Legal Competency and Training Program in Southeast Asia and the Pacific

The Legal Competency and Training Program in Southeast Asia and the Pacific aims to enhance the legal expertise of government officials from Southeast Asian and Pacific Islands nations in public international law, with a strong emphasis on the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and maritime boundary treaty negotiations. The initiative focuses on building the capacity of policymakers, legal experts, negotiators, and other relevant stakeholders to effectively engage with international legal frameworks, particularly those governing ocean governance, territorial disputes, and maritime rights. Training will be delivered through targeted workshops, seminars, and practical exercises designed to strengthen analytical skills, negotiation techniques, and legal interpretation capabilities in line with international standards. This federal solicitation, issued by the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs within the Department of State under reference DFOP0019436, is open for responses until August 25, 2026. The program will be implemented across the target regions with no specific location designated for performance, allowing flexibility to reach key government entities in multiple countries. The point of contact for inquiries is the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs, reachable at 202-890-9795. The initiative reflects a strategic U.S. commitment to promoting rule-based order and legal cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region by equipping regional leaders with the knowledge and tools to assert their rights and responsibilities under international law.