SPF-NISA Joint Investigative Training, Mentoring, and Information Sharing Support Program | DFOP0009153

Opportunity Information: Apply for DFOP0009153

The SPF-NISA Joint Investigative Training, Mentoring, and Information Sharing Support Program is a U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Counterterrorism (CT) funding opportunity focused on strengthening Somalia's capacity to conduct effective counterterrorism investigations through closer operational coordination between key security institutions. The core purpose is to build the capabilities of Somali Police Force (SPF) counterterrorism units, specifically including the Joint Investigative Team (JIT) and the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL), so they can work more seamlessly with Somalia's National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA). The program emphasizes improving how these units collect information, analyze it, and share it with each other and with international partners, with the broader goal of making counterterrorism-related police investigations more coordinated and effective.

This opportunity is offered as a discretionary award under a cooperative agreement, meaning the U.S. government expects to have substantial involvement during implementation (for example, through coordination, oversight, or technical direction as the project is carried out). The activity aligns with the Law, Justice and Legal Services funding area (CFDA 19.701), signaling that it is centered on practical law enforcement and justice-sector capacity building rather than general development assistance. The announcement indicates an intent to make a single award, which suggests a preference for one lead implementer capable of integrating training, mentoring, and systems-level information-sharing support into a unified approach.

The technical focus is capacity building for SPF counterterrorism components and their interfaces with NISA, with particular attention to investigative workflows and the link between investigation and forensics. In practical terms, that typically points to structured training and on-the-job mentoring that improves investigative methods, case development, evidence handling, and interagency coordination, alongside support that helps establish more reliable channels and routines for intelligence and investigative information exchange. By naming both the JIT and the FSL, the opportunity highlights the full investigative chain, from joint investigative planning and interviews through forensic processing, documentation, and the production of usable outputs that can support law enforcement and broader counterterrorism objectives.

Eligible applicants are broadly defined and include not-for-profit organizations (including think tanks and civil society/non-governmental organizations), public and private educational institutions, for-profit organizations, Public International Organizations (PIOs), and governmental institutions. This wide eligibility range indicates the U.S. government is open to implementers with varied operating models, including NGOs with field programming experience, universities with training and curriculum capabilities, private firms with specialized technical expertise, and international or governmental entities that can support institutional partnerships. Because the program is framed around joint investigative training, mentoring, and information sharing, competitive applicants would generally be expected to demonstrate proven experience delivering law enforcement or security-sector training in complex environments, the ability to coordinate with multiple agencies, and a strong approach to safeguarding sensitive information while still improving coordination and sharing.

Key administrative details include the funding opportunity number DFOP0009153 and an original application closing date of May 5, 2024. The award ceiling is $4,932,500, and the announcement anticipates one award, reinforcing the expectation of a single, comprehensive project rather than multiple smaller grants. Overall, the opportunity is aimed at increasing the operational effectiveness of Somali counterterrorism investigations by professionalizing skills, strengthening forensic-investigative integration, and improving the routines and mechanisms that allow SPF units and NISA to share timely, actionable information internally and with international counterparts.

• The Bureau of Counterterrorism in the law, justice and legal services sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "SPF-NISA Joint Investigative Training, Mentoring, and Information Sharing Support Program" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 19.701.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2024-03-04.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2024-05-05. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $4,932,500.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Others.

Apply for DFOP0009153

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