ANTIDRUG COALITIONS IN MEXICO | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - ANTIDRUG COALITIONS IN MEXICO (Funding Opportunity Number NAS 1)

1) What is the ANTIDRUG COALITIONS IN MEXICO opportunity (NAS 1)?

NAS 1 is a discretionary Cooperative Agreement offered by the U.S. Mission to Mexico to support community-based drug demand reduction work in key Mexican border metropolitan areas. The goal is to reduce drug use and related harms by strengthening local coordination and improving awareness and use of existing health and support services.

2) Who is the funder for this opportunity?

The opportunity is offered by the U.S. Mission to Mexico (U.S. Embassy in Mexico).

3) What type of award is this?

This opportunity is a Cooperative Agreement. The description emphasizes a structured approach and required technical assistance, which signals a more collaborative, guided implementation model than a typical grant.

4) What is the primary activity funded under this award?

The core funded activity is the creation and support of grassroots anti-drug community coalitions in three metropolitan areas in Mexico: Tijuana (Baja California), Ciudad Juarez (Chihuahua), and Nogales (Sonora).

5) Which cities and states are targeted by the program?

The program targets three Mexican border metropolitan areas: Tijuana, Baja California; Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua; and Nogales, Sonora.

6) What does the program mean by "community coalitions" in this context?

Based on the description, the coalitions are intended to function as local hubs that coordinate community stakeholders, strengthen local prevention and response efforts, and inform communities about available health and support services so that people are encouraged to use those services.

7) Is technical assistance required, and who provides it?

Yes. The coalitions will receive required technical assistance from the Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA). The selected organization is expected to incorporate a structured coalition-building approach and recognized best practices.

8) What kinds of "best practices" are implied by the opportunity?

The opportunity indicates a structured coalition-building approach that likely includes coalition development, strategic planning, community assessment, prevention strategy selection, and performance monitoring.

9) What is expected of the selected organization in terms of local leadership and stakeholder buy-in?

The selected organization must demonstrate the ability to build relationships and secure buy-in from community leaders and public figures to legitimize and strengthen the coalitions.

10) What operational responsibilities does the awardee have across the three cities?

The awardee is expected to coordinate the financial, technical, and logistical elements needed to launch and sustain coalition operations in Tijuana, Ciudad Juarez, and Nogales.

11) What is the role of health and support services in this program?

The coalitions are expected to inform communities about available health services and encourage people to use those services, with the intent of protecting individuals and families from harms linked to drug use.

12) Does the opportunity require cross-border (binational) collaboration?

Yes. After coalitions are established in Mexico, they are expected to develop links and coordination with counterpart coalitions and civil society organizations in the U.S. border region.

13) What must proposals include about U.S.-based partnerships?

Proposals are required to include a section describing the nature and scope of current or potential partnerships with U.S.-based civil society organizations, and how the applicant would facilitate binational coordination and learning.

14) What is the project period (length of performance)?

The project period is 24 months.

15) What kind of work plan is required?

Applicants are expected to submit a detailed 24-month work plan describing specific activities, milestones, and an evaluation framework.

16) What performance and evaluation expectations are stated in the opportunity?

The opportunity explicitly calls for performance criteria and metrics such as inputs, outputs, throughput, outcomes, and indicators. This implies the funder expects measurable implementation with trackable progress and results connected to planned activities.

17) How much funding is available?

Total funding is USD 1,000,000, with a single expected award.

18) What are the award floor and ceiling?

Both the award floor and the award ceiling are listed as USD 1,000,000.

19) How and when are funds disbursed?

Funds are to be transferred quarterly, contingent on the submission and acceptance of quarterly reports.

20) Are there any restrictions on indirect costs or overhead?

Yes. The budget must not include any overhead percentage, meaning applicants must structure budgets without an indirect cost rate.

21) What direct cost categories are expected in the budget?

The budget must include direct cost categories such as labor and travel, along with other direct costs needed for implementation.

22) Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is aimed at nonprofit organizations, including U.S. nonprofits (with or without 501(c)(3) status) and relevant civil society organizations. The opportunity also includes Mexico-specific compliance requirements that strongly indicate an emphasis on formally registered Mexican nonprofits.

23) What Mexico-specific registrations or authorizations are required?

Participating organizations must be registered in Mexico’s National Registry of Civil Society Organizations, must be authorized by Mexican tax authorities to receive deductible donations, and must provide proof of CLUNI registration.

24) Are there restrictions related to lobbying or political activity?

Yes. The organization must operate without lobbying or partisan political activity in Mexico or the United States.

25) Are there restrictions related to religious, union, or political affiliations?

Yes. The organization cannot be affiliated with a religious group, union, or political party.

26) Are there governance restrictions related to public officials?

Yes. The governing board must exclude public officials from the executive, legislative, or judicial branches at federal, state, or municipal levels in either Mexico or the United States.

27) What compliance and good-standing requirements are mentioned?

Applicants must be in good standing with applicable tax, health, and operational regulations, and must not have legal or administrative barriers (such as pending lawsuits or unresolved audit findings) that would prevent them from receiving federal assistance in Mexico or the U.S.

28) What supporting documents are required with the application?

The application requires documents to confirm legal status, financial integrity, and eligibility, including: a formal application letter; incorporation and registry documents; proof of authorization to issue tax-deductible receipts or registration with Mexico’s Finance Ministry (SHCP); the latest SHCP-authorized audited financial statements; the latest tax return; proof of CLUNI registration; and a two-page executive summary that includes a summary budget.

29) Who must the formal application letter be addressed to, and who must sign it?

The letter must be addressed to the Director of the Narcotic Affairs Section at the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City, and it must be signed by the organization’s legal representative.

30) What is required in the executive summary?

A two-page executive summary is required, and it must include a summary budget.

31) How could proposals be submitted?

Proposals were accepted through Grants.gov or via courier to the specified Mexico City address.

32) What is the courier submission address listed in the opportunity?

Alejandro Juarez Munoz, Oficina Binacional de Implementacion, Avenida Paseo de la Reforma 265, Piso 21, Colonia Cuauhtemoc, 06500, Mexico, D.F.

33) What was the application deadline?

The closing deadline listed was close of business on Friday, April 22, 2011.

34) When was the opportunity posted and when was it archived?

It was posted March 23, 2011, and later archived May 22, 2011.

35) Who reviews proposals and what does the review panel include?

Proposals were to be reviewed by an ad hoc committee that included representatives from Mexico’s Ministries of Health, Education, and External Affairs, along with U.S. Embassy officials and civil society members. This indicates a binational and multi-sector review process.

36) Who is the point of contact for access issues?

The point of contact listed for access issues was Natalie Waugh, Foreign Service Officer, via the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City.

37) What is the Funding Opportunity Number?

The Funding Opportunity Number is NAS 1.