Cartel Recruitment Understanding Suppression Hub (CRUSH

The Cartel Recruitment Understanding & Suppression Hub (CRUSH) is a grant initiative launched by the U.S. Department of State through its Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) at the U.S. Embassy in Mexico. This funding opportunity responds to the growing threat of transnational organized crime by addressing one of its most insidious aspects: cartel recruitment. As Mexican cartels continue to expand their operations by enlisting hundreds of individuals weekly—particularly youth—the CRUSH program seeks to establish an interactive, data-driven platform to analyze recruitment patterns and formulate strategic countermeasures. The primary purpose of this cooperative agreement is to support the development and implementation of a centralized analytical hub that monitors, forecasts, and counters cartel recruitment trends across Mexico. This hub will equip both the U.S. and Mexican governments, as well as civil society organizations, with real-time intelligence and comprehensive data on vulnerable populations, recruitment methods, and criminal activity trends. With cartels functioning as dominant social and economic actors in certain areas, the ability to map and disrupt their recruitment efforts is central to regional and border security, fentanyl trafficking interdiction, and long-term public safety on both sides of the U.S.–Mexico border. The CRUSH initiative allows for broad spending categories including personnel, travel, equipment, and indirect costs necessary to support fieldwork, data analysis, and technological development for the platform. Applicants are encouraged—but not required—to propose cost-sharing models. The estimated federal funding available totals $1,500,000, with a required minimum request of $1,000,000. Only one award will be issued, and the anticipated performance period is between 30 and 36 months, with an expected start date of May 2026. Projects should include sustainability components that ensure the platform remains relevant and usable beyond the life of the award. Eligible applicants include both U.S.-based and foreign-based nonprofit and educational institutions. All applicants must have an active registration in SAM.gov and possess a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI). The SOI (Statement of Interest) application process is the first step of a two-phase process. Applicants must submit a concise 3-page SOI including a summary of goals, objectives, expected outcomes, performance indicators, timeline, and budget. Upon review, selected applicants will be invited to submit a full proposal for final funding consideration. The evaluation process places strong emphasis on the quality and clarity of the proposed idea (50 points), the applicant’s organizational capacity and grant management record (20 points), and the program’s feasibility in achieving outlined objectives (30 points). Preference in case of tied applications may be given to proposals with lower indirect costs. Substantial involvement from INL is expected throughout implementation, including strategic oversight, milestone approval, and coordination with law enforcement and data-sharing agencies. The opportunity was announced on February 6, 2026. Questions regarding the SOI are due by February 20, 2026, and must be submitted to both listed INL contacts. Applications must be submitted via Grants.gov no later than March 6, 2026, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time. Additional information and updates, including responses to questions, will be made available through the Grants.gov platform.

Clearly communicate program idea and timeline; emphasize innovative, feasible approaches; indirect cost rate may be tie-breaker.