Colombian National Police wounded and disabled officers – Assistance Project for Vocational Development. | OFOP0001307

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is this funding opportunity?

This is a discretionary funding opportunity from the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), to support a vocational development assistance project for permanently wounded and disabled members of the Colombian National Police (CNP) and the Colombian Military.

What is the main purpose of the project?

The project aims to strengthen the institutional capacity of the CNP and Colombia's Directorate of Veterans and Inclusive Rehabilitation (DIVRI) so they can more effectively connect eligible injured personnel to concrete, long-term education, employment, and livelihood pathways.

Who are the intended beneficiaries?

The intended beneficiaries are permanently wounded and disabled members of the Colombian National Police and the Colombian Military who were injured while performing high-risk public security and counternarcotics-related duties.

What types of duties are referenced as leading to eligible injuries?

The opportunity references injuries sustained during high-risk duties including eradication, drug interdiction, rural security, antiterrorism, and anti-drug trafficking operations.

Does the grant provide direct tactical or operational support?

No. The grant is not focused on providing direct tactical or operational support. Instead, it is centered on institutional strengthening and capacity building to improve access to vocational and career development opportunities.

Which Colombian institutions are the focus of institutional strengthening?

The project focuses on strengthening the capacity of the Colombian National Police (CNP) and Colombia's Directorate of Veterans and Inclusive Rehabilitation (DIVRI).

What does "vocational development assistance" mean in this opportunity?

In this opportunity, vocational development assistance refers to improving and reinforcing the systems, processes, partnerships, and strategies that help wounded and disabled personnel transition into sustainable education and employment options.

What kinds of pathways is the project expected to expand?

The project is expected to design strategies and mechanisms that expand access to educational scholarships, vocational training programs, entrepreneurship support, and employment opportunities.

What are examples of activities that may be supported under this project?

Examples described include mapping scholarship and training options, building partnerships with educational institutions and employers, developing referral and case-management pathways, and creating inclusive approaches that address disability-related barriers in training and the workplace.

What is the intended outcome for the CNP and DIVRI after the project?

The intended outcome is that the CNP and DIVRI become better equipped to help eligible beneficiaries identify viable career development options and obtain them, including improving how opportunities are identified, matched to individuals, and pursued through application processes and external coordination.

What kinds of external partners are envisioned for coordination?

The opportunity specifically mentions coordination with partners such as universities, technical schools, private sector employers, and entrepreneurship ecosystems.

Is the project expected to produce lasting tools or frameworks?

Yes. The opportunity emphasizes "designed strategies" and indicates the project should produce usable frameworks or tools rather than only one-off services, so Colombian institutions can continue delivering support beyond the grant period.

What type of award is being offered?

Funding is offered through a Cooperative Agreement, which typically involves substantial involvement by the funding agency during implementation, such as collaboration on priorities, oversight, and coordination.

What is the opportunity number?

The opportunity number is OFOP0001307.

What is the CFDA number associated with this opportunity?

This opportunity is listed under CFDA 19.704, associated with INL programming in justice, law enforcement, and rule-of-law related assistance.

What is the maximum award amount?

The maximum award amount (ceiling) is USD 1,000,000.

How many awards does INL anticipate making?

INL anticipates making one award, meaning a single organization will likely serve as the primary recipient (potentially proposing sub-awards or partners).

When was the opportunity created?

The opportunity was created on March 11, 2024.

What was the original application closing date?

The original application closing date was May 10, 2024.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligible applicants include U.S.-based non-profit and non-governmental organizations, U.S.-based educational institutions that qualify under section 501(c)(3) of the U.S. tax code (and certain public institutions covered under 26 U.S.C. 115), as well as foreign-based non-profits/NGOs and foreign-based educational institutions.

Can non-U.S. organizations apply?

Yes. Both U.S. and non-U.S. entities can apply, as long as they fit the eligible organization types described in the opportunity.

What kind of experience or capability should an applicant be able to demonstrate?

Applicants should be able to credibly deliver workforce development and institutional capacity-building work in an international setting, including the ability to build sustainable vocational pathways for wounded and disabled personnel through collaboration with the CNP and DIVRI.

Is the project limited to education-only support?

No. The opportunity describes multiple vocational pathways, including scholarships and training, entrepreneurship support, and employment opportunities.

Does the opportunity mention disability inclusion?

Yes. It highlights the need for inclusive approaches that account for disability-related barriers in training programs and workplaces.

Are sub-awards or partnerships allowed?

The opportunity indicates that one organization will likely lead as the primary recipient, and it notes that sub-awards or partners may be proposed if included in the applicant's approach.