Strengthening Specialized Departments for Organized Crime and Corruption

The Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs within the U.S. Department of State administers this funding opportunity as part of its broader mandate to combat transnational crime, strengthen justice systems, and support rule of law initiatives globally. This bureau plays a critical role in advancing U.S. foreign policy objectives by partnering with international governments and institutions to address criminal networks, corruption, and systemic judicial weaknesses. Through this program, the agency seeks to improve institutional capacity in Bosnia and Herzegovina, a strategically important country affected by organized crime due to its geographic position along major trafficking routes. The primary purpose of this grant is to strengthen the operational effectiveness of specialized departments tasked with addressing organized crime and corruption within the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Republika Srpska. These departments face challenges including limited prosecutorial expertise, insufficient coordination across agencies, and gaps in international collaboration. The program is designed to enhance investigative and prosecutorial capabilities, improve case outcomes, and disrupt transnational criminal organizations that pose risks to regional stability and U.S. security interests. Funding will support a range of activities including technical assistance, training, mentoring partnerships, and institutional development efforts. A key component includes collaboration with U.S. prosecutors to transfer knowledge and best practices. Additional efforts may involve legal and procedural reforms aimed at improving case management, evidence handling, and interagency coordination. While the funding supports capacity building and system strengthening, all expenditures must align with the program’s objective of improving the prosecution of complex organized crime and corruption cases. Eligibility for this opportunity is broad and includes U.S.-based and foreign-based nonprofit organizations as well as educational institutions that meet specific tax or legal status requirements. Organizations must demonstrate the capacity to operate internationally and manage programs in complex legal and political environments. Both domestic and international entities are encouraged to apply, reflecting the global nature of the issue and the need for cross-border expertise. The application process requires submission through official grant systems, with applicants expected to provide detailed program proposals outlining objectives, methodologies, timelines, and expected outcomes. Applications are evaluated based on their technical merit, feasibility, organizational capacity, and alignment with program goals. Although specific evaluation criteria are not detailed in the synopsis, standard federal review processes typically apply, including competitive scoring and peer or agency review. The application window opens on June 4, 2026, and closes on August 6, 2026. No pre-application or letter of intent is specified in the provided materials. The program is not described as recurring, and only one award is expected to be issued. Award notifications and project timelines are not explicitly stated but are typically determined following the review process. For additional information or assistance, applicants may contact designated agency representatives via email.