RFAs: Data Analytics and AI to Counter Global Diversion Program (US)

The Data Analytics and AI to Counter Global Diversion Program provides funding for organizations developing innovative solutions to strengthen export controls, artificial intelligence (AI)-powered commodity identification, trade data analytics, and industry engagement. With an estimated funding of $5,901,000, the program supports projects that help governments detect export-controlled commodities, analyze proliferation trends, and improve global non-proliferation and strategic trade control systems.

Data Analytics and AI to Counter Global Diversion Program 2026: Funding Opportunity for Export Control Innovation

The Data Analytics and AI to Counter Global Diversion Program is a funding initiative designed to strengthen global export control systems through the use of artificial intelligence, advanced data analytics, digital technologies, and capacity building. The program supports organizations capable of developing innovative tools that improve the detection, monitoring, and prevention of the illegal diversion of export-controlled goods.

As international trade becomes increasingly complex, governments require better analytical tools and modern technologies to identify controlled commodities, detect suspicious trade patterns, and strengthen enforcement efforts. This program addresses those challenges by combining AI-powered technology, trade data analysis, and industry engagement to improve export control implementation worldwide.

What Is the Data Analytics and AI to Counter Global Diversion Program?

The Data Analytics and AI to Counter Global Diversion Program is an international funding opportunity that supports projects focused on improving export control implementation through technology-driven solutions.

The initiative encourages organizations to develop practical tools and training programs that enable export control authorities to analyze trade data more effectively, identify controlled commodities using mobile technologies, and engage regulated industries based on emerging proliferation risks.

Rather than focusing solely on enforcement, the program also emphasizes prevention by strengthening collaboration between governments and industry while improving access to actionable intelligence.

About the Program

Export control systems are designed to regulate the transfer of sensitive goods, technologies, software, and materials that could contribute to weapons proliferation, military applications, or other security risks.

Traditional export control methods often rely on manual processes that can struggle to keep pace with rapidly changing global trade networks. The increasing volume of international trade creates significant challenges for customs authorities and export control agencies responsible for identifying controlled items and detecting suspicious transactions.

The Data Analytics and AI to Counter Global Diversion Program addresses these challenges by promoting modern technologies that improve:

• Trade data analysis
• Artificial intelligence applications
• Commodity identification
• Export control implementation
• Industry outreach
• Risk analysis
• Decision-making
• Capacity building

The program combines technology development with practical training to improve the effectiveness of export control authorities and regulated industries.

Funding Information

The program provides significant financial support for large-scale projects focused on export control innovation.

Estimated Total Program Funding

The estimated total funding available is $5,901,000.

Award Ceiling

The maximum funding available for a single award is $5,901,000.

Funding supports comprehensive projects that combine technology development, training, analytical tools, and stakeholder engagement.

Objectives of the Program

The initiative seeks to strengthen export control implementation through innovation, technology, and international cooperation.

Its objectives include:

• Improve export control implementation.
• Strengthen trade data analysis.
• Develop AI-powered export control tools.
• Support customs and border authorities.
• Improve commodity identification.
• Detect proliferation trends.
• Enhance industry engagement.
• Strengthen strategic trade controls.
• Improve risk-based decision-making.
• Build long-term institutional capacity.

Key Focus Areas

Projects should address one or more of the following priority areas:

• Export controls
• Strategic trade controls
• Artificial intelligence
• Data analytics
• Trade data analysis
• Risk assessment
• Commodity identification
• Smartphone applications
• Digital inspection tools
• Data visualization
• Interactive dashboards
• Capacity building
• Customs modernization
• Border security
• Industry outreach
• Proliferation trend analysis
• Regulatory compliance
• Technology innovation

Three Core Components of the Program

The initiative is structured around three integrated components.

Component 1: Trade Data Analysis and Visualization

Organizations will develop systems that help export control authorities analyze trade data more effectively.

Activities may include:

• Collecting trade data.
• Identifying suspicious trade patterns.
• Creating analytical dashboards.
• Developing visualization tools.
• Building risk indicators.
• Supporting evidence-based decision-making.

These tools help authorities identify potential diversion risks and prioritize enforcement activities.

Component 2: AI-Powered Smartphone Application

The second component focuses on designing, developing, and deploying a smartphone-accessible application that enables frontline officers to identify export-controlled commodities.

The application may include features such as:

• AI-assisted commodity recognition.
• Product identification.
• Export control reference information.
• Search functionality.
• Decision-support tools.
• Mobile accessibility.
• Field inspection support.

The goal is to provide customs officers and inspectors with practical digital tools that improve frontline enforcement.

Component 3: Industry Engagement and Training

Effective export controls require cooperation between governments and regulated industries.

This component focuses on training recipients to:

• Analyze proliferation trends.
• Engage regulated industries proactively.
• Improve compliance awareness.
• Build industry partnerships.
• Strengthen communication strategies.
• Respond quickly to emerging risks.

Training programs should encourage collaborative approaches that improve voluntary compliance while reducing diversion risks.

Why This Program Matters

The increasing complexity of global trade creates new challenges for export control authorities.

Strengthening Global Security

Improved export controls reduce the risk that sensitive technologies fall into the wrong hands.

Modernizing Export Control Systems

Artificial intelligence and data analytics help governments process large volumes of trade information more efficiently than traditional manual approaches.

Supporting Frontline Officers

Mobile applications provide inspectors with real-time information that improves commodity identification during field inspections.

Improving Industry Compliance

Training and engagement help businesses understand export control obligations and identify potential risks before violations occur.

Encouraging Innovation

The initiative promotes practical technological solutions that can improve export control implementation across multiple countries.

Who Is Eligible?

The funding opportunity is open to a broad range of organizations with relevant expertise.

Eligible applicants include:

• Not-for-profit organizations
• Think tanks
• Civil society organizations (CSOs)
• Non-governmental organizations (NGOs)
• Public educational institutions
• Private educational institutions
• Universities
• Research institutions
• For-profit organizations (where permitted)

Applications submitted by for-profit organizations may be subject to additional review following the panel selection process.

Organizations should ideally have experience in:

• Artificial intelligence
• Data science
• Trade analytics
• Export controls
• Strategic trade management
• Customs modernization
• Software development
• Mobile application development
• Capacity building
• International security
• Regulatory compliance

Expected Activities

Supported projects may include:

• Developing AI-powered commodity identification tools.
• Designing smartphone applications.
• Creating trade analysis dashboards.
• Building data visualization platforms.
• Conducting export control training.
• Developing analytical methodologies.
• Supporting customs modernization.
• Training government officials.
• Engaging regulated industries.
• Producing guidance materials and technical resources.

How the Program Works

The funding process generally follows several stages.

Step 1: Funding Opportunity Announcement

Eligible organizations review the official program announcement and application requirements.

Step 2: Proposal Development

Applicants prepare detailed technical proposals describing project objectives, methodologies, technologies, staffing, partnerships, timelines, and expected outcomes.

Step 3: Proposal Submission

Organizations submit complete applications with all required documentation before the deadline.

Step 4: Technical Evaluation

Applications are evaluated based on innovation, technical quality, organizational capacity, implementation feasibility, and expected impact.

Step 5: Award Selection

Successful organizations receive funding to implement approved activities.

Step 6: Project Implementation

Recipients develop technology solutions, deliver training, engage stakeholders, and report project progress throughout the implementation period.

How to Apply

Organizations interested in this opportunity should follow these steps:

Step 1: Review the Official Funding Announcement

Carefully read the eligibility requirements, funding conditions, evaluation criteria, and submission instructions.

Step 2: Confirm Organizational Eligibility

Ensure your organization has relevant expertise in AI, data analytics, export controls, software development, customs modernization, or strategic trade management.

Step 3: Develop a Comprehensive Project Proposal

Your proposal should clearly explain:

• Project objectives
• Technical approach
• AI technologies to be used
• Data analytics methodology
• Software development plan
• Training strategy
• Monitoring and evaluation framework
• Risk management approach
• Expected outcomes

Step 4: Prepare Supporting Documentation

Gather all required documents, including:

• Organizational registration
• Financial documentation
• Previous project experience
• Technical qualifications
• Partnership agreements (if applicable)

Step 5: Submit the Application

Submit the complete application package before the official deadline according to the funding announcement.

Step 6: Participate in the Review Process

Respond promptly to any requests for clarification or additional documentation during the evaluation process.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid the following errors:

• Failing to meet eligibility requirements.
• Submitting incomplete applications.
• Providing weak technical methodologies.
• Presenting unrealistic implementation timelines.
• Missing required supporting documents.
• Failing to explain AI or data analytics approaches.
• Weak monitoring and evaluation plans.
• Limited stakeholder engagement strategies.
• Missing submission deadlines.

Tips for Preparing a Strong Proposal

To improve your chances of success:

• Demonstrate expertise in AI and data analytics.
• Present innovative yet practical technology solutions.
• Include measurable performance indicators.
• Explain software development methodologies clearly.
• Demonstrate experience with export controls or customs systems.
• Include strong monitoring and evaluation frameworks.
• Highlight multidisciplinary partnerships.
• Show how the project will produce sustainable long-term impact.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the Data Analytics and AI to Counter Global Diversion Program?

It is a funding initiative that supports projects using artificial intelligence, data analytics, and technology to strengthen export controls and prevent the diversion of controlled commodities.

2. How much funding is available?

The program has an estimated total funding of $5,901,000, with a maximum award of $5,901,000.

3. Who can apply?

Eligible applicants include not-for-profit organizations, think tanks, NGOs, civil society organizations, public and private educational institutions, universities, and eligible for-profit organizations.

4. What types of projects are supported?

Projects involving trade data analysis, AI-powered commodity identification, smartphone application development, export control training, dashboards, visualization tools, and industry engagement are encouraged.

5. What is the purpose of the smartphone application?

The application is intended to help frontline officers quickly detect and identify export-controlled commodities using a mobile device during inspections and enforcement activities.

6. Why is data analytics important for export controls?

Data analytics enables authorities to identify suspicious trade patterns, assess proliferation risks, prioritize inspections, and make more informed enforcement decisions.

7. What makes a competitive proposal?

Strong proposals combine technical innovation, AI expertise, practical implementation strategies, measurable outcomes, strong partnerships, and clear plans for long-term sustainability.

Conclusion

The Data Analytics and AI to Counter Global Diversion Program represents a significant investment in modernizing global export control systems through artificial intelligence, advanced data analytics, digital tools, and capacity building. By supporting innovative technologies such as AI-powered commodity identification applications, trade analysis dashboards, and industry engagement initiatives, the program helps governments strengthen strategic trade controls and respond more effectively to emerging proliferation risks.

With $5.901 million available in funding, the initiative offers organizations an opportunity to develop practical, technology-driven solutions that improve export control implementation, enhance frontline enforcement, and promote international security. Organizations with expertise in AI, software development, trade analytics, export controls, and customs modernization are encouraged to submit competitive proposals that deliver measurable and sustainable impact.