Cartel Recruitment Understanding & Suppression Hub (CRUSH
Closed Posted
- Opportunity number
- OFOP0002504
- Agency
-
Bureau of International Narcotics Law Enforcement
Department of State
- Applications due
- Award size
- $1,000,000 to $1,500,000
Opportunity facts
- Assistance listings
-
- 19.705 Trans-National Crime
- Funding instrument
- Cooperative Agreement
- Category
-
- Other
- Eligible applicants
- Not on record
- Points of contact
-
- Najar Starr starrnd@state.gov
- Constanza Nuche nucheac@state.gov
- Full announcement
Opportunity details come from Grants.gov. Updated .
About this opportunity
The Department of State's Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs seeks to procure the design and implementation of an independent analytical hub that will detect, monitor, analyze, and forecast cartel recruitment trends and their impact on cartel operations in Mexico. Eligible applicants include U.S.-based and foreign-based non-profit organizations and educational institutions that must obtain a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and maintain active SAM.gov registration. Key requirements include establishing analytical independence while coordinating with stakeholder engagement activities, producing outputs in both English and Spanish, developing public-facing reports with restricted sensitive operational details, and prioritizing sustainability through local ownership and knowledge transfer. Evaluation will be based on three criteria: Quality of Program Idea (50 points), Organizational Capacity and Record on Previous Grants (20 points), and Program Planning/Ability to Achieve Objectives (30 points). Critical deadlines include February 20, 2026 for submission of questions and March 6, 2026 at 11:59 PM EST for Statement of Interest applications via Grants.gov.
The estimated total funding is $1,500,000 USD with a minimum floor of $1,000,000 USD, with one cooperative agreement award anticipated. The project timeline spans 30 to 36 months with an estimated start date of May 2026. Performance will take place in Mexico, where the hub will serve Mexican and U.S. government entities and civil society by generating operational intelligence on cartel recruitment dynamics. Cost sharing is recommended but not required, and selected SOI applicants will advance to a second review process for full proposal submission.
Synopsis
2 versions
Update #2 · Latest ·
To carry out a project to design and implement a cartel anti-recruitment initiative that will detect, monitor, analyze, and forecast cartel recruitment trends and their impact on cartel operations in Mexico.
This project addresses transnational organized crime at its source, particularly cartel recruitment. The development of the Cartel Recruitment Understanding & Suppression Hub (CRUSH) looks to advance a safer, stronger, and more prosperous America by disrupting fentanyl supply chains through reduced cartel recruitment; strengthen border security by weakening criminal control of smuggling and migration routes along the U.S.-Mexico border; enhancing U.S. community safety by addressing the root causes of organized crime and drug trafficking; and promoting regional stability by strengthening Mexico's institutional capacity and reducing violence that drives irregular migration and undermines governance.
Update #1 ·
To carry out a project to design and implement a cartel anti-recruitment initiative that will detect, monitor, analyze, and forecast cartel recruitment trends and their impact on cartel operations in Mexico.
Files
| File | Type | Posted |
|---|---|---|
| Q&A OFOP0002504.pdf | ||
| SOI_Cartel - CRUSH (FINAL) 2-6-2026.pdf |
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