Regional Explosive Ordnance Disposal Operations in the Near East

The U.S. Department of State Bureau of Counterterrorism is soliciting applications for a single cooperative agreement to provide specialized explosive ordnance disposal, counter-improvised explosive device, and post-blast investigation training and equipment to security forces in Iraq, Lebanon, and Gulf Cooperation Council member states, with applications due July 20, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. EST. One award of up to $3,946,719 is available with a 24-month performance period beginning September 30, 2026.

Eligible applicants include U.S. and foreign not-for-profit organizations, educational institutions, for-profit organizations, and public international organizations. All applicants must demonstrate previous EOD or counter-IED training experience, access to certified EOD instructors, established protocols for handling explosives, ability to obtain necessary licenses in multiple countries, understanding of Near East regional security dynamics, and demonstrated cultural competency and language capabilities. All applicants must obtain a Unique Entity Identifier, maintain active SAM.gov registration, demonstrate ITAR and EAR compliance, establish Leahy Law vetting procedures, and address Chief of Mission security protocols. For Lebanon, applicants must ensure no assistance benefits designated terrorist organizations.

The program responds to unexploded ordnance proliferation following Iran's use of ballistic missiles and unmanned aerial systems during the 2026 conflict, targeting malign actors' "explosive harvesting" efforts. Applicants should design modular, flexible programs allowing the Department to select participating countries post-award. Training targets civilian law enforcement but may include military participants with State Department approval. Applicants bear responsibility for security arrangements, interpreter services, equipment procurement and logistics, and Leahy vetting coordination. Equipment title transfers to host-nation beneficiaries post-award with ongoing U.S. end-use monitoring. The program is limited to training and mentorship activities only, excluding real-world operational support.

Proposals must not exceed 12 pages and must address situational analysis, problem statement, project activities, logic model, theory of change, and a performance monitoring plan with at least three counterterrorism indicators. Review criteria weigh program quality and feasibility at 30 points, organizational capacity and previous grant record at 20 points, program planning at 15 points, monitoring and evaluation at 15 points, budget at 10 points, and sustainability at 10 points.

Cost sharing is encouraged and must be itemized separately. Applicants may claim indirect costs through an existing Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement or up to 15 percent of Modified Total Direct Costs. The funding operates under Assistance Listing 19.701, Global Counterterrorism Programs.