Combating Transnational Criminal Organizations through Data-Driven Analysis and Customized Investigative Mentoring | OFOP0003000

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the title of this grant opportunity?

The opportunity is titled "Combating Transnational Criminal Organizations through Data-Driven Analysis and Customized Investigative Mentoring."

What is the Funding Opportunity Number (FON)?

The Funding Opportunity Number is OFOP0003000.

Which U.S. government office administers this opportunity?

This is a discretionary U.S. government funding program administered by the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL).

What country is the project focused on?

The project is designed to strengthen investigative and prosecutorial capacity in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

What institution is expected to be supported under this program?

The program is intended to fully support a newly established analytical center housed within the Bosnia and Herzegovina State Prosecutors Office.

What is the main purpose of the grant?

The main purpose is to strengthen Bosnia and Herzegovina's capacity to investigate and prosecute transnational criminal organizations (TCOs) by combining data-driven analysis with practical, customized investigative mentoring for investigators and prosecutors handling real cases.

What types of criminal threats does the opportunity emphasize?

The opportunity highlights TCO activity with downstream impacts on U.S. security interests, including illicit finance, corruption, narcotics trafficking, and other forms of cross-border crime.

What does "data-driven analysis" mean in the context of this grant?

In this context, data-driven analysis refers to strengthening the ability to turn disparate information into actionable intelligence and case support. It includes detecting patterns across financial records, communications, travel, entities, and criminal incidents; clarifying links among suspects, facilitators, front companies, and assets; and producing analytical products that support investigative decisions and prosecutorial strategy.

What role is the analytical center expected to play?

The analytical center is expected to function as a specialized unit that can identify, map, and help disrupt complex criminal networks by producing actionable analytical outputs that support investigations and prosecutions.

What does "customized investigative mentoring" mean here?

It indicates hands-on, tailored guidance rather than generic training. The mentoring is aimed at helping local investigators and prosecutors apply analytical methods to live investigative needs and build sustainable internal capability.

Is this program focused on training, mentoring, or both?

Based on the description provided, it is focused on both analytical capacity-building and customized investigative mentoring, with a clear emphasis on practical application to real cases rather than purely classroom-style instruction.

What kind of award mechanism will be used?

Funding will be provided through a cooperative agreement.

What does a cooperative agreement imply for implementation?

A cooperative agreement generally indicates an expectation of substantial involvement and ongoing engagement by the U.S. government during implementation, rather than a more hands-off grant model.

How many awards does the program expect to make?

The program anticipates making a single award.

What is the maximum award amount (award ceiling)?

The award ceiling is $650,000.

When was this opportunity created?

The opportunity was created on June 15, 2026.

What is the application closing date?

The original closing date for applications is August 17, 2026.

What is the activity category associated with this opportunity?

The listed activity category is Law, Justice, and Legal Services.

What is the CFDA number associated with this opportunity?

The opportunity is associated with CFDA number 19.703.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is open to U.S.-based nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations, U.S.-based educational institutions that qualify under section 501(c)(3) of the U.S. tax code or under 26 U.S.C. 115, as well as foreign-based nonprofit/NGOs and foreign-based educational institutions.

Are foreign organizations eligible to apply?

Yes. The listed eligible applicant types include foreign-based nonprofit/NGOs and foreign-based educational institutions.

Are U.S. educational institutions eligible to apply?

Yes, U.S.-based educational institutions are eligible if they qualify under section 501(c)(3) of the U.S. tax code or under 26 U.S.C. 115.

Does the announcement mention additional eligibility details?

Yes. It notes that additional eligibility details are contained in Section C of the full announcement document.

Does this opportunity allow partnerships or consortia?

The description indicates the competition is not limited to U.S. entities and may allow for consortia or partnerships that combine local knowledge with specialized technical expertise, though specific requirements are referenced as being in Section C of the full announcement.

What kinds of investigative improvements is the project aiming to support?

The project aims to improve how complex criminal networks are identified, mapped, and disrupted, including better case selection, evidence development, asset tracing, and the strategic dismantling of transnational criminal organizations.

How does this opportunity connect to U.S. security interests?

The opportunity is explicitly tied to threats that have downstream impacts on U.S. security interests, emphasizing transnational criminal activity such as corruption, illicit financial flows, and narcotics trafficking.

What outcomes are expected from the funded project?

The expected outcome is a more effective prosecutorial and investigative posture against high-impact criminal networks operating across borders, supported by an institutionalized analytical capability within the Bosnia and Herzegovina State Prosecutors Office and strengthened mentoring-driven skills among investigators and prosecutors.