Disrupting Transnational Criminal Organizations Through Advanced Forensic Capabilities in Morocco | OFOP0003172

What is the title of this grant opportunity?

The opportunity is titled "Disrupting Transnational Criminal Organizations Through Advanced Forensic Capabilities in Morocco."

What is the Funding Opportunity Number (FON)?

The Funding Opportunity Number is OFOP0003172.

Which U.S. government office is administering this grant?

This is a U.S. Department of State grant administered by the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL).

What type of funding instrument is this?

The funding instrument type is a grant. The opportunity is described as a discretionary U.S. government grant.

What is the overall purpose of the project?

The project is positioned as a capacity-building effort to strengthen Morocco's forensic science capabilities as a practical way to counter and disrupt transnational criminal organizations. The goal is to improve investigations and prosecutions by increasing the effectiveness and reliability of forensic capabilities.

How does strengthening forensics relate to disrupting transnational criminal organizations?

The opportunity frames advanced forensic capability as operationally important: better forensic tools, training, systems, and institutional practices can make criminal investigations more effective, prosecutions more resilient in court, and cross-border criminal networks harder to operate.

Is this project starting from scratch, or building on existing work?

It explicitly builds on prior INL support. According to the announcement, earlier support helped establish Morocco as a global leader in forensics, so the intent is to deepen, modernize, or expand an existing forensic foundation rather than create one from the beginning.

What kinds of activities are typically implied by the opportunity description?

Based on the description provided, the project is likely to involve advanced forensic methods and the supporting infrastructure needed to sustain them. This can include specialized technical training, quality assurance practices, standardized procedures, equipment and maintenance planning, and stronger linkages between forensic laboratories, investigators, and prosecutors.

What outcomes does INL appear to be seeking?

The stated intent is to translate higher-end forensic capability into real operational impact against organized crime networks. The description emphasizes improved investigative effectiveness and stronger prosecutions as mechanisms to disrupt transnational criminal organizations.

What is the maximum funding amount available?

The award ceiling (maximum funding level) is $2,100,000.

How many awards does the funder expect to make?

The opportunity lists Expected Awards: 1, meaning a single award is anticipated.

What does it mean that only one award is expected?

Because only one award is anticipated, the competition is likely designed to select one lead implementer that can manage an integrated program, rather than splitting work across multiple recipients.

What is the activity category for this opportunity?

The activity category is listed as "Law, Justice and Legal Services."

What is the CFDA/Assistance Listing number associated with this opportunity?

The CFDA (assistance listing) number is 19.703, which corresponds to INL international narcotics control and law enforcement assistance programming.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligible applicants are broad and include both U.S.-based and foreign-based organizations. The eligible entity types listed are:

• U.S.-based non-profit/non-governmental organizations (NGOs)
• U.S.-based educational institutions that qualify under section 501(c)(3) of the U.S. tax code or section 26 U.S.C. 115
• Foreign-based non-profit/NGOs
• Foreign-based educational institutions

Are foreign organizations allowed to apply?

Yes. The eligibility language explicitly includes foreign-based non-profit/NGOs and foreign-based educational institutions.

Are U.S. universities eligible to apply?

Yes, U.S.-based educational institutions are eligible if they qualify under section 501(c)(3) of the U.S. tax code or section 26 U.S.C. 115.

What kinds of organizations does INL seem to be open to funding through this opportunity?

Based on the stated eligibility and the technical nature of the work, the opportunity appears open to a range of implementers such as universities with forensic expertise, training institutes, and specialized NGOs capable of delivering technical assistance, curriculum development, laboratory mentoring, and broader professionalization support.

What is the original closing date for applications?

The original closing date is 2026-09-09.

When was the opportunity created?

The creation date listed is 2026-07-15.

Where will the project activities be focused?

The project focus is Morocco, with the work centered on strengthening Moroccan forensic science capabilities.

What is the core strategy described in the opportunity?

The core strategy is capacity building: improving forensic tools, training, systems, and institutional practices so that forensic science more directly supports effective investigations, stronger prosecutions, and disruption of transnational criminal organizations.

Does the description emphasize sustainability and institutionalization?

Yes. The opportunity description highlights elements that typically support sustainability, such as quality assurance practices, standardized procedures, equipment and maintenance planning, and institutional linkages among laboratories, investigators, and prosecutors.