SPF-NISA Joint Investigative Training, Mentoring, and Information Sharing Support Program

Background
The Bureau of Counterterrorism (CT) of the U.S. Department of State announces an open competition for organizations to submit applications to build the capacity of Somali Police Force (SPF) CT units. This includes the Joint Investigative Team (JIT) and the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) to more fully coordinate on counterterrorism-related police investigations with the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA). The purpose is increased information collection, analysis, and sharing between the units and international partners.

Grant Details
The program seeks to strengthen the working relationship between NISA and the SPF. It aims to improve NISA’s understanding of current SPF investigative capabilities, including the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL). Additionally, it aims to provide NISA with basic investigative training and tools needed to preserve forensic evidence from terrorist incidents. The program also aims to produce a standard operating procedure for collaboration and information-sharing on counterterrorism investigations between the SPF and NISA, and between NISA, SPF, and U.S. federal law enforcement, as applicable. The goal is to ensure both NISA and the SPF can work together effectively to ensure that a larger percentage of information collected from these scenes, especially those investigations conducted by NISA, is preserved, admissible, and shareable between Somali agencies and U.S. federal law enforcement.

Eligibility Requirements
Eligible applicants include organizations capable of providing mentoring and training services to build the capacity of Somali Police Force (SPF) CT units in coordination with the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA).

Grant Value
$4,932,500 is available for this grant opportunity.