Securing Convictions from Vetted and Special Unit Operations

The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) is seeking proposals under its “Securing Convictions from Vetted and Special Unit Operations” funding opportunity. As part of INL's Criminal Deterrence Program in Mexico, this grant initiative is designed to bolster U.S. national security interests by strengthening Mexican law enforcement and prosecutorial effectiveness, particularly among units with U.S. collaboration. The program is focused on increasing the rate and quality of convictions in cartel-related crimes by ensuring that arrests, detentions, and evidence collection adhere to legal standards that can withstand judicial scrutiny. The INL’s mission centers on curbing crime, drug trafficking, and transnational threats that contribute to instability abroad and ultimately threaten U.S. interests. Through this initiative, INL seeks to close systemic gaps in the legal chain of custody, documentation of evidence, and interagency collaboration. The program provides targeted training, tools, and support to enhance legal and procedural capabilities among frontline Mexican law enforcement and prosecutors, especially those assigned to vetted and special units that work closely with U.S. counterparts. The project’s intent is to ensure that law enforcement actions not only disrupt cartel operations but also result in sustainable, legally sound prosecutions and convictions. The grant prioritizes two central goals: improving the capacity of law enforcement officers to conduct legally compliant detentions and document admissible evidence; and enhancing prosecutors' ability to review and prepare cases for court proceedings that result in successful convictions. Applicants may address either one or both of these goals but will not receive preference for tackling both. Proposed activities might include scenario-based training, cross-border investigation coordination, simulation exercises, the development of investigative documentation tools, and the creation of resources such as manuals and digital platforms to facilitate sustainability and knowledge retention. The primary audience includes Mexican law enforcement and prosecutors, with a focus on those assigned to vetted or special units operating alongside U.S. authorities. A secondary audience encompasses the institutional leadership of these units, where systemic support and institutional memory are needed to ensure continuity amid high staff turnover. The program supports innovation and encourages applicants to describe how their project could expand if additional funding becomes available. Funding under this cooperative agreement will range from $1,000,000 to $1,500,000 per award, with a total of up to four awards and $4,000,000 available overall. The initial implementation period is expected to be 12 to 24 months, beginning around April 2026. Cost sharing is encouraged but not required. Eligible applicants include U.S. and Mexico-based nonprofit and educational institutions. For-profit entities and individuals are not eligible to apply. All applicants must possess a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and be registered in SAM.gov at the time of the award. The application process is fully electronic and must be completed through Grants.gov. Required documents include the SF-424 forms, proposal narrative, performance monitoring plan, budget, risk analysis, staff biographies, and organizational audits. Optional materials include letters of support. The deadline to submit questions is February 13, 2026, while the full application is due by March 13, 2026, at 11:59 PM EST. Proposals will be evaluated on technical merit, monitoring and evaluation capacity, institutional strength, cost effectiveness, and alignment with INL’s goals. Successful applicants will be notified by May 31, 2026. All projects must comply with U.S. laws, including the Leahy Amendment, and are subject to Department of State terms and performance monitoring through DevResults.

Proposals should clearly link outcomes to evidence-based approaches and anticipate implementation challenges with mitigation strategies.