Accelerating Prosecution of Criminals and Terrorists in Lebanon by Digitizing Paper Criminal Court files

The Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) within the U.S. Department of State has released a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) inviting applications from organizations to implement a digital transformation project in Lebanon’s judicial system. The project, titled "Accelerating Prosecution of Criminals and Terrorists in Lebanon by Digitizing Paper Criminal Court Files," seeks to modernize recordkeeping at Lebanon’s Financial Prosecutor’s Office and the General Prosecutor’s Office at the Court of Cassation. INL’s mission focuses on safeguarding Americans by addressing global crime, illegal drugs, and instability, and this initiative aligns with the America First Initiative by supporting international law enforcement cooperation to protect U.S. interests. The project targets a chronic issue within Lebanon's criminal justice infrastructure: a disorganized, inefficient paper-based records system. Currently, case files are stored without order—often in suitcases—and judicial clerks spend weeks or months locating them, with some files lost permanently. This disarray impedes prosecutions, hinders collaboration with U.S. authorities, and poses a security risk. Digitizing these files into searchable, secure electronic records will facilitate timely prosecutions, support cross-border investigations, and reduce vulnerabilities in Lebanon’s judicial processes. The project, which will run for 20 months starting in August 2026, aims to build upon the Docuware records management system already used in Lebanon’s civil court system. Activities will include refurbishing archive spaces, organizing and scanning case files, and establishing a secure electronic database with role-based access and audit logging. The implementer will also provide hardware, ensure backup electricity via generator, and conduct stakeholder engagement to ensure the system meets the needs of prosecutors, judges, and court staff. Training for judicial clerks—both current and retired—will cover digital records management and system maintenance, enabling sustainability post-project. Applicants must be organizations (not individuals or for-profits), either U.S.- or foreign-based NGOs or educational institutions, with at least five years of experience in judicial system digitization, preferably in Lebanon or similar conflict-affected contexts. The successful applicant must have previously digitized court case files for a non-U.S. government partner and demonstrate operational presence or familiarity with Lebanon. While cost sharing is not required, it is encouraged and must be well-documented if proposed. Applications must be submitted via www.grants.gov by May 26, 2026 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time. Questions regarding the NOFO must be submitted via email by April 23, 2026. Required application components include the SF-424 forms, a proposal narrative (maximum 20 pages), a performance monitoring plan, risk analysis, budget and narrative, organizational documents, and audit history. Key personnel bios and partner roles should also be included. INL uses the DevResults platform for quarterly reporting and requires all awardees to comply with its monitoring and evaluation systems, branding guidelines, and risk vetting protocols. Evaluation of proposals will be based on project analysis and design (50 points), monitoring and risk management (25 points), institutional capacity (10 points), and cost effectiveness (15 points). Preference will be given to applicants with lower indirect cost rates in the event of a tie. Only one award, ranging from $700,000 to $900,000, will be made, and recipients must comply with all applicable U.S. laws and executive orders, including those related to trafficking, anti-discrimination, and drone usage restrictions.

Base implementation plan on prior digitization experience; Proposals with realistic risk mitigation and sustainability planning will be evaluated higher.