Pax Silica Artificial Intelligence Assistance Project
🏛 Bureau of Economic and Business Affairs
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Jul 17, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for organizations working to strengthen global AI supply chain security. Eligible applicants likely include U.S. businesses, technology firms, and supply chain operators with expertise in cryptography, logistics, or AI risk assessment. The project supports establishing a "Silicon Highway"—a digital-physical corridor for secure AI component trade among partner countries. Activities include building credentialing platforms, implementing cargo verification systems, and developing expedited compliance processing. Geographic focus is on partner countries and economies outside the United States.
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Program description
Leveraging foreign assistance from the Pax Fund, this NOFO launches the Pax Silica Artificial Intelligence (AI) Assistance Project—a historic first-of-its-kind programmatic initiative to strengthen global AI supply chain security by creating a trusted supply chain credentialing and provenance platform to secure the AI supply chain in partner countries and economies. This NOFO seeks to fund the establishment of a Silicon Highway: a digital-physical corridor that accelerates logistics and compliance operations among partner countries with cryptographic cargo verification, AI-expedited risk assessment, and pre-approved expedited processing early in the supply chain. The Department maintains its rights of use to intangible property created under this project per 2 CFR 200.315.
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- Standard SF-424 forms (likely required for State Department grants)
- Project narrative describing supply chain platform approach
- Budget and budget narrative
- Organizational capacity documentation
- Evidence of international partnerships or partner country relationships
Program contact
- 👤 Bureau of Economic and Business Affairs
- 📞 202-890-9795
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 19.322 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
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$13,799,998
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$3,106,476
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$2,000,000
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$2,000,000
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$1,775,700
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$1,490,989
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$768,045
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$498,699
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$450,000
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$400,000
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
FAQ
Who is eligible to apply for this grant?
The grant targets organizations working on AI supply chain security. Specific eligibility details are not provided in the NOFO; contact the Bureau of Economic and Business Affairs directly.
What is the funding range?
Awards range from $1,000,000 to $50,000,000. This is a large grant designed for significant infrastructure or platform development.
What activities does this grant support?
The project funds establishment of secure supply chain platforms, cryptographic cargo verification systems, AI-based risk assessment, and expedited compliance processing for AI components.
Is cost-sharing required?
No, cost-sharing is not a requirement for this grant.
When is the deadline?
The deadline is August 20, 2026. This is a fixed deadline, not rolling.
💡 Tips for applicants
- This is a highly specialized grant focused on AI supply chain infrastructure. Align your proposal directly with "Silicon Highway" corridor goals and cryptographic verification systems.
- The Department retains rights to intangible property created under this project. Review 2 CFR 200.315 carefully before applying.
- Large awards ($1M-$50M) suggest this is intended for established organizations or consortia. Consider partnering if you lack infrastructure experience.
- Emphasize international partnerships and work with partner countries. The focus is global AI supply chain security, not domestic operations.
- The cooperative agreement structure means ongoing collaboration with the Department. Be prepared for active government engagement throughout the project.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Ignoring the Department's retained rights to intangible property; this changes typical intellectual property terms. Focusing on domestic supply chain issues instead of international partner country solutions. Underestimating the technical complexity of cryptographic systems and AI-based risk assessment platforms.
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