Questions and Answers_OFOP0002972 added Qs 071026.pdf

Questions and Answers for

Strengthening BiH’s Anti-Money Laundering System to Combat Transnational

Organized Crime Networks – OFOP0002972

Date: July 8, 2026

Question 1:

Are applicants required to use all of the exact objectives listed in the NOFO (six objectives listed on p.4), and organize activities under each one, or can they propose their own objectives in line with the NOFO objectives?

INL Response:

The objectives and the activities within the NOFO serve as a proposed framework for the applicants on how to reach the main goal of the project that INL wants to achieve. The applicants are free to go beyond the NOFO’s objectives and activities and propose their own objectives, which they believe will fulfill the goal INL wants to achieve.

Question 2:

Can you please clarify if the Cover Page and Table of Contents are included within the 30-page Proposal Narrative page limit?

INL Response:

The Cover Page and Table of Contents are included within the 30-page Proposal

Narrative page limit.

Question 3:

Can applicants provide technical assistance and training directly to private sector reporting entities as well?

INL Response:

Technical assistance and training under this program are intended for those involved in the anti-money laundering (AML) system — such as regulators, financial intelligence units, law enforcement, and other relevant government authorities. The program is not primarily designed to provide technical assistance directly to private sector reporting entities. However, if private sector entities play a critical role in the AML chain — such as financial institutions or other reporting entities whose engagement is essential to achieving the program's objectives, they may be included in technical assistance and training activities.

Question 4:

In addition to the “Participants and Audiences” listed on p. 5 of the NOFO, can applicants provide technical assistance and training directly to other government stakeholders involved in BiH’s anti-money laundering enforcement chain, like the

Customs and Tax authorities?

INL Response:

Yes, in addition to the "Participants and Audiences" listed on page 5 of the NOFO, applicants may provide technical assistance and training to other government stakeholders involved in Bosnia and Herzegovina's anti-money laundering enforcement chain. This includes entities such as Customs and Tax authorities, provided their engagement is relevant and contributes to achieving the program's

AML objectives.

Question 5:

Page 5 of the NOFO instructs applicants to budget travel, lodging, and per diem for

BiH government participants attending workshops and training events. Is there a specific cap or maximum amount INL applies to these participant costs? Or should applicants use the U.S. Government (GSA/Department of State) per diem rates for

Bosnia and Herzegovina as the ceiling?

INL Response:

Applicants should use the U.S. Government (GSA/Department of State) per diem rates for Bosnia and Herzegovina as the ceiling when budgeting for travel, lodging, and per diem costs.

Question 6:

Proposal narrative guidance. The NOFO (p. 9) advises applicants to "refer to

Appendix A for additional guidance on drafting a proposal narrative." Appendix A, however, addresses the Performance Monitoring Plan. Is there additional guidance specific to the proposal narrative that applicants should consult?

INL Response:

Applicants should refer to the proposal’s narrative requirements outlined directly in the body of the NOFO for guidance on drafting your narrative (p.9 of the

NOFO).

Question 7:

Performance Indicator Reference Sheet (PIRS) scope. As part of the

Performance Monitoring Plan requirements, applicants are directed to complete a

Performance Indicator Reference Sheet. Should the PIRS include all proposed project indicators, or only the outcome indicators as specified on page 17 of the

NOFO?

For the illustrative PIRS submitted with your proposal, please focus on outcome indicators, as the evaluation criteria assess whether the PIRS "demonstrates a thorough plan for data collection for the outcome indicators" (9 points). Please note that the illustrative PIRS is a required component of a project proposal and that complete PIRS, with full information, will be required as an early project deliverable due within 60 days of award.

Question 8:

Cost share. The NOFO states that cost share is recommended but not required. Is proposed cost share factored into the merit review or otherwise considered in the evaluation of applications?

Cost share is not factored into the merit review criteria. The evaluation criteria —

Project Analysis & Design (50 points), Program Monitoring and Risk (25 points), Institution's Record and Capacity (10 points), and Cost Effectiveness (15 points) do not include cost share as a scored element. However, please note that where applications are considered technically equal, cost share may serve as a determining factor in the final selection decision.