Building Capacity of DRC’s Customs and Border to Curb Illicit Mineral Smuggling and Fraud
ID: 358174Type: Posted
Overview

Buyer

Bureau of International Narcotics-Law Enforcement (DOS-INL)

Award Range

$750K - $1M

Eligible Applicants

Private Institutions of Higher Education

Funding Category

Law, Justice and Legal Services

Funding Instrument

Cooperative Agreement

Opportunity Category

Discretionary

Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement

Yes

Original Source

https://grants.gov/search-results-detail/358174
Timeline
    Description

    The Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs of the U.S. Department of State is offering a funding opportunity titled "Building Capacity of DRC’s Customs and Border to Curb Illicit Mineral Smuggling and Fraud." This initiative aims to enhance the capabilities of customs and border officials in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to effectively detect and investigate illicit smuggling and customs fraud, particularly concerning critical minerals. The project will involve revamping the current training curriculum, implementing a comprehensive training program, and establishing sustainable practices within the DRC customs agency. Eligible applicants include U.S.-based non-profits, NGOs, and educational institutions, as well as foreign NGOs, with funding available between $750,000 and $1,000,000. Proposals must be submitted by March 12, 2025, and interested parties can contact Chris Spangler at SpanglerCM@state.gov for further information.

    Point(s) of Contact
    SpanglerCM@state.gov
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    [SAMPLE} FY23 INL Change Map.pdf
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    FY2025 New Award Budget Template.xlsx
    FY23 INL Performance Indicator Reference Sheet.xlsx
    INL Applicant Pre-Award Risk Survey-FY25.docx
    INL Change Map Template FY23.docx
    INL25CA0029.pdf
    The U.S. Department of State's Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) has issued a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for a project aimed at enhancing the capacity of the Democratic Republic of the Congo's (DRC) customs and border officials to combat illicit mineral smuggling and fraud. The funding opportunity, titled "Building Capacity of DRC’s Customs and Border to Curb Illicit Mineral Smuggling and Fraud," provides up to $1,000,000 for this initiative, which has a 24-month implementation period starting in June 2025. The project seeks to revitalize the customs training curriculum, equip officials with necessary tools, and support a training program fostering transparency and functionality within the DRC customs agency. Key activities involve outfitting a training center, creating a train-the-trainer process, and conducting extensive training for customs officers. The initiative aligns with the U.S. strategic goals of enhancing rule of law and democratic institutions while addressing transnational crime. Eligible applicants include U.S.-based non-profits and NGOs, educational institutions, and foreign NGOs. Proposals must be submitted via grants.gov by March 12, 2025. The NOFO emphasizes collaboration, transparency, and adherence to U.S. anti-discrimination policies throughout the project.
    Mandatory_SF424B-V1.1 (exp - Feb 2025).pdf
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    Project Risk Analysis-FY23.docx
    SF424-Application for Federal Assistance (exp - Dec 2022).pdf
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