2026 CTR Non-Proliferation Programing

The CTR Non-Proliferation Programing funding opportunity is administered by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Arms Control and Nonproliferation, Office of Cooperative Threat Reduction (ACN/CTR). The program supports U.S. national security and foreign policy objectives by mitigating threats related to weapons of mass destruction, advanced conventional weapons, and related delivery systems. Through FY 26/27 Nonproliferation, Antiterrorism, Demining and Related Programs funding and other accounts, ACN/CTR advances sanctions enforcement, supply chain security, biosecurity, chemical weapons deterrence, nuclear security, semiconductor and critical technology protection, maritime sanctions enforcement, and secure deployment of small modular nuclear reactors. The program reflects executive policy priorities related to maximum pressure campaigns, biological research security, advanced nuclear deployment, and protection of U.S. intellectual property and critical technologies. The Notice of Funding Opportunity encompasses twelve Lines of Effort addressing Russian chemical and biological threats, biological weapons prevention and BWC implementation, chemical weapons deterrence and response, countering Chinese and Russian proliferation networks, sanctions enforcement targeting Iran and DPRK proliferation activities, counter-UAS and CBR security assistance in Iraq, enforcement of sanctions in financial and maritime sectors, protection of sensitive emerging technologies including semiconductors and AI, responsible deployment of small modular reactors through the FIRST program, and independent evaluation of ACN/CTR programming. Applicants may propose projects addressing one or multiple objectives, and proposals that fully address a single objective or effectively integrate multiple objectives may score more competitively. Eligible applicants include U.S. for-profit businesses, U.S.-based nonprofit organizations with or without 501(c)(3) status, U.S.-based public and private institutions of higher education, foreign-based nonprofits, foreign-based higher education institutions, Federally Funded Research and Development Centers, Public International Organizations, and Foreign Public Entities. Applicants may submit one proposal package that may contain multiple standalone projects evaluated independently. All applicants must possess a Unique Entity Identifier and maintain active registration in SAM.gov. Subrecipients must obtain a UEI prior to award execution. Cost sharing is an eligibility factor and proposals including at least 25,000 dollars in cost share receive additional review points, although no fixed percentage match is specified. Award amounts range from a minimum of 250,000 dollars to a maximum of 10,000,000 dollars. Total available funding is approximately 110,000,000 dollars, pending availability of funds, with up to 50 awards anticipated depending on award size. Projects are generally expected to budget for 12 months of programmatic work, with a preferred performance period of approximately 15 months from kickoff to final reporting, and exceptionally justified projects may extend to 24 months if funding allows. Cooperative agreements will involve significant ACN/CTR participation in project implementation, including participant approval, agenda review, and oversight of deliverables. Applications must be submitted via Grants.gov unless applying as a U.S. government entity for an Inter-Agency Agreement. Required materials include SF-424 and SF-424A forms, a summary page, key personnel section, monitoring and evaluation narrative and plan, consolidated project list, project narrative of up to three pages per project, detailed line-item budget, and budget narrative. Additional attachments may include CVs, NICRA documentation, past performance references, and official permission letters where required. Applications are due no later than 6 March 2026 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time. Unsuccessful applicants will be notified by 29 May 2026. Reporting requirements include quarterly financial and progress reports, compliance with 2 CFR 200 and Department of State standard terms and conditions, and adherence to federal restrictions related to anti-discrimination, trafficking in persons, sanctions compliance, and counterterrorism vetting.

Align proposals directly to specific Line of Effort objectives; demonstrate measurable outcomes tied to monitoring indicators; include at least 25000 dollars in cost share to receive review points; maximize direct program costs over administrative overhead; strictly follow formatting and page limits; clearly articulate risk mitigation and sustainability plans