The United States Department of State, Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs INL is seeking applications from qualified Serbia-based non-governmental (NGOs)/nonprofit organizations or Educational Institutions for a Grant to implement a program entitled “Building Forensic Accounting Capacity in Serbia.”

The mission of the State Department’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) is to minimize the impact of international crime and illegal drugs on the United States, its citizens, and partner nations by providing effective foreign assistance and fostering global cooperation.

The project’s goal is to develop a sustainable forensic accounting certification process that teaches qualified, practicing accountants -- especially accountants working in government and law enforcement -- using existing international standards and best practices and certifies them as forensic accountants.

Objectives

Objective 1: Identify and secure the cooperation and partnership of an existing, independent professional organization to develop and teach a forensic accounting specialization and certification program for practicing accountants, including personnel working with/for law enforcement, taxation and financial intelligence units, and other government accountants that investigate financial crimes.

Objective 2: Develop an engaging forensic accounting specialization and certification curriculum appropriate for accountants, especially for those in government, that covers every stage of a forensic accounting process with a special focus on the practical aspects of forensic accounting, including detecting and countering fraud, corruption, and organized crimes. The program must be based on international standards, such as those of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), best practices, and relevant Serbian and EU criminal law and criminal procedure code. The curriculum must emphasize practical skills; anti-corruption; professional and ethical behavior; and teach participants how to properly brief nontechnical audiences on their findings, both via written and oral reports.

Objective 3: Implement the designed curriculum in cooperation with the selected existing, independent professional organization in Serbia in accordance with international standards and best practices and Serbian and EU law.

Objective 4: Identify an appropriate university/ies and government agency/ies or other public institution/s and develop a sustainable internship program in cooperation with a selected university/ies and government agency/ies. The internship would be part of the student’s completion requirements and must ensure current accounting degree students are provided an opportunity to meaningfully develop their accounting skills and encourage them to pursue careers in government as forensic accountants. Ensure that the United States government and INL are appropriately credited.

Objective 5: As part of the project, ensure key moments (e.g., the launch of the program, the certification of participants, the creation of the internship program, etc.) receive appropriate public recognition via public launch events, conferences, press releases, etc. Identify and partner with relevant government agencies, academic institutions, and international organizations, as appropriate, to maximize positive publicity. Ensure public events highlight the role the United States government and INL and focus on how the program will help combat corruption and promote the rule of law.

Funding Information

• The anticipated total federal funding amount is not to exceed $800,000.
• The period of performance is three (3) years with an anticipated start date of May 2021
• Award Ceiling: $800,000
• Award Floor: $100,000

Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility for this NOFO is limited to:

• Applicants that qualify to receive U.S. grants (such as U.S. not-for-profit/nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) or U.S.-based educational institutions subject to section 501(c)(3) of the U.S. tax code; foreign not-for-profits/non-governmental organizations (NGOs) or foreign based educational institutions, with the ability to develop and successfully implement a project in Serbia and meet INL’s reporting requirements. Organizations must also be able to demonstrate current (or pending) country registration in Serbia, if required by the country of project implementation.

AND

• Applicants must have demonstrated experience implementing similar education or capacity building programs, preferably in Serbia. INL reserves the right to request additional background information on organizations that do not have previous experience administering similar programs and/or federal grant awards.
• Applicants must have the ability to produce course materials, deliver training, and conduct evaluations in Serbian. The applicant’s staff should be proficient in English in order to fulfill reporting requirements.
• Applicants must have existing, or the capacity to develop, active partnerships with stakeholders in order to successfully carry out the proposed program.
• Organizations may form a consortium and submit a combined proposal. However, one organization should be designated as the lead applicant and other members as sub-award partners.
• Applicants must be able to respond to the NOFO and be able to mobilize in a short period.
• Note: Public International Organizations (PIOs) and For-Profit Organizations are excluded from applying to this grant announcement.
• To be eligible for a grant award, in addition to other conditions of this NOFO, 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.

For more information, visit Grants.gov.