Digital Cities Innovation Accelerator Small Grant Program

Digital Cities Innovation Accelerator Small Grant Program is sponsored by U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy (CDP). Activates the private sector to deliver novel and innovative solutions to civic challenges in 'Digital Cities'. Projects must address a sub-national public service or infrastructure need and incorporate trusted U.S. digital-based solutions.

CDP prioritizes applications including both U.S. and local organizations from Latin America and the Caribbean. A Digital City uses digital technologies like IoT, AI, cloud computing, and data analytics to improve urban services, promote transparency, accountability, and secure digital systems.

The U.S. State Department’s Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy (CDP) is excited to announce its new Digital Cities’ Innovation Accelerator Small Grant Program. These small grants will activate the private sector to deliver novel and innovative solutions to civic challenges. All projects must address a sub-national public service or infrastructure need AND **incorporate trusted U.S. digital based solutions.

** CDP will prioritize applications that include **both U.S. and local organizations from Latin America and the Caribbean. ** Each small grant will promote the responsible adoption of digital tools, while empowering municipalities to improve their public service delivery. Grants will deploy digital infrastructure and integrate American technology and expertise.

_Note: Any grant deploying technology must be at technology readiness level (TRL) 7 or higher. See the definitions tab for more information. _ **Total available funding**Approximately $1,250,000.

00 USD **Number of awards anticipated:**1 – 6 **Award amounts:**A minimum of $100,000 USD A maximum of $700,000 USD **Deadline for Round 1 Applications:**11:59 EST, March 13 **Round 1 Application Length:**3 Page – Statement of interest **Round 2 Application Length:**10 Page – Request for proposal **Length of performance period:**Maximum 18 months **Cost Share? ****This program does not require cost share.

** _Note: Each applicant may submit only_**_ONE_**_application. If an applicant submits multiple applications, the State Department will only consider the first received application_ _Note: Projects demonstrating strong commercial and technical promise and scalability may be considered for follow-up funding. Additional funding may include collaboration with the United States Trade and Development Agency (USTDA).

Further rounds of funding are subject to the availability of funds. _ To apply, go to the application page tab, and apply via the linked Microsoft form. The application process has **two rounds**.

* In the first round, applicants submit a short statement of interest (SOI), up to three pages. * The Department of State will review these statements and invite a few selected applicants to the second round. * In the second round, the selected applicants will submit a full proposal, up to ten pages.

* Saint Vincent and the Grenadines * U.S.-based non-profit/non-governmental organizations with or without 501(c) (3) status of the U.S. tax code. * Foreign based non-profit organizations/nongovernment organizations (NGO). * Foreign Public Entity (FPE) – foreign governments and their agencies at the local (city/municipal) level.

* Public International Organizations. * Foreign Public Organizations. * U.S.-based private, public, or state institutions of higher education.

* Foreign basedprivate, public, or institutions of higher education. * U.S. based or foreign for-profit institutions. _Note: CDP will not consider applicants who receive funding from countries that support untrusted and/or unsecure telecommunication suppliers.

_ Your proposal must address one or more of the following objectives: * Implement high-impact technology projects, including pilots and validation programs, that advance secure digital infrastructure or public urban services. All proposed solutions must use trusted American technology vendors. Any proposal deploying technology must be at technology readiness level (TRL) 7 or higher.

* You can find the definition of “trusted” vendors in the definitions tab. * Deliver trusted, secure, and transparent solutions that strengthen digital resilience and efficient governance. * Promote trustworthy free-flowing data that concurrently values free-markets, open competition, and mutual economic development.

* Build resilient digital infrastructure and integrate U.S. technology standards abroad. * Foster private-sector partnerships. This can include increasing U.S. technology exports and opening international markets to U.S. companies.

**Project Outcomes (Results):** * Using the objectives outlined above, your project must address one or more of the following outcomes: * Secure sub-national-level digital infrastructure. * Improved capacity to operate and maintain digital solutions for city services * Expanded economic opportunity for both partner nations and U.S. companies. * New partnerships between local stakeholders and U.S. entities.

_Note: All small grants should demonstrate sustained progress that strengthens long-term digital resilience. _ **Application Requirements:** * Provide clear, evidence-based reasoning for choosing their target country or countries.

* Integrate **digital based** solutions and demonstrate how the project **advances secure digital infrastructure, catalyzes economic growth, trusted technology standards,** other urban services, and other relevant objectives. * Show why the selected location offers strong potential for significant, measurable impact. * Take into account existing resources and ongoing initiatives in the target city.

* Address well-documented challenges, gaps in regulatory enforcement, political priorities, or other high-profile factors. * Provide a clear plan on how they will achieve holistic local stakeholder buy-in. * *When applicable*, include maintenance plans for equipment, workforce, and hardware and/or software.

**Additional Eligibility Requirements** * CDP**strongly recommends** foreign applicants collaborate with at least one U.S.–based organization and submit a **combined proposal**. However, for foreign applicants – not having a partner **is not a barrier** to applying.

* If the foreign applicant would like to collaborate with a U.S.- based organization but cannot identify a partner prior to submitting their round 1 statement of interest (SOI), CDP encourages the applicant to still apply. **CDP will assist unmatched applicants** in identifying suitable U.S. partners before round 2.

* If the foreign applicant chooses to not partner with a U.S. -based organization, please **provide a detailed explanation** in the application on how the proposed project will apply and leverage U.S. technology. * CDP **requires all U.S.-based applicants to collaborate** with at least one in-country foreign organization and**submit a combined proposal**.

* If the U.S.-based applicant cannot identify a foreign partner before submitting their round 1 statement of interest (SOI), CDP encourages the applicant to still apply. CDP will assist unmatched applicants in identifying suitable foreign partners before round 2.

**Collaboration Requirements (If the applicant plans to submit a combined proposal):** * CDP does not require any applicants to have a signed memorandum of understanding (MOU) when they submit their round 1 statement of interest (SOI). Signed MOUs will be required for Round 2 submissions. * CDP does not require the prime applicant to be a U.S.-based entity.

CDP will prioritize the most cost-effective joint applications, regardless of whether the prime applicant is a U.S. or foreign-based organization. **Note:**These collaboration recommendations are meant to help applicants—especially local organizations—not limit them. When local knowledge is combined with American technical skills and resources, projects often achieve stronger, longer-lasting results.

See the “How to Write a High-Quality Proposal Tab” for more details. For project topics, topic exclusions, scoring criteria, information on voluntary cost share, and tips on writing a high-quality proposal, please click through the tabs on the left-hand side. **Please review every tab on this website.

If you still have questions, please email Catherine Fox (Program Manager) at**DigitalCities@state. gov**. ** ## Basic Application Information **Deadline:**11:59 EST, March 13, 2026 Please follow all instructions below carefully and use the required templates.

**Proposals that do not meet the requirements of this announcement or fail to comply with the stated requirements will be ineligible. ** * SOI Proposal Template Instructions **Administrative Requirements:** * The proposal can be **maximum 3-pages**(use the mandatory template). * Documents must be fully in English.

* Additional requirements detailed in the Proposal Template **Required Narrative Components:** * A clear statement describing the applicant’s organizational capacity. * Summarize the project, its goals, objectives, major activities, outcomes, and beneficiaries. * Explain how you will leverage any partnerships and achieve holistic local stakeholder buy-in.

* Fill out the summary budget sheet in U.S. dollars. This budget sheet is provided in the required template. Review our full scoring criteria in the “Scoring Criteria” tab.

**Please review every tab on this website. If you still have questions, please email Catherine Fox (Program Manager) at****DigitalCities@state. gov****.

** The project may include activities from the list below. These activities serve only as guidance; they are neither required nor exclusive. **Applicants can propose additional objectives, topics, and/or activities** and should explain their rationale.

This explanation will also demonstrate the applicant’s experience. **Examples of potential topics (not listed in order of importance):** **Increased Commerce – Expanded economic opportunity for both partner nations and U.S. companies. ** * Expanded opportunities for U.S. companies, including pilots that demonstrate and validate U.S. technology solutions.

* Increased U.S. trade and investment linkages through secure digital city projects. * New or expanded digital connectivity programs and partnerships that foster U.S. and other trusted alternatives. * Catalyzed long-lasting urban economic growth driven by secure, rights-respecting digital systems.

**Secure Digital Infrastructure** * Improved city-level digital infrastructure, with a focus on secure and resilient systems, such as: * **Smart ports** that secure maritime trade routes, protect supply chains, and expand opportunities for U.S. exports.

* **Transportation systems,**like including bus systems and **bridges, that safeguard digital networks supporting roads, airports**, and **logistics**, ensuring reliable trade and investment linkages with the United States. * **Digital utilities** (such as energy grids and water systems) that strengthen critical infrastructure resilience while creating markets for U.S. technology solutions.

* **Public safety systems**that deter crime, aid in law enforcement, and assist in managing public safety such as AI-powered video surveillance technologies, smart street lighting, and traffic monitoring and management systems. * Activities in this category may be subject to enhanced scrutiny to ensure U.S. funds are not used to undermine user privacy.

* **Digitization of local government services,**which aims to improve accessibility, efficiency, and transparency for residents. * **Early warning systems**that provide real-time data to city leaders, enabling rapid threat response and reinforcing public safety, digital trust, and resilient governance within urban environments.

* This potential outcome only applies to priority countries with significant U.S. trade and investment linkages, strategic military posts, American tourism, large expatriate communities, active bilateral trade, or high levels of U.S. private sector imports. * Projects that support increased access to public Wi-Fi or 5G and ORAN trials and deployments.

**Promoting Effective Governance and Trusted Vendors** * Strengthened ability to enforce digital policies, regulations, and standards that prioritize trusted vendors * Enhanced collaboration between city ministries, local governments, and trusted vendors from the U.S. private sector. * Increased capacity of city governments to address digital challenges.

Applicants must ensure that project deliverables and timelines are reasonable and achievable. **CDP may provide additional funding in future years, depending on funding availability and the quality of work. **_Projects demonstrating strong commercial and technical promise and scalability may be considered for follow-up funding, subject to availability of funds, working with the United States Trade and Development Agency (USTDA).

_ ## How to make your application stand out * Explain how your project builds on prior efforts and provides value. * Emphasize how your project is scalable (if applicable), and/or will improve _long-term digital resilience and efficiency. _ * Explain how your project will keep making progress even after the grant funding ends (for example, through partnerships, local ownership, or activities that generate continued benefits).

* Focus on activities that can deliver immediate, tangible results with minimal barriers. These results should also mobilize future benefits. **Propose activities that:** * Deliver immediate, tangible results with minimal barriers.

* Target countries where governments are ready to commit resources, adopt policies requiring trusted vendors, or otherwise support implementation. * Build on prior efforts and create momentum for future action. * Equip local stakeholders with the skills and political support to continue progress after the award ends.

* Strengthen existing digital/smart city–related investments that align with the U.S. Administration’s priorities. * Partner with cities that already have access to larger financial resources (e.g., EXIM or U.S. Development Finance Corporation financing). * Create opportunities for U.S. companies by making it easier for them to enter the local economic market.

* Applicants should collaborate with other organizations to: * Pool resources and expand reach. * Bring in different viewpoints and expertise. * Strengthen technical capacity and local knowledge.

* Build credibility with stakeholders and increase chances of long-term success. * If you collaborate, one organization must serve as the lead (“prime”) applicant, with others as sub-awardees. * CDP will prioritize applicants who already have strong relationships in the region and can begin work quickly.

**Other Key Considerations:** * Your proposal must describe your past work and accomplishments. Explain directly how they apply to this award’s implementation. * Your proposal **must** include a dedicated team member for communication **if** your proposal **explicitly**includes marketing elements.

This person must specialize in clear communication of complex digital issues. * Your proposal must include a dedicated interpreter if you plan on doing activities in any language other than English. * Assume the review panel **does not** know your organization.

When you write your proposal, do not rely on your institution’s reputation. Show your strengths and experience with clear evidence. **Why Collaboration Is Recommended:** * The collaboration requirements are designed to **support applicants—especially local organizations—not limit them**.

* Projects that combine **local context** with **American technical expertise** often have more effective, long-lasting results. * Our goal is to ensure all applicants have the **support, networks, and expertise** needed to submit a **high-quality, competitive proposal**. _Reminder: For foreign applicants – Not collaborating_**_is NOT a barrier_**_to applying.

_ **What Past Experience Shows:** * Collaboration keeps proposals aligned with **local needs** while benefiting from **established expertise**. * Many of the strongest projects are led by **in-country organizations** working with a **U.S. partner** that provides: * Research Experience, or * Specialized Digital Skills.

* Past grantees say that partnering with a **well-known U.S. organization** (e.g., Duke University) helped them: * Build political momentum, * Improve stakeholder buy-in, and * Access additional funding after the small grant concludes. ## Scoring Criteria for Both Application Rounds #### Round 1 (SOI) – Scoring Criteria (100 Points Total) **1.

Project Idea – Quality and Feasibility (30 Points)** * The SOI clearly describes the urban challenge and why it matters in the target city. * The proposed objectives and activities directly address the challenge and align with CDP goals: * Secure city-level digital infrastructure. * Increased digital governance and capacity.

* Expanded economic opportunity for both partner nations and U.S. companies. * New partnerships between local stakeholders and U.S. entities. * The objectives, activities, and outcomes appear realistic and achievable within the proposed timeline and resources.

**2. Program Planning and Objectives (25 Points)** * The SOI presents clear goals and objectives. * Proposed activities logically connect to expected results.

* The SOI demonstrates that results could continue to deliver benefits beyond the funding period. **3. Organizational Capacity (20 Points)** * The applicant briefly describes relevant expertise, past performance, and the project team’s skills.

* The organization shows it can manage funds responsibly and implement activities on time. * Local or regional experience is noted where applicable. **4.

Expected Outcomes (Results) (15 Points)** * The SOI outlines expected outcomes and explained how they address local needs. * The SOI shows how outcomes will * Improve municipal efficiency * Maintain or improve resilience against untrusted digital city technology vendors. * Create economic opportunities for both the partner city and U.S. companies.

**5. Budget and Cost Effectiveness (10 Points)** * The basic budget is appropriate for the scope of work and demonstrates good value for money. #### Round 2 (Proposal) – Scoring Criteria (100 Points Total) **1.

Project Idea – Quality and Feasibility (30 Points)** * The SOI clearly describes the urban challenge and why it matters in the target city. * The proposed objectives and activities directly address the challenge and align with CDP goals. * The concept appears realistic and achievable within the proposed timeline and budget.

**2. Program Planning and Objectives (25 Points)** * The SOI presents clear goals and objectives. * Proposed activities logically connect to expected results.

* The SOI demonstrates that results could continue to deliver benefits beyond the funding period. **3. Organizational Capacity (20 Points)** * The applicant briefly describes relevant expertise, past performance, and the project team’s skills.

* The organization shows it can manage funds responsibly and implement activities on time. * Local or regional experience is noted where applicable. * Combined American and local collaboration **4.

Expected Outcomes (Results) (15 Points)** * The SOI outlines outcomes and explains how they address local needs. * The SOI shows how outcomes will * Improve municipal efficiency * Maintain or improve resilience against untrusted digital city technology vendors. * Create economic opportunities for both the partner city and U.S. private sector.

* Maintain sustainability beyond the period of performance. The small grants should have a sustained impact, even after funding is exhausted. **5.

Budget and Cost Effectiveness (10 Points)** * The proposed budget is appropriate for the scope of work and demonstrates good value for money. **Please review every tab on this website. If you still have questions, please email Catherine Fox (Program Manager) at****DigitalCities@state.

gov****. ** **Applicants and projects will not be considered for funding if the following applies:** * Activities that utilize technology and other solutions from untrusted and/or unsecure vendors. See the definitions TAB for more information.

* Entities that receive funding from countries that support untrusted and/or unsecure telecommunication suppliers. * Activities related to abortion, family planning, or reproductive health services. * Projects that promote gender transition, LGBTQI+ advocacy, or related social issues.

* Climate change mitigation, environmental justice or environmental adaptation initiatives. * Projects that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) training or programs. * Human rights or civil society programs not directly tied to digital, or digital city objectives.

* General education, cultural, or arts programs. **Please review every tab on this website. If you still have questions, please email Catherine Fox (Program Manager) at****DigitalCities@state.

gov****. ** To preserve open, interoperable, reliable, and secure networks, all grants must select trustworthy suppliers for cloud service and data center contracts and incorporate risk-based security and rule of law factors in ICT procurement regulations. All grants must ALSO minimize data localization requirements that impede the trusted free flow of data, limit market access, and reduce cybersecurity resources.

**Secure and Trustworthy Suppliers:**Secure and trustworthy means that telecommunications suppliers are from jurisdictions that respect the rule of law and have recourse to an independent judiciary.

**Ineligible suppliers:** Chinese providers whose provision of equipment or services falls under the Federal Acquisition Regulation definition of “covered telecommunications equipment or services,” such as Huawei, Alibaba, Tencent, China Mobile, ZTE, and China Telecom. See FAR 4. 2101 or FAR 52.

204-25(a). * These suppliers are controlled by authoritarian regimes, who can disrupt services, steal information, or manipulate data with insufficient regard for privacy and human rights. * Suppliers like these pose a potent insider threat to critical infrastructure, individual privacy, intellectual property, and national security.

**U.S. private sector exports:** Goods and services that U.S. companies sell to another country. **Bilateral trade:** The exchange of goods and services between two countries. In this program, it refers to trade between the United States and another country.

**TRL level 7:**TRL level 7 or higher signifies that a technology has been demonstrated in an operational environment (TRL 7), completed and qualified through testing (TRL 8), or proven through successful mission operations (TRL 9). At TRL 7 or higher, a technology is considered near, or at, its final operational form and has moved past the prototype and testing phases towards real-world application and deployment.

**Please review every tab on this website. If you still have questions, please email Catherine Fox (Program Manager) at****DigitalCities@state. gov****.

** Providing cost sharing, matching, or cost participation is **not** an eligibility factor or requirement for this program. Providing cost share will not change your application’s score. “Cost-share” is when the applicant covers part of the project’s costs.

Applicants can use their own organization’s funds, partner contributions, or in-kind support instead of relying only on U.S. government funding. Cost-share may include… * **Personnel time:** The applicant organization or a partner pays salaries or wages for staff working on the project. * **Fringe benefits:** The applicant or a partner covers health insurance, retirement contributions, or other benefits tied to personnel time.

* **Travel costs:** The applicant or a partner pays for airfare, lodging, per diem, or local transport not covered by the grant. * **Equipment or supplies:** The applicant or a partner provides computers, software, monitoring equipment, or other materials needed for the project. * **Facilities and administrative support:** The applicant or a partner provides office space, utilities, or other overhead that directly supports the project.

* **Third-party contributions:** Partner organizations, including NGOs, universities, or private sector actors, provide goods, services, or funding. * **Volunteer time:** Individuals contribute documented hours to project activities at no cost to the grant. * **In-kind contributions:** The applicant or partners donate services, meeting space, printing, media airtime, or other non-cash support.

**Key point:** Cost share may be cash or in-kind, but applicants must ensure it is allowable, reasonable, and clearly documented. **Please review every tab on this website. If you still have questions, please email Catherine Fox (Program Manager) at****DigitalCities@state.

gov****. ** Please email all questions to the project manager, Catherine Fox (**DigitalCities@state. gov**).

We will post all questions and their responses on this tab.