Regional Explosive Ordnance Disposal Operations in the Near East
🏛 Bureau of Counterterrorism (DOS-SCT)
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Jul 13, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for organizations providing specialized explosive ordnance disposal and counter-IED training to foreign security forces. U.S. and foreign nonprofits, educational institutions, for-profits, and governmental organizations may apply. The program serves Iraq, Lebanon, and Gulf Cooperation Council member states (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE). Activities include EOD training, equipment provision, C-IED capacity building, and post-blast investigation support.
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Program description
Following Iran’s widespread use of ballistic missiles and unmanned aerial systems (UAS) throughout the Near East region during the 2026 conflict, there remains a significant and persistent risk of unexploded ordnance (UXO) falling into the hands of malign actors who could repurpose these materials to carry out attacks against U.S. facilities, critical infrastructure, and civilian soft targets, a phenomenon known as “explosive harvesting.” The proliferation of UXO, combined with the technical sophistication of Iranian-origin explosive materials, presents an acute threat to regional stability and U.S. national security interests.
The Bureau of Counterterrorism (CT) of the U.S. Department of State announces an open competition for organizations to submit applications to provide specialized explosive ordnance disposal (EOD), counter improvised explosive device (C-IED), and post-blast investigation training and equipment to security forces in Iraq, Lebanon, and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and United Arab Emirates). This program will strengthen the capabilities of foreign governments, including Iraqi security forces, Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF), Lebanese Internal Security Forces (ISF), and GCC member state security services, to identify, render safe, disarm, and properly dispose of UXO and other explosive materials. The program will also enhance post-blast investigation capabilities to support attribution efforts and prosecution of perpetrators who attempt to weaponize these materials. This project will safeguard against attacks being carried out against U.S. facilities and soft targets using these materials.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance)
- Project Narrative/Statement of Work
- Budget and Budget Narrative
- Organizational capacity documentation
- Evidence of regional partnerships or MOUs with target country security forces
- Proof of technical expertise in EOD/C-IED training
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
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$12,475,819
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$11,840,645
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$11,692,024
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$11,167,474
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$11,074,555
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$10,221,242
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$7,749,000
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$7,198,208
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$7,095,687
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
FAQ
What organizations can apply for this grant?
U.S. and foreign nonprofits, educational institutions, for-profits, and governmental organizations can apply. Think tanks and civil society groups are eligible.
What geographic regions does this cover?
The program focuses on Iraq, Lebanon, and six GCC member states (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE).
What activities and training are funded?
The grant covers explosive ordnance disposal, counter-IED training, equipment provision, and post-blast investigation capabilities for foreign security forces.
When is the application deadline?
The deadline is July 15, 2026.
What is the funding available?
Awards reach approximately $3.9 million, though the exact distribution and minimum award amounts are not specified.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Clearly demonstrate how your EOD or C-IED training directly strengthens foreign security force capabilities in the target regions.
- Detail your organization's technical expertise in explosive ordnance disposal and post-blast investigation methodology.
- Explain how your program prevents "explosive harvesting" and supports regional stability aligned with U.S. counterterrorism objectives.
- Provide evidence of past experience working with Iraqi, Lebanese, or GCC security forces and established partnerships in the region.
- Address how your organization ensures training translates to measurable improvements in foreign government threat response capacity.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Failing to clearly articulate how activities directly counter the specific threat of Iranian-origin explosives repurposing. Applications lacking demonstrated regional expertise or established relationships with Iraqi, Lebanese, or GCC security partners will be weak. Underestimating the need to show concrete security outcomes and measurable improvements in foreign force capabilities.
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