Countering U.S. Adversary WMD and Drone Threats in Iraq

The U.S. Department of State's International Security and Nonproliferation Office of Cooperative Threat Reduction (ISN/CTR) has released a funding opportunity titled “Countering U.S. Adversary WMD and Drone Threats in Iraq” under opportunity number DFOP0017268. This initiative aims to disrupt and deny access to weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and unmanned aerial systems (UAS) capabilities by Iranian-backed proxies and terrorist groups within Iraq. It focuses on strengthening the Iraqi government’s capabilities in preventing, detecting, and responding to chemical and biological threats, thereby enhancing regional security and protecting U.S. interests and personnel stationed in the area. This opportunity seeks to build Iraqi capacity through engagements targeting key institutions including the Government of Iraq, the Kurdistan Regional Government, first responders, forensic experts, and the private sector. Funded projects should align with one or more of three overarching objectives: enhancing Iraqi capacity to counter UAS threats, bolstering chemical and biological response capabilities, and strengthening collaboration among public, private, and regional stakeholders. Successful proposals will focus on disrupting the acquisition of dangerous materials, strengthening investigative and emergency response capacities, and encouraging long-term, sustainable counterproliferation practices. The total available funding for this opportunity is approximately $1,500,000, with individual awards ranging from $50,000 to $250,000. Up to ten awards are expected. The anticipated project start date is January 1, 2026, and proposed projects must be completed within 15 months. Funding will be made available through FY 25/26 Nonproliferation, Antiterrorism, Demining, and Related Programs (NADR) accounts and others. While cost-sharing is not required, voluntary contributions are accepted and may be considered during the review process. Eligible applicants include a broad range of organizations: U.S.-based for-profits and non-profits, public and private institutions of higher education, foreign non-profits and educational institutions, Federally Funded Research and Development Centers, Public International Organizations, and Foreign Public Entities. Applicants must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and an active registration in SAM.gov. Only one application per organization is permitted, though that application may propose multiple standalone projects. Applications must be submitted via Grants.gov by 11:59 P.M. EDT on July 31, 2025. The submission package must include standard forms (SF-424, SF-424A), project narratives, key personnel information, a monitoring and evaluation plan, budget documents, and a consolidated project list. Additional documentation such as CVs, past performance references, and NICRA documentation (if applicable) should also be included. Detailed instructions on format and content for each required section are outlined in the NOFO. Projects will be reviewed based on merit, with scoring criteria emphasizing project quality and feasibility (25 points), organizational capacity (20 points), program planning (15 points), cost-effectiveness (15 points), monitoring and evaluation (15 points), and sustainability (10 points). The final selection authority rests with a senior official at ISN/CTR. Funding is subject to restrictions including prohibitions on supporting UNRWA or activities promoting mass migration toward the U.S. border. All awardees must comply with federal anti-discrimination laws and relevant Department of State policies.