NOFO: Building Capacity of Nigerian Law Enforcement Explosive Ordinance Management

About

The Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs of the U.S. Department of State announces an open competition for organizations to submit applications to carry out a project to “Building Capacity of Nigerian Law Enforcement Explosive Ordinance Management.”

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) are Nigeria’s leading authorities responsible for ordnance clearance and responding to civilian reports of explosive threats. Focusing on the NPF’s and the NSCDC’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) units, this project seeks to build the capacity of these units to ensure public safety and national security and effectively address the complex and evolving nature of explosive ordnance threats in Nigeria.

The Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) program in Nigeria is committed to facilitating a reduction in violence, enhancing justice, and supporting institutional reform and capacity building. To ensure public safety and national security, this project seeks to provide the NPF and NSCDC with increased capabilities to effectively address the complex and evolving nature of explosive ordnance threats throughout Nigeria and improve security for Nigeria’s civilian population.

Project Objectives

• Objective 1: The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) explosive ordnance mitigation capabilities are assessed. 

  • Background: Decades of underfunding of the NPF and NSCDC EOD-CBRN commands have resulted in shortage of modern equipment and outdated training curriculum. This has resulted in training deficiencies leaving personnel underprepared for the complex and evolving nature of explosive ordnance threats facing Nigeria. Furthermore, there is an expanding knowledge gap due to staff turnover. The lack of a systematic knowledge transfer mechanism exacerbates this issue, affecting the overall efficiency of these units. This project should help to understand challenges that inhibit efficiency, knowledge gaps and practical. 

  • Activity 1: Technical assessment of operational capacity, equipment, and training of NPF and NSCDC Explosive Ordnance Commands and Units across Nigeria. This assessment should focus on teams with the view of assessing policy and operational management. 

  • Activity 2: Devise, in consultation with NPF and NSCDC an action plan to improve operational capacity and training. 

• Objective 2: The Nigeria Police Force (NPF)’s and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC)’s Explosive Storehouses are evaluated. 

  • Background: A significant issue is the absence of infrastructure adhering to international standards for managing explosive ordnance. Challenges include inadequate facilities for the safe storage and disposal of explosives, aging infrastructure, and the proximity of explosive storehouses to densely populated areas. This situation, which does not comply with the International Ammunition Technical Guidelines (IATG), raises concerns about unauthorized access and the risk of accidents, endangering both civilians and security personnel. 

  • Activity 1: Conduct a technical risk assessment of the NPF and NSCDC Explosive Storehouses (ESH) across Nigeria. 

  • Activity 2: Collaborate with NPF and NSCDC to develop an action plan to mitigate risks identified at each explosive storehouse. 

• Objective 3: Inter-agency Collaboration in Managing Explosive Ordnance Threats is strengthened.

  • Background: Efficient management of explosive ordnance demands coordination among various security and defense agencies. Presently, there are challenges in achieving effective inter-agency collaboration, which is essential for a comprehensive response to explosive threats. 

  • Activity 1: Organize a workshop for stakeholders involved in explosive ordnance mitigation and document the outcomes. 

• Objective 4: Findings and Recommendations are presented to the U.S. Department of State and Nigerian government on current capacity for explosive ordinance management. 

  • Background: To date, there has been no comprehensive capacity assessment of the NPF and NSCDC's explosive ordnance management by the Nigerian government. This lack of coordinated assessment has led to disjointed interventions by both governmental and non-governmental entities. A detailed report from this project will provide the U.S. State Department, the Nigerian Government, and other stakeholders with an in-depth analysis of the current capacity for explosive ordnance management within the NPF and NSCDC. The insights gained will guide immediate and future interventions to bolster the capacities of these agencies.

Goals 

• That Nigerian law enforcement entities effectively operate to international standards in explosive ordinance management. 

  • Outcome 1: State adherence to international standards and norms is increased. 

  • Outcome 2: Risk of unplanned explosions at explosive storehouses is reduced. 

  • Outcome 3: State capacity to manage explosive ordnance threats is enhanced.

Funding Information

• Total available funding: $400,000

• Award amounts: awards may range from a minimum of $300,000 to a maximum of $400,000

• Number of awards anticipated: 1 award

• Length of performance period: 6-9 months

Outputs                                                             

• Output Indicators - Objective 1: One assessment report prepared and submitted. 

  • Output 1: Assess operational capacity, equipment, and training needs of NPF and NSCDC commands/units 

• Output Indicators - Objective 2: One evaluation report prepared and submitted. 

  • Output 1: Conduct onsite technical assessment of NPF and NSCDC at risk explosive storehouses across Nigeria. 

• Output Indicators - Objective 3: One stakeholder’s workshop conducted. 

  • Output 1: Deliver explosive ordnance mitigation stakeholder’s workshop to promote inter-agency collaboration. 

• Output Indicators - Objective 4: One technical assessment report prepared and submitted. 

  • Output 1: Develop a technical assessment report.

Project Activities and Deliverables 

• By the conclusion of this six-month project, the selected applicant, in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), is tasked with creating a comprehensive report. This report will provide both the Nigerian and U.S. Governments with an in-depth analysis of the NPF and NSCDC's capabilities in managing explosive ordnance across Nigeria. 

• The report should encompass the following critical elements: 

  • Personnel Training and Needs: Detailing the number of personnel trained at various levels and commands, along with an assessment of their training needs. 

  • Equipment Analysis: Enumerating the types and quantities of functioning equipment currently in use, and identifying any additional equipment needs. 

  • Explosive Storehouse Assessment: Providing a list of visited explosive storehouses, outlining the risks identified at each location, and offering specific recommendations for mitigating these risks. 

  • Explosive Ordnance Threat Analysis: Cataloging the types of explosive ordnance threats encountered over the past five years, discussing the challenges faced, and proposing recommendations for enhancing inter-agency collaboration in explosive ordnance mitigation.

Participants and Audiences 

• The primary participants and audiences are the EOD units of the NPF and NSCDC. 

Priority Region/Countries

•  Nigeria

Eligibility

• The following organizations are eligible to apply: 

  • U.S.-based non-profit/non-governmental organizations (NGOs); 

  • U.S.-based educational institutions subject to section 501(c)(3) of the U.S. tax code or section 26 US 115 of the US 115 of the U.S. tax code; 

  • Foreign-based non-profits/non-governmental organizations (NGOs); 

• Applicants must also meet the following requirements to be eligible to apply to this NOFO: 

  • Demonstrated previous experience on multiple projects working with Explosive Ordnance Disposal in a law enforcement and/or military context.

• In order to be eligible to receive an award, all organizations must have a unique entity identifier.

• Applicants are only allowed to submit one proposal per organization. Organizations may form a consortium and submit a combined proposal, however one organization should be designated as the lead applicant and other organization(s) listed as sub-recipient partner(s).

• To be eligible to receive a federal assistance award, 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.

• All applicants must provide a workplace free from harassment and bullying for all individuals, including but not limited to cooperative agreement/grant personnel and INL personnel.

• 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.

Post Date: April 25, 2024