Combating Forced Child Recruitment by FTOs and TCOs

The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs is soliciting applications to implement a project aimed at disrupting forced child recruitment by Foreign Terrorist Organizations and Transnational Criminal Organizations in Colombia. The initiative seeks to strengthen Colombian law enforcement’s capacity to investigate, arrest, and prosecute individuals involved in recruiting minors under 18 years of age, in alignment with Articles 162 and 188D of the Colombian criminal code. The project will focus on enhancing intelligence-sharing, utilizing technological tools for online evidence collection, improving interagency coordination, engaging social media platforms to curb exploitation, and identifying legal and regulatory gaps that impede justice efforts. The funding opportunity, identified by solicitation number OFOP0002934, carries a maximum award ceiling of $4,000,000 and is structured as a cooperative agreement with a two-year initial performance period, commencing in September 2026, and a total maximum duration of five years. All applicants must demonstrate alignment with the program’s objectives and submit a comprehensive proposal that includes a detailed project analysis, a change map, a risk assessment, and a budget structured using OMB-approved categories. Profit or fees are strictly prohibited, and cost principles for non-profits are governed by 2 CFR 200, Subpart E, while for-profits must adhere to FAR Part 31 and 48 CFR Part 30. All applications must be submitted via Grants.gov by the deadline of July 6, 2026, and organizations must possess an active Unique Entity Identifier and SAM.gov registration prior to submission, with mandatory compliance for subrecipients also required prior to funding disbursement. Proposed projects will be evaluated based on a weighted scoring system totaling 100 points, prioritizing the quality of project analysis and design at 50%, followed by program monitoring and risk management at 20%, institutional capacity and track record at 15%, and cost effectiveness at 15%. Technical eligibility serves as a mandatory gate, with only qualified proposals advancing to scoring. Recipients must adhere to U.S. Department of State branding guidelines, ensuring clear identification of U.S. government funding, and comply with all applicable executive orders, the Leahy Amendment restricting assistance to security forces with credible allegations of human rights violations, and Trafficking in Persons compliance requirements under 2 CFR 175, which mandate implementation of a compliance plan and annual recertification. Reporting obligations include submission of