Advancing Gender Equality in Costa Rica’s Police Forces | INL21CA0010 COSTARICA GENDEREQUALITY

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the title of this grant opportunity?

The opportunity is titled "Advancing Gender Equality in Costa Rica's Police Forces."

Which U.S. government office is offering this funding?

This is a U.S. Department of State initiative issued through the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL).

What is the main purpose of the project?

The project aims to help Costa Rica institutionalize gender equality across its policing institutions by embedding gender equality into everyday police operations, policies, and procedures rather than treating it as a side initiative.

Why does the program emphasize gender equality in police organizations?

The opportunity is framed around the idea that police organizations perform better when they can recruit, develop, and retain the strongest talent available, and that doing so requires intentional efforts to educate, empower, and recognize women as a central part of the workforce.

How does this opportunity connect to broader national or international goals?

The opportunity is described in the context of Costa Rica's commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including the goal of achieving gender equality by 2030, while noting that progress needs to move faster and be supported by more effective, concrete actions.

What kind of change is the grant designed to produce inside police institutions?

The grant is designed to move gender equality from being treated as optional or inconsistently applied to being embedded in official rules and daily workflows. This includes integrating recognized best practices and standards into police-specific policies, guidelines, and standard operating procedures (SOPs).

Which Costa Rican institutions are expected to be involved or coordinated with?

The grantee is expected to coordinate closely with INL, Costa Rica's National Police Academy, and the Gender Office within the Ministry of Public Security.

What is meant by "institutionalizing" gender equality in this context?

In this opportunity, institutionalizing gender equality means building sustained institutional capacity so gender equity becomes a mainstream policing priority, reflected in formal doctrine, training, and routine practice within the Ministry of Public Security and related police forces.

What is a major required deliverable under this grant?

A major deliverable is the development of an empowerment strategy for the Costa Rican National Police designed to build real capability across the force.

What should the empowerment strategy include?

The empowerment strategy is expected to include a structured training system with both theoretical and practical modules so officers can understand current gender issues and apply that understanding in real situations.

Is the project only about training?

No. The description emphasizes that the program is not only about training. It also requires creating tools to support consistent implementation and accountability over time, including manuals of good practices and practical guides for verification.

What kinds of written tools or references must be produced?

The recipient must produce manuals of good practices intended for ongoing use, along with clear guides to help supervisors and staff verify whether gender equality principles are being applied in daily police work and administrative decision-making.

Where is the grant work intended to be applied?

The work is intended to be applied within Costa Rica's policing institutions, including operational policing and internal administrative functions within the Ministry of Public Security.

Does the opportunity specify how the approach should fit Costa Rica's context?

Yes. The intent is to ensure the approach is adapted to Costa Rica's national and local context, including specific security needs and the operational realities faced by different police forces.

What type of funding mechanism is used for this opportunity?

It was posted as a discretionary funding opportunity using a cooperative agreement.

How many awards are expected to be made?

The opportunity lists an anticipated single award.

What is the maximum award amount (award ceiling)?

The award ceiling listed is $200,000.

What is the opportunity number?

The opportunity number is INL21CA0010 COSTARICA GENDEREQUALITY.

What is the program/category classification listed for this opportunity?

It is categorized under Law, Justice and Legal Services (CFDA 19.704).

When was the opportunity created?

The opportunity was created on December 4, 2020.

What was the original closing date?

The original closing date was January 29, 2021.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is noted broadly as "Others," with additional clarification referenced in the full eligibility text.

What does the opportunity say about standards and best practices?

The selected recipient is expected to create a coherent, standardized approach that integrates recognized best practices and standards into police-specific policies, guidelines, and SOPs.

How will the project support accountability and consistent implementation?

By producing practical manuals and verification guides, the project is intended to help supervisors and staff check whether gender equality principles are being applied in everyday police work and administrative decisions, supporting consistency and accountability over time.