Trade & Sanctions

ROK Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund 2026 ($5k-$35k Awards)

The U.S. Mission to South Korea announced the Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF 2026), a $70,000 discretionary grant program supporting alumni-led projects that celebrate the 250th anniversary of U.S. founding (Freedom 250) and strengthen U.S.-ROK ties. Applications range from $5,000 to $35,000, with a May 4, 2026 deadline. Eligible applicants include nonprofits, educational institutions, individuals, and public international organizations, all requiring at least two alumni of U.S. government exchange programs per team.

NAWCA 2026 US Small Grants, $1k-$250k

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has posted the NAWCA 2026 U.S. Small Grants funding opportunity under Assistance Listing 15.623 (North American Wetlands Conservation Fund). The program provides competitive grants of $1,000 to $250,000 to protect, improve, and restore wetland ecosystems and associated habitats for migratory birds and wildlife. Applications close June 25, 2026, and require a 1:1 non-federal match. Eligible applicants include tribal governments, nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status, educational institutions, small businesses, and individuals.

Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF) 2026 Grant Opportunity

The U.S. Department of State's U.S. Mission to Micronesia announces the Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF) 2026 grant, providing $5,000 to $35,000 for exchange program alumni to implement projects supporting U.S. policy objectives. Applications close May 17, 2026. Projects must align with the 250th anniversary of American independence and one of five priority areas: professional development, entrepreneurship, educational outreach, civic engagement, or cultural and sports engagement.

CCAMPIS Grant 2026: $150K–$1M Campus Child Care for Low-Income Students

The Office of Postsecondary Education announced the CCAMPIS 2026 grant opportunity, making approximately $73.5 million in competitive 4-year grants available to institutions of higher education. Awards range from $150,000 to $1,000,000 per institution, with applications due May 29, 2026. No cost sharing or matching is required.

FY25-26 Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail Grants - Northeast Corridor (up to $4.75B)

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has posted a discretionary grant opportunity under the Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail Program (Partnership-NEC), offering up to $4.75 billion in total program funding for eligible projects on the Northeast Corridor. Eligible applicants include state governments, Amtrak, interstate compacts, public agencies, political subdivisions, and federally recognized Indian tribes. Applications close May 5, 2026.

Madagascar Launches Safeguard Investigation on Certain Plastic Tableware, Kitchenware and Household Articles

Madagascar notified the WTO Committee on Safeguards on 17 April 2026 that it initiated a safeguard investigation on 15 April 2026 on imports of certain tableware, kitchenware, and household and packaging articles of plastics. The investigation authority is the ANMCC (Agence Nationale des Mise en Conformité) located in Antananarivo. Interested parties must register with ANMCC and submit questionnaire responses by 15 May 2026 and 29 May 2026 respectively.

Madagascar Initiates Safeguard Investigation on Certain Juices, Nectars and Non-Alcoholic Beverages

The WTO Committee on Safeguards received notification from Madagascar on 17 April 2026 that it initiated a safeguard investigation on 15 April 2026 concerning imports of certain unfermented fruit juices, nectars, and non-alcoholic fruit-flavoured beverages. The investigation seeks to determine whether increased imports are causing or threatening serious injury to Madagascar's domestic juice industry. Interested parties must register with Madagascar's investigating authority (ANMCC) by 15 May 2026 and submit questionnaire responses by 29 May 2026.

PEPFAR Transition-Year Baseline Data Release

The State Department released PEPFAR transition-year baseline data for Q3 2025 (July–September), covering the initial absorption of USAID PEPFAR programming into the Department. Programs provided antiretroviral treatment to 20.6 million people living with HIV across more than 50 countries. The data also shows declining pediatric HIV treatment numbers (508,703 in 2025, down from 643,627 in 2022) and declining positive HIV tests (1,136,488 in 2025, down from 1,693,349 in 2022), reflecting progress in preventing mother-to-child transmission.

Deputy Secretary Landau Meets Madagascar PM on Trade, Rare Earths

Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau met with Malagasy Prime Minister Mamitiana Rajaonarison on April 20, 2026. The discussion focused on advancing trade and investment opportunities, specifically the Vara Mada rare earths mine, and future cooperation to secure strategic supply chains for the United States while providing jobs, revenue, and infrastructure for Madagascar.

PEPFAR Q3 2025 Program Data Released on Spotlight Platform

The U.S. Department of State released PEPFAR program data on the Spotlight platform and PEPFAR website covering Q3 2025 (July 1 – September 30, 2025). The report serves as a transition-year baseline following the absorption of USAID PEPFAR programming to the Department of State. Key figures include 20.6 million people on antiretroviral (ARV) treatment across more than 50 countries (stable year-over-year), 103,000 pregnant and breastfeeding women initiated on pre-exposure prophylaxis (more than double the 43,000 from a year prior), and 3 million people now receiving treatment from national governments rather than external PEPFAR implementers. The Department states it cut overall spending by 30 percent while preserving frontline HIV care.

Latvia Signs Artemis Accords as 62nd Signatory

The Department of State announced that Latvia signed the Artemis Accords on April 20, 2026, becoming the 62nd country to join the international space exploration framework. Latvia's Minister of Education and Science Dace Melbārde signed the Accords at a ceremony at NASA Headquarters witnessed by Under Secretary Jacob Helberg and NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman. The Artemis Accords, established by the United States and seven other nations in 2020, set practical principles for peaceful and responsible space exploration.

Facilitating U.S. Business Investment for Caribbean Port Development

The U.S. Department of State convened a roundtable with U.S. maritime industry leaders and Caribbean port authorities on April 20, 2026, to advance commercial diplomacy and support Caribbean port infrastructure development. The State Department announced $10 million in programming through the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative to support resilient port infrastructure in the region. The event did not create any new compliance obligations or binding regulatory requirements for external parties.

Countering Transnational Terrorism Forum Fifth Meeting Targets Iran

The U.S. Departments of State and Justice convened the fifth Countering Transnational Terrorism Forum at ILEA Budapest on April 14-15, 2026. Thirty-five governments participated in the forum targeting IRGC and MOIS activities and their proxies. Participants shared actionable strategies including curbing terrorist travel, screening visas, pursuing prosecutions, and imposing sanctions and designations.

Israel Export Control Licensing Data, February 2026

The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) Export Control Joint Unit published an ad hoc management information release providing Israel-specific export licensing data as of 28 February 2026. The release shows 395 non-suspended extant licences, up from 347 as of 31 July 2025, with a total value of £303 million. Of these, 203 licences cover military goods including SIEL (168), OIEL (27), and OITCL (6). The publication continues DBT's policy, announced to Parliament in September 2024, of not issuing licences where items might be used in military operations in Gaza, subject to F-35 Programme provisions.

MoD RFI: Semi-Permanent Accommodation for Royal Navy, Outer Hebrides

The Royal Navy (MoD) has published an open early engagement notice seeking industry options for semi-permanent accommodation solutions at MoD Range in the Outer Hebrides. The RFI covers housing for 70 individuals in prefabricated buildings, containerised pod solutions, or other novel options, with a minimum 10-year operational lifetime. Responses are invited by 18 May 2026. The contract is identified as suitable for SMEs and VCSEs.

Prior Information Notice: Digitising Payments Out of DVLA

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) has published a Prior Information Notice seeking early market engagement on a project to digitise its payments-out processes. Currently DVLA issues approximately 221,406 individual payable orders annually with a net value of approximately £14.8 million, processed through paper-based invoices. The agency is exploring solutions to digitalise payment movements, reduce payable orders, and improve invoice management while complying with HM Treasury guidance on Managing Public Money. Responses are requested by 5pm on 13 May 2026.

Christmas Lights Installation and Maintenance Services

Broseley Town Council published a contract notice seeking suppliers for Christmas lights installation, maintenance, and dismantling services for the 2026 festive season. The contract, valued at £0, requires works to begin 1 November 2026 with a switch-on date of 28 November 2026 and dismantling by 12 January 2027. The competitive quotation procedure is open to contractors specialising in public lighting installations.

Woolwich PolyMAT Replacement Astroturf Contract, Closing 22 May

Woolwich PolyMAT published a contract opportunity notice on Contracts Finder for the removal and replacement of an all-weather pitch (astroturf) at its facility in Woolwich, London (SE28 8AT). Tenders are invited via MultiQuote portal under an open procedure. The contract has a value of £0 (likely zero-value framework or estimated), closing date of 22 May 2026 at 12pm, with work scheduled from 20 July 2026 to 28 August 2026.

FM Tender - Co-op Academy Trust - 3 Manchester Schools

Co-op Academy Trust (Central Trust, Manchester) has published an open tender for facilities management services covering three schools: Co-op Academy Nightingale, Co-op Academy Woodlands, and Co-op Academy New Islington. The contract runs from 1 September 2026 to 31 August 2029 with a closing date of 22 May 2026 at 12pm. The procurement is conducted via MultiQuote under an open procedure and is suitable for SMEs but not VCSEs.

3G Pitch Installation at Co-op Academy Swinton

Co-op Academy Swinton has published a contract opportunity for the installation of an 11v11 3G Pitch at its Salford location. The procurement uses an open procedure, allowing any interested supplier to submit a tender. The contract runs from 1 August 2026 to 30 November 2026, with a closing date of 29 May 2026 at 12pm. The notice indicates the contract is suitable for SMEs but not VCSEs.

Royal Navy Seeks Low-Cost Fixed-Wing UAS for Naval Target Exercises

The Royal Navy has published an open early engagement notice seeking industry information on low-cost fixed-wing Class II Unmanned Aerial Systems for use as mobile targets in naval exercises. The notice, published 20 April 2026, closes 5 May 2026 and is open to SMEs and VCSEs. The goal is to assess available specifications to expedite Royal Navy trials and experimentation.

Falmouth Exeter Plus Cleaning Consumables Supply Contract £90,000

Falmouth Exeter Plus (FX Plus) has published an open tender for a three-year supply contract for cleaning consumables and associated products across its Penryn and Falmouth campuses in Cornwall. The contract is valued at £90,000 with a closing date of 22 May 2026 and a planned start date of 29 June 2026. The procurement is structured as an open procedure, making it available to any interested supplier, and is suitable for SMEs and VCSEs.

Mobile Passport Control Expands to Four Washington State Pedestrian Crossings

CBP announced on April 20, 2026 the expansion of Mobile Passport Control (MPC) to four land border pedestrian crossings in Washington state: Blaine Peace Arch, Blaine Pacific Highway, Lynden-Aldergrove, and Sumas ports of entry. The MPC mobile app allows eligible travelers to submit passport and travel information in advance, expediting CBP processing upon arrival. With this expansion, MPC is now available at 60 locations nationwide, including 35 U.S. international airports, 14 Preclearance airport locations, four seaports, and four land border pedestrian crossings.

GSA and OPM to Co-Locate; Headquarters Renovation Planned

GSA announced it will temporarily relocate its headquarters to the Theodore Roosevelt Federal Building (TRB) in July 2026 to co-locate with OPM during renovation of its 1800 F Street NW facility. The combined GSA-OPM headquarters is scheduled to open at 1800 F Street in December 2028, after which GSA will pursue accelerated disposition of the TRB property.

IIDS Funding Opportunity for Intelligent Interactive Dynamic Systems Research

The National Science Foundation (NSF) has published a funding opportunity for the Intelligent Interactive Dynamic Systems (IIDS) program under the Directorate for Engineering (ENG) and Division of Civil, Mechanical and Manufacturing Innovation (CMMI). The program supports fundamental research on intelligent dynamic systems that interact with people, including modeling, simulation, analysis, inference, and control methodologies.

NSF PFE Professional Formation of Engineers Funding Opportunity PD 26-1341

The National Science Foundation (NSF) Directorate for Engineering (ENG) and Division of Engineering Education and Centers (EEC) announce the Professional Formation of Engineers (PFE) initiative, Program Director PD 26-1341. PFE funds research and education projects aimed at developing the nation's engineering workforce through formal and informal training in classroom, maker-space, workplace, and co-curricular settings. Full proposals are accepted on an ongoing basis via Research.gov or Grants.gov using standard NSF proposal preparation guidelines.

ENGINEER:OC Funding for Organizational Change Research

The NSF Directorate for Engineering (ENG) and Division of Engineering Education and Centers (ENG/EEC) announced the ENGINEER:OC funding opportunity supporting research on organizational change in the professional formation of engineers. The program funds two types of projects: innovation projects developing new cultural or curricular innovations, and adaptation/implementation projects adapting existing models to new contexts. Full proposals are accepted anytime through Research.gov or Grants.gov under PD 26-1342.

Engineering for the Built Environment Research Grants

The National Science Foundation (NSF) Engineering for the Built Environment (EBE) program continues to support fundamental research on civil infrastructure and infrastructure systems, spanning materials to global networks. The program aims to enhance the adaptability, sustainability, and resilience of the built environment across urban, suburban, and rural communities under various operating conditions including hazards and extreme events.

NIH Rescinds TABA SBIR/STTR Funding Notice

The National Institutes of Health Office of the Director has issued Notice NOT-OD-26-076, rescinding prior Notice NOT-OD-24-077 which addressed Technical and Business Assistance (TABA) funding that may be added to SBIR/STTR awards by administrative supplement. The rescission is effective immediately. HHS Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer recipients and applicants are directed to consult Notice NOT-OD-26-075 for current policy guidance on discretionary technical and business assistance.

NIH Rescinds Indirect Cost Flexibilities Under 2 CFR 200 for FY2026

NIH has rescinded two indirect cost flexibilities introduced under NOT-OD-25-059, citing statutory constraints in the Consolidated Appropriations Act for FY 2026 (P.L. 119-75). The rescinded provisions are the Modified Total Direct Cost Definition under 2 CFR 200.1 and the De Minimis Indirect Rate under 2 CFR 200.414(f). These flexibilities will not apply to NIH awards at this time because 45 CFR 75 indirect cost provisions remain controlling by statute.

HHS Limits SBIR/STTR Applications Per Small Business Concern to Nine Per Fiscal Year

HHS has implemented a new policy under the Small Business Innovation and Economic Security Act limiting the number of SBIR and STTR applications a Small Business Concern, including its affiliates, may submit across HHS per fiscal year. The maximum is nine applications per Small Business Concern per fiscal year, encompassing grants, cooperative agreements, and contract proposals. This policy applies to all SBIR and STTR activity codes for applications with due dates on or after April 13, 2026.

SBIR and STTR Discretionary Technical and Business Assistance Policy Update

The NIH has updated its Technical and Business Assistance (TABA) policy for Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) recipients. The updated policy, enacted pursuant to the Small Business Innovation and Economic Security Act signed April 13, 2026, establishes new funding caps of $6,500 per Phase I project and $50,000 per Phase II project. Recipients must include TABA requests in their applications via the B.440 SBIR/STTR Information Form and label costs as 'Technical Assistance' on direct cost lines with detailed budget justifications.

NIH Updates SBIR STTR Foreign Disclosure and Risk Management Policy

The National Institutes of Health has issued policy changes to the SBIR and STTR Foreign Disclosure and Risk Management program, reflecting amendments enacted under the Small Business Innovation and Economic Security Act (signed April 13, 2026). The new policy introduces a formal covered individual definition, expands due diligence requirements covering cybersecurity practices, patent analysis, employee analysis, foreign ownership, and foreign affiliations, and codifies denial-of-award criteria including connections to specified sanctions and entity lists. Post-award, awardees must submit updated disclosure forms within 30 days of any change in ownership, entity structure, covered individual, or other substantive change in circumstance.

CBP Officers Seize $1M Cocaine from Bus at Hidalgo International Bridge

CBP officers at the Hidalgo Port of Entry seized 78 pounds of suspected cocaine with an estimated street value of $1,042,034 during a secondary inspection of a commercial bus on April 11, 2026. The narcotics were hidden within the seats of the bus in 36 packages. CBP seized both the narcotics and the vehicle, with Homeland Security Investigations now leading the investigation.

CBP Fort Lauderdale Seizes Over 8,500 Counterfeit Designer Perfumes Valued at Over $1 Million

CBP officers at Port Everglades, Florida seized 8,500 counterfeit designer perfumes including Gucci, Burberry, Armani, and Lancome brands. The shipment originated from Singapore and was destined for Miami. The perfumes were appraised at $1,010,940 Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price had they been genuine. CBP determined the goods were counterfeit on April 2, 2026, pursuant to CBP's statutory and regulatory authorities.

CBP Officers Seize $1.15M Cocaine from Trusted Traveler at San Ysidro

CBP officers at San Ysidro Port of Entry seized 60.14 pounds of cocaine (valued at over $1.15 million) concealed within a vehicle driven by a SENTRI program participant. A 25-year-old U.S. citizen driver was referred for secondary inspection after non-intrusive imaging and canine detection revealed packages hidden in the vehicle doors. Officers arrested the driver, who faces federal prosecution for narcotics importation and smuggling.

TradeStation Settles OFAC Sanctions Violations for $1.1M Over Geo-Blocking Control Failures

OFAC announced a settlement with TradeStation Securities on March 17, 2026, requiring the brokerage firm to remit $1,110,661 to resolve claims that it provided investment services to customers in Iran, Syria, and Crimea. The apparent violations stemmed from approximately 500 trades totaling roughly $4.4 million executed during periods when geo-blocking controls were ineffective. OFAC identified two root causes: technical failures of geo-blocking controls following a 2018 software upgrade and a 2021 configuration lapse, combined with TradeStation's failure to test or validate the controls after late 2021.

New DOJ Fraud Division to Prioritize Trade, Tariff Fraud

The U.S. Department of Justice has reorganized its Fraud Division to prioritize trade and tariff fraud enforcement. The restructuring signals increased federal attention to trade-related fraud schemes. Compliance officers should monitor developments as this reorganization may signal more aggressive enforcement in the trade compliance space.

CAPE Process Launches April 20 for Tariff Refunds

U.S. Customs and Border Protection will launch the CAPE (Consolidated Administration and Processing of Entries) administrative process through the ACE platform on April 20, 2026, allowing importers of record to claim refunds for IEEPA-based tariffs deemed unlawful by the Supreme Court. With an estimated $170 billion at stake and over 300,000 importers affected, CBP anticipates releasing funds within 60-90 days of filing for eligible entries in Phase 1. Only importers of record may submit declarations; customers who indirectly paid duties are not eligible under the current process.

Section 232 Tariffs Revised, IEEPA Refund Process Begins

President Trump revised Section 232 tariffs on steel, aluminum and copper via an April 2, 2026 proclamation, changing rates to 50% for items entirely or almost entirely of these metals and 25% for derivative products, with a new methodology requiring valuation based on the entire imported product rather than just metal content. CBP has now activated Phase 1 of the Consolidated Administration and Processing of Entries (CAPE) system in the ACE Portal for importers to claim refunds of IEEPA tariffs struck down by the Supreme Court, with eligibility limited to unliquidated entries and entries liquidated within 80 days of the CAPE filing date.

£6M Void Property Cleaning Framework, North Wales, 8 Suppliers

Adra (Tai) Cyf has awarded a Void Property Cleaning & Clearance Framework valued at £6,000,000 including VAT across six geographical lots covering North Wales. Eight suppliers have been appointed to the framework, which runs from 11 May 2026 to 10 May 2030 (4 years). The standstill period ends on 29 April 2026.

Rossendale Council Seeks Community Grants Provider, £36k, 4-Year

Rossendale Borough Council has published a tender notice seeking a Community Grants Service Provider for its Pride in Place Programme covering Rawtenstall, Waterfoot and Crawshawbooth. The contract is valued at £30,000 excluding VAT (£36,000 including VAT) over four years (19 June 2026 to 31 March 2030). Bidders must submit proposals electronically by 11 May 2026, 12:00pm.

Entrepreneur in Residence Contract - Leeds Trinity University Awards £45,000 to Leading Cyber Limited

Leeds Trinity University has awarded a £45,000 contract to Leading Cyber Limited for an Entrepreneur in Residence programme. The contract runs from 13 April 2026 to 31 July 2028. The procurement was conducted using a below-threshold procedure without competition under the Procurement Act 2023.

Gloucestershire NHS Trust Awards £28.3K Getinge Consumables Contract via Direct Award

Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has awarded a one-year contract to Getinge Limited for the supply of medical consumables (CPV 33140000) valued at £23,604.09 excluding VAT (£28,324.91 including VAT). The contract runs from 22 March 2026 to 21 March 2027. The procurement was conducted as a below-threshold direct award under the Procurement Act 2023 through a catalogue-based arrangement, used to transition expenditure from off-contract to on-contract spend.

Health Inequalities Project: Dementia Support Service, Birmingham, £140,000

Birmingham & Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust (BSMHFT) has published a Prior Information Notice (PIN) for a 2-year Health Inequalities Project: Dementia Support Service valued at £140,000 excluding VAT. The procurement will follow a Most Suitable Provider process under the Provider Selection Regime (PSR), governed by the Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023. Interested providers must submit applications via Appendix B to bsmhft.primarycaredementiapathway@nhs.net by 12:00 noon on 5 May 2026.

JNCC Seabird Flight Height Laser Rangefinder Data Tender

JNCC Support Co has published a tender notice for the production of Manx Shearwater and European storm petrel flight height distributions from laser rangefinder data collected at sea. The contract has an estimated value of £28,000 excluding VAT (£33,600 including VAT) and is open to small and medium-sized enterprises. Bids must be submitted electronically by 15 May 2026, 2:00pm.

Creative Skills Programme for Young People in Rawtenstall, Waterfoot and Crawshawbooth

Rossendale Borough Council has published a below-threshold tender notice seeking a lead delivery partner for an inclusive Creative Skills Programme for young people in Rawtenstall, Waterfoot, and Crawshawbooth. The estimated contract value is £107,400 including VAT over a four-year period from 1 June 2026 to 31 March 2030. Tenders must be submitted electronically by 11 May 2026, 12:00pm. Participation is open to all suitably experienced suppliers, with particular suitability for SMEs and VCSEs.

Independent Professional Advocacy Services for Children and Young People - Contract Award £1.47M

Powys County Council has awarded a contract for Independent Professional Advocacy Services for Children and Young People to a single provider across 4 lots covering the Mid and West Wales region. The contract, valued at approximately £1.47M including Lot 1 at £1,365,416, Lot 2 at £40,000, and Lot 3 at £48,356, runs for 3 years from 21 April 2026 with a possible 1-year extension. The procurement was conducted under the Light Touch Regime of the Procurement Act 2023 and the Procurement (Wales) Regulations 2024.

£94.2M Domestic Gas Boiler Services Framework — 3 Lots, Islington

Islington Council has published a preliminary market engagement notice under the Procurement Act 2023 for a £94.2M (including VAT) framework to deliver domestic gas boiler servicing, repairs, and installations across its housing stock. The framework is structured in three lots: North borough, South borough, and a borough-wide installation lot, covering approximately 11,500–23,000 residential properties over five years (June 2027–May 2030, with a possible extension to 2032). Suppliers are invited to complete a questionnaire by 11 May 2026 ahead of the estimated formal tender publication on 3 August 2026.

YPO Critical Incident Management Software DPS Contract Change Notice

YPO has issued a contract change notice (F14) for its Critical Incident Management and Public Safety Software Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS), originally published under notice 2023/S 000-031703. The notice corrects multiple administrative details including telephone number updates, procurement portal URL changes, terminology corrections ('Price' to 'Cost'), and significant date adjustments to the contract period. The DPS contract period is shortened from a maximum of 10 years to a maximum of 5 years, with the end date moved from January 2034 to February 2029.