The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy (CDP) announced the ProCON Global funding opportunity, with a total of $10 million available for one cooperative agreement aimed at promoting secure and trusted undersea cable systems globally through improved technical assistance and best practices. The funding is open to U.S.-based non-profit and for-profit organizations, with a deadline for applications set for July 15, 2024. ProCON Global aims to educate policymakers, regulators, and technology firms about risks associated with using untrusted vendors for undersea cable networks and to encourage the adoption of trusted suppliers. Key project goals include enhancing international cooperation, promoting economic growth, and supporting a reliable internet infrastructure. The project will operate for 24 months, implementing national and regional capacity-building workshops and establishing an incubator for capital and operating expenditures. The initiative aligns with U.S. strategic interests in cyber and digital policy, seeking to uphold democratic values while expanding connectivity and safeguarding economic interests. The application's merit will be assessed on design quality, organizational capacity, planning ability, and sustainability.

The Budget Narrative Template provides a structured approach for applicants seeking federal grants or responding to RFPs. It outlines the necessity for detailed justifications for each budget line item, including personnel, fringe benefits, travel, equipment, supplies, contractual costs, construction, and other direct costs. Each cost must correlate with the program’s objectives and be identified with either requested federal funds or cost-share contributions. The document emphasizes the importance of clarifying staff roles, salary allocations, and the relationship of costs to project activities. Specific instructions require subawards to be addressed individually, with a recommendation to maintain alignment between the Budget Narrative and Detailed Budget for easier review. Additional guidance refers applicants to specific sections of the Notice of Funding Opportunity for content and submission requirements. Overall, this template serves as a comprehensive guideline to ensure transparency and accuracy in budget proposals within the context of governmental funding applications.