Regional Explosive Ordnance Disposal Operations in the Near East
🏛 Bureau of Counterterrorism (DOS-SCT)
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Jul 15, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for U.S. and foreign nonprofits, think tanks, and civil society organizations to build explosive ordnance disposal and counter-IED capabilities in Iraq, Lebanon, and Gulf Cooperation Council member states.
U.S. and foreign public and private educational institutions are eligible, as are for-profit organizations and public international organizations. Applicants must be able to deploy specialized training and equipment for security forces in the Near East region.
The grant supports EOD operations, C-IED training, post-blast investigation capabilities, and equipment provision. Activities are limited to Iraq, Lebanon, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and United Arab Emirates.
Foreign entities must be registered and in good standing with relevant governments. All applicants must demonstrate security clearance capability and experience with international counterterrorism operations.
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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
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance)
- Project narrative describing EOD/C-IED training and equipment plan
- Detailed budget and budget narrative
- Organizational capacity statement and prior experience documentation
- Letters of support from host nation security forces/governments
- Security clearance certification or vetting plan
- Timeline for training deployment and equipment provision
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
Can a foreign organization apply for this grant?
Yes. U.S. and foreign nonprofits, educational institutions, for-profits, and public international organizations are all eligible to apply.
What geographic scope does this grant cover?
Programs must operate in Iraq, Lebanon, and/or Gulf Cooperation Council member states (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE). Activities are limited to these regions.
What types of activities are funded?
The grant funds explosive ordnance disposal training, counter-IED capabilities, post-blast investigation training, and related equipment provision to security forces in eligible countries.
Is cost-sharing required?
No. This grant does not require cost-sharing or matching funds from applicants.
What is the funding range?
Awards typically range around $3.9 million, though specific amounts depend on project scope and approved activities.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Demonstrate prior experience with EOD and counter-IED programs in the Middle East or similar regions. Competitive applications show successful track records.
- Clearly explain how your organization will strengthen host-nation security force capabilities. Emphasize sustainable training and equipment integration.
- Address security vetting requirements upfront. This is a counterterrorism program requiring applicant and personnel security clearances.
- Include detailed implementation timelines for training deployment. Agencies want to see realistic, phased rollout plans for Iraq, Lebanon, and GCC states.
- Establish partnerships with local government agencies and security forces before submitting. Coordination letters from host nations strengthen competitiveness significantly.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Failing to demonstrate prior Middle East EOD or counterterrorism experience. Agencies reject applications from organizations with no regional operational history.
Underestimating security clearance and vetting timelines. Applications that don't account for personnel security certification often face delays or rejection.
Proposing activities outside the eligible geographic scope or exceeding the funding range without clear justification and host-nation support.
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