Combating Forced Child Recruitment by FTOs and TCOs

The U.S. Department of State, through its Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, has released a Notice of Funding Opportunity titled Combating Forced Child Recruitment by FTOs and TCOs. This initiative is part of the INL Colombia Criminal Justice Division under the Citizen Security Program and seeks to address a critical and escalating issue in Colombia: the forced recruitment and exploitation of minors by Foreign Terrorist Organizations and Transnational Criminal Organizations. The Bureau’s broader mission is to counter international crime and illegal drug activity to enhance U.S. and global security, and this funding opportunity reflects that mandate by targeting criminal networks that rely on child recruitment to sustain operations. The primary objective of this funding opportunity is to strengthen the capacity of Colombian law enforcement institutions, particularly the Colombian National Police and the Attorney General’s Office, to investigate, arrest, and prosecute individuals and groups involved in the forced recruitment and criminal use of minors. The program distinguishes between forced recruitment under armed conflict contexts and the criminal use of children in illicit activities such as drug trafficking, extortion, surveillance, and violence. The selected recipient will be responsible for delivering training, advisory support, and operational assistance to enhance investigative capabilities and improve coordination among law enforcement entities. Funding for this opportunity totals 4000000 dollars, with a single award anticipated. Applicants may request between 3500000 and 4000000 dollars for a project period of 24 months, with an expected start date in September 2026. The award will be structured as a cooperative agreement, indicating substantial involvement from the funding agency in project implementation, including approval of work plans, monitoring frameworks, and key operational decisions. While cost sharing is not required, applicants are encouraged to include voluntary contributions, either in-kind or financial, to demonstrate commitment and maximize program impact. Eligible applicants include a wide range of organizations such as U.S. and foreign nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and for-profit entities. However, applicants must demonstrate prior experience implementing criminal justice programs outside the United States and specifically within Colombia. Public International Organizations are explicitly excluded. Additionally, applicants must maintain proper registration through SAM.gov and obtain a Unique Entity Identifier. Organizations may submit only one proposal but can collaborate through consortium arrangements with a designated lead applicant. The application process requires submission through Grants.gov and includes standard federal forms, a detailed proposal narrative, performance monitoring documentation, risk analysis, organizational information, and a comprehensive budget with narrative justification. The proposal narrative must address project context, theory of change, implementation strategy, and sustainability considerations. Evaluation criteria emphasize the quality of project design, monitoring and risk management, institutional capacity, and cost effectiveness. Applicants are also expected to incorporate evidence-based approaches and demonstrate familiarity with prior interventions in similar contexts. Key deadlines include a question submission deadline of June 15 2026 and an application submission deadline of July 21 2026. Following submission, applications undergo technical eligibility screening and a competitive review process. Successful applicants are expected to be notified by October 2026. Recipients must comply with extensive reporting requirements, including quarterly performance reporting through the INL DevResults system, and adhere to federal regulations, including anti-trafficking compliance, financial accountability, and human rights vetting requirements. Overall, this funding opportunity represents a targeted investment in strengthening criminal justice responses to child exploitation in Colombia. By focusing on investigative capacity, interagency coordination, and engagement with local and private sector stakeholders, the program aims to disrupt recruitment networks, protect vulnerable populations, and weaken criminal organizations that pose threats to regional stability and U.S. national security.

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