Working Together to Combat the Dark Web of Human Trafficking | K NOFO 19 107

Opportunity Information: Apply for K NOFO 19 107

The grant opportunity "Working Together to Combat the Dark Web of Human Trafficking" (Funding Opportunity Number: K NOFO 19 107) is a U.S. Department of State, U.S. Mission to India initiative managed through PAS Kolkata, designed to support a focused, three-day regional conclave hosted at the American Center in Kolkata. The central goal is to bring together a targeted group of roughly 50 to 60 stakeholders from across the Indo-Pacific, specifically including participants from the South Central Asia and East Asia Pacific regions, to coordinate practical, data-driven approaches for identifying and reducing human trafficking that is facilitated through cybercrime and online networks. The project is positioned as both a capacity-building and solution-development effort, emphasizing collaboration across jurisdictions and sectors rather than isolated, country-by-country responses.

The conclave structure is built around three complementary formats: (1) information sharing and real-world case studies to establish a shared understanding of evolving trafficking tactics in digital spaces, (2) workshops highlighting strategies that have proven effective in detection, investigation, disruption, and prevention, and (3) brainstorming and planning sessions aimed at strengthening cooperation across state-level and national-level governments. In other words, the event is meant to move beyond general awareness and into operationally useful knowledge exchange, with an emphasis on how agencies and partners can work together when trafficking networks, payment channels, recruitment pipelines, and online marketplaces cross borders.

A major technical focus of the conclave is understanding and mapping how trafficking-related activity appears in hidden or semi-hidden parts of the internet and across mainstream platforms. The announcement calls out several specific themes: mapping hidden online services directories; monitoring customer data for signals that may indicate exploitation or trafficking-related transactions; monitoring social sites where recruitment, grooming, advertising, or coordination may occur; monitoring hidden services (often associated with dark web infrastructure); applying semantic analysis to detect meaning and patterns across large volumes of text and postings; and profiling marketplaces to understand how illicit services are marketed, sold, and moved. These themes point to a strong interest in analytic methods and cyber investigative approaches that can support earlier detection and more effective disruption.

Alongside the investigative and analytic elements, the conclave has a second major emphasis: strengthening cyber technology capabilities while also increasing public and stakeholder awareness about responsible use of technology and social media. The opportunity explicitly recognizes the role of technology companies and developers, noting that platforms and network operators are often in a position to build innovative tools to detect and disrupt trafficking activity on their services. It also highlights that research and practical tools in this area are still developing, suggesting the event aims to encourage more proactive engagement by the private sector, including stronger technical interventions and more structured collaboration with government and law enforcement.

The workshop is designed to conclude with a public-facing component: a presentation by conclave participants aimed at civil society organizations and private enterprises. The intent is to translate what is discussed behind closed doors into concrete guidance on how non-government actors can collaborate with government and law enforcement, whether that involves reporting pathways, data-sharing concepts, corporate policies, prevention and awareness campaigns, or technical partnerships. This public session is also meant to broaden buy-in and help ensure that the solutions discussed are not limited to enforcement agencies alone, since prevention, victim protection, and community awareness are critical parts of an effective anti-trafficking response.

The project is described as building on existing work in the region, specifically referencing a December 2018 conference organized by the West Bengal Commission for the Protection of Child Rights on the sexual exploitation of children in the digital era. By linking to that prior convening, the grant frames this conclave as a continuation and expansion of partnerships and public engagement, with the added push toward data-driven solutions and cross-border coordination. The overall approach combines regional networking, practical training, and solution design to better address online-enabled trafficking and exploitation.

The award also includes a clear post-conclave deliverable: after the three-day event, the grantee must host informational sessions in at least five public venues to raise awareness about online human trafficking and promote responsible use of social media. This requirement shows that the grant is not only about professional stakeholders but also about extending the impact into the broader community, reinforcing prevention messages, and helping the public recognize and respond to online risks. These outreach sessions function as a multiplier, ensuring the effort does not end when the conclave closes.

From an administrative standpoint, this is a discretionary grant under the Funding Activity Category of Education (CFDA Number 19.040). Eligible applicants include public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, private institutions of higher education, and nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status (other than institutions of higher education). The opportunity was created on June 11, 2019, with an original closing date of July 15, 2019. The program anticipated a single award, with a funding ceiling of $70,000, indicating a focused project with a defined scope centered on organizing the conclave and executing the required public outreach sessions afterward.

• The Department of State, U.S. Mission to India in the education sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Working Together to Combat the Dark Web of Human Trafficking" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 19.040.
• This funding opportunity was created on Jun 11, 2019.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Jul 15, 2019. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $70,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Private institutions of higher education.

Apply for K NOFO 19 107

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