Regional Explosive Ordnance Disposal Operations in the Near East
The grant funds training and equipment for security forces in Iraq, Lebanon, and Gulf states to safely dispose of Iranian-origin unexploded ordnance and prevent its use in attacks against U.S. and regional targets.
Funder: Bureau of Counterterrorism
Due Dates: July 15, 2026 (Full application deadline)
Funding Amounts: Up to $3,946,719 (one award expected; no minimum); program funding not to exceed this amount.
Summary: Supports training and equipping security forces in the Near East to counter unexploded ordnance threats and enhance post-blast investigative capacity.
Description
This funding opportunity from the Bureau of Counterterrorism (U.S. Department of State) aims to address the significant risk posed by unexploded ordnance (UXO) in the Near East following recent regional conflicts, particularly the proliferation of Iranian-origin explosive materials. The program will 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).
The primary objective is to strengthen the capacity of partner governments’ security forces—including the Iraqi security forces, Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF), Lebanese Internal Security Forces (ISF), and GCC state security services—to identify, render safe, disarm, and properly dispose of UXO and other explosive materials. The program also aims to enhance post-blast investigation capabilities, supporting attribution and prosecution of actors attempting to weaponize these materials, thereby safeguarding U.S. facilities, critical infrastructure, and civilian targets in the region.
