Justice Activity

This is a sources sought notice to determine availability and technical capability of potential small businesses for implementation of the activity in the rule of law sector.

Interested U.S. small businesses are encouraged to submit capability statements in response to this pre-solicitation notice to the contact persons indicated no later than COB October 17, 2018. Capability statements shall include at least a description of the company's services including a list of past contracts for similar work.

Purpose of the Activity
The goal of this proposed activity is to strengthen rule of law, particularly in the area of prosecution of corruption, as a critical aspect of the ongoing state-building process in post-conflict Bosnia Herzegovina (BiH).

Development Hypothesis
If the prosecutors are appropriately structured and resourced, and their ability to conduct investigations and combat corruption is improved; and

If the courts have capacity to resolve outstanding cases, improve enforcement of judgments and strengthen their efficiency and reliability; and

If the integrity of the justice sector institutions is enhanced to be worthy of the trust of the public, transcending political or ethnic interests and corruption;

Then we can expect justice actors to more effectively and efficiently deal with corruption and organized crime cases, and citizens will have increased trust and belief in the rule of law in BiH and the democratic system.

Expected Results
Better processing of the most complex high-profile corruption and organized crime cases
● Prosecutors and courts are well trained in identifying the elements of corrupt activities under applicable BiH law and are able to effectively investigate, prosecute and enforce against corrupt offenders.
● Prosecutors perform their functions expeditiously, with a balanced allocation of resources that best meets the needs of not only the other institutions of justice (i.e., courts), but the public as a whole.
● Prosecutors uphold public trust and integrity by giving due attention to the prosecution of crimes committed by public officials, particularly those involving corruption, abuse of power, grave violations of human rights, and other crimes.
● Prosecutors provide appropriate and accurate information to media and civil society in order to strengthen transparency and responsiveness to the best interests of the public.

Prevention of corrupt behavior in the BiH justice sector
● Internal HJPC-driven integrity principles improved and implemented in courts and prosecutors' offices
● Courts and prosecutors are well informed of the adverse effects of corruption on society in BiH and are motivated to be an effective tool in combating corruption, not allowing undue political influence to keep them from this obligation
● Improved public trust and respect for justice sector institutions and actors as independent, impartial, and accountable.

Responses to this notice will be evaluated solely for the purpose of making a determination to set-aside this activity for small businesses or to conduct a full and open competition.

This sources sought is for informational purposes only. This is not a request for proposal. It does not constitute a solicitation and shall not be construed as a commitment by the Government. Responses are not considered offers and the Government is under no obligation to award a contract as a result of this announcement. This notice does not obligate the Government to pay any cost incurred in preparing and submitting your responses.