Southern Cone Cooperation Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Sector Support

The U.S. Department of State, through its Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), has issued a Notice of Funding Opportunity for the Southern Cone Cooperation Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Sector Support program. INL’s mission is to counter transnational crime, illegal drug trafficking, and instability abroad by strengthening foreign law enforcement and justice institutions. This funding opportunity is designed to support that mission by improving operational capacity across the Southern Cone region, specifically Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay, and Uruguay, through enhanced travel logistics coordination for technical assistance and training programs. The primary purpose of this cooperative agreement is to establish a dedicated travel logistics support mechanism that enables INL to efficiently deliver capacity-building assistance to partner countries. The program addresses an identified gap in administrative and logistical support, which currently limits the timely implementation of training and technical assistance. By outsourcing travel coordination responsibilities, INL aims to reduce administrative burden on its staff, allowing them to focus on program design and strategic objectives such as countering transnational criminal organizations and foreign terrorist organizations. Funding under this opportunity totals 500000 dollars, with a single anticipated award covering the full amount. The period of performance is 24 months, with a projected start date of September 2026. The funding is provided under the International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement account and will be administered as a cooperative agreement, meaning INL will have substantial involvement in program implementation, including approval of work plans, monitoring and evaluation frameworks, and key activities. Funds are restricted from being used for costs related to U.S. government personnel and must comply with federal regulations such as the Fly America Act and Federal Acquisition Regulations. Eligible applicants include U.S. and foreign nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and for-profit entities, provided they demonstrate experience in implementing similar programs and possess the capacity to operate in English, Spanish, and Portuguese. Applicants must also maintain active registration in SAM.gov and possess a Unique Entity Identifier. Cost sharing is not required but is encouraged, and any proposed cost share must be properly documented. The program emphasizes the need for strong partnerships, rapid mobilization capability, and experience in managing complex international logistics operations. The application process requires submission through Grants.gov and includes a comprehensive set of documents such as standard federal forms, a detailed proposal narrative, performance monitoring plan, risk analysis, organizational background, and a full budget with narrative justification. Applications must adhere to strict formatting and content requirements. The deadline for submission of questions is July 30, 2026, and the final application deadline is August 17, 2026. Applicants will be evaluated based on criteria including system quality for managing travel logistics, program monitoring and risk management, institutional capacity, and cost effectiveness. Evaluation is conducted by a technical review committee using a 100-point scoring system. The highest weighted criterion is the quality of the system proposed to manage travel and events, followed by institutional capacity and program monitoring. Cost effectiveness also plays a role, and in the case of tied scores, preference is given to applicants with lower indirect cost rates. Successful applicants will be notified following internal approvals, with unsuccessful applicants expected to receive notification by October 2026. Recipients will be required to submit quarterly performance reports through INL’s DevResults system and comply with all federal reporting, monitoring, and compliance requirements, including Leahy vetting for participants. The program may be extended up to a total of five years based on performance and funding availability. This opportunity represents a strategic investment in strengthening regional security and rule of law through improved operational efficiency and coordination in delivering international law enforcement assistance.

Focus heavily on demonstrating a strong travel logistics management system with tracking and reporting capabilities; align implementation plan clearly with objectives; ensure cost realism and compliance with federal regulations; highlight institutional experience managing similar programs