Combating Transnational Criminal Organizations through Data-Driven Analysis and Customized Investigative Mentoring

The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) is offering a funding opportunity to support efforts aimed at combating transnational criminal organizations through data-driven analysis and customized investigative mentoring. This initiative is part of the INL Office of Europe and Asia’s Bosnia and Herzegovina Program and reflects the bureau’s broader mission to counter crime, illegal drugs, and instability abroad. The program focuses specifically on strengthening the analytical and investigative capabilities of the Bosnia and Herzegovina State Prosecutor’s Office (SPO), which plays a central role in addressing complex criminal networks that pose risks to both regional and U.S. security interests. The primary purpose of this grant is to enhance the SPO’s newly established analytical center by integrating advanced data analytics into prosecutorial workflows. The project seeks to improve the detection, investigation, and dismantling of transnational criminal organizations, particularly those engaged in illicit finance, corruption, narcotics trafficking, and cross-border criminal activity. Through this funding, the selected recipient will help build sustainable analytical capabilities that allow SPO personnel to process large datasets, utilize open-source intelligence, and apply advanced methodologies in real-world investigations. The program also emphasizes strengthening international cooperation, especially with U.S. law enforcement and judicial partners. Funding for this opportunity totals $650,000, with a single award anticipated. Applicants may request between $550,000 and $650,000, and the project is expected to run for a period of 30 to 36 months, beginning around October 2026. The funding is provided through International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement funds under the Foreign Assistance Act. While cost sharing is encouraged, it is not required. Allowable uses of funds include personnel, travel, training, equipment, analytical tools, mentoring activities, and infrastructure for secure information sharing. The program also supports costs associated with international exchanges, technical expertise, and monitoring and evaluation activities, while adhering to federal cost principles and restrictions. Eligibility is limited to organizations, including U.S.-based and foreign non-profit organizations, educational institutions, and other qualifying entities with demonstrated expertise in data-driven investigations and analytical methodologies. Applicants must show strong experience in open-source intelligence, financial analysis, and investigative support. Public international organizations are not eligible to apply. Additionally, all applicants must maintain valid registration in SAM.gov and possess a Unique Entity Identifier. Only one application per organization is permitted, although consortium applications are allowed with a designated lead applicant. The application process requires submission through Grants.gov and includes a comprehensive proposal package. Required components include standard federal forms, a detailed proposal narrative, a performance monitoring plan, a project risk analysis, organizational and staffing documentation, and a full budget with narrative justification. The proposal narrative must outline the project context, theory of change, implementation plan, and sustainability strategy, along with evidence supporting the proposed approach. Applicants must also provide a timeline, key personnel details, and documentation demonstrating organizational capacity and prior experience. Applications will be evaluated based on technical merit, including project design, feasibility, and alignment with program objectives, as well as monitoring and risk management strategies, institutional capacity, and cost effectiveness. A review committee will score proposals using a 100-point scale, with the majority of points allocated to project analysis and implementation planning. Final award decisions will also consider risk assessments and organizational qualifications. INL maintains significant involvement in the cooperative agreement, including approval of work plans, monitoring activities, and oversight of project implementation. The timeline for this opportunity includes a question submission deadline of July 15, 2026, and a final application deadline of August 17, 2026. Applicants can expect notification of award decisions by November 2026. Selected recipients will be required to submit quarterly performance reports and comply with extensive federal reporting and compliance requirements throughout the project period. This funding opportunity does not explicitly state recurrence and is presented as a single-cycle competition tied to available funding. For inquiries, applicants may contact INL representatives via the provided email addresses.

Focus heavily on evidence-based theory of change and feasibility; align proposal clearly with evaluation criteria weighting; demonstrate prior experience in similar projects; ensure all required documents are complete to avoid ineligibility