Drug Demand Reduction Workforce Credentialing | DFOP0013448

Opportunity Information: Apply for DFOP0013448

The Drug Demand Reduction Workforce Credentialing opportunity (Funding Opportunity Number DFOP0013448) is a discretionary cooperative agreement offered by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), under CFDA 19.704. The central aim is to support a single project that helps build and spread a global professional credential for substance use professionals, along with the supporting credentialing or certification program that makes the credential usable in real-world settings. In practical terms, the grant is focused on strengthening the addiction treatment and prevention workforce by promoting a standardized, internationally aligned approach to professional qualifications, so that skills, ethics, and competency expectations are clearer and more consistent across countries and systems.

The work described centers on encouraging both the development and the dissemination of a global credential based on international standards for substance use professionals. That implies two connected tracks: first, helping shape or refine the credential itself so it is grounded in widely accepted global benchmarks; and second, supporting the mechanisms that allow the credential to be adopted broadly, such as credentialing frameworks, certification processes, assessment methods, and potentially guidance for implementation partners. The emphasis on "international standards" signals that the project is meant to be globally relevant rather than tailored to only one national licensing model, and that it should be credible across borders for professionals working in substance use prevention, treatment, recovery support, and related public health or behavioral health roles.

Funding for the award is capped at $600,000, and INL expects to make one award total, meaning the program is designed to fund a single lead applicant (and any partners they may coordinate) rather than multiple separate grantees. Because the instrument is a cooperative agreement, applicants should anticipate substantial involvement from the U.S. government during implementation compared to a standard grant. Cooperative agreements commonly include closer coordination, shared planning, regular technical engagement, and federal input on major deliverables, which is consistent with an initiative that aims to shape an internationally recognized credentialing approach.

Eligibility is broad and includes both U.S.-based and foreign-based organizations. Eligible applicants include U.S.-based nonprofit/non-governmental organizations, U.S.-based educational institutions that qualify under section 501(c)(3) of the U.S. tax code or under 26 U.S.C. 115, foreign-based nonprofit/non-governmental organizations, and foreign-based educational institutions. This mix suggests INL is open to applicants with different types of expertise, such as universities with research and training capacity, nonprofits with workforce development experience, and international organizations positioned to promote adoption across regions. The original closing date for applications was June 4, 2024, and the opportunity was created on April 5, 2024, providing a limited application window typical of targeted discretionary awards.

Overall, the opportunity is best understood as a workforce professionalization initiative tied to drug demand reduction goals: it seeks to improve the quality, consistency, and credibility of the substance use professional workforce globally by supporting a shared credential and the credentialing or certification infrastructure needed to maintain standards and enable wider uptake.

• The Bureau of International Narcotics-Law Enforcement in the other sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Drug Demand Reduction Workforce Credentialing" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 19.704.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2024-04-05.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2024-06-04. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $600,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Others.

Apply for DFOP0013448

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