Securing Convictions from Vetted and Special Unit Operations

The “Securing Convictions from Vetted and Special Unit Operations” funding opportunity is issued by the U.S. Mission to Mexico under the Department of State. This initiative is part of the United States' broader efforts to strengthen international cooperation in the field of law enforcement and justice, particularly with Mexico, a key partner in hemispheric security. The grant reflects ongoing diplomatic and intergovernmental collaborations to combat crime and enhance judicial outcomes through capacity building, training, and systemic reforms in criminal justice practices. The primary goal of this funding opportunity is to support projects that enhance the ability of Mexican law enforcement and prosecutorial bodies—specifically those collaborating with U.S.-supported vetted and special units—to improve legal outcomes. The scope of the initiative focuses on closing critical operational gaps in the legal process, including evidence handling, report writing, and cross-jurisdictional legal interoperability. These areas are considered fundamental to the success of detentions, seizures, and convictions, ensuring that actions by law enforcement are effectively converted into prosecutable and sustainable legal outcomes. Funding will be provided through cooperative agreements, allowing for substantial involvement from the Department of State in both project oversight and technical assistance. The total funding available per award ranges between $1,000,000 and $1,500,000. A total of four awards is expected. The grant is discretionary, and there is no cost-sharing or matching requirement, making it more accessible to qualified nonprofits. Awarded funds must be used in alignment with the program’s purpose of bolstering rule of law through targeted support for criminal justice practices. Specific allowable costs and funding restrictions are not detailed in the synopsis and may be further clarified in the full announcement on SAMS Overseas. Eligibility is limited to nonprofit organizations with a 501(c)(3) status as recognized by the Internal Revenue Service, excluding institutions of higher education. This scope indicates an intent to partner with civil society organizations that have experience working on legal reform, human rights, or law enforcement support in international settings. No additional eligibility criteria or restrictions are specified, and the opportunity does not allow for individuals, businesses, or government entities to apply. Applications must be submitted by March 6, 2026. The funding notice was posted on January 8, 2026, and there is no pre-application requirement such as a letter of intent or concept note. Contact for this grant includes Alfonso Del Valle ([email protected]) and Najar Starr ([email protected]), who may assist with access to full application instructions or troubleshooting submission issues. All applications must be submitted via SAMS Overseas, as linked in the original notice. There is no indication of recurring funding or future cycles in the information provided. Accordingly, potential applicants should consider this a single-round opportunity unless additional information is released. The performance period and expected notification or award dates are not provided in the synopsis, suggesting those details may be included in the full application package or during post-submission communications. This opportunity reflects a strategic investment in transnational criminal justice improvement and is clearly aligned with broader U.S. foreign policy and security objectives.