Opportunity Information: Apply for DFOP0017268
The grant opportunity "Countering U.S. Adversary WMD and Drone Threats in Iraq" (Funding Opportunity Number DFOP0017268) is a discretionary U.S. government program run by the Department of State's Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation (ISN), under its Cooperative Threat Reduction (CTR) Iraq Program. It is structured as a cooperative agreement, which typically means substantial involvement and coordination with the U.S. government during implementation rather than a hands-off grant. The program is focused on work inside Iraq, including Iraqi Kurdistan, with the stated aim of countering Iran's ability, and the ability of Iranian-backed proxy groups and other terrorist organizations, to threaten U.S. forces, U.S. interests, and Israel through unmanned aerial systems (UAS, commonly referred to as drones) and weapons of mass destruction (WMD), with particular emphasis on chemical and biological weapons (CBW) threats and related attack prevention.
At its core, the opportunity supports practical activities that help Iraq disrupt, detect, and respond to these threats. On the prevention side, the program emphasizes denying threat actors access to the materials, dual-use equipment, technologies, know-how, and infrastructure that could be used to develop or employ CBW capabilities or to expand drone threats. This includes efforts to disrupt acquisition pathways and strengthen Iraqi capacity to identify and interdict concerning transfers and procurement attempts. On the preparedness and response side, it prioritizes developing the capabilities of Iraqi military units, law enforcement entities, and laboratories to recognize indicators of CBW incidents, detect potential agents or hazardous materials, and respond effectively if an attack occurs. The broader logic described in the notice is that improving Iraqi defenses against chemical, biological, radiological, and UAS threats increases security for U.S. personnel and regional partners, while also weakening Iran-aligned proxy networks, which the program frames as contributing to U.S. leverage in future negotiations related to Iran's nuclear program.
The award details provided indicate an award ceiling of $250,000, with an anticipated total of about 10 awards. The original application closing date is listed as July 31, 2025, and the opportunity was created on June 2, 2025. The assistance listing is associated with CFDA (now commonly referred to as Assistance Listing) number 19.033, and the activity category is labeled "Other," reflecting that the work can span multiple types of security, nonproliferation, and capacity-building activities rather than fitting neatly into a single standard program bucket.
Eligibility is broad and includes both U.S.-based and certain non-U.S. entities. Eligible applicants include U.S. for-profit organizations and businesses; U.S.-based nonprofit or nongovernmental organizations (including those with or without 501(c)(3) status); U.S.-based private, public, or state institutions of higher education; foreign-based nonprofit/NGO organizations; Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs); Public International Organizations (PIO); Foreign Public Entities (FPE); and foreign-based institutions of higher education. In practical terms, that eligibility list suggests the program is open to a wide range of implementers, including technical organizations with laboratory, detection, and biosafety expertise; institutions capable of specialized training and advisory support; and groups with experience working with Iraqi security and civilian institutions in complex operating environments.
Overall, the opportunity is designed to fund targeted, on-the-ground engagements that improve Iraqi capability to stop WMD- and drone-related threats before they materialize, and to respond effectively if deterrence and interdiction fail. The focus on disrupting access to dual-use items and expertise points to nonproliferation-oriented interventions, while the emphasis on military, law enforcement, and laboratory capacity signals operational readiness and consequence-management work. The U.S. government frames these efforts as directly protective of U.S. personnel and interests in Iraq and the region, and as indirectly supportive of wider strategic objectives related to reducing the influence and operational reach of Iranian-backed networks.Apply for DFOP0017268
- The Bureau of International Security-Nonproliferation in the other sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Countering U.S. Adversary WMD and Drone Threats in Iraq" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 19.033.
- This funding opportunity was created on 2025-06-02.
- Applicants must submit their applications by 2025-07-31. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $250,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 10 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Others.
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