DFOP0018090 Questions and Answers_Iraq Border.pdf

Funding Opportunity Title: Preventing Iranian Proxy and ISIS Activities Along

Iraq’s Western Border

Funding Opportunity Number: DFOP0018090

Deadline for Applications: June 8, 2026, 5:00 PM (Washington, DC)

Assistance Listing Number: 19.701

Deadline for Receipt of Questions: April 23, 2026, 5:00 PM (Washington, DC)

Submission to: Cheyenne Arbogast, ArbogastC@state.gov

Question 1: Will DoS CT allow 10-point font for tables and graphics?

Answer 1: CT will allow 10-point Times New Roman font for tables, graphics, and footnotes. All other text must adhere to the 12-point Times New Roman guidance in the NOFO.

Question 2: Will DoS CT require the disbursement of any stipends? Please provide budget assumption.

Answer 2: Stipends will not be required.

Question 3: Will DoS CT confirm the Logic Model, TOC, and PMP is not included in the proposal narrative 12-page count?

Answer 3: The logic model, table of contents, and performance monitoring plan are not included in the proposal narrative 12-page count.

Question 4: Will DoS CT confirm if a copy of the organization’s most recent audit is required for submission?

Answer 4: Public international organizations (PIOs) are not required to submit an audit. Applicants can request exemption if they have not been incorporated for more than a year at the time of applying. A copy of the most recent audit is not required for submission at the time of application. For non-PIOs, an audit report or other document to help assess the financial status of the organization may be requested in the event the organization is selected for an award.

Question 5: Will DoS CT confirm what is meant by ‘respond to terrorist attack incursions,’ does this include tactical response, investigations, or both?

Answer 5: An integrated approach combining both.

Question 6: Is equipment provision anticipated, and are restrictions on categories of support?

Answer 6: The applicant should propose equipment if it makes senses in terms of the proposal. The selected implementer will be responsible for procurement and delivery of equipment and for compliance with any import/export requirements.

CT does not anticipate restrictions on any categories of support.

Question 7: Is this opportunity affected by the pause on security assistance to Iraq based on militia attacks against the U.S. Embassy and connected assets?

Answer 7: This notice of funding opportunity does not guarantee funding or implementation. The Department continues to seek proposals under this NOFO.

Question 8: Please confirm whether the Government anticipates activities in both

Federal Iraq and the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, and whether proposals should include a balance approach across both jurisdictions.

Answer 8: The applicant should propose a balanced approach across both Federal

Iraq and the Iraqi Kurdistan Region.

Question 9: Does CT expect joint training for federal and KRG forces, or separate cohorts by jurisdiction/agency? What is the Government’s preferred approach and rationale?

Answer 9: Training should be separate based on jurisdiction and agency.

Question 10: Which specific border crossings, provinces, and/or corridors are considered priority areas for program activities (and are there any locations that should be excluded for security or policy reasons?)

Answer 10: Specific locations will be determined following the selected implementer’s assessment and recommendations made to CT.

Question 11: Are there preferred or required Iraqi law enforcement training facilities/academies that the recipient should use “when feasible” (and who approves facility selection)?

Answer 11: No, there are no preferred or required Iraqi law enforcement training facilities or academies. The applicant should prioritize in-country training at Iraqi facilities, if feasible. All training should occur within federal Iraq or the Iraqi

Kurdistan Region. If law enforcement facilities or academies are not available, the applicant should use other venues within the country.

Question 12: Please clarify expectations for “certified Iraqi trainers”: who certifies (recipient vs. Government/CT), what criteria must be met, and what documentation is required in reporting.

Answer 12: The selected implementer will be responsible for certifying Iraqi trainers. Specific criteria, training, and accreditation levels will be determined following the selected implementer’s assessment and recommendations made to

CT. The purpose is to create a cadre of instructor that will continue to independently and at no further cost to the U.S. Government provide training and instruction following the conclusion of the program.

Question 13: For “review and approval of implementer international travel,” what constitutes “international travel” (travel to/from Iraq only, or also within the region), and what lead time is required for approval?

Answer 13: International travel is when a member of the project staff departs the sovereign border of Iraq. Specific lead time will be discussed following implementer selection. It is envisioned the implementer will provide the anticipated travel schedule of its staff for the upcoming quarter in the previous quarter.