Combating Forced Child Recruitment by FTOs and TCOs

The U.S. Department of State Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) has issued a Notice of Funding Opportunity to support a cooperative agreement focused on combating forced child recruitment by foreign terrorist organizations and transnational criminal organizations in Colombia. INL operates globally to counter crime and illicit drug activity as part of broader U.S. foreign policy and national security objectives. This funding opportunity aligns with that mission by addressing the increasing use of minors by criminal groups, a trend that undermines regional stability and contributes to transnational crime networks. The purpose of this program is to strengthen the criminal justice response to forced child recruitment and exploitation. The selected recipient will support Colombian law enforcement agencies, particularly the Colombian National Police and the Attorney General’s Office, through training, technical assistance, and coordination mechanisms. The project emphasizes improving investigative and prosecutorial capacity to address both forced recruitment under armed conflict conditions and the criminal use of children in activities such as drug trafficking, extortion, and violent crime. The initiative seeks measurable outcomes including increased arrests, prosecutions, and disruption of recruitment networks. Funding for this opportunity totals four million dollars, with a single award anticipated. Applicants must propose projects within a funding range of three million five hundred thousand to four million dollars. The period of performance is expected to be twenty four months, beginning in September 2026. While cost sharing is not required, applicants are encouraged to include voluntary contributions in cash or in kind, particularly through partnerships with local organizations, government entities, or private sector actors such as social media companies. Eligibility is broad and includes U.S. and foreign nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and for profit entities, provided they demonstrate prior experience implementing criminal justice programs internationally and specifically in Colombia. Applicants must also meet federal requirements such as obtaining a Unique Entity Identifier and maintaining an active SAM registration. Public international organizations are excluded. Applications must be submitted through Grants.gov and include a comprehensive set of documents such as proposal narrative, monitoring plan, risk analysis, organizational background, and detailed budget materials. The application process requires submission of standard federal forms along with a detailed proposal that outlines the project context, theory of change, implementation plan, and sustainability strategy. Applicants must also include performance monitoring frameworks and risk mitigation strategies. Evaluation criteria prioritize project design quality, monitoring and risk planning, organizational capacity, and cost effectiveness. Successful applicants will be notified after a review process and may be subject to additional conditions or clarifications prior to award. Key deadlines include a question submission deadline of June 15, 2026 and a final application deadline of July 15, 2026. The program is not described as recurring and is tied to specific fiscal funding. Award notifications are expected by October 2026, with implementation beginning shortly thereafter. The cooperative agreement structure allows for substantial involvement by INL, including approval of work plans and participation in oversight activities. This ensures alignment with U.S. government priorities and accountability throughout the project lifecycle.

Ensure strong theory of change and measurable outcomes; align activities directly with law enforcement objectives; demonstrate prior experience in Colombia; provide realistic and cost effective budget