Preventing Iranian Proxy and ISIS Activities Along Iraq's Western Border

The Preventing Iranian Proxy and ISIS Activities Along Iraq’s Western Border funding opportunity is offered by the U.S. Department of State through its Bureau of Counterterrorism. This program is part of the U.S. government’s broader foreign assistance strategy to enhance international security and protect American interests abroad. The Bureau of Counterterrorism focuses on reducing terrorist threats globally by strengthening partner nations’ capabilities. In this case, the program targets Iraq during a period of regional instability, particularly along the Iraq-Syria border where terrorist organizations and militia groups remain active. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to strengthen Iraq’s civilian law enforcement capacity to investigate, respond to, and prevent terrorist activities and cross-border incursions. The program emphasizes countering Iran-aligned militia groups and ISIS, both of which continue to exploit porous border regions for movement of personnel, weapons, and illicit goods. The initiative seeks to reduce threats to U.S. diplomatic and military personnel, protect American commercial interests, and improve regional stability. A key objective is to build sustainable Iraqi capabilities that reduce long-term dependence on U.S. support, aligning with broader U.S. national security priorities related to burden-sharing. Funding will support a comprehensive program that includes training, mentorship, and limited equipment to enhance investigative and operational capabilities of Iraqi civilian law enforcement agencies. A central component is the implementation of a train-the-trainer model, enabling Iraqi personnel to independently deliver training in the future. Activities must occur primarily within Iraq and focus exclusively on civilian law enforcement entities rather than military units. Applicants must also ensure sustainability by integrating training into institutional systems and establishing long-term operational capacity. Eligibility for this opportunity is broad and includes not-for-profit organizations, think tanks, non-governmental organizations, public and private educational institutions, for-profit entities where permitted, public international organizations, and governmental institutions. Applicants must meet federal requirements such as maintaining a valid registration in SAM.gov and obtaining a Unique Entity Identifier. Each organization may submit only one proposal, and failure to comply with submission rules may result in disqualification. The application process requires submission through Grants.gov or MyGrants and includes several mandatory components. Applicants must complete standard federal forms such as SF-424, SF-424A, and SF-424B. The proposal narrative must not exceed 12 pages and must include a situational analysis, problem statement, program design, logic model, theory of change, performance monitoring plan, timeline, and staffing plan. Additional required materials include a detailed budget justification, resumes of key personnel, letters of support, and a risk analysis. All materials must adhere to formatting requirements and be submitted in English. Applications will be evaluated based on several criteria including the quality and feasibility of the program design, organizational capacity, alignment with counterterrorism objectives, monitoring and evaluation strategies, budget justification, and sustainability planning. A review panel consisting of subject matter experts will assess proposals, and final award decisions will be made by the Department of State Grants Officer. The anticipated award is a cooperative agreement, meaning the Bureau of Counterterrorism will maintain substantial involvement throughout the program lifecycle, including approval of training materials, monitoring implementation, and coordinating with U.S. Embassy Baghdad. The application deadline is June 8, 2026 at 5:00 PM Eastern Time, with questions due by April 23, 2026 and responses provided by April 30, 2026. The program is expected to begin around September 30, 2026 and will have a performance period of up to 24 months. Only one award is anticipated, with total funding of 6,808,090 dollars. Applicants will be notified of results by early July 2026. This is a one-time funding opportunity with no stated recurring cycle.

Ensure strong alignment with counterterrorism outcomes include measurable indicators and demonstrate sustainability through train the trainer models and institutional integration