Open Call: Regional Explosive Ordnance Disposal Operations in United States

This cooperative agreement supports organizations in delivering Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD), Counter Improvised Explosive Device (C-IED), and Post-Blast Investigation (PBI) training and equipment to security forces in Iraq, Lebanon, and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states. The program aims to reduce the risks posed by unexploded ordnance (UXO), strengthen counterterrorism capabilities, improve forensic investigations, and enhance regional security while protecting U.S. interests.

About the Program

The Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD), Counter-IED (C-IED), and Post-Blast Investigation (PBI) Training Program is a cooperative agreement designed to strengthen the technical capabilities of security forces in Iraq, Lebanon, and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states.

The initiative responds to growing regional security challenges following the widespread use of ballistic missiles and unmanned aerial systems (UAS) during the 2026 conflict in the Near East, which left significant quantities of unexploded ordnance (UXO) that continue to threaten civilians, critical infrastructure, and government facilities.

The program supports specialized training, technical assistance, and equipment that enable security personnel to safely detect, identify, neutralize, investigate, and dispose of explosive hazards while strengthening counterterrorism operations and forensic capabilities.

What Is Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD)?

Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) refers to the specialized process of safely identifying, assessing, disarming, removing, and disposing of explosive devices and hazardous munitions.

EOD operations typically include:

• Detection of explosive hazards
• Identification of unexploded ordnance (UXO)
• Safe disposal of military explosives
• Bomb disposal operations
• Risk assessment
• Emergency response
• Protection of civilian populations
• Infrastructure security

Effective EOD capabilities help reduce casualties, prevent terrorist exploitation of explosives, and restore public safety.

Understanding Counter-IED (C-IED)

Counter Improvised Explosive Device (C-IED) operations involve preventing, detecting, responding to, and investigating improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

Key C-IED activities include:

• Detection of IED threats
• Neutralization of explosive devices
• Intelligence gathering
• Technical analysis
• Explosive hazard management
• Security force training
• Counterterrorism operations
• Prevention of future attacks

Strong C-IED capabilities significantly improve national security and public safety.

What Is a Post-Blast Investigation?

A Post-Blast Investigation (PBI) is the forensic examination conducted after an explosion to determine how the incident occurred and identify those responsible.

Post-blast investigations include:

• Crime scene documentation
• Collection of explosive evidence
• Forensic analysis
• Device reconstruction
• Attribution of attacks
• Intelligence collection
• Criminal prosecution support
• Court-admissible evidence preparation

These investigations strengthen law enforcement and counterterrorism efforts by helping prosecute perpetrators and disrupt future attacks.

Program Objectives

The cooperative agreement seeks to strengthen regional security through specialized training and operational support.

Primary objectives include:

• Improve Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) capabilities.
• Enhance Counter-IED (C-IED) response capacity.
• Strengthen Post-Blast Investigation (PBI) expertise.
• Improve detection and disposal of unexploded ordnance.
• Reduce risks posed by ballistic missile remnants.
• Increase protection of U.S. diplomatic facilities and personnel.
• Protect civilian populations and critical infrastructure.
• Improve evidence collection for terrorism investigations.
• Strengthen criminal prosecution of terrorist actors.
• Promote information sharing with U.S. law enforcement agencies.
• Enhance regional preparedness against emerging explosive threats.

Why This Program Matters

The continued presence of unexploded ordnance creates long-term humanitarian and security challenges.

This initiative is important because it:

• Reduces threats from unexploded explosives.
• Prevents terrorist groups from exploiting abandoned munitions.
• Improves regional counterterrorism capabilities.
• Enhances forensic investigation standards.
• Protects civilian communities.
• Strengthens international law enforcement cooperation.
• Supports stability across the Near East.
• Improves emergency response capacity.
• Protects U.S. national security interests abroad.

Geographic Focus

The program specifically supports security forces operating in:

• Iraq
• Lebanon
• Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states

The GCC member states include:

• Bahrain
• Kuwait
• Oman
• Qatar
• Saudi Arabia
• United Arab Emirates

Who Is Eligible?

The funding opportunity is open to a wide range of organizations with relevant technical expertise.

Eligible applicants include:

• U.S. not-for-profit organizations
• Foreign not-for-profit organizations
• Non-governmental organizations (NGOs)
• Civil society organizations
• Think tanks
• Public educational institutions
• Private educational institutions
• Public International Organizations
• Governmental institutions
• For-profit organizations

Applicants must demonstrate experience and operational capacity in explosive hazard management and security training.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants should be able to demonstrate:

• Previous experience delivering EOD training.
• Experience conducting C-IED programs.
• Access to certified EOD instructors.
• Qualified explosive safety personnel.
• Established explosive handling protocols.
• Capacity to manage specialized training equipment.
• Ability to obtain required licenses and authorizations.
• Knowledge of regional security conditions.
• Experience working with security forces.
• Strong project management and reporting capabilities.

Activities Supported

Funding may support activities such as:

• EOD technical training
• Counter-IED operational training
• Post-blast investigation instruction
• Bomb disposal exercises
• Explosive recognition training
• Equipment procurement
• Technical mentoring
• Capacity building
• Security force development
• Forensic investigation support
• Intelligence-sharing initiatives
• Operational readiness improvement

How the Program Works

Organizations selected under the cooperative agreement will work closely with program administrators to deliver specialized training and technical support.

The implementation process generally includes:

1. Assess the operational needs of partner security forces.
2. Develop customized EOD and C-IED training programs.
3. Deliver classroom and practical field instruction.
4. Supply approved technical equipment where applicable.
5. Conduct post-blast investigation exercises.
6. Strengthen forensic evidence collection capabilities.
7. Improve information sharing between regional partners and U.S. law enforcement.
8. Monitor training outcomes and evaluate operational effectiveness.

Tips for Applicants

Applicants can strengthen their proposals by:

• Demonstrating extensive EOD and C-IED experience.
• Highlighting previous international security projects.
• Providing evidence of certified instructors.
• Showing expertise in forensic investigations.
• Including comprehensive safety procedures.
• Demonstrating regional knowledge.
• Presenting realistic implementation plans.
• Including strong monitoring and evaluation strategies.
• Demonstrating partnerships with security agencies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid the following when preparing an application:

• Limited experience in explosive ordnance disposal.
• Lack of certified training personnel.
• Weak safety and risk management procedures.
• Insufficient regional expertise.
• Incomplete operational planning.
• Unrealistic project timelines.
• Poor monitoring and evaluation frameworks.
• Missing documentation or licensing requirements.
• Inadequate evidence of organizational capacity.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the primary purpose of this cooperative agreement?

The program strengthens Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD), Counter-IED (C-IED), and Post-Blast Investigation (PBI) capabilities among security forces in Iraq, Lebanon, and GCC member states to reduce explosive threats and improve regional security.

What types of training are supported?

Supported activities include EOD training, Counter-IED instruction, bomb disposal, explosive recognition, forensic investigations, post-blast analysis, evidence collection, and operational preparedness.

Who can apply for this funding opportunity?

Eligible applicants include U.S. and foreign nonprofit organizations, NGOs, civil society organizations, think tanks, educational institutions, governmental institutions, Public International Organizations, and qualified for-profit organizations.

Which countries will benefit from the program?

The initiative supports Iraq, Lebanon, and the six Gulf Cooperation Council member states: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.

Why is unexploded ordnance (UXO) a major concern?

UXO can remain dangerous for years after conflicts end. These explosive materials threaten civilians, damage infrastructure, and may be recovered by terrorist or criminal organizations for future attacks.

What qualifications should applicants have?

Applicants should demonstrate prior EOD or C-IED experience, employ certified instructors, maintain established explosive safety procedures, understand regional security dynamics, and possess the capacity to manage specialized training programs.

How does this program strengthen counterterrorism efforts?

The initiative improves explosive detection, disposal, forensic investigations, evidence collection, intelligence sharing, and criminal prosecution capabilities, helping partner nations prevent attacks and hold perpetrators accountable.

Conclusion

The Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD), Counter-IED (C-IED), and Post-Blast Investigation Training Program represents an important investment in regional security and counterterrorism capacity. By equipping security forces in Iraq, Lebanon, and GCC member states with advanced technical skills, specialized equipment, and investigative expertise, the initiative helps reduce the dangers posed by unexploded ordnance, strengthens international law enforcement cooperation, protects civilian populations, and supports long-term peace and stability across the Near East.