U.S.-ROK Alliance on Shipbuilding and Maritime Cooperation

Funding Opportunity Title: U.S.-ROK Alliance on Shipbuilding and Maritime Cooperation

Funding Opportunity Number: PD-SEOUL-FY25-09

Deadline for Applications: Tuesday, September 2, 2025, 11:59 p.m. (GMT+9)

CFDA Number: 19.040 – Public Diplomacy Programs

Type of Funding: FY25 Smith Mundt Public Diplomacy Funds

Total Amount Available: $100,000

Open to ROK Organizations Only. 

This notice is subject to availability of funding.

AL Number, funding type, and other award details may be subject to change prior to finalization.

Executive Summary

The U.S.-Korea Alliance on Shipbuilding and Maritime Cooperation program aims to strengthen bilateral collaboration in the shipbuilding and maritime sectors by addressing critical issues such as supply chain vulnerabilities, regulatory harmonization, market demand dynamics, and technical advancements. Leveraging U.S. and Korea’s robust research infrastructure and expertise, this initiative will establish research working groups composed of experts from academia, government, business, and think tanks. The group will convene monthly for discussions, lectures, workshops, and seminars in both Korea and the United States, bringing together related U.S. and Korean experts to consolidate insights, develop actionable recommendations, and explore opportunities for deeper collaboration. The program will culminate in an international conference in Korea to share findings and foster collaboration. Insights generated will be synthesized into actionable recommendations to inform U.S. and Korean policies, enhance economic security, and identify opportunities for bilateral investment.

Goals and Objectives

Proposals must include an American element or connection with U.S. experts, organizations, or institutions and should clearly explain the applicants’ previous experience running similar programs across the Republic of Korea and the United States.

The U.S.-Korea Alliance on Shipbuilding and Maritime Cooperation seeks to revitalize the shipbuilding and maritime industry network between Korea and the United States. By fostering collaboration among experts from diverse sectors, the program will address shared challenges and opportunities in maritime logistics and shipbuilding.

The primary activities include:

• Monthly Meetings: Internal discussions, lectures, and seminars featuring Korean and U.S. experts.
• Research and Analysis: Focused on supply chain vulnerabilities, regulatory harmonization, market demand dynamics, bilateral investment opportunities, and technical advancements.
• International Conference in Korea: To share findings, foster collaboration, and engage stakeholders from both countries.
• U.S.-ROK Workshop in the United States: Bringing together U.S. and Korean experts for a workshop to consolidate insights, develop actionable recommendations, and explore opportunities for deeper collaboration.
• Written Reports: Submission of actionable advice and information to inform U.S. and Korean policies.

Substantial Involvement:

The U.S. Embassy in Seoul will maintain substantial involvement throughout the planning and implementation of the program to ensure it aligns with U.S. public diplomacy objectives. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Providing input on program structure and content.
• Reviewing and approving participant selection criteria, recruitment materials, and the final participant list.
• Ensuring alignment with broader Embassy priorities and thematic focus areas.

Note: Not mandatory, but you may use the templates provided here:

Proposal Template / Budget Template

All application materials must be submitted by email to [email protected]