Building Justice Sector Capacity in Timor-Leste | SFOP0007014

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the "Building Justice Sector Capacity in Timor-Leste" grant opportunity?

It is a U.S. Department of State funding opportunity administered by the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL). The project aims to strengthen how Timor-Leste's justice sector responds to key criminal justice challenges by building practical, on-the-ground capability across the system.

Which U.S. government entity is offering and administering this opportunity?

The opportunity is offered by the U.S. Department of State and administered by the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL).

What are the main priority areas this project focuses on?

The project has three thematic priority areas: countering corruption, addressing gender-based violence, and combating trafficking in persons.

What is the overall goal of the project beyond training?

In addition to improving technical skills, the project is intended to reinforce accountability, transparency, and institutional resilience so justice actors can more effectively investigate, prosecute, adjudicate, and oversee complex and sensitive cases related to the three priority areas.

What types of activities are expected under this grant?

The core activities revolve around direct training and longer-term capacity building through the development or establishment of training curricula and programs. This includes targeted instruction for justice sector professionals and creating training materials, modules, or institutionalized programs designed to endure beyond the project period.

Does the opportunity emphasize one-time trainings or sustainable capacity building?

The opportunity emphasizes sustainability. The focus on developing curricula and programs indicates an interest in improvements that last beyond one-off workshops, including standardizing approaches and strengthening professional norms in areas vulnerable to misconduct, impunity, or weak case handling.

Who are the intended participants or target audiences in Timor-Leste?

The intended participants span the justice ecosystem in Timor-Leste and include judges, prosecutors, public defenders, and law students. The opportunity also includes oversight and integrity bodies, law enforcement, and civil society organizations.

Which oversight and integrity bodies are specifically mentioned?

The opportunity explicitly mentions the Anti-Corruption Commission and the Office of the Provedor for Human Rights and Justice (PDHJ).

How does civil society fit into the project design?

Civil society organizations are included as part of the intended participant groups, particularly those focused on justice sector reform and on combating corruption, trafficking, and gender-based violence. Their inclusion signals interest in strengthening both state capacity and external accountability and victim-support linkages that can improve reporting, protection, and follow-through.

What type of funding instrument will be used?

The opportunity uses a cooperative agreement.

What does it mean that this award is a cooperative agreement?

As described, a cooperative agreement typically indicates substantial programmatic involvement by the U.S. government during implementation compared to a standard grant.

Is this a discretionary funding opportunity?

Yes. The opportunity is described as a discretionary grant opportunity.

What is the Assistance Listing (CFDA) number for this opportunity?

The listing is under CFDA (Assistance Listing) 19.703.

What is the activity area associated with this opportunity?

The activity area is Law, Justice and Legal Services.

How many awards are anticipated?

The award structure anticipates a single award.

What is the maximum award amount (award ceiling)?

The award ceiling is $300,000, meaning up to that amount could be provided to one selected implementer depending on the proposed approach and budget.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is limited to U.S.-based nonprofit organizations that have IRS 501(c)(3) status and are not institutions of higher education.

Are institutions of higher education eligible to apply?

No. The eligibility criteria specifically exclude institutions of higher education.

What is the funding opportunity number?

The funding opportunity number is SFOP0007014.

When was this opportunity notice created?

The notice was created on May 28, 2020.

What was the original application closing date?

The original application closing date was July 28, 2020.

What results is the project intended to improve within the justice sector?

The project is intended to strengthen the ability of justice actors to investigate, prosecute, adjudicate, and oversee corruption, gender-based violence, and trafficking in persons cases, while reinforcing accountability, transparency, and institutional resilience.

Why is curriculum development highlighted as a core component?

The opportunity emphasizes curricula and training programs to support sustainable improvements, including leaving behind training materials and modules that can continue to be used after the project period ends and to help standardize approaches across institutions and professional roles.

Is the project limited to government institutions, or does it include other stakeholders?

It includes a broad mix of stakeholders: government justice actors (such as judges, prosecutors, and public defenders), oversight and integrity bodies (including the Anti-Corruption Commission and PDHJ), law enforcement, law students, and civil society organizations.