Logistical Support for INL Border Security and Counternarcotics, Criminal Deterrence and Transnational Crime and Counterterrorism Projects in El Salvador

The Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) of the U.S. Department of State has released a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) titled “Logistical Support for INL Border Security and Counternarcotics, Criminal Deterrence and Transnational Crime and Counterterrorism Projects in El Salvador.” This initiative falls under the Central America Regional Security Initiative (CARSI) and is designed to strengthen Salvadoran institutions by enhancing their logistical and analytical capacity to counter transnational criminal threats such as drug and human trafficking, illicit finance, and organized crime. The total available funding is $2,000,000, with one cooperative agreement expected to be awarded for a 24-month implementation period beginning in March 2026. The project aligns with INL’s mission to combat crime and instability abroad to keep Americans safe, and supports broader U.S. foreign policy objectives through enhanced border security, institutional reform, and law enforcement coordination. The successful applicant will coordinate travel and logistical arrangements for INL-funded events in El Salvador, including managing transportation, accommodations, venues, training materials, and documentation. The grantee must also design, implement, and analyze evaluation surveys—pre-, post-, and follow-up—to assess the effectiveness of each INL criminal deterrence initiative and provide actionable recommendations for continuous improvement. Eligibility for this award is limited to U.S.- and foreign-based non-profit/non-governmental organizations. Public International Organizations and for-profit entities are ineligible. A Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and active SAM.gov registration are required for applicants. While cost sharing is recommended, it is not required. Applicants must submit proposals via www.grants.gov by February 6, 2026, at 11:59 PM EST. Questions regarding the NOFO must be submitted by January 29, 2026, and responses will be posted on the Grants.gov “Related Documents” tab. Applications must include several components, such as a proposal narrative (max 20 pages), a performance monitoring plan (including a Change Map and illustrative Performance Indicator Reference Sheet), a project risk analysis, a detailed budget with narrative, and documentation of organizational capacity and history with federal assistance. The Department will review applications based on criteria such as project design, monitoring and risk planning, institutional capacity, and cost effectiveness. Evaluations will be weighted with emphasis on feasibility, implementation, and data-driven strategies. INL will be actively involved in cooperative agreement implementation, including the approval of work plans, evaluation plans, and country-specific activities. The grantee will be required to submit quarterly performance reports through INL’s DevResults system. If successful, the project may be expanded regionally through a future award modification, subject to funding availability. The primary contacts for this opportunity are Tia Allen ([email protected]) and Elena “Katia” Rubio ([email protected]).

Projects should use evidence-based design and measurable results; emphasize clear implementation plans and risk mitigation strategies.