Enhancing Prison Population Management Through Expanded Probation in Tunisia

The U.S. Department of State, through its Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, is offering a funding opportunity titled Enhancing Prison Population Management Through Expanded Probation in Tunisia. The Bureau’s mission centers on strengthening global justice systems, countering transnational crime, and reducing instability abroad. This specific program is designed to support Tunisia in addressing persistent challenges within its criminal justice system, particularly prison overcrowding, high recidivism rates, and the risk of radicalization among incarcerated populations. The initiative builds upon prior investments and partnerships with Tunisia’s Ministry of Justice to further institutionalize probation and community-based sentencing alternatives. The primary objective of the program is to divert low-risk, first-time offenders away from incarceration and toward probation and community service. By doing so, Tunisia can better allocate its limited correctional resources toward high-risk offenders while reducing systemic strain. The project aims to expand probation services nationwide, ensuring coverage across all 24 governorates, and to standardize procedures, training, and operational frameworks. Activities include establishing new probation offices, enhancing coordination systems, strengthening partnerships with community organizations, and implementing technology-enabled solutions for monitoring and rehabilitation. Funding under this opportunity is provided as a cooperative agreement, meaning the Bureau will maintain substantial involvement in project implementation. The total funding available is up to 1.5 million dollars, with a single award anticipated. The project period is expected to last 24 months, beginning around October 2026. Funds may be used for a range of programmatic activities including infrastructure development for probation offices, training for justice sector personnel, public awareness campaigns, development of standard operating procedures, and implementation of monitoring technologies. Construction costs are not allowable, and all expenditures must comply with federal cost principles. Eligibility is limited to organizations, including U.S. and foreign non-profit organizations as well as for-profit entities, provided they can demonstrate business registration in Tunisia. Applicants must also maintain compliance with federal requirements such as obtaining a Unique Entity Identifier and maintaining an active registration in SAM.gov. Cost sharing is not required but is encouraged, and any proposed cost share must be properly documented and included in the budget narrative and supporting forms. The application process requires submission through Grants.gov and includes a comprehensive set of documents. These include standard federal forms such as the SF-424 and SF-424A, a detailed proposal narrative, a performance monitoring plan, a project risk analysis, organizational and staffing information, and a detailed budget with narrative justification. The proposal narrative must address project context, theory of change, implementation plan, evidence base, prior experience, and sustainability. Applicants must also prepare monitoring tools such as a change map and performance indicators, which will be used throughout the project lifecycle. Applications are due by August 25, 2026, with a prior deadline for submitting questions set for July 28, 2026. Proposals will be evaluated based on technical criteria including project design, monitoring and risk planning, institutional capacity, and cost effectiveness. Successful applicants will be notified following internal review and approval processes, with awards expected to be issued before the project start date. Reporting requirements include quarterly performance reports and ongoing financial reporting, ensuring accountability and alignment with program goals. Overall, this funding opportunity represents a targeted investment in justice sector reform in Tunisia. By expanding probation systems and promoting alternative sentencing, the program seeks to reduce overcrowding, improve rehabilitation outcomes, and enhance long-term public safety. The initiative aligns with broader U.S. foreign assistance goals by strengthening partner institutions and addressing root causes of instability and criminal activity.

Ensure strong evidence based theory of change; align activities clearly with outcomes; demonstrate institutional capacity and monitoring systems; provide detailed and realistic budget justification