Funding Opportunity: Increase the Use of Scientific Evidence in Criminal Cases (Guatemala)

Deadline: 27-Mar-23

The U.S. Embassy in Guatemala / the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) announces an open competition for eligible organizations to submit applications to support the National Institute of Forensic Sciences (INACIF) of Guatemala with the implementation of the project to “Increase the Use of Scientific Evidence in Criminal Cases.”

The objective of the project is to build INACIF’s capacity to provide timely and effective forensic services from the Computer Forensics Laboratory for judicial processes and convictions to dismantle criminal structures. This project will begin in May 2023 in Guatemala.

Project Goal(s) and Objectives

• Goal 1: The Computer Forensics Laboratory reduces 75% of backlog of forensic opinions during the first year of project implementation, in the second year a 90% reduction of backlog and ensures procedures to not create backlog in the future.
• Goal 2: The processes and procedures required to issue forensic opinions are reduced by 5% from the prior year, including the time of referral to the institutions.
• Goal 3: 10% of forensic opinions are used as evidence in criminal cases during the first year, increasing to 20% in the second year.
• Project activities and deliverables:
  • Objective 1: Consolidate the creation of the Computer Forensics Laboratory as INACIF’s corner stone and future of the institution.
    • Activity 1: Define the best structure, functionality, role of the laboratory and forensic examination procedures for the laboratory’s purpose; and support INACIF to hire the experts to complete the team.
    • Activity 2: Review and update or draft manuals and standard operational procedures to conduct correct forensic examinations.
    • Activity 3: Identify the sequence of data and information, the importance of data quality and data standards and the importance of using those standards.
    • Activity 4: Seek international certification of the computer forensics laboratory to certify standardized procedures and update forensic report forms.
  • Objective 2: The laboratory has the technology and equipment needed to perform its functions.
    • Activity 1: Laboratory is comprised of workstations with computer and equipment using the proper operating systems, computer forensic software installed, proper internet band width, tools which allow experts to examine evidence without tampering with the data, and any other tools that may be useful in a forensic examination.
    • Activity 2: Support INACIF to create a sustainability plan and a medium and long-term investment plan to continue updating or purchasing equipment and software.
  • Objective 3: Laboratory experts and justice sector officials are trained in core and advanced forensic concepts and techniques.
    • Activity 1: Implement a training plan on forensic techniques needed according to the computer specialization and prepare staff to become train-the-trainers.
    • Activity 2: Create a nationwide information campaign to train the judges, public defenders and police officials on requesting, collecting, analysis, examination and acceptance of forensic opinions issued by the laboratory.
• Project deliverables:
  • During the first year, the implementer must accomplish consolidation of the Computer Forensic Laboratory, identify, and start the purchasing of equipment. During the second year, the implementer must accomplish the certification of laboratory’s procedures and trainers prepared to share information outside the institution. It is expected that time in forensic expertise processes will be reduced through adequate technological support that simplifies the response to the main counterparts. The project seeks to ensure that 10% of forensic opinions are accepted as evidence in criminal cases, increasing the percentage by 20% during the second year of implementation of the project.
  • The implementer must perform the following activities, which are not limited to, an assessment of the Computer Forensics Laboratory, that includes but is not limited to: management of the forensic examination and opinions, HR management, technical equipment verification, diagnosis of problems and suggestions for solutions, and preparation of the Computer Forensics Laboratory to achieve an ISO certification.
    • The implementer must carry out and follow up until its approval for SEGEPLAN the project implementation letter or agreement with the National Institute of Forensic Sciences of Guatemala to define the specific activities, goals, objectives, commitments and resource requirements related to the project and the agreement with the institution.
    • The implementer should provide updated manuals and procedures to achieve international standards and certifications to strengthen the Computer Forensics Laboratory.
    • The implementer will perform monitoring and evaluation activities to follow-up the processes every two months and make adjustments to meet the project objectives.
    • The implementer shall present a bimensual plan of activities and provide weekly reports including the progress and results achieved.
    • The implementer should promote coordination meetings among the justice sector institutions that request forensic examinations from laboratory, in order to improve effectiveness.
    • The implementer provides adequate national and international training to enhance skills and knowledge of experts.
    • The implementer will evaluate the first-year project goals and on that basis, make new proposals that target its main objectives.

Funding Information

• Total available funding: $1,000,000.00
• Award amounts: awards may range from a minimum of $850,000.00 to a maximum of $1,000,000.00
• Number of awards anticipated: One awards (dependent on amounts)
• Length of performance period: 24 months
• Anticipated program start date: May 2023

Priority Region/Countries: Guatemala, Central America

Participants and Audiences: The trainings will be intended for experts of the Computer Forensic Laboratory, INACIF staff, justice sector officials deemed necessary to be included in the same, taking into consideration adopting participatory and inclusive approaches regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, LGBTQI+, religion, disability or other groups that could be contemplated ensuring inclusion and using participatory approaches.

Eligibility Criteria

• Eligible Applicant Types
  • The following organizations are eligible to apply:
    • U.S.-based non-profit/non-governmental organizations (NGOs);
    • U.S.-based educational institutions subject to section 501(c)(3) of the U.S. tax code;
    • U.S.-based educational institutions subject to section 501(c)(3) of the U.S. tax code or section 26 US 115 of the US 115 of the U.S. tax code;
    • Foreign-based non-profits/non-governmental organizations (NGOs);
    • Foreign-based educational institutions
• Other Eligibility Requirements
  • In order to be eligible to receive an award, all organizations must have a unique entity identifier (also known as UEI), as well as a valid registration on www.SAM.gov. Individuals are not required to have a unique entity identifier or be registered in SAM.gov.
  • Applicants are only allowed to submit one proposal per organization. Organizations may form a consortium and submit a combined proposal, however one organization should be designated as the lead applicant and other organization(s) listed as sub-recipient partner(s).
  • To be eligible to receive a federal assistance award, 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.
  • Note: Public International Organizations (PIOs) and For-Profit Organizations are excluded from applying to INL grant/cooperative agreement announcements

For more information, visit Grants.gov.