Questions and Answers_OFOP0003000.pdf

Questions and Answers for Combating Transnational Criminal Organizations through Data-Driven Analysis and

Customized Investigative Mentoring - OFOP3000 Date: July 17, 2026

Question 1 Page 4 of the NOFO sets out five Key Objectives. Are applicants required to design activities under all five objectives and organize their proposal accordingly, or may applicants propose their own objectives so long as they are in line with the aims of the

NOFO?

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 Pages 4–5 of the NOFO, under "Project activities and deliverables," state that "Project activities and deliverables will include" and provide a detailed list. Are applicants required to implement all of the listed activities and deliverables, or may applicants propose their own activities that are responsive to the aims of the NOFO?

INL Response:

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

Question 3 Key Objective 1 on page 4 of the NOFO refers to the "deployment of equipment, software, and tools," while the activities list on page 5 refers to "recommending" them. Could INL clarify the intended scope of this deliverable? Specifically:

• Are applicants expected to procure and deliver equipment, software, and licenses (including commercial blockchain analytics and OSINT platforms), or only to assess and recommend them?

• If procurement is expected, should applicants budget for multi-year licensing, and does INL have expectations regarding renewal after the period of performance ends?

• May applicants propose to subcontract a data analytics company to deliver OSINT services directly to the SPO analytical center, with the specific scope confirmed following the initial needs and systems assessment?

INL Response:

This program does not include procurement of equipment, software, or licenses. The intended scope is limited to assessing needs and recommending appropriate equipment, software, and tools. The reference to "deployment" in Key Objective 1 applies only in instances where equipment/software is acquired through other funding sources outside of this project — in such cases, the project may support its deployment. In the case of software, applicants may be expected to provide additional training and work directly with analysts to build proficiency in its use.

Question 4 Page 5 of the NOFO instructs applicants to budget for "secure information-sharing infrastructure," and lists as a deliverable "Establishing analytical information-sharing protocols and secure mechanisms with BiH law enforcement agencies, financial intelligence units, tax authorities, regulatory bodies, and other analytical centers." Could INL clarify the intended scope of this deliverable? Specifically:

• Should applicants plan to build, procure, or source a digital information-sharing platform, or is the intent that applicants establish documented, clear, and standardized information-sharing protocols without developing or procuring information-sharing software?

• If procurement or development is envisioned, is the applicant expected to fund software licensing and/or hardware?

INL Response:

The primary intent is to establish documented, standardized, and operational information-sharing protocols. Applicants should propose an approach that centers on protocol development. If, following needs and systems assessment, procurement of a digital information sharing platform is determined to be necessary, the project activity will be limited to recommending the appropriate steps and equipment. If applicants have an existing system that supports information sharing protocols, they may propose its deployment. Applicants are not expected to procure a platform.

Question 5 Page 5 of the NOFO instructs applicants to budget for all costs associated with "SPO participation in international TCO and financial crime networks, task forces, and conferences." Specifically:

• Is there a ceiling or maximum amount INL applies to these costs?

• Are there particular networks, task forces, or conferences that INL would like to see the SPO attend?

INL Response:

The NOFO does not establish a specific funding ceiling for these activities. Applicants should use the U.S. Government (GSA/Department of State) per diem rates as the ceiling when budgeting for travel, lodging, and per diem costs. Applicants should propose reasonable and cost-effective budgets that support achievement of the project's objectives.

The NOFO does not prescribe specific networks, task forces, or conferences. Applicants should propose participation in activities that are relevant to strengthening the SPO analytical center's capabilities and advancing the objectives of the project.

Question 6 Page 5 of the NOFO instructs applicants to budget travel, lodging, and per diem for BiH prosecutors, analysts, and investigators attending training workshops, case consultations, and international exchanges. 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 7 May applicants use the "Partner Information" attachment (mentioned on page 10 of the NOFO) to present information on prospective subcontractors, or is that section intended solely for sub-grantee/sub-recipient information?

INL Response:

The Partner Information section is intended to provide relevant information about key partner organizations and sub-recipients. Applicants should refer to the proposal narrative requirements outlined directly in the body of the NOFO for guidance (p.10 of the NOFO).

Regarding sub-contractors, applicants should refer to the Project Budget and Detailed Budget section of the NOFO for guidance on how to incorporate and budget for costs.

Question 8 Page 9 of the NOFO states that the Proposal Narrative has a maximum of 20 pages. Are the Cover Page and Table of Contents counted within that 20-page limit?

INL Response:

Yes. The 20-page limit applies to the complete Proposal Narrative, including the Cover Page, Table of Contents, Executive Summary, and all other required narrative sections.