[Bureau of Counterterrorism](https://www.state.gov/bureaus-offices/under-secretary-for-civilian-security-democracy-and-human-rights/bureau-of-counterterrorism-and-countering-violent-extremism)

April 23, 2026 (Questions) | June 8, 2026 (Full application)

$6,808,090 total; 1 award; 24 months project period

Funds a comprehensive program to strengthen Iraq's civilian law enforcement capacity to counter Iranian proxy and ISIS threats along the Iraq-Syria border.

Only one proposal per organization; cost sharing is encouraged but not required.

--- ## Description This opportunity, offered by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Counterterrorism, supports a large-scale, two-year cooperative agreement to boost Iraq’s ability to investigate and respond to terrorist threats and incursions along its western border with Syria. The program is designed to reduce threats to U.S. diplomatic, military, and commercial interests by building sustainable Iraqi civilian law enforcement capabilities, focusing on both Federal Iraq and the Kurdistan Region. Activities should include advanced response training, investigative capacity-building, and a train-the-trainer model to foster Iraqi self-reliance and reduce long-term U.S. resource commitments. The program must prioritize Iraqi ownership, institutionalize best practices, and enable Iraqi forces to independently secure borders and dismantle illicit transit networks associated with Iranian-aligned militia groups (IAMGs) and ISIS. --- ## Due Dates - **April 23, 2026:** Deadline for receipt of questions (5:00 P.M. Washington, D.C. time) - **June 8, 2026:** Full application submission deadline (5:00 P.M. Washington, D.C. time) All dates are firm and applications/questions must be received by the stated deadlines. --- ## Funding Amount - **Total Funding Available:** $6,808,090 - **Award Ceiling/Floor:** $6,808,090 (single award) - **Project Duration:** Up to 24 months - **Funding Instrument:** Cooperative Agreement - **Cost Sharing:** Not required or scored, but may be included --- ## Eligibility - **Eligible Applicants:** Unrestricted - Not-for-profit organizations (including think tanks and NGOs) - Public and private educational institutions - For-profit organizations (if allowed by appropriation) - Public International Organizations (PIOs) and Governmental institutions **Additional Requirements:** - All applicants must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and active registration in SAM.gov at the time of application. - Only one application per organization is permitted; submitting more than one renders all submissions ineligible. - Subrecipients must also obtain a UEI prior to receiving funds. --- ## Application Process - **Submission:** Applications must be submitted electronically via [Grants.gov](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/362131) or MyGrants. - **Required Components:** - SF-424, SF-424A, and SF-424B forms - Proposal narrative (max 12 pages, excluding mandatory forms and attachments) - Budget and detailed budget narrative - Logic Model, Theory of Change, and Performance Monitoring Plan (PMP) (not included in page limit) - CVs for key personnel, letters of support, and risk analysis - If applicable, Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA) - **Formatting:** Proposal text must be in English, 12-point Times New Roman font (10-point allowed for tables/graphics/footnotes), standard U.S. letter size, and formatted for clarity. - **Questions:** Submit to Cheyenne Arbogast at ArbogastC@state.gov by April 23, 2026. - **Review Criteria:** Quality and feasibility of program idea, organizational capacity, program planning, monitoring and evaluation, budget, and sustainability. --- ## Additional Information - **Scope:** Activities must support Iraqi civilian law enforcement only—no military training or equipment. - **Program Design:** Must include separate training for Federal Iraq and Kurdistan Region forces, and prioritize in-country, Iraqi law enforcement facilities where feasible. - **Equipment:** Applicants may propose equipment as justified; compliance with all import/export and U.S. legal requirements is required. - **Leahy Vetting:** All Iraqi participants in training or equipment receipt must undergo U.S. vetting for human rights compliance. - **Reporting:** Awardees must submit regular programmatic and financial reports, including quarterly performance indicator tracking (PITT). - **Restrictions:** No funds may be provided to UNRWA; compliance with U.S. anti-discrimination, trafficking, and other federal laws is required. - **Indirect Costs:** Organizations without a NICRA may claim up to 15% of Modified Total Direct Costs (MTDC). --- ## External Links - [Full opportunity on Grants.gov](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/362131) - [NOFO and guidance documents (MyGrants)](https://mygrants.servicenowservices.com/mygrants?id=mygrants_form&table=x_g_usd4_d_grant_funding_opportunity&sys_id=6e272c1793c84fd0d114b7986cba1043&view=Default) - [Logic Model & PMP How-To Guides](https://api.atomgrants.com/storage/v1/object/public/grants3-sources/1.02.8-Logic-Model-Template-and-How-to-Guide-2026-02-12-GRANTS-ONLY-FINAL.docx) - [Budget Guidelines and Templates](https://api.atomgrants.com/storage/v1/object/public/grants3-sources/1.03.1-Budget-Template-FY25-with-MTDC-Calculation_Final.xlsx) - [Q&A Document](https://api.atomgrants.com/storage/v1/object/public/grants3-sources/DFOP0018090-Questions-and-Answers_Iraq-Border.pdf) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Email | Notes | |---------------------------|--------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------| | Cheyenne Arbogast | ArbogastC@state.gov | For program and application questions | | Grants.gov Support | support@grants.gov | 1-800-518-4726 (24/7 except federal holidays) | | MyGrants/ILMS Help Desk | 1-888-313-4567 | [Self-Service Portal](https://afsitsm.servicenowservices.com/ilms) | ---

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

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