CFAs: Artificial Intelligence for American Competitiveness and Economic Security (US)

The AI-ACES Program is inviting applications from eligible organizations to support the secure deployment of American artificial intelligence (AI) technologies across critical infrastructure and strategic economic sectors in South Asia. The program aims to strengthen AI infrastructure, cybersecurity, data governance, workforce development, and responsible AI adoption across three or more South Asian countries.

The initiative supports partnerships between governments, private-sector organizations, academic institutions, and technology experts to promote trusted AI solutions. It focuses on improving digital governance, developing AI skills, strengthening regulatory frameworks, and ensuring the safe use of AI systems.

Overview of the AI-ACES Program

The AI-ACES Program is designed to advance secure and responsible AI adoption in South Asia by supporting organizations that can help partner countries implement advanced AI technologies.

The program focuses on:

Deploying trusted American AI technologies in strategic sectors.
Strengthening AI infrastructure and digital systems.
Improving cybersecurity and data protection practices.
Supporting national AI strategies and governance frameworks.
Developing skilled AI workforces through training and certification.
Building partnerships between governments, industries, and research institutions.

The specific sectors and participating organizations will be identified through consultations with the U.S. Department of State and partner-country governments based on economic priorities and strategic needs.

Why the AI-ACES Program Matters

Artificial intelligence is transforming industries, public services, and economic systems worldwide. However, successful AI adoption requires secure infrastructure, skilled professionals, reliable data systems, and effective governance.

The AI-ACES Program aims to address these challenges by helping South Asian countries:

Adopt secure and reliable AI technologies.
Improve digital resilience and cybersecurity.
Develop local AI expertise and technical capacity.
Create responsible AI policies.
Strengthen international technology partnerships.

The program supports long-term digital transformation while promoting safe and sustainable AI development.

Key Objectives of the AI-ACES Program

The program has two major objectives focused on AI deployment and governance.

Objective 1: Deploy AI Technologies in Strategic Sectors

The first objective focuses on identifying and implementing suitable American AI technologies in strategic sectors across at least three South Asian countries.

Organizations supported under this objective will:

Assess technology requirements in partner countries.
Identify and select appropriate AI solutions.
Support procurement and deployment of AI technologies.
Work with government agencies, infrastructure operators, universities, and businesses.
Develop AI training programs and professional certification pathways.
Identify workforce skill gaps and create solutions.
Promote knowledge sharing through mentorship and partnerships.

The goal is to improve technical capabilities and enable secure AI implementation in important economic and infrastructure sectors.

Objective 2: Strengthen AI Governance and Data Management

The second objective focuses on creating secure policy environments for AI development and reducing risks related to AI misuse.

Activities under this objective include:

Supporting the development of national AI strategies.
Creating responsible AI governance frameworks.
Improving data management and protection systems.
Developing AI policy guidelines.
Strengthening cooperation between governments and technology stakeholders.
Supporting trusted adoption of American AI technologies.

The program will also help countries improve digital governance and establish stronger oversight mechanisms for AI systems.

Program Focus Areas

The AI-ACES Program supports activities related to:

Artificial intelligence technology deployment.
Machine learning applications.
Cybersecurity solutions.
Data governance and digital management.
Secure cloud computing platforms.
AI workforce development.
Technical training and certification.
Digital infrastructure improvement.
AI policy development.
Public-private technology partnerships.

Funding Information

The AI-ACES Program provides financial support for organizations implementing AI-focused initiatives.

Funding details include:

Total estimated funding: USD 2,000,000.
Minimum award amount: USD 2,000,000.
Maximum award amount: USD 5,000,000.

In addition to financial support, selected organizations will receive technical assistance and mentoring to strengthen project implementation.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

U.S.-based nonprofit organizations.
U.S.-based nongovernmental organizations (NGOs).
Foreign-based nonprofit organizations.
Foreign-based NGOs.
For-profit organizations.
Public and private educational institutions.
Public international organizations.
Government institutions.

Applicants must also:

Meet U.S. government funding requirements.
Maintain valid organizational registration where required.
Not appear on exclusion lists in SAM.gov.
Have no outstanding debt to the U.S. Government.

Organizations with experience in AI technology, cybersecurity, digital transformation, international development, or government partnerships are encouraged to apply.

How the AI-ACES Program Works

Selected organizations will support AI development and implementation through several activities:

Identifying AI opportunities in partner countries.
Coordinating with government agencies and stakeholders.
Selecting suitable AI technologies.
Supporting secure AI deployment.
Providing technical training and mentoring.
Developing AI governance approaches.
Strengthening cybersecurity systems.
Monitoring project outcomes.

The program encourages collaboration between technology companies, universities, government institutions, and civil society organizations.

Expected Activities Under the Program

Funded organizations may implement activities such as:

Designing AI workforce training programs.
Creating AI certification pathways.
Supporting AI technology implementation.
Improving data quality and integrity.
Establishing secure cloud infrastructure.
Developing AI governance tools.
Supporting cross-border data agreements.
Strengthening AI monitoring and oversight systems.

These activities will help partner countries develop stronger AI ecosystems and improve their ability to use AI responsibly.

How to Apply for the AI-ACES Program

Applicants should prepare a detailed proposal explaining how they will support secure AI adoption in South Asia.

Applications should include:

Organizational background and experience.
Technical approach and project methodology.
AI deployment strategy.
Partnership and stakeholder engagement plan.
Budget proposal.
Implementation timeline.
Monitoring and evaluation framework.

Applicants should demonstrate:

Technical expertise in AI or digital technologies.
Experience managing international projects.
Ability to work with governments and institutions.
Understanding of cybersecurity and data governance challenges.

Tips for Strong Applications

Applicants should focus on:

Clearly explaining the AI problem they aim to solve.
Demonstrating technical expertise.
Including strong partnerships with local stakeholders.
Providing realistic implementation plans.
Addressing cybersecurity and data protection.
Showing long-term sustainability of project outcomes.

Applicants should avoid:

Submitting incomplete documents.
Providing unclear AI deployment strategies.
Ignoring local capacity-building needs.
Failing to explain data governance approaches.
Proposing technology solutions without sustainability plans.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the AI-ACES Program?

The AI-ACES Program is a funding initiative that supports the secure deployment of American AI technologies across strategic sectors and critical infrastructure in South Asia.

Which regions will the program support?

The program focuses on three or more South Asian countries selected through coordination with partner governments and stakeholders.

What sectors can benefit from AI-ACES support?

The program supports strategic economic sectors and critical infrastructure areas identified through consultations with governments and relevant organizations.

What type of organizations can apply?

Nonprofits, NGOs, educational institutions, government institutions, international organizations, and private-sector organizations are eligible to apply.

How much funding can applicants receive?

Funding awards range from USD 2 million to USD 5 million depending on project scope and requirements.

Does the program support AI training and education?

Yes. The program supports workforce development through AI training, mentorship, certification programs, and technical capacity-building activities.

What are the main goals of AI-ACES?

The main goals are to promote secure AI adoption, strengthen digital governance, improve cybersecurity, and develop AI capabilities across South Asia.

Conclusion

The AI-ACES Program provides an important opportunity for organizations working in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, digital infrastructure, and technology development. Through funding, technical assistance, and international collaboration, the program aims to strengthen secure AI adoption and build sustainable digital ecosystems across South Asia.