengthen the security, transparency, and resilience of global AI supply chains. By supporting trusted credentialing, provenance tracking, and secure logistics technologies, the program promotes reliable AI infrastructure and international collaboration while advancing secure and compliant technology ecosystems.