Protecting U.S. Critical Energy Investments Through C-UAS and UAS Surveillance Capabilities in Iraq
Can you apply?
This grant is for organizations supporting Iraq's counter-unmanned aircraft systems (C-UAS) and surveillance capabilities to protect U.S. energy investments and personnel.
Eligible applicants include nonprofits, think tanks, civil society organizations, educational institutions (public and private), for-profit organizations (if allowed by appropriations), and public international/governmental institutions.
The program operates in Iraq only, focusing on protecting critical infrastructure from unmanned aircraft threats. Applicants must demonstrate capacity to build Iraqi civilian law enforcement capabilities for independent, long-term infrastructure protection and surveillance operations.
This grant is for organizations supporting Iraq's counter-unmanned aircraft systems (C-UAS) and surveillance capabilities to protect U.S. energy investments and personnel.
Eligible applicants include nonprofits, think tanks, civil society organizations, educational institutions (public and private), for-profit organizations (if allowed by appropriations), and public international/governmental institutions.
The program operates in Iraq only, focusing on protecting critical infrastructure from unmanned aircraft threats. Applicants must demonstrate capacity to build Iraqi civilian law enforcement capabilities for independent, long-term infrastructure protection and surveillance operations.
Program description
The Department of State’s Bureau of Counterterrorism (CT) announces this funding opportunity to protect American economic interests, personnel, and national security by supporting the Government of Iraq’s (GOI) capabilities to counter unmanned aircraft systems (C-UAS) threats while simultaneously advancing Iraqi security forces’ capability to protect critical infrastructure. This program should deliver concrete returns for American taxpayers by safeguarding U.S. commercial investments in Iraq’s energy sector and reducing threats to American personnel from Iran and Iran-Aligned Milita Groups (IAMGs).
U.S. companies maintain significant investments in Iraqi oil and gas production, representing substantial American economic interests. UAS operated by Iran and IAMGs present a persistent and escalating threat to these American investments and to U.S. personnel operating in Iraq. Recent drone attacks on U.S. facilities in Erbil and Baghdad illustrate IAMGs intent and capabilities to attack American interests. By supporting Iraq’s ability to both defend against hostile UAS and conduct proactive surveillance operations, this program should directly protect American economic assets and reduce risks to American citizens abroad.
This program advances critical U.S. national security priorities outlined in the U.S. Department of State Agency Strategic Plan for fiscal years 2026-2030, 2025 National Security Strategy (NSS) and National Security Presidential Memorandum-2 (NSPM-2) on Countering Iran and IAMGs by degrading the operational capabilities of their UAS and protecting U.S. interests.
This program should be designed to reduce Iraq’s long-term dependency on U.S. taxpayer resources by building sustainable Iraqi civilian law enforcement capabilities to independently protect critical infrastructure, conduct surveillance operations, and respond to UAS threats.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
Details
This grant is for organizations supporting Iraq's counter-unmanned aircraft systems (C-UAS) and surveillance capabilities to protect U.S. energy investments and personnel.
Eligible applicants include nonprofits, think tanks, civil society organizations, educational institutions (public and private), for-profit organizations (if allowed by appropriations), and public international/governmental institutions.
The program operates in Iraq only, focusing on protecting critical infrastructure from unmanned aircraft threats. Applicants must demonstrate capacity to build Iraqi civilian law enforcement capabilities for independent, long-term infrastructure protection and surveillance operations.
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- Proposal narrative with detailed C-UAS/surveillance strategy
- Organizational capacity documentation and Iraq experience records
- Budget and budget justification
- Security plan and Iraq operating procedures
- Partner letters from Iraqi government entities (recommended)
- Organizational background and relevant certifications
Program contact
- 👤 Bureau of Counterterrorism
- 📞 703-516-1684
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 19.701 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
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$22,988,485
-
$12,475,819
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$11,840,645
-
$11,692,024
-
$11,167,474
-
$11,074,555
-
$10,221,242
-
$7,749,000
-
$7,198,208
-
$7,095,687
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
FAQ
Who can apply for this grant?
Nonprofits, think tanks, civil society organizations, educational institutions, for-profits (subject to appropriations), and governmental/international organizations can apply. Applicants must have credible capacity to work in Iraq.
What is the funding amount and deadline?
The fixed award is $6,808,090 with a deadline of June 8, 2026. This is a cooperative agreement, not a traditional grant.
What activities does the program support?
Funding supports C-UAS technology, surveillance capabilities, Iraqi security force training, and infrastructure protection related to energy sector assets. Emphasis is on building sustainable Iraqi civilian law enforcement capacity.
Is cost-sharing required?
No cost-sharing is required for this funding opportunity.
How competitive is this grant?
This is a highly specialized grant requiring demonstrated expertise in counterterrorism, UAS technology, Iraq operations, and energy security. Very few organizations will be competitive.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Emphasize your organization's experience operating in Iraq and working with Iraqi government institutions on security matters.
- Clearly articulate how your project protects U.S. energy sector investments and reduces threats to American personnel from Iranian-aligned groups.
- Demonstrate a realistic strategy for building Iraqi civilian law enforcement capacity that reduces long-term U.S. taxpayer dependency.
- Show deep understanding of current C-UAS technology, surveillance capabilities, and their deployment in the Iraq operating environment.
- Connect your proposal directly to State Department strategic priorities: countering Iran, supporting Iraqi security forces, and protecting critical infrastructure.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Proposing generic counterterrorism work without specific focus on UAS threats to energy infrastructure. Failing to articulate how project builds Iraqi government capacity for independent operations. Underestimating security and political complexity of Iraq operations or overstating feasibility.
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