2026 CTR Non-Proliferation Programing

The 2026 CTR Non-Proliferation Programming grant, administered by the Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation’s Office of Cooperative Threat Reduction (CTR) under the U.S. Department of State, is a critical funding opportunity aimed at enhancing global security and stability. The CTR program aligns with key national security and foreign policy objectives of the United States, notably through the implementation of Executive Orders and National Security Presidential Memoranda related to counter-proliferation, technological protection, and strategic deterrence. As outlined in the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), the CTR program leverages training, research, and technical engagements with international partners to counter the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD), ballistic missile systems, advanced conventional weapons, and related dual-use technologies. The primary goals of the program include countering threats from adversaries such as the Chinese Communist Party, Iran, North Korea, and Russia. Programmatic efforts support activities ranging from disrupting procurement networks for WMD-related goods, securing biological and chemical research infrastructure, to enforcing sanctions and promoting compliance with nonproliferation treaties. Specific lines of effort address threats across biological, chemical, nuclear, cyber, and advanced technical domains, with particular emphasis on biosecurity, chemical weapons nonproliferation, intellectual property protection, semiconductor and critical minerals supply chain integrity, and responsible deployment of small modular reactor (SMR) technology through the FIRST program. Additionally, the program seeks to promote U.S. standards, safeguard intellectual property, and advance public-private partnerships globally. Funding is anticipated to reach up to $110,000,000, supporting up to 50 awards with ceilings of $10 million and floors of $250,000. The performance period is generally 12 months, with possible extensions up to 24 months for projects that demonstrate substantial justification. While cost sharing is not required, proposals that include voluntary cost share may be viewed more favorably. Applicants must be U.S.-based for-profit and non-profit entities, institutions of higher education (both public and private), foreign NGOs and educational institutions, Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs), Public International Organizations (PIOs), or Foreign Public Entities (FPEs). All applicants must possess a Unique Entity Identifier and be registered with SAM.gov. Applications are due by March 6, 2026, and must be submitted via Grants.gov unless applying under an Inter-Agency Agreement (IAA), in which case submissions should go to [email protected]. Each proposal can contain multiple projects, and must include standard application forms (SF-424, SF-424A, etc.), narratives, a detailed monitoring and evaluation plan, budget documentation, and personnel information. Evaluation criteria focus on project feasibility, alignment with NOFO objectives, organizational capacity, cost effectiveness, sustainability, and monitoring rigor. CTR staff will be substantially involved in the implementation of awarded projects, providing approvals on participants, training materials, and logistical arrangements. Successful applicants must comply with a wide range of federal regulations, including anti-discrimination laws, anti-terrorism standards, and post-award reporting requirements. Awardees will submit quarterly performance and financial reports and adhere to Department of State guidelines for data management and evaluation. While the program is global in scope, it prioritizes engagement in regions such as the Western Hemisphere, Indo-Pacific, Middle East, Africa, South and Central Asia, and Europe and Eurasia. CTR’s engagements support both bilateral and regional collaboration, strengthening the capacity of partner governments, industries, and academic institutions to combat WMD threats and advance secure, rules-based technological development and energy solutions.

Emphasize measurable objectives and monitoring strategy; match your proposal clearly to a specific line of effort; voluntary cost share strengthens proposal.