Description
The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs, in partnership with the U.S. Embassy in Tunis, is seeking a single awardee to lead a commercial‑diplomacy program that safeguards U.S. critical mineral (phosphate) supply chains in Tunisia. The cooperative agreement (or grant) will fund private‑sector‑led investment, downstream processing optimization, and trade‑link development over an 18‑ to 24‑month performance period. Eligible applicants include U.S. and U.S.-aligned for‑profit firms, NGOs, universities, and international organizations, and they may submit joint proposals or form consortia with Tunisian partners. Funding ranges from $1 M to $1.54 M, with a floor of $1 M. The award aims to mobilize >$100 M of U.S. private capital, secure 30‑40% U.S. equity stakes, and generate U.S. equipment exports and jobs. Applicants must submit via MyGrants by 11:59 PM ET on 2 Sep 2026; unsuccessful applicants will be notified by 1 Oct 2026.
• Focus on transparent, private‑sector investment in Tunisian phosphate development
• Optimize downstream mineral processing to meet international standards
• Build trade and investment links between U.S. partners and Tunisia
• Eligible to form consortia, include Tunisian sub‑recipients, and propose technical, legal, regulatory, and financing activities
• Funding instrument: grant, fixed‑amount award, or cooperative agreement (to be determined)
• Performance period: 18–24 months, with aspirational targets for capital mobilization and job creation