Lebanon Corrections Professionalization | INL18CA0063 AMELEBANON CORRPROF 07312018

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Lebanon Corrections Professionalization (INL/AME)

1) What is the Lebanon Corrections Professionalization grant opportunity?

This is a U.S. Department of State grant opportunity designed to strengthen Lebanon's criminal justice sector by building the capacity of the Internal Security Forces (ISF) to manage and operate a corrections system in line with internationally recognized standards.

2) Which U.S. government office is responsible for this opportunity?

The initiative is administered by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), under INL's Office of Africa and Middle East Programs (INL/AME).

3) What is the main purpose of the program?

The program focuses on professionalizing how correctional institutions are run so that daily operations are more consistent, accountable, and sustainable over time, while improving safety and welfare for both staff and detainees.

4) Who is the primary local counterpart or beneficiary in Lebanon?

The intended beneficiary is Lebanon's Internal Security Forces (ISF), specifically its corrections capability and the way correctional institutions are managed and operated.

5) What does "corrections professionalization" mean in this opportunity?

In this context, corrections professionalization means implementing clear rules, structured decision-making, and a trained workforce so correctional facilities rely on consistent and documented processes rather than informal practices, and so operations align with internationally recognized standards.

6) What are the key program components emphasized in the description?

The opportunity emphasizes three connected building blocks: (1) establishing or improving an inmate classification system; (2) institutionalizing standard operating procedures (SOPs); and (3) developing and delivering a training curriculum so corrections officers can apply the SOPs effectively.

7) What is meant by an inmate classification system in this program?

The program highlights establishing or improving a system that houses and manages detainees according to risk level, needs, and legal status, rather than treating all detainees the same operationally.

8) Why are standard operating procedures (SOPs) a major focus?

SOPs are highlighted because they help facilities rely on consistent, documented processes. The stated intent is to reduce dependence on informal practices and support more predictable, accountable, and sustainable operations.

9) What role does training play in this grant?

Training is positioned as the practical bridge between written SOPs and day-to-day operations. The opportunity calls for developing a corresponding training curriculum and delivering sufficient training so corrections officers can apply SOPs effectively.

10) What outcomes is INL aiming for through this effort?

The intended outcome is an ISF corrections capability that operates more predictably and professionally, reduces avoidable incidents, and better protects the welfare and security of both officers and inmates.

11) What type of award is being offered?

Funding is offered as a discretionary cooperative agreement.

12) What does a "discretionary cooperative agreement" imply for implementation?

Based on the description, it generally implies a more hands-on relationship with the U.S. government than a simple grant, including coordination and ongoing engagement with INL during implementation.

13) How much funding is available under this opportunity?

The award ceiling is up to $2,500,000 in total funding.

14) How many awards does INL expect to make?

INL expects to make one award.

15) What is the program category for this grant?

The opportunity is listed under the Law, Justice, and Legal Services category.

16) What is the CFDA number associated with this opportunity?

The CFDA number listed for this opportunity is 19.703.

17) Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is primarily aimed at U.S. nonprofit organizations with IRS 501(c)(3) status that are not institutions of higher education.

18) Are any other types of applicants potentially eligible?

The listing notes that additional eligible applicants may be included under "Others," depending on clarifications provided in the full notice.

19) Are U.S. institutions of higher education eligible under the primary eligibility statement?

The eligibility description specifies U.S. nonprofit organizations with IRS 501(c)(3) status that are not institutions of higher education, which indicates that institutions of higher education are excluded under the primary eligibility category described.

20) When was the opportunity posted?

The opportunity was posted on July 31, 2018.

21) What was the original application deadline?

The original application deadline was October 1, 2018.

22) What country and sector does this opportunity focus on?

The program focuses on Lebanon, specifically on professionalizing corrections operations as part of strengthening the criminal justice sector.

23) How does this program relate to international standards?

The opportunity explicitly aims to help the ISF manage and operate a corrections system in line with internationally recognized standards, using systems, procedures, and training to align facility operations accordingly.

24) What kinds of operational improvements does the program description emphasize?

The description emphasizes consistent daily operations, documented processes, structured decision-making, improved accountability, and sustainability over time, with an overall focus on safety and welfare for detainees and staff.

25) What is the overall structure of the effort described?

The grant is structured to support a comprehensive corrections professionalization effort by helping the ISF adopt inmate classification systems, institutional SOPs, and develop and deliver training aligned to those SOPs.