2026 CTR Non-Proliferation Programing

The Cooperative Threat Reduction (CTR) Non-Proliferation Programming grant, offered through the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Arms Control and Nonproliferation (ACN), Office of Cooperative Threat Reduction, is a major federal initiative designed to combat the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and associated technologies. This funding opportunity (number DFOP0017675), with an anticipated total funding pool of approximately $110 million, supports a range of international programming efforts focused on enhancing national security through targeted threat reduction and capacity-building engagements. CTR operates within the scope of the Nonproliferation, Antiterrorism, Demining, and Related Programs (NADR) account and other appropriations, emphasizing cooperation with partner nations to disrupt proliferation networks, secure critical technologies, and bolster compliance with international nonproliferation norms. The purpose of this grant is to support projects that counter the threats posed by WMDs, nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons, as well as drones and advanced conventional weapons (ACW) employed or sought by adversarial state and non-state actors. Key thematic areas—called Lines of Effort—include disrupting procurement networks for prohibited materials, strengthening compliance with sanctions, countering adversary use of dual-use technologies, bolstering partner nations’ forensic and attribution capabilities, improving research security and data integrity, and preventing proliferation via vulnerable private sectors. Eligible projects may also support the development and deployment of secure and non-predatory small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs) through the FIRST initiative, and fund independent evaluations of program impact. Funding may be awarded through grants, cooperative agreements, or Inter-Agency Agreements. Most projects are expected to be completed within 12 months of kick-off, with an additional 3-month buffer to accommodate delays. Projects requiring longer timelines (up to 24 months) must provide strong justification. Approximately 50 awards are anticipated. Proposed budgets should fall between $250,000 and $10,000,000 per project, and cost sharing is highly encouraged, although not strictly required. Applications are evaluated more favorably when voluntary cost sharing is proposed and documented. Eligible applicants include U.S. and foreign non-profit and for-profit organizations, public and private institutions of higher education, Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs), Public International Organizations (PIOs), Foreign Public Entities (FPEs), and other qualified institutions. All applicants must possess a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and an active registration in SAM.gov. Each organization may submit one application that can include multiple distinct projects. The grant encourages participation from organizations with demonstrated technical and regional expertise relevant to the proposed Lines of Effort. The application package must be submitted via Grants.gov by the deadline of March 6, 2026. Required components include forms SF-424 and SF-424A, a summary page, project narratives (up to three pages each), key personnel profiles, a monitoring and evaluation plan, detailed budget documents, and additional materials outlined in the solicitation. Project narratives must clearly define the problem, goals, objectives, methods, timeline, and anticipated impact, while also describing sustainability and partnerships. Cost justifications and detailed activity-based budgets are mandatory. Applications will be evaluated based on feasibility, relevance to nonproliferation objectives, organizational capacity, cost-effectiveness, sustainability, and strength of the monitoring and evaluation plan. Proposals with at least $25,000 in voluntary cost sharing may receive additional consideration. Unsuccessful applicants will be notified by May 29, 2026. Funded projects are expected to commence on or after January 1, 2027, subject to the availability of funds. This opportunity does not permit funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) or activities supporting mass migration to the U.S. southwest border. Additional funding restrictions are outlined in the NOFO.

Strong M&E plans and voluntary cost sharing increase competitiveness.