Countering Iran and its Proxies through Enhanced Counterterrorist Financing in Iraq

The Department of State Bureau of Counterterrorism is soliciting applications for a single cooperative agreement worth $2,910,039 to strengthen Iraq's anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) regime through targeted training and technical assistance, with applications due July 17, 2026 at 5:00 P.M. Washington, D.C. time.

Eligible applicants include not-for-profit organizations, think tanks, civil society and non-governmental organizations, public and private educational institutions, for-profit organizations, public international organizations, and governmental institutions. All applicants must obtain a Unique Entity Identifier and maintain active registration in SAM.gov at application time. The program requires substantial Bureau involvement throughout implementation under the cooperative agreement structure.

The 24-month performance period runs from an anticipated start date of September 30, 2026, with work performed in Iraq. The initiative targets training and technical assistance to Iraqi financial regulators, law enforcement, prosecutors, and financial intelligence units to detect, investigate, and disrupt terrorist financing networks, particularly those of Iran-aligned terrorist militia groups. Key outcomes include enacting FATF-compliant laws and regulations, enhancing interagency coordination for financial investigations and prosecutions, strengthening financial intelligence collection and sharing, and improving private sector AML/CFT compliance.

Proposals are evaluated on quality and feasibility (30 points), organizational capacity and prior grant performance (20 points), program planning and outcome achievement (15 points), monitoring and evaluation (15 points), budget (10 points), and sustainability (10 points). Applicants must submit SF-424 forms, a proposal not exceeding 12 pages, budget justification, logic model, and a performance monitoring plan including at least three counterterrorism standard indicators. Recipients must comply with Leahy vetting requirements for all Iraqi security forces personnel, trafficking in persons compliance certifications, and prohibitions on unmanned aircraft systems from covered foreign entities. Cost-sharing contributions from non-U.S. Government sources are encouraged to strengthen competitiveness. The funding falls under CFDA 19.701, Global Counterterrorism Programs.