Regional Explosive Ordnance Disposal Operations in the Near East
🏛 Bureau of Counterterrorism (DOS-SCT)
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Jul 17, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for organizations providing explosive ordnance disposal and counter-IED training to foreign security forces in the Near East region. Eligible applicants include U.S. and foreign nonprofits, educational institutions, for-profit organizations, and governmental entities. The program supports specialized EOD training, equipment, post-blast investigation capabilities, and capacity building for Iraqi, Lebanese, and Gulf Cooperation Council security services. Activities must focus on identifying, rendering safe, and disposing of unexploded ordnance and Iranian-origin explosive materials.
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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 or standard application form
- Project narrative/proposal
- Budget and budget justification
- Organizational capability statement
- Evidence of partnerships with host country security forces
- Curriculum or training program details
- Equipment specifications and procurement plan
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
Who can apply for this grant?
U.S. and foreign nonprofits, educational institutions, for-profit organizations, and governmental bodies are eligible. Think tanks, NGOs, and public international organizations may also apply.
What geographic regions does this program cover?
The program is limited to Iraq, Lebanon, and Gulf Cooperation Council member states (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE).
What types of activities are supported?
Funding supports explosive ordnance disposal training, counter-IED operations, post-blast investigation capability development, and equipment provision to foreign security forces.
What is the funding level for this program?
The program has identified support for up to approximately $3.9 million, though specific award amounts may vary by proposal.
Is cost-sharing required?
No cost-sharing or matching funds are required for this cooperative agreement.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Clearly demonstrate your organization's technical expertise in EOD, C-IED, and post-blast investigation operations.
- Specify which foreign security forces you will train and explain your established relationships with host country partners.
- Detail the specialized equipment you will provide and explain how it addresses Iranian-origin explosive material threats.
- Emphasize how your proposal reduces risks to U.S. facilities and strengthens regional stability against malign actors.
- Include letters of support or commitment from Iraqi, Lebanese, or GCC government security agencies you will partner with.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Failing to demonstrate established relationships or formal partnerships with host country security forces will weaken applications. Proposing generic training without addressing the specific threat of Iranian-origin unexploded ordnance and weaponized materials reduces competitiveness. Applications lacking clear metrics for measuring EOD capability improvements or post-blast investigation outcomes often score poorly.
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