Securing Convictions from Vetted and Special Unit Operations

The U.S. Department of State, through its Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), has released a funding opportunity titled “Securing Convictions from Vetted and Special Unit Operations.” This initiative is part of INL's Mexico Criminal Deterrence Program and aligns with the Bureau’s mission to counter crime, illegal drugs, and instability abroad, contributing to U.S. national and regional security. The program targets critical weaknesses in Mexico’s law enforcement and prosecutorial capacities, particularly regarding coordination with U.S.-supported vetted and special units combating transnational organized crime. The purpose of the funding is to improve the effectiveness of Mexican frontline law enforcement officers and prosecutors in achieving successful prosecutions for cartel-related and transnational crimes. It seeks to address systemic gaps in evidence handling, legal documentation, and operational collaboration between police and prosecutorial units. Key areas of improvement include chain-of-custody practices, legal sufficiency of case files, and enhanced courtroom presentation of evidence. This effort is framed within the broader U.S. strategic security interests and reflects bilateral cooperation with Mexico to combat organized criminal threats. The cooperative agreement offers funding to support capacity-building activities, including training programs, investigative exercises, and inter-agency coordination strategies. Applicants may propose activities that target either law enforcement or prosecutorial objectives or both. Law enforcement objectives focus on improving detention practices, evidence documentation, and investigative techniques, such as undercover operations. Prosecutorial objectives emphasize reviewing case files for legal adequacy, preparing charges, and enhancing courtroom effectiveness. Deliverables may include curriculum materials, legal reference guides, cross-border coordination tools, and documentation aids that support operational and institutional learning. Applicants may request between $1,000,000 and $1,500,000 in funding, with the total program allocation capped at $4,000,000. Up to four awards may be issued. While cost sharing is encouraged, it is not mandatory. Project periods must span between 12 and 24 months, with an estimated start in April 2026. Organizations eligible to apply include U.S.- or Mexico-based nonprofit organizations and educational institutions that meet IRS 501(c)(3) or equivalent Mexican registration requirements. Public International Organizations and for-profit entities are explicitly excluded. Applications must be submitted through Grants.gov by March 20, 2026, at 11:59 PM EST. Required documents include the SF-424 suite, a proposal narrative (maximum 20 pages), performance monitoring plan, project risk analysis, timeline, biographies of the applicant organization and key personnel, and detailed budget materials including a budget narrative. Indirect costs may be claimed via a NICRA or the 15% de minimis rate if eligible. The INL DevResults system must be used for quarterly performance monitoring once an award is made. Evaluation criteria emphasize the strength of project analysis and design (50 points), program monitoring and risk management (30 points), institutional capacity (10 points), and cost effectiveness (10 points). Final award decisions will consider both technical merit and organizational risk assessments. Successful applicants will be notified by May 31, 2026. The opportunity is not recurring, and this is the only announced application cycle. Questions were due by February 13, 2026. For more information, applicants may contact Najar Starr at [email protected] or Alfonso Del Valle at [email protected].

Ensure Theory of Change is specific and based on evidence; sustainability and risk strategies must be realistic; address legal and documentation standards for prosecution.