Regional Explosive Ordnance Disposal Operations in the Near East

The Regional Explosive Ordnance Disposal Operations in the Near East funding opportunity is administered by the Bureau of Counterterrorism within the U.S. Department of State. This program is part of the broader Global Counterterrorism Programs initiative and is funded through FY26 Nonproliferation, Anti-terrorism, Demining and Related Programs funds authorized under the Foreign Assistance Act. The initiative is designed in response to increased regional instability following the widespread use of ballistic missiles and unmanned aerial systems during the 2026 conflict, which has resulted in a significant presence of unexploded ordnance across the Near East. These materials pose a serious threat if repurposed by malicious actors, creating urgent demand for specialized disposal and investigative capabilities. The primary purpose of this grant is to strengthen the capacity of foreign security forces in Iraq, Lebanon, and Gulf Cooperation Council member states to detect, identify, render safe, and dispose of unexploded ordnance and improvised explosive devices. In addition to disposal operations, the program emphasizes the development of post-blast investigation capabilities to support forensic attribution and prosecution of individuals involved in explosive-related attacks. The program supports U.S. national security interests by reducing the likelihood of attacks against U.S. facilities, infrastructure, and civilian targets, while also promoting regional stability through improved technical expertise and coordination. Funding is provided through a cooperative agreement structure with substantial involvement from the Bureau of Counterterrorism throughout implementation. The total available funding for the program is up to 3946719 dollars, with one award anticipated. The period of performance is expected to last up to 24 months, and proposed projects must be completed within this timeframe. While cost sharing is encouraged, it is not required and does not influence application competitiveness. Allowable activities include training programs, equipment provision, regional coordination mechanisms, and development of monitoring and evaluation systems. Equipment procurement is permitted only to the extent necessary to achieve program objectives and must comply with export control regulations. Eligibility for this opportunity is broad and includes U.S. and foreign nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, for profit organizations, public international organizations, and governmental institutions. However, applicants must demonstrate substantial technical qualifications, including prior experience in explosive ordnance disposal or counter improvised explosive device training, access to certified instructors, and the ability to operate in complex security environments. Additional requirements include compliance with export regulations, adherence to human rights vetting standards, and the ability to secure necessary licenses for handling explosive materials. The application process requires submission through Grants.gov or MyGrants and includes mandatory federal forms such as SF 424, SF 424A, and SF 424B. Applicants must also submit a detailed proposal, organizational background, project design including logic model and theory of change, performance monitoring plan, budget justification, and supporting documentation such as resumes and letters of support. Proposals must clearly align with stated program goals and demonstrate the applicant’s capacity to deliver measurable outcomes. Evaluation criteria prioritize program quality, organizational capacity, monitoring and evaluation rigor, budget justification, and sustainability planning. The application deadline is July 20, 2026 at 10:00 AM Eastern Time, with no pre application requirement specified. Questions regarding the opportunity were due prior to submission and responses were made publicly available. Awards are expected to be announced by September 30, 2026, and the program start date is anticipated to align with that timeline. This opportunity is not identified as recurring and represents a targeted response to current regional security conditions. Applicants are encouraged to ensure compliance with all submission requirements and regulatory conditions to maintain eligibility for consideration.

Ensure strong alignment with stated counterterrorism outcomes and demonstrate proven EOD training experience in complex environments with measurable indicators and detailed monitoring plans