Mexico Correctional Training Capacity Enhancement | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Mexico Correctional Training Capacity Enhancement opportunity?

The Mexico Correctional Training Capacity Enhancement opportunity (Funding Opportunity Number INL 16GR0033 WHPMEXICO 04202016) is a discretionary grant issued by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (DOS-INL). It supports efforts to strengthen Mexico's federal and state prison systems by improving the skills, professionalism, and operational capacity of corrections personnel.

Which U.S. government office is offering this grant?

The grant is offered by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (DOS-INL).

Is this a discretionary grant or a formula grant?

This opportunity is described as a discretionary grant.

What is the main purpose of the program?

The overall intent is to help Mexican penitentiaries operate in ways that are safer, more secure, and more humane, while reducing the ability of criminal groups to organize and operate from inside prisons.

What kinds of activities does the program emphasize?

The program emphasizes workforce development and training across the full spectrum of prison operations. It favors hands-on, operational training delivered in appropriate settings in both Mexico and the United States, rather than focusing only on classroom instruction.

Who is the training intended to reach?

Training is meant to reach personnel across correctional operations, including senior leadership (wardens and administrators), frontline corrections officers, supervisory staff, and support personnel. It also includes specialized functions such as prisoner transportation units.

Does the opportunity support specialized corrections functions?

Yes. The description specifically calls out specialized functions that are often high-risk and operationally complex, such as prisoner transportation units.

Is the training expected to be practical and hands-on?

Yes. The opportunity emphasizes hands-on, operational training delivered in appropriate settings, rather than only classroom instruction.

Where can training take place under this program?

The program envisions training being delivered in appropriate settings both in Mexico and in the United States.

What is meant by a "train-the-trainer" approach in this opportunity?

The opportunity strongly favors train-the-trainer models. Participants are prepared not only to perform their duties more effectively, but also to pass that knowledge on to others, creating a sustainable internal training pipeline within Mexican institutions over time.

Does the program involve accreditation or recognized standards?

Yes. The opportunity promotes adoption of internationally recognized corrections standards by encouraging accreditation through the American Correctional Association (ACA).

How is ACA accreditation described in the opportunity?

ACA accreditation is framed as a practical way to help Mexican facilities and agencies move toward documented compliance with established operational benchmarks. It is also presented as a method to measure, validate, and institutionalize reforms, demonstrate proof of compliance, strengthen accountability, support policy implementation, and encourage consistent operating procedures across institutions and jurisdictions.

Does the program address rehabilitation and reintegration?

Yes. In addition to security and professionalization goals, the program includes support for rehabilitation and reintegration efforts through technical assistance related to prison industry programs.

What are prison industry programs intended to accomplish here?

Prison industry programs are described as intended to improve inmate reinsertion opportunities by building job skills, work habits, and lawful employment pathways, which can reduce recidivism and support safer communities after release.

Is the focus only on security, or also on long-term outcomes?

The opportunity reflects a dual focus: improving day-to-day institutional control and safety, while also expanding constructive programming intended to improve longer-term outcomes after release.

How is implementation expected to be structured?

Implementation is described as a partnership effort. INL works with the Government of Mexico and leverages collaboration with U.S. federal and state agencies that have corrections expertise and training capacity.

Does the program support any specific Mexican training institution?

Yes. The grant supports Mexico's National Corrections Academy located in Xalapa, Veracruz, signaling an intent to strengthen Mexico's own institutional training infrastructure and create a durable platform for ongoing professional education.

What is the CFDA number for this grant listing?

The grant is listed under CFDA 19.703.

How is this opportunity categorized?

The opportunity is categorized under Law, Justice and Legal Services.

Who is eligible to apply for this grant opportunity?

Eligible applicants are state governments.

How many awards are anticipated?

The opportunity indicates an anticipated single award.

What is the maximum award amount (award ceiling)?

The award ceiling is $3,000,000.

What is the funding opportunity number?

The funding opportunity number is INL 16GR0033 WHPMEXICO 04202016.

When was the opportunity posted?

The opportunity was posted on April 20, 2016.

What is the closing date for applications?

The closing date is June 20, 2016.

What are the intended outcomes of strengthening corrections personnel capacity?

Based on the opportunity description, intended outcomes include improved skills and professionalism among corrections personnel, strengthened operational capacity, safer and more secure prison operations, more humane conditions, and reduced capacity for criminal groups to organize and operate from inside prisons.