Travel, Training and Logistics for Costa Rica

The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) has issued a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for a cooperative agreement titled “Travel, Training and Logistics for Costa Rica.” This funding opportunity seeks to support the operations of INL San Jose by enhancing logistical and administrative support that will strengthen the effectiveness of U.S.-funded counternarcotics programs and law enforcement initiatives in Costa Rica. The program is designed to promote U.S. national security interests by ensuring efficient, scalable, and secure logistical support for trainings, events, and law enforcement coordination involving Costa Rican authorities. The funding opportunity outlines a comprehensive approach to facilitating travel and training logistics, aiming to expand host government participation in U.S.-supported events without the need for additional permanent U.S. staffing. This includes services such as travel booking, per diem distribution, lodging arrangements, background checks for Leahy vetting, health and travel insurance, and real-time participant tracking. Additional support will be provided for event management, including conference setup, interpretation and translation, procurement of necessary supplies, and ground transportation. Notably, applicants must be able to respond to urgent needs within 24 hours and provide services around the clock when required. This grant will be awarded as a cooperative agreement, reflecting substantial involvement from INL. The total available funding is $2,766,000, with one anticipated award. The period of performance is 24 months, beginning approximately in March 2026. Applicants are required to submit their applications via www.grants.gov by 11:59 PM EST on February 6, 2026. Any questions must be submitted by January 29, 2026. Cost sharing is encouraged but not required, and funds may not be used for U.S. government employee costs. Matching funds, if offered, must be documented and reported. Eligibility for this opportunity is limited to organizations only. Qualified applicants include U.S.-based or foreign non-profit organizations and educational institutions. For-profit organizations and Public International Organizations are ineligible. All applicants must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and an active registration in SAM.gov at the time of application. Only one proposal per organization is allowed, although partnerships are permitted, with a lead applicant clearly designated. The application package must include SF-424 forms, a proposal narrative (maximum 20 pages), a performance monitoring plan, project risk analysis, detailed and summary budgets, a budget narrative, and supporting organizational documents. The proposal should demonstrate a clear theory of change, include measurable outcomes, and describe how previous experience will inform the proposed approach. A timeline outlining key milestones and deliverables is also required. Applicants must show that they have the capacity to manage financial and logistical risks and adhere to Department of State regulations, including those related to anti-trafficking, nondiscrimination, and financial transparency. Evaluation criteria emphasize problem analysis, a clearly defined and evidence-based theory of change, feasibility of implementation, and sustainability planning. Applications will be scored based on the robustness of monitoring and evaluation strategies, risk mitigation, organizational track record, and cost-effectiveness. Selected applicants will be notified via email after the evaluation process concludes, with unsuccessful applicants also receiving notification by April 30, 2026. Final awards will be administered by the INL Grants Officer, with funds disbursed upon approval of detailed SF-270 payment requests.

Ensure all required documents are submitted exactly as requested; failure to do so results in ineligibility.