Q&A doc_Responses for INL24GR0089_OFOP0001531.pdf

Questions and Answers for INL24GR0089-FinancialCrimes-08012024

Combating Financial Crimes: Anti-Money Laundering Initiatives in Uzbekistan Date: September 3, 2024

Question 1: Can one organization apply for each of the three goals listed in the NOFO? (i.e., one proposal for "1. Enhance Regulatory Compliance"; one proposal for "2. Strengthen Interagency and Regional Collaboration"; and one proposal for "3. Improve Detection and Prosecution of Financial Crimes"?)

INL Response: An organization should submit one proposal that addresses all the three goals or similar goals.

Question 2: If an organization can only submit one proposal of $500,000 to $900,000, does it have to address all three goals (and six objectives) listed in the NOFO?

INL Response: Yes, as stated above, your proposal should address all three goals listed or similar goals.

Question 3: In the document "List of Key Personnel", can an applicant also include short biographies of other relevant staff and experts?

INL Response: Yes.

Question 4: Are proposals expected to meet all “expected outcomes” listed on p.5 of the

NOFO?

INL Response: Preference will be given to proposals that address all three listed outcomes or similar outcomes.

Question 5: Are proposals expected to include all “project activities” listed on p.5 of the NOFO

INL Response: These are suggested project activities. You may suggest your own activities as long as they meet the objectives laid out in the NOFO.

Question 6: For Objective 3.1., can INL please provide examples of advanced technological tools and data analytics required under the NOFO?

INL Response: Examples would include Real-time Transaction Monitoring Systems that analyze each transaction in real time to detect inconsistencies or rule violations, providing immediate alerts on high-risk activities, or Customer Due Diligence for conducting thorough background checks on customers to verify their identity, source of funds, and business activities.

Question 7: In addition to the “project participants” listed on p.5 of the NOFO, can an applicant propose to work with other, additional, Uzbek government agencies (e.g., law enforcement, police and other investigative agencies) and private sector actors (e.g., designated non-financial businesses and professions (DNFBPs) and microfinance institutions)?

INL Response: Yes.

Question 8: Given that Uzbek national legislation for AML also includes countering the financing of terrorism (CFT) and proliferation financing (PF) issues, can applicants also provide technical assistance on CFT and PF issues, in addition to AML topics?

INL Response: Under this NOFO, proposals should only address issues related to AML.

Question 9: INL states on page 4 under Objective 2.1 “Establish and support interagency task forces to facilitate information sharing and coordination in AML efforts within the Government of Uzbekistan and with regional counterparts.” Please clarify what INL means by “regional counterparts.” Does this refer to specific countries outside Uzbekistan?

INL Response: This refers to counterparts in Uzbek regions, known as viloyats. These include Samarkand, Kashkadarya and Jizzakh regions, among others.

Question 10: As INL envisions 2-3 awards being provided, is each proposal required to address all 3 Goals (Enhance Regulatory Compliance, Strengthen Interagency and Regional Collaboration, and Improve Detection and Prosecution of Financial Crimes)?

INL Response: Normally, a proposal is required to respond to all goals, this is evaluated by the Merit Review panel. If an applicant decides to not respond to all objectives, then they also need to provide a justification for not doing so, and the panelists will evaluate that response accordingly.

Question 11: Can INL please clarify the total Application Ceiling? The NOFO lists $900,000 on page 6, however it also notes that the total funding available is $4,000,000 for “2-3 awards” (suggesting a ceiling of $1.33M to $2m)?

INL Response: $4,000,000 is the total amount of funding INL has that is intended for Rule of Law-related activities and projects. Once awards are made under this NOFO, there will still be funds remaining that will be channeled into other activities, not necessarily federal assistance.

Question 12: On page 5 of the NOFO, INL states “project activities for this project include, but are not limited to, the following: ... Procure and install advanced technological tools and software for detecting suspicious activities.” Can INL please clarify what “advanced technological tools and software for detecting suspicious activities” is envisioned to be provided under this project?

INL Response: Please see response to question 6.

Question 14: Objective 3.1 relates to implementing advanced technological tools. Have the Uzbek authorities already acquired a technology system, or is the program anticipated to support its selection and/or acquisition?

INL Response: The project should be designed to help select and acquire such tools.