Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)

Regional Explosive Ordnance Disposal

Operations in the Near East

Bureau of Counterterrorism, U.S. Department of State

Opportunity number: DFOP0018683

Application deadline: July 20, 2026, at 10:00 am EST REVISED

Contents A. Basic Information

B. Eligibility

C. Program Description

D. Application Contents and Format

E. Submission Requirements and Deadlines

F. Application Review Information

G. Award Notices

H. Post-Award Requirements and Administration

I. Other Information

U.S. Department of State

Bureau of Counterterrorism

Notice of Funding Opportunity

A. Basic Information

1. Overview

Funding Opportunity Title Regional Explosive Ordnance Disposal

(EOD) Operations in the Near East

Funding Opportunity Number DFOP0018683

Announcement Type Initial Announcement

Deadline for Applications July 20th, 2026, 10;00A.M. (Washington, D.C. time) REVISED

Assistance Listing Number 19.701

Length of Performance Period 24 months

Number of Awards Anticipated One award

Award Amounts Up to $3,946,719

Total Available Funding $3,946,719

Type of Funding FY26 Nonproliferation, Anti-terrorism, Demining and Related Programs (NADR) funds under the Foreign Assistance Act

Anticipated Program Start Date September 30, 2026

Funding Instrument Type: Cooperative Agreement

Project Performance Period: Proposed projects should be completed in 24 months or less.

This notice is subject to availability of funding.

2. Executive Summary

Priority Region: Near East (Iraq, Lebanon, and Gulf Cooperation Council member states)

Executive Summary

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.

CT will approve specific countries for participation in this program during implementation.

Goal and Objectives:

• Goal 6: Targeted Foreign Assistance that Puts American Interests First

• Objective 6.1: Leverage assistance as a tool of statecraft.

CT Program Outcome(s): C-IED & EOD

• Outcome 1: Protect U.S. facilities and interests from FTOs, terrorists, and other criminal actors that intend to harm the United States by improving states’ detection, identification, evaluation, rendering safe, and disposing of unexploded ordnance (UXO) and IEDs.

• Outcome 2: Protect U.S. facilities and interests by strengthening post-blast international counterterrorism law enforcement’s evidence collection, investigations and prosecutions of FTOs, terrorists, and other criminal actors that intend to harm the United States.

• Outcome 3: Strengthen, secure, and protect U.S. interests and the homeland by sharing

EOD/C-IED-related information and intelligence with U.S. law enforcement to improve

U.S. preparedness abroad and at home.

• B. Eligibility

CT invites ALL eligible organizations, as described below, to submit applications for a program to provide specialized EOD, C-IED, and post-blast investigation training and equipment to security forces in foreign countries, which could include Iraq, Lebanon, and GCC member states.

Please follow all instructions below.

The following types of organizations are eligible to apply:

1. Eligible Applicants

The following types of organizations are eligible to apply:

• U.S. and foreign not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks and civil society/non-governmental organizations

• U.S. and foreign public and private educational institutions

• U.S. and foreign for-profit organizations

• Public International Organizations (PIOs) and Governmental institutions

Special Eligibility Considerations:

Due to the highly technical and sensitive nature of EOD operations, applicants must demonstrate:

• Previous experience providing EOD or C-IED training to foreign security forces

• Access to certified EOD instructors with relevant operational experience

• Established protocols for handling and transporting explosive training materials

• Ability to obtain necessary licenses and permits for explosive materials in multiple countries

• Understanding of regional security dynamics in the Near East

• Capability to operate in complex security environments

2. Cost Sharing or Matching

Providing cost sharing, matching, or cost participation - while encouraged - is not an eligibility factor or requirement for this NOFO, and providing cost share will not result in a more favorable competitive ranking.

3. Other Eligibility Requirements

All organizations must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) issued via SAM.gov as well as a valid registration in SAM.gov at the time of application. Please see Section D.3 for more information.

Applicants are only allowed to submit one proposal per organization. If more than one proposal is submitted from an organization, all proposals from that institution will be considered ineligible for funding.

• Applicants must demonstrate compliance with International Traffic in Arms Regulations

(ITAR) and Export Administration Regulations (EAR) for any equipment or technical data transfers

• Applicants must have established vetting procedures for training participants consistent with Leahy Law requirements

• Applicants proposing to work in Iraq and other included countries must demonstrate understanding of and compliance with Chief of Mission security protocols

• Applicants proposing to work in Lebanon must address how programming will navigate the complex security environment and avoid benefiting Hizballah or other designated

FTOs

• Applicants must demonstrate cultural competency and language capabilities appropriate for the target countries

C. Program Description

1. CT Program Outcomes

Background and Threat Assessment

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. 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 technical complexity of Iranian ballistic missile and UAS components requires specialized EOD capabilities that exceed the current capacity of many regional security forces. Additionally, the geographic dispersion of UXO across multiple countries necessitates a coordinated, regional approach to threat mitigation.

Program Description

This program will strengthen the capabilities of foreign governments, including Iraqi security forces, Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF), 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.

Applicants should propose a comprehensive program that could include the following components:

Training Activities:

• Specialized EOD training courses covering identification, assessment, render safe procedures, and disposal of unexploded ordnance

• Advanced training on Iranian-origin ballistic missile and UAS components and explosive materials

• Post-blast investigation and forensic analysis training

• Practical exercises using inert training ordnance and live ordnance disposal (where appropriate and safe)

Equipment Provision:

• Applicants may propose limited equipment procurement if necessary to achieve program objectives.

• Regional Coordination:

• Regional information-sharing platforms for UXO incidents and emerging threats

• Joint training exercises to promote interoperability

• Best practice exchanges and lessons learned sessions

Country-Specific Considerations:

Applicants should address the unique context and requirements for each target country:

Iraq: Programs should coordinate with Iraqi Counter-Terrorism Service (CTS) and Federal

Police EOD units. Applicants must demonstrate understanding of the complex security environment and ability to operate under Chief of Mission security protocols. Programs should address the significant UXO contamination resulting from years of conflict and the specific threat posed by Iranian-aligned militia groups.

Lebanon: Programs should focus on Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) Engineering Regiment and Internal Security Forces (ISF) EOD units. Applicants must address how programming will navigate the complex political and security environment while ensuring no assistance benefits Hizballah or other designated terrorist organizations. Programs should account for

Lebanon's limited resources and infrastructure challenges. Programs should address the significant UXO contamination resulting from years of conflict and the specific threat posed by Iranian-aligned militia groups.

GCC Countries: Programs should be tailored to the specific needs and capabilities of each

GCC member state (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and United Arab

Emirates). Applicants should coordinate with host governments to identify appropriate beneficiary units and address country-specific UXO and IED threats. Programs should leverage existing capabilities and focus on advanced training and specialized equipment where appropriate.

Note: CT will coordinate with the selected implementer prior to program implementation to approve participation of specific countries in this program.

Compliance and Vetting Requirements:

All training participants and units receiving assistance must undergo human rights vetting in accordance with the Leahy Law. Applicants must provide participant information in the format and timeline specified by the Department of State for vetting purposes. No training or equipment may be provided to individuals or units that have not been cleared through the

Leahy vetting process.

All equipment transfers must comply with International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Applicants must maintain appropriate registrations and obtain necessary export licenses.

Applicants must implement end-use monitoring procedures for all equipment provided, including inventory tracking, periodic physical verification, and reporting of lost, stolen, or misused equipment.

Coordination with Other Programs:

Applicants should describe how their proposed program will coordinate with and complement other U.S. Government security assistance programs in the region, including programs funded by the Department of War, Department of State Bureau of Political-

Military Affairs, the U.S. interagency, Embassy partners, and other NGOs and internationally-funded initiatives. Programs should avoid duplication and leverage existing efforts where possible.

Performance Indicators:

Applicants should propose specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound

(SMART) indicators to track program progress and impact. Indicators should address outputs

(e.g., number of personnel trained, equipment provided) but emphasize outcomes (e.g., demonstrated proficiency in EOD skills, successful UXO responses), and, where feasible, long-term impact (e.g., reduction in UXO incidents, sustainable capacity).

Sample indicators that applicants may consider, but are not limited to or required to use, include:

• Number of participants trained (disaggregated by rank, unit, country)

• Percentage of training participants demonstrating proficiency in EOD skills

• Number of UXO incidents successfully responded to by trained personnel

• Number of IEDs rendered safe by trained personnel

• Percentage of equipment provided that remains operational and in use

• Number of EOD/IED scenes effectively preserved through CT-supported post-incident investigation in line with U.S.-endorsed or other international standards.

• Number of times CT-funded equipment used to exploit and analyze EOD/IED material referred to laboratories for further forensic investigation.

• Number of cases in which EOD/IED evidence referred to laboratories is incorporated into counterterrorism investigations.

• Number of CT-supported EOD/IED responses in which recovery of forensic evidence from IED scenes has led to the identification of those involved in the manufacture, and/or deployment of IEDs.

• Number of CT-supported IED responses in which recovery of forensic evidence from

IED scenes has led to the prosecution of those involved in the manufacture and/or deployment of IEDs.

• Number of information-sharing instances between countries facilitated by the program

2. Substantial Involvement

This award will be structured as a cooperative agreement with substantial involvement from the

Bureau of Counterterrorism. The Department of State will have substantial involvement in the execution of this program, including:

• Participant Selection and Vetting: CT will approve final selection of beneficiary countries for this project. CT will approve final participant rosters in coordination with host governments and U.S. Embassies.

• Program Monitoring and Evaluation: CT will participate in program monitoring activities, including site visits, training observations, and evaluation of program effectiveness.

• Equipment Approval and Transfer: CT will review and approve any equipment procurement plans.

• Strategic Guidance: CT will provide strategic guidance on program implementation, including adjustments to program activities based on evolving threat assessments and policy priorities.

Recipients will be expected to maintain regular communication with CT, provide timely updates on program activities, and incorporate CT feedback into program implementation. Recipients must obtain CT approval before making significant changes to program design, budget, or timeline.

D. Application Contents and Format

Please follow all instructions below carefully. Proposals that do not meet the requirements of this announcement or fail to comply with the stated requirements will be ineligible.

Content of Application

Please ensure:

• The proposal clearly addresses the goal(s), objective(s), and CT outcome(s) of this funding opportunity.

• All documents are in English.

• All budgets are in U.S. dollars.

• All pages are numbered.

• All documents are formatted to 8 ½ x 11 paper.

• All Microsoft Word documents are single-spaced, 12-point Times New Roman font, with a minimum of 1-inch margins.

The following documents are required:

1. Mandatory application forms

• SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance – organizations).

• SF-424A (Budget Information for Non-Construction programs).

• SF-424B (Assurances for Non-Construction programs) (Note: the SF-424B is only required for organizations exempt from registration and for organizations not required to fully register in SAM.gov).

2. Summary Page (optional)

Cover sheet stating the applicant’s name and organization, proposal date, program title, program period proposed start and end date, and brief purpose of the program.

3. Proposal (no more than 12 pages, excluding the title page, table of contents, attachments, mandatory application forms)

The proposal should contain sufficient information such that anyone not familiar with it would understand exactly what the applicant wants to do. Applicants may use their own proposal format, but it must include all the items below.

• Proposal Summary: Short narrative that outlines the proposed program, including anticipated results and impact that are in alignment with relevant goal, objectives, and CT outcomes noted in the Executive Summary.

• Introduction to the Organization applying: A description of past and present operations, showing the ability to carry out the project, including:

1. Information on relevant previous grants from the State Department and/or U.S.

government agencies.

2. Demonstrated experience providing EOD training to foreign security forces

3. Organizational capacity to operate in multiple countries simultaneously

4. Access to certified EOD instructors and subject matter experts

5. Previous work in the Near East region (if applicable)

6. Relevant certifications, accreditations, or partnerships

• Project Methods and Design: A description of how the program is expected to resolve the stated problem. Program design must include the following:

1. Situational Analysis: Open your proposal with a brief review of the current state or conditions surrounding the program that could affect its design, implementation, or results. This analysis should include an assessment of political/legal, security, economic, infrastructure, institutional, and other relevant conditions or factors to understand and define baseline and context.

2. Problem Statement: Follow the brief situational analysis with a clear, concise, and well-supported statement of the problem to be addressed and why the proposed program is needed. The program’s activities articulated under the “Program

Activities” section below must demonstrate that they address the problem statement.

Draw upon the situational analysis to inform the justification.

3. Alignment with U.S. Counterterrorism Strategy and Policy: A program must prioritize contributions to stated goal(s), objective(s), and CT outcome(s) in the

Executive Summary. Applicants must clearly identify and describe how the program will meet these goal(s), objective(s), and outcome(s).

4. Project Activities: Description of proposed activities to produce specific outputs and outcomes.

5. Logic Model and Theory of Change:

• Logic Model: Articulates how and why the program is expected to contribute to achieving the goal(s), objective(s), and outcome(s) noted in the Executive

Summary. The logic model sets a foundation for monitoring and evaluating progress. It must also demonstrate the causal linkages between program inputs, activities, outputs, and stated goal(s), objective(s), and outcome(s).

• Theory of Change: A brief statement that ties a logic model together by summarizing why, based on available evidence and consideration of other possible paths, the changes described in the model are expected to occur. It explains why we believe our program activities will result in specific outcomes. These can be written as “If X (activities), then Y (outcomes).”

• CT will provide applicants with a template/guidance for the proposed logic model and theory of change.

6. Performance Monitoring Plan (PMP): Applicants must include a preliminary performance monitoring plan (PMP), which is a planning tool for tracking data on program performance. A PMP provides information on data collection against indicators to gauge the direct and near-term effects of activities and whether desired results are occurring as expected during implementation. The plan must consider activities, outputs, and outcomes. The plan must be documented (using CT’s provided template/guidance) and include:

• Illustrative indicators to monitor the progress and measure actual results compared to expected ones.

• At least three relevant CT-wide standard indicators, per the CT PMP “How-

To” guidance/template (see Annex II for a list of CT indicators). Several of the sample “Performance Indicators” listed above may be similar to and can be used as one or more of these three.

• Establishment of a baseline, and discussion of how it will be collected.

• Targets established for each performance indicator.

• Establishment of the data source, data collection frequency, and individual responsible for each indicator.

• Note: The PMP’s indicators, activities, and outcomes will be reflected in a

Performance Indicator Tracking Table (PITT), a separate table and companion to the PMP that shows quarter-by-quarter and annual (cumulative) results for each indicator. The PITT will be required as part of mandatory quarterly performance reporting for the successful applicant but is not part of the NOFO application.

• Proposed Project Schedule and Timeline: The proposed timeline for the program activities. Include the dates, times, and locations of planned activities and events.

• Key Personnel: Names, titles, roles, responsibilities, and experience/qualifications of key personnel involved in the program. State the proportion of their time that will be used to support the project.

• Project Partners: List the names and type of involvement of key partner organizations and sub-awardees.

• Future Funding or Sustainability: Applicant’s plan for continuing the program beyond the grant period, or the availability of other resources, if applicable. Competitive proposals will describe strategies to sustain program outcomes after the period of performance ends.

4. Budget Justification Narrative

After filling out the SF-424A Budget (noted above), use a separate file to describe each of the budget expenses in detail. See Section I. Other Information: Guidelines for Budget Submissions below for further information.

5. Attachments

• CT Logic Model Template and How to Guide

• CT PMP Template and How to Guide

• 1-page Curriculum Vitae (CV) or resume of key personnel proposed for the project.

• Letters of support from project partners describing the roles and responsibilities of each partner.

• If your organization has a Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA) and includes NICRA charges in the budget, your latest NICRA should be included as a PDF file.

• Official permission letters, if required for program activities.

• Risk analysis: Identify the internal and external risks associated with the proposed program, rate the likelihood of the risks, rate the potential impact of the risks on the program, and identify actions that could help mitigate the risks.

E. Submission Requirements and Deadlines

1. Address to Request Application Package

Application forms required above are available at grants.gov and MyGrants.

2. Department of State Contacts

If you have any questions about the grant application process, please contact videlai@state.gov.

Deadline for Receipt of Questions: 06/29/2026, 5:00 p.m. (Washington, D.C., time). Questions and Answers or FAQ will be posted by 07/06/2026 on grants.gov to answer questions from all potential applicants.

3. Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM.gov)

Required Registrations

All organizations, whether based in the United States or in another country, must have a Unique

Entity Identifier (UEI) and an active registration in SAM.gov. A UEI is one of the data elements mandated by Public Law 109-282, the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act

(FFATA), for all Federal awards. An applicant must maintain an active registration while it has a proposal under review by the Department and must continue to keep the registration active for the entire duration of the period of performance of any Federal award that results from this

NOFO.

The 2 CFR 200 requires subrecipients to obtain a UEI number. Please note the UEI for subrecipients is not required at the time of application but will be required before an award is processed and/or directed to a sub-grantee.

Note: The process of obtaining or renewing a SAM.gov registration may take anywhere from

4-8 weeks. Please begin your registration as early as possible.

• Organizations based in the United States or that pay employees within the United States will need an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the Internal Revenue Service

(IRS) and a UEI prior to registering in SAM.gov.

Organizations based outside of the United States and that do not pay employees within the United States do not need an EIN from the IRS but do need a UEI prior to registering in SAM.gov.

• Organizations based outside of the United States that do not intend to apply for U.S.

Department of War (DoW) awards are no longer required to have a NATO

Commercial and Government Entity (NCAGE) code to apply for non-DoW foreign assistance funding opportunities. If an applicant organization is mid-registration and wishes to remove an NCAGE code from their sam.gov registration, the applicant should submit a help desk ticket (“incident”) with the Federal Service Desk (FSD) online at www.fsd.gov using the following language: “I do not intend to seek financial assistance from the Department of War. I do not wish to obtain an NCAGE code. I understand that I will need to submit my registration after this incident is resolved in order to have my registration activated.”

Organizations based outside of the United States and that DO NOT plan to do business with the

DoW should follow the below instructions:

Step 1: Proceed to SAM.gov to obtain a UEI and complete the SAM.gov registration process. SAM.gov registration must be renewed annually.

Organizations based outside of the United States and that DO plan to do business with the DoW in addition to Department of State should follow the below instructions:

Step 1: Apply for an NCAGE code by following the instructions on the NSPA NATO website linked below:

NCAGE Homepage:

https://eportal.nspa.nato.int/AC135Public/sc/CageList.aspx

NCAGE Code Request Tool (NCRT):

NCAGE Code Request Tool (nato.int)

Exemptions

An exemption from the UEI and sam.gov requirements may be permitted on a case-by-case basis. See 2 CFR 25.110 for a full list of exemptions.

Organizations requesting exemption from UEI or SAM.gov requirements must email the point of contact listed in the NOFO at least two weeks prior to the deadline of the NOFO providing a justification of their request. Approval for a SAM.gov exemption must come from the warranted Grants Officer before the application can be deemed eligible for review.

4. Submission Dates and Times https://www.fsd.gov/gsafsd_sp?id=gsafsd_kb_articles&sys_id=c81018e71b1601d0937fa64ce54bcb57 http://www.fsd.gov/ https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Feportal.nspa.nato.int%2FAC135Public%2Fscage%2FCageList.aspx&data=05%7C01%7Cfjeldkk%40state.gov%7C0cc4e2b471f44abcd32308db093ecead%7C66cf50745afe48d1a691a12b2121f44b%7C0%7C0%7C638113937577534024%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=v3TLT8F%2FNfk5SuTcI2zw7SMhV4HK542OhP9XDx4ln%2BY%3D&reserved=0 https://eportal.nspa.nato.int/Codification/CageTool/home https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-I/part-25/subpart-A/section-25.110

Applications are due no later than 07/20/2026, 10:00 A.M. (Washington, D.C. time)

5. Funding Restrictions

i. Funding Restrictions for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA)

None of the funds awarded resulting from this Notice of Funding Opportunity may be made available for subawards, direct financial support, or otherwise used to provide any payment or transfer to United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA).

ii. Certification Regarding Compliance with applicable Federal anti-discrimination laws

If the place of performance or delivery of any award made under this NOFO will be within the United States, applicants are advised that they will be required to certify the following at the time of award:

1) Its compliance in all respects with all applicable Federal anti-discrimination laws is material to the government’s payment decisions for purposes of section 3729(b)(4) of title 31, United States Code and;

2) It does not operate any programs promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion that violate any applicable Federal anti-discrimination laws. A program promoting

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion means a program whose purpose is to promote preferences based on race, color religion, sex, or national origins, such as in training or hiring.

iv. Certification Regarding Compliance with 20 U.S.C. 1011f and any other applicable foreign funding disclosure requirements.

Applicants are advised that IHEs must certify the following at the time of award, and that this certification requirement must be included in any subaward agreements to IHEs:

1) Its compliance in all respects with section 1011f of title 20, United States

Code, and any other applicable foreign funding disclosure requirements is material for purposes of section 3729 of title 31, United States Code, and for receipt of appropriate Federal grant funds.

v. Certification of Trafficking in Persons Compliance and Compliance Plan

Applicants are advised that they will be required to certify the following at the time of award for awards where the estimated value of services to be performed outside the

United States exceeds $500,000:

1) To the best of the Recipient’s knowledge, neither the Recipient, nor any subrecipient, contractor, or subcontractor of the Recipient or any agent of the recipient or of such a subrecipient, contractor, or subcontractor, is engaged in any of the activities described in

2 CFR 175.105(a);

The recipient has implemented a Trafficking in Persons compliance plan to prevent activities described in 2 CFR 175(a) and is compliant with this plan; and the compliance plan must follow the minimum requirements described in 2 CFR 175(b)(5).

2) That the Recipient has and will implement procedures to prevent activities described in

2 CFR 175.105(a) and to monitor, detect, and terminate any subrecipient, contractor, subcontractor, or employee of the recipient engaging in these activities.

Recipients do not need to submit a copy of the plan. However, they must provide it to the Grants

Officer upon request, and as appropriate, must post the useful and relevant contents of the plan or related materials on their website and at the workplace. Recipients must re-certify on an annual basis for the entire award period of performance.

vi. Prohibition on Unmanned Aircraft Systems Manufactured or Assembled by American

Security Drone Act-Covered Foreign Entities

(a) Definitions.

American Security Drone Act-covered foreign entity means an entity included on a list developed and maintained by the Federal Acquisition Security Council (FASC) and published in the System for Award Management (SAM) at https://www.sam.gov

FASC-prohibited unmanned aircraft system means an unmanned aircraft system manufactured or assembled by an American Security Drone Act-covered foreign entity.

Unmanned aircraft means an aircraft that is operated without the possibility of direct human intervention from within or on the aircraft.

Unmanned aircraft system means an unmanned aircraft and associated elements

(including communication links and the components that control the unmanned aircraft) that are required for the operator to operate safely and efficiently in the national airspace system.

(b) Prohibition. Recipients of funding under this Notice of Funding Opportunity (including subawards and subcontracts issued by the recipient) will be prohibited from:

(1) Delivering any FASC-prohibited unmanned aircraft system, which includes unmanned aircraft (i.e., drones) and associated elements;

(2) Operating a FASC-prohibited unmanned aircraft system in the performance of the award; and https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-175 https://www.sam.gov/

(3) Using Federal funds for the purchase or operation of a FASC-prohibited unmanned aircraft system.

c) Exemptions, exceptions, and waivers. The prohibitions described above will not apply if the agency determines that an exemption, exception, or waiver applies and the award indicates that such a determination has been made. [See sections 1823 through 1825 and 1832 of Public Law 118-31 ( 41 U.S.C. 3901 note prec.) for statutory requirements pertaining to exemptions, exceptions, and waivers.].

vii. Promoting Human Flourishing in Foreign Assistance (PHFFA)

Applicants for foreign assistance awards should be aware of requirements in 2 CFR Part

602, 603, and 604.

These policies are referred to collectively as the Promoting Human Flourishing in

Foreign Assistance (PHFFA) Policy.

602: The award term imposes certain abortion-related requirements on foreign nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), United States NGOs, public international organizations, foreign governments, and parastatals.

603: The award term imposes certain requirements relating to gender ideology on foreign nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), United States NGOs, international organizations, foreign governments, and parastatals.

604: The award term imposes certain requirements relating to discriminatory equity ideology on foreign nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), United States NGOs, international organizations, foreign governments, and parastatals.

The Department recognizes there are costs associated with these policies. Potential one-time and recurring costs the Department identifies for recipients and grantees are for familiarization with the policy, development and delivery of organizational training and implementation guidance, routine compliance monitoring, and recordkeeping and reporting requirements.

6. Other Submission Requirements

All application materials must be submitted electronically through www.Grants.gov or

MyGrants.

F. Application Review Information https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fuscode.house.gov%2Fview.xhtml%3Freq%3Dgranuleid%3AUSC-prelim-title41-section3901%26num%3D0%26edition%3Dprelim&data=05%7C02%7CCarbullidoCC%40state.gov%7C237266465ee34b736eaf08de3442d869%7C66cf50745afe48d1a691a12b2121f44b%7C0%7C0%7C639005658853841398%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=vOOQC%2FqEnM0FmwOBiz0sKQU2rkL0QZZz6YPZDhMeP3o%3D&reserved=0 https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/01/27/2026-01519/protecting-life-in-foreign-assistance https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/01/27/2026-01516/combating-gender-ideology-in-foreign-assistance https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/01/27/2026-01517/combating-discriminatory-equity-ideology-in-foreign-assistance-rules

1. Review Criteria

Each application will be evaluated and rated based on the evaluation criteria outlined below.

Criteria are listed in order of importance.

Quality and Feasibility of the Program Idea – 30 points:

• The proposal responds to the NOFO and is appropriate in the context of the proposed country/region.

• The proposal exhibits originality but is feasible.

• The program idea is well developed, with detail about how program activities will be carried out.

• The proposal includes a reasonable implementation timeline.

• The proposal clearly aligns with the stated goal(s), objective(s), and CT outcome(s) in the

Executive Summary.

• The proposal directly connects proposed activities with outputs and desired outcomes in both the logic model and PMP.

Organizational Capacity and Record on Previous Grants – 20 points:

• The organization has expertise in its stated field and has the internal controls in place to manage federal funds, including a financial management system and a bank account.

• The proposal demonstrates an institutional record of previous successfully implemented programs in issues and regions outlined in this NOFO.

• The proposal articulates past performance and experience in working with relevant host governments, local organizations, and communities.

• The proposal clearly defines the roles and responsibilities of primary staff under this program and relevant counterterrorism expertise.

• The proposal describes the division of labor among the recipient organization and potential implementing partner organization(s) and identifies local partner organization(s) that would assist with implementation, where appropriate.

• The organization has sufficient capabilities and resources to report and monitor the indicators proposed and collect on those.

Program Planning/Ability to Achieve Program Outcomes – 15 points:

• The proposal provides a detailed and logical model of proposed program activities and includes a clear articulation of how these activities will contribute to or align with the overall outcomes.

• The CT program outcomes in the proposal are specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time bound (SMART).

• The proposal clearly demonstrates how the program will benefit the target population with a sound justification.

• The proposal contains a performance monitoring plan (PMP) containing at least three relevant CT Indicators, per CT’s “How-To” guidance/template.

• The proposal provides a plan to de-conflict (or complement, if appropriate) with other donors and/or organizations that are active or plan to be active in the proposed program country or region.

• The proposal addresses how the program will engage or obtain support from relevant stakeholders, including host government, to obtain access and conduct programming.

• The proposal includes a contingency plan to account for delays in implementation, achieving program results, or other timeline issues.

Monitoring and Evaluation – 15 points:

• The proposal includes narrative explaining how monitoring will be carried out and who will be responsible for monitoring program activities (including potential contracted experts, if applicable).

• The proposal provides realistic methods for measuring changes that can be correlated with program implementation. These methods may include but are not limited to pre-and/or post-testing of assistance recipients or target audiences, and public perception polling.

• The proposal includes a logic model and theory of change that sequentially maps how program activities are expected to produce results including program inputs, activities, outputs, and CT outcomes.

Budget – 10 points:

• The administration of the proposal budget, including salaries and honoraria, are explained and justified for the work involved.

• Proposed costs are reasonable and necessary and linked to CT program outcomes and demonstrate efficient use of U.S. Government funds.

• Contingency plan demonstrates efficient use of U.S. Government funds.

• The budget justification is detailed.

• Costs are reasonable in relation to the proposed activities and anticipated results.

• The budget is realistic, accounting for all necessary expenses to achieve proposed activities.

Sustainability – 10 points:

• Clearly delineates how program will be sustainable with beneficiaries beyond the life of the grant.

• Clearly outlines plan how impact will be maintained by applicant or others after the grant or if follow on engagements will be required.

2. Indirect Costs

If two or more applications receive equivalent scores based on the evaluation criteria outlined in this NOFO, preference will be given to the applicant with the lower indirect cost rate, as consistent with Executive Order 14332, Section 4(b)(iii). This preference will only be applied as a tie-breaking mechanism and does not supersede the primary evaluation criteria.

3. Review and Selection Process

A review committee will evaluate all eligible applications. CT will conduct a merit review of all eligible applications as outlined in this NOFO. Applications will be reviewed by an independent review panel consisting of qualified subject matter experts from other Department of State bureaus and offices, U.S. Embassies, and/or other U.S. Government agencies. Final approval resides with the Department of State Grants Officer.

4. Risk Review

i. Risk factors

Under the merit review as required by 2 CFR 200.206, prior to making a Federal Award, the

Department will review and consider the following risk factors:

a. Financial stability

b. Management systems and standards

c. History of performance

d. Audit reports and findings

e. Ability to effectively implement requirements

f. Ability to mitigate risk from handling, rendering safe, and disposing of hazardous materials, particularly explosives

g. Ability to navigate geopolitical risk due to ongoing conflicts in the region

ii. Responsibility/Qualification Information in SAM.gov

The Federal awarding agency, prior to making a Federal award with a total amount of Federal share greater than the simplified acquisition threshold, is required to review and consider any information about the applicant that is in the U.S. government designated integrity and performance system accessible through SAM.gov (see 41 U.S.C. 2313).

An applicant can review and comment on any information about itself in responsibility/qualification records in SAM.gov.

Before making decisions in the risk review required by 2 CFR 200.206, the Department will consider any comments by the applicant, along with information available in the responsibility/qualification records in SAM.gov.

G. Award Notices

The successful cooperative agreement will be written, signed, awarded, and administered by the

Grants Officer. The award agreement is the authorizing document, and it will be provided to the recipient for review and counter-signature. The recipient may only start incurring program expenses beginning on the start date shown on the award document signed by the Grants Officer.

If a proposal is selected for funding, the Department of State has no obligation to provide any additional future funding. Renewal of an award to increase funding or extend the period of performance is at the discretion of the Department of State.

Issuance of this NOFO does not constitute an award commitment on the part of the U.S.

government, nor does it commit the U.S. government to pay for costs incurred in the preparation and submission of proposals. Further, the U.S. government reserves the right to reject any or all proposals received.

Unsuccessful applicants: Unsuccessful applicants will be notified via email by 09/30/2026.

Payment Method:

Payments under this award will be made either through the U.S. Department of Health and

Human Services (HHS) Payment Management System (PMS) or through submitting Form SF

270 (Request for Advance or Reimbursement form) to the Grants Officer.

Recipients may not draw down funds without the affirmative authorization of the Department of

State. In addition, recipients must submit, with each payment request, a detailed explanation justifying the request.

H. Post-Award Requirements and Administration

1. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

Before submitting an application, applicants should review all the terms and conditions and required certifications which will apply to this award, to ensure that they will be able to comply.

These include:

In accordance with the Office of Management and Budget’s guidance located at 2 CFR part

200, all applicable Federal laws, and relevant Executive guidance, the Department of State will review and consider applications for funding, as applicable to specific programs, pursuant to this notice of funding opportunity in accordance with the following

• Guidance for Grants and Agreements in Title 2 of the Code of Federal Regulations (2

CFR), as updated in the Federal Register’s 89 FR 30046 on April 22, 2024, particularly on:

o Selecting recipients most likely to be successful in delivering results based on the program objectives through an impartial process of evaluating Federal award applications (2 CFR part 200.205), o Promoting the freedom of speech and religious liberty in alignment with

Promoting Free Speech and Religious Liberty (E.O. 13798) and Improving Free

Inquiry, Transparency, and Accountability at Colleges and Universities (E.O.

13864) (§§ 200.300, 200.303, 200.339, and 200.341), o Providing a preference, to the extent permitted by law, to maximize use of goods, products, and materials produced in the United States (2 CFR part 200.322), and o Terminating agreements pursuant to the U.S. Department of State Standard Terms and Conditions, including, to the greatest extent authorized by law, if an award no longer effectuates the program goals or agency priorities (2 CFR part 200.340).

For the avoidance of doubt, the Department has sole discretion over the determination that an award no longer effectuates program goals or agency priorities, and this provision permits awards to be terminated at the Department’s https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=81a5f41de81c46a9844617d93a9db081&mc=true&node=pt2.1.200&rgn=div5 convenience, including when it determines that the award no longer advances the national interest.

• 2 CFR 25 - UNIVERSAL IDENTIFIER AND SYSTEM FOR AWARD

MANAGEMENT

• 2 CFR 170 - REPORTING SUBAWARD AND EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

INFORMATION

• 2 CFR 175 - AWARD TERM FOR TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS

• 2 CFR 182 - GOVERNMENTWIDE REQUIREMENTS FOR DRUG-FREE

WORKPLACE (FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE)

• 2 CFR 183 - NEVER CONTRACT WITH THE ENEMY

• 2 CFR 600 – DEPARTMENT OF STATE REQUIREMENTS

• U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE STANDARD TERMS AND CONDITIONS

• Recipients must comply with all applicable Executive Orders. A searchable list can be found in the Federal Register: https://www.federalregister.gov/

2. Reporting

Reporting Requirements: Recipients will be required to submit financial reports and program reports, as well as accompanying related CT reporting templates, to include an updated quarterly

PITT submission that tracks progress toward established targets over time. The award document will specify what reports are required and how often these reports must be submitted.

Recipients will be required to submit quarterly programmatic and financial reports quarterly, as well as oral and/or written bi-weekly reporting, at the discretion of CT.

NOTE: Delays in reporting may result in delays of payment approvals, and failure to provide required reports may jeopardize the recipients’ ability to receive future U.S. government funds.

CT reserves the right to request any additional programmatic and/or financial program information during the award period of performance.

Foreign Assistance Data Review: As required by Congress, the Department of State must make progress in its efforts to improve tracking and reporting of foreign assistance data through the

Foreign Assistance Data Review (FADR). The FADR requires tracking of foreign assistance activity data from budgeting, planning, and allocation through obligation and disbursement.

Successful applicants will be required to report and draw down federal funding based on the appropriate FADR Data Elements, indicated within their award documentation. In cases of more than one FADR Data Element, typically program or sector and/or regions or country, the successful applicant will be required to maintain separate accounting records.

Applicants should be aware of the post award reporting requirements reflected in 2 CFR 200

Appendix XII—Award Term and Condition for Recipient Integrity and Performance Matters.

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For assistance with MyGrants accounts and technical issues related to the system, please contact the ILMS help desk by phone at +1 (888) 313-4567 (toll charges apply for international callers) or through the Self-Service online portal that can be accessed from https://afsitsm.service-now.com/ilms/home. Customer support is available 24/7.

For assistance with Grants.gov accounts and technical issues related to using the system, please call the Contact Center at +1 (800) 518-4726 or email support@grants.gov. The Contact Center is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, except federal holidays.

3. Branding and Marking

The Department of State, its programs, and U.S. Government funding and assistance should be easily identifiable to the Department's global audiences.

Recipients of federal assistance awards must follow the branding guidance published at

Guidance for Contracts and Grants - U.S. Department of State Brand System. Branding policy exceptions are outlined in the U.S.