Iraq Land Border Security Program | SFOP0005774

Opportunity Information: Apply for SFOP0005774

The Iraq Land Border Security Program is a U.S. Department of State funding opportunity (Bureau of Counterterrorism) designed to strengthen Iraq's ability to manage and secure its land borders, with a particular focus on the Iraq-Syria border. The core purpose is to build the operational capacity of Iraq's civilian security forces, including forces under the Government of Iraq and the Kurdish Regional Government, so they can conduct more effective border security management. The opportunity is framed around improving practical border functions such as screening travelers and cargo, strengthening coordination among relevant agencies, and ensuring activities align with the expectations of UN Security Council Resolution 2396, which emphasizes better detection of terrorists and improved information-sharing and border controls to prevent terrorist movement.

A central problem the grant is trying to address is the porous and weakened condition of the Iraq-Syria border following years of conflict and instability. That weakness has created opportunities for ISIS remnants and other hostile actors to move across the border, reconstitute networks, and exploit gaps in oversight. The program's intended impact is to reduce or eliminate that cross-border freedom of movement by improving the ability of civilian border and security entities to detect, identify, and interdict terrorists, terrorist facilitators, and associated networks. At the same time, it targets related border threats such as illicit trade and smuggling activities that can finance extremist groups or undermine state authority.

Administratively, this opportunity is a discretionary award using a cooperative agreement, meaning the U.S. government anticipates an active role in shaping or collaborating on the project during implementation rather than simply issuing funds with minimal involvement. It falls under the "Law, Justice and Legal Services" activity category and is listed under CFDA number 19.701. The program anticipated making a single award, with a maximum funding level (award ceiling) of $4,000,000, indicating a relatively focused project scope with one primary implementer expected to carry out the program's activities.

The eligibility category is listed broadly as "Others," with further clarification referenced in an additional eligibility field not included in the provided text. The opportunity was created on April 22, 2019, and the original application closing date was June 6, 2019. Overall, the grant is positioned as a targeted counterterrorism and border-management capacity-building effort aimed at strengthening civilian-led border security operations, tightening screening and coordination practices, and reducing the operational space available to ISIS remnants and related illicit cross-border activity.

• The Department of State, Bureau of Counterterrorism in the law, justice and legal services sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Iraq Land Border Security Program" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 19.701.
• This funding opportunity was created on Apr 22, 2019.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Jun 06, 2019. (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 $4,000,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).

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