U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of INL announces Justice Academy Distance Learning Curriculum Development in Armenia

Deadline: 13 March 2020

The United States Department of State, Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) is seeking applications from qualified Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), Public International Organizations (PIOs), Educational Institutions and other qualified organizations for a Cooperative Agreement to implement a program entitled “Justice Academy Curriculum Development in Armenia”.

INL is currently seeking an organization with the requisite capability and experience to support the Armenian Justice Academy to adapt existing curricula into an electronic format that allows for distance learning and examination. The curricula will be based on nine modules provided by INL focused on anti-corruption and human rights issues for the continuing education of Armenian investigators, prosecutors, and judges. Note that special consideration will be given to proposals which demonstrate results-oriented activities, sustainability, ability to identify qualified experts, and strong program evaluation mechanisms.

Project Goals

Contribute to reforms in key Armenian criminal justice sector educational institutions to create a climate where the rule of law is consistently and fairly applied and strengthen the ability of the Government of Armenia to investigate, prosecute, and adjudicate transnational organized and related crimes and respect human rights during criminal proceedings.

Project Objectives

Adapt existing curricula into an electronic format that allows for distance learning and examination for Armenian investigators, prosecutors, and judges based on the INL provided nine modules to Justice Academy for continuing education of investigators, prosecutors, and judges.

Activity 1: Adaptation of nine INL-provided courses into an Armenian-language instructional electronic format that meets the Justice Academy’s web accessibility standards and complies with copyright policy. Five distance learning courses of the nine are expected to be completed no later than eight months of the grant start date, and all nine distance learning courses are expected to be completed and finalized no later than 12 months of the grant start date. All nine courses will be approved by INL and the Justice Academy within 14 months of the start date and implemented in month 15-17 of the program.
Activity 2: Work with Justice Academy staff to develop examinations, as appropriate, to be taken as part of the distance learning courses.
Activity 3: Develop the mechanism to make these distance learning courses accessible on the Justice Academy’s website or other on-line platform.

Award Information

The anticipated total federal funding amount is not to exceed $120,000.
The period of performance is 18 months with an anticipated start date of May 2020.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants who are eligible to apply include:
U.S. non-profit organization or a U.S. private/state educational institution meeting the provisions described in Internal Revenue Code section 26 USC 501(c) (3) and can demonstrate current country registration in Armenia. Applicants in the process of registration must submit proof that they are seeking non-profit status from the Internal Revenue Service at the time of proposal submission. Should the applicant be selected for an award, funding will be contingent upon 501(c)(3) status;
Local, in-country, non-profit organization, educational institution, or private institutions that can demonstrate current country registration in Armenia, competent programmatic ability, and ability to meet INL reporting requirements;
Must have demonstrated experience implementing similar education or capacity building programs, preferably in Armenia. INL reserves the right to request additional background information on organizations that do not have previous experience administering similar programs and/or federal grant awards.
Applicants must have the ability to produce course materials, deliver training, and conduct evaluations in Armenian and English. The applicant’s staff should be proficient in English in order to fulfill reporting requirements.
Applicants must have existing, or the capacity to develop, active partnerships with stakeholders in order to successfully carry out the proposed program.
Organizations may form a consortium and submit a combined proposal. However, one organization should be designated as the lead applicant.
Applicants must be able to respond to the NOFO and be able to mobilize in a short period of time.
Note: Public International Organizations (PIOs) and For-Profit Organizations are excluded from applying to this grant announcement.
To be eligible for a grant award, in addition to other conditions of this NOFO, organizations must have a commitment to non‐discrimination with respect to beneficiaries and adherence to equal opportunity employment practices. INL is committed to an anti-discrimination policy in all of its programs and activities. INL welcomes applications irrespective of an applicant’s race, ethnicity, color, creed, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or other status.
Applicants are reminded that U.S. Executive Orders and U.S. law prohibits transactions with, and the provision of resources and support to, individuals and organizations associated with terrorism. It is the legal responsibility of the recipient to ensure compliance with these Executive Orders and laws. This provision must be included in any sub‐awards issued under this grant award.
INL encourages applications from potential new partners.

For more information, visit https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=323640