Preventing Iranian Proxy and ISIS Activities Along Iraqs Western Border

The U.S. Department of State Bureau of Counterterrorism is offering a funding opportunity titled Preventing Iranian Proxy and ISIS Activities Along Iraq’s Western Border under opportunity number DFOP0018090. This initiative is funded through Nonproliferation, Anti-terrorism, Demining and Related Programs funds and is designed to address security threats in Iraq, particularly along the Iraq-Syria border. The Bureau of Counterterrorism seeks to strengthen Iraq’s ability to investigate, respond to, and prevent terrorist activities that threaten U.S. personnel, facilities, and broader regional stability. The program reflects U.S. foreign policy priorities, including burden-sharing and enabling partner nations to take primary responsibility for their own security. The primary purpose of this grant is to build sustainable capacity within Iraqi civilian law enforcement agencies to counter threats posed by Iran-aligned militia groups and ISIS. The program emphasizes developing investigative and response capabilities, dismantling illicit transit networks, and improving border security operations. A central component of the program is a train-the-trainer model that enables Iraqi personnel to independently deliver training in the future, thereby reducing long-term reliance on U.S. resources. The program must focus exclusively on civilian law enforcement and explicitly excludes military units from participation or support. Funding is provided as a cooperative agreement with substantial involvement from the Bureau of Counterterrorism throughout the project lifecycle. The total funding available is 6,808,090 dollars, with one award anticipated. The performance period is limited to 24 months, and projects must be completed within that timeframe. Funds may be used for training, mentorship, equipment procurement, and program implementation activities that directly support counterterrorism objectives. However, restrictions apply, including prohibitions on funding certain entities such as UNRWA and restrictions related to unmanned aircraft systems and compliance with federal laws and policies. Eligibility for this opportunity is broad and includes nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, for-profit organizations where permitted, public international organizations, and governmental institutions. Applicants must have a Unique Entity Identifier and active registration in SAM.gov at the time of application. Only one application per organization is permitted, and failure to comply with submission requirements will result in disqualification. Cost sharing is encouraged but not required and does not influence the evaluation ranking. The application process requires submission through Grants.gov or MyGrants and includes mandatory federal forms such as SF-424, SF-424A, and SF-424B, along with a detailed proposal not exceeding 12 pages. The proposal must include a situational analysis, problem statement, alignment with U.S. counterterrorism strategy, detailed project activities, logic model, theory of change, and a performance monitoring plan. Additional required components include a budget justification narrative, resumes of key personnel, letters of support, and risk analysis documentation. Applications are due by June 8, 2026 at 5:00 PM Eastern Time. Questions regarding the application process were accepted until April 23, 2026, with responses posted by April 30, 2026. Award decisions are expected by July 6, 2026, with the anticipated program start date of September 30, 2026. The Bureau of Counterterrorism will evaluate applications based on criteria including program quality, organizational capacity, planning, monitoring and evaluation, budget, and sustainability. Successful applicants must comply with ongoing reporting requirements and participate in monitoring and evaluation activities throughout the award period.

Ensure strong alignment with stated counterterrorism outcomes; demonstrate sustainability through train the trainer models; provide detailed and feasible implementation plan; clearly link activities to measurable outcomes