IACA Mexico Chapter | OFOP0001374

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): IACA Mexico Chapter (OFOP0001374)

What is the IACA Mexico Chapter funding opportunity (OFOP0001374)?

This is a U.S. Department of State, Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) discretionary grant competition to strengthen criminal analysis capacity in Mexico by supporting the establishment of a Mexico-based chapter of the International Association of Criminal Analysts (IACA).

Which U.S. agency is offering this grant?

The opportunity is offered by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL).

What is the main purpose of the project?

The core purpose is to establish an IACA chapter in Mexico that serves as a professional home for criminal analysts across Mexico's federal and state security and justice institutions, with a focus on training, professional development, and peer-to-peer networking.

What outcomes is INL trying to achieve through this award?

Based on the opportunity description, INL is aiming for a practical platform that helps analysts build shared standards, strengthen analytical skills, and connect across agencies and jurisdictions in Mexico.

What type of funding instrument will be used?

The funding is expected to be awarded as a cooperative agreement.

What does it mean that this award is a cooperative agreement?

A cooperative agreement generally indicates substantial involvement by the U.S. government during implementation, rather than a fully hands-off grant. The opportunity notes that the U.S. government will likely expect to be more involved during the project period.

What is the activity category and what does it suggest about the project focus?

The activity category is listed as education (Assistance Listing/CFDA 19.705). This suggests the project emphasis is on training and professional growth rather than direct operations or enforcement activities.

How many awards does INL expect to make?

INL is seeking a single award, with an expected total of one funded project.

What is the maximum funding amount available?

The award ceiling is $250,000.

When was this opportunity created?

The opportunity was created on April 29, 2024.

What is the application deadline?

The original application closing date is July 1, 2024.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is targeted to foreign-based nonprofit or non-governmental organizations. The eligible applicant category is listed under "Others."

Does the opportunity specify that applicants must be Mexico-based?

The eligibility language provided states "foreign-based nonprofit or non-governmental organizations." The project itself is focused on establishing a Mexico-based chapter, but the text provided does not explicitly state that the applicant must be Mexico-based.

What kinds of organizations would be a good fit for this opportunity?

Based on the description, a capable applicant would be able to organize a professional association chapter in Mexico, coordinate with relevant Mexican government institutions, and deliver credible capacity-building activities aligned with IACA standards and the professional needs of criminal analysts.

What is the project expected to build or establish?

The project is intended to support the establishment and launch of a Mexico-based IACA chapter that functions as a professional home and practical platform for criminal analysts.

Who is the intended audience or beneficiary group?

The chapter is intended to serve criminal analysts working across Mexico's federal and state security and justice institutions.

What types of activities are expected to be included in a competitive proposal?

A competitive proposal would typically be expected to describe: how the chapter will be launched and governed; how analysts will be recruited and engaged from both federal and state levels; what trainings and continuing education will be delivered; and how networking and professionalization will be sustained beyond the initial start-up period, while meeting cooperative agreement requirements and INL program expectations.

Is the project expected to involve both federal and state institutions in Mexico?

Yes. The description emphasizes serving analysts across Mexico's federal and state security and justice institutions and notes engagement of analysts from both federal and state levels.

What is the role of training and professional development in this opportunity?

Training and professional development are central. The chapter is intended to be a platform for training, continuing education, and building shared standards and analytical skills.

Is peer-to-peer networking part of the intended approach?

Yes. The opportunity specifically describes peer-to-peer networking as a key function of the chapter, helping analysts connect across agencies and jurisdictions.

Is this funding for direct law enforcement operations?

The activity category is education (19.705) and the description emphasizes training and professional growth. Based on the information provided, the focus is not described as direct operations or enforcement.

What is meant by "professional home" in this context?

In the context provided, "professional home" refers to a chapter that brings criminal analysts together across institutions to support shared standards, skills development, professionalization, and sustained networking.

What does success look like for the chapter after the initial start-up period?

The description indicates the chapter should sustain networking and professionalization beyond the initial start-up period, implying the applicant should plan for ongoing engagement, continuing education, and durable governance for the chapter.

What is the official funding opportunity number for this program?

The Funding Opportunity Number is OFOP0001374.

What assistance listing (CFDA) is associated with this opportunity?

The Assistance Listing/CFDA number provided is 19.705.