2026 CTR Non-Proliferation Programing

The Cooperative Threat Reduction (CTR) Non-Proliferation Programming initiative, administered by the Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation within the U.S. Department of State, represents a pivotal component of the U.S. government's strategy to counter weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and related threats globally. With a projected funding total of $110 million for the FY26/27 cycle, the program seeks to deter and disrupt proliferation efforts by both state and non-state actors. It supports programming that reinforces U.S. foreign policy and national security priorities, including sanctions enforcement, supply chain security, and the protection of emerging technologies from exploitation by adversarial nations. The CTR program has a global scope, with priority regions including the Western Hemisphere, East Asia and the Pacific, South and Central Asia, Europe and Eurasia, the Middle East and North Africa, and Africa. This Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) outlines ten strategic "Lines of Effort" that applicants can address, ranging from countering chemical and biological weapons threats, protecting biotechnologies, disrupting Iranian and North Korean proliferation networks, to safeguarding critical and emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and semiconductors. Proposals may address one or multiple objectives and should be focused, threat-driven, and demonstrate strong technical expertise, compliance awareness, and capability to deliver practical and measurable outcomes. Funding instruments may take the form of cooperative agreements, grants, or inter-agency agreements, with the Department reserving significant involvement for cooperative agreements. Project durations are expected to span 12–15 months, with the possibility of extension to 24 months with strong justification. Eligibility for this opportunity is broad and includes U.S.-based for-profit and nonprofit organizations, institutions of higher education, Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs), foreign public entities, foreign-based NGOs and academic institutions, and Public International Organizations. While cost sharing is not mandatory, voluntary cost contributions are encouraged and may enhance competitiveness. Applicants must ensure registration in SAM.gov and possess a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) before submitting their proposal via Grants.gov. Applications are due by March 6, 2026, and must follow specific format and content requirements detailed in the NOFO. Proposals must include forms SF-424 and SF-424A, a summary page, key personnel bios, a monitoring and evaluation narrative and tracker, and a consolidated project list. Each project must include a three-page narrative, detailed budget, and budget justification. The Department will conduct a technical eligibility review followed by a merit review, assessing proposals based on quality and feasibility, organizational capacity, planning, cost-effectiveness, monitoring, and sustainability. The Department will notify unsuccessful applicants by May 29, 2026. Awards are expected to begin January 1, 2027, contingent upon availability of funds. Reporting obligations include quarterly performance and financial reports, with a final report due 120 days after the project ends. All materials must be submitted in English and budgeted in U.S. dollars. The grant is subject to various federal laws and regulations, including restrictions on funding to certain countries or organizations under U.S. sanctions, the Leahy Law, and others. Due diligence vetting is required for foreign security forces or personnel where applicable. In summary, the CTR Non-Proliferation Programming grant presents a significant opportunity for organizations with the requisite expertise and infrastructure to engage in strategic, high-impact programming aimed at mitigating global WMD threats, advancing U.S. national security, and promoting international stability through science, security, and policy collaboration.