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Mexico Federal Public Defender Program Grant Opportunity (INL) - FAQs

1) What is this grant opportunity?

This is a U.S. Department of State, Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) grant opportunity under the Merida Initiative focused on strengthening Mexico's federal criminal justice system by supporting Mexico's federal public defender service, the Instituto Federal de Defensoria Publica (IFDP).

2) What is the main goal of the Mexico Federal Public Defender Program?

The central goal is capacity building for IFDP as an institution and for its public defenders as frontline practitioners, so the federal public defense function can successfully operate within Mexico's shift from an inquisitorial-style system to an accusatory criminal justice system.

3) Who is the intended beneficiary or partner institution in Mexico?

The effort specifically targets Mexico's federal public defender service, the Instituto Federal de Defensoria Publica (IFDP).

4) What justice-sector transition is the program supporting?

The program supports IFDP's transition from an older, more inquisitorial-style model to an accusatory criminal justice system, which increases the importance of adversarial practice and typically changes how cases are managed and litigated.

5) What kinds of activities does the program emphasize at the institutional level?

At the institutional level, the program is intended to help IFDP make administrative and organizational changes required by the accusatory framework, including increased demands related to case management, litigation readiness, public hearings, and more structured defense representation.

6) What kinds of activities does the program emphasize for public defenders as practitioners?

At the practitioner level, the program focuses on strengthening federal public defenders' effectiveness in the reformed system, emphasizing skills and approaches such as oral advocacy, strategic litigation, early case assessment, evidentiary challenges, and adversarial courtroom practice.

7) How does INL describe the broader impact of supporting public defense in Mexico?

INL frames the support as a way to strengthen accountability and increase public confidence in Mexico's federal justice institutions by ensuring public defense is capable, professional, and integrated into the accusatory model.

8) How does this program relate to other U.S. Government and donor programs?

This program is designed to complement other U.S. Government and donor efforts already underway, including Department of Justice programs delivered through ICITAP and OPDAT, as well as USAID work supporting justice-sector reforms at the state level in Mexico.

9) What is the funding instrument for this opportunity?

The award instrument is a cooperative agreement.

10) What does it mean that the award is a cooperative agreement?

A cooperative agreement indicates the U.S. Government expects substantial involvement during implementation, rather than a hands-off grant relationship.

11) How many awards does INL expect to make under this solicitation?

INL anticipates making one award.

12) What activity category does this opportunity fall under?

The activity category is law, justice, and legal services.

13) How long is the planned period of performance?

The project is planned as a three-year effort.

14) What is the total potential funding amount for the full project period?

The total potential ceiling is up to $6,000,000 across the full period, subject to funding availability and performance.

15) How much funding is available in the first year?

For the first year, up to $2,000,000 is available.

16) Is the funding level expected to continue in years two and three?

The announcement notes the possibility of similar funding levels in years two and three, subject to funding availability and performance.

17) Is funding possible beyond the initial three-year plan?

Yes. The notice leaves open the possibility of continued funding beyond three years depending on results and available funds.

18) Is cost sharing or matching required?

No. No cost sharing or matching is required.

19) Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is limited to U.S.-based organizations, including nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status, public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, private institutions of higher education, small businesses, and other for-profit organizations.

20) Are non-U.S.-based organizations eligible?

Based on the announcement, eligibility is limited to U.S.-based organizations.

21) When was the opportunity posted?

The opportunity was posted on July 6, 2011.

22) What was the application closing date?

The application closing date was September 16, 2011.

23) What was the archive date?

The archive date was October 16, 2011.

24) By when could applicants submit questions to INL?

Applicants could submit questions up to September 2, 2011 at 5:00 p.m.

25) How were applicant questions and answers shared?

INL indicated that questions and answers would be posted as an attachment on Grants.gov to provide transparency and shared clarification.

26) What is the Funding Opportunity Number for this solicitation?

The Funding Opportunity Number is INL 11 CA 0010 MEXICO 070611.

27) What was the estimated total funding figure listed for the first year?

The estimated total funding figure listed for the first year is $2,000,000.

28) What were the award ceiling and award floor listed for the initial period?

For the initial period, the award ceiling and the award floor are both listed at $2,000,000.

29) Who was the technical/program point of contact named in the announcement?

Mary Pat Hayes Crow (INL/RM/MS) is listed for technical and program questions.

30) Who was the grants management contact named for help accessing the full announcement?

Cheryl Price, Grants Management Specialist, is listed for assistance accessing the full announcement electronically.