Deadline: 7-May-21
The Bureau of Counterterrorism (CT) of the U.S. Department of State announces a Request for Statements of Interest and Capacity (RSOIC) for organizations interested in implementing projects to build the capacity of governments and financial sector stakeholders in Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay to counter terrorism finance.
The Challenge: CT aims to equip partner countries with skills to proactively identify and address terrorist financing activities using the country’s AML/CFT mutual evaluation under the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) AML/CFT standards and subsequent action plan, if any. Programming will promote appropriate domestic and international coordination among private sector and governmental institutions. Programming should help improve the effectiveness of partner countries’ legal and regulatory frameworks where they do exist and will equip countries with a range of tools to prevent the financing of terrorism, including by proactively designating and imposing sanctions on individuals and entities. Additionally, this programming should strengthen the capacity of AML/CFT competent authorities to raise awareness of terrorist financing risks, educate the private sector about its obligations under relevant laws and regulations, and share best practices for sanctions compliance with financial institutions (F1s), designated non-financial businesses and professions (DNFBPs), and non-profit organizations (NPOs).
Objectives
Partner countries better develop and effectively implement counterterrorism financing regimes consistent with the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Standards and Recommendations to combat terrorist groups by strengthening legak frameworks to designate terrorist organizations, levy targeted financial sanctions, seize assets, and prosecute terrorists, their financiers, and their facilitation networks.
- Partner countries increase the effectiveness of their anti-money laundering and counter terrorist financing regimes.
- Partner countries have increased institutional capacity, necessary tools, and cooperate among relevant financial institutions, regulators, financial intelligence units, law enforcement agencies, and prosecutors to effectively counter terrorism financing.
- Partner countries strengthen their targeted financial sanctions mechanisms, including designations, freezing of assets, and delistings.
The SOIC should keep in mind countries’ obligations under various UNSCRs, including 1373 and 2462, as well as the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Standards, including the use of domestic and international sanctions regimes.
Funding Information
- Total available funding: Depends on the concepts received
- Number of awards anticipated: At least 1 award
- Length of performance period: 24 to 36 months
- Anticipated program start date: September 30, 2021
Program Beneficiaries
- Federal and Local governments (e.g., ministries of law or justice, relevant AML/CFT regulators, financial intelligence units law enforcement agencies, and prosecutors) from Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay, with possibility of additional neighboring countries
- Private sector actors with AML/CFT obligations from Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay, with possibility of additional neighboring countries.
Priority Countries/Region: Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, with the possibility of additional neighboring countries.
Eligibility Criteria
The following organizations are eligible to apply:
- U.S. or foreign not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks and civil society/non-governmental organizations
- U.S. or foreign public and private educational institutions
- Foreign Public International Organizations (PI0s) and Governmental institutions
- For-profit and Commercial firms, although it must be noted that U.S. Department of State generally prohibits profit under its assistance awards to for-profit or commercial organizations.
For more information, visit https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=332721