Countering Iran and DPRKs WMD, Nuclear, Ballistic Missile, and Drone Proliferation

The Countering Iran and DPRK’s WMD, Nuclear, Ballistic Missile, and Drone Proliferation grant opportunity is administered by the U.S. Department of State’s International Security and Nonproliferation Office of Cooperative Threat Reduction (ISN/CTR). This funding initiative is part of the Counterproliferation and Sanctions Enforcement (CASE) program, which seeks to build global capacity to enforce U.S. and international sanctions on Iran and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK). Established in 2017, the CASE program supports efforts to impede the development and export of ballistic missiles, nuclear capabilities, and unmanned aerial systems by these nations. Through this grant, ISN/CTR aims to disrupt Iran and DPRK’s access to proliferation-sensitive materials and revenue streams and to enhance the capabilities of global partners in detecting and mitigating sanctions evasion. The grant focuses on several key areas, including the transfer and procurement of WMD-related technologies and materials, proliferation finance, cyber-enabled theft, IT worker revenue schemes, and maritime sanctions evasion. Target activities include training partner governments and private sectors in sanctions enforcement, enhancing judicial and regulatory frameworks, conducting open-source investigations, and building cybersecurity defenses against North Korean cyber threats. Projects should provide tangible outcomes such as improved sanctions compliance, disrupted revenue generation, and greater interdiction capabilities. Funding under this opportunity ranges from $250,000 to $1,000,000, with a total program budget of $12,500,000, pending availability. The program anticipates awarding up to 10 grants with performance periods ranging from 12 to 24 months, starting as early as January 1, 2026. Projects must be completed within 15 months. Funding instruments include grants, cooperative agreements, and inter-agency agreements. Proposals can include multiple standalone projects evaluated independently, and each must include a detailed narrative, budget, and monitoring and evaluation plans. Eligible applicants include U.S.-based for-profits, non-profits, educational institutions, and federally funded research centers, as well as foreign-based NGOs and institutions of higher education. All applicants must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and a valid SAM.gov registration. Cost-sharing is voluntary and not required for eligibility or evaluation. Each organization can only submit one application, but that application may encompass multiple projects. Applications must be submitted through Grants.gov by July 30, 2025, at 11:59 P.M. EDT. Required materials include standard forms (SF-424, SF-424A), a summary page, key personnel details, project narratives, budget documents, and monitoring and evaluation plans. Optional forms include SF-424B and SF-LLL. The Department of State will evaluate applications based on project feasibility, organizational capacity, cost effectiveness, sustainability, and monitoring plans. Unsuccessful applicants will be notified by October 15, 2025. For questions, applicants may contact ISN-CTR-BUDGET@state.gov and ISN-CTR-DPRK@state.gov. Q&A responses will be published every Friday until July 25, 2025. Final awards will be determined by ISN/CTR senior officials and issued through the Department of State’s grants management systems. Compliance with anti-terrorism, anti-discrimination, human rights, and financial accountability regulations is required. Post-award responsibilities include quarterly financial and performance reporting, adherence to federal regulations, and final deliverables summarizing project outcomes and lessons learned.

Follow strict formatting; adhere to page limits; ensure SAM.gov registration early; ensure project alignment with WMD counterproliferation objectives