Global Initiative to Galvanize the Private Sector as Partners in Combating Corruption (GPS) | SFOP0009851

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Global Initiative to Galvanize the Private Sector as Partners in Combating Corruption (GPS)?

GPS is a U.S. Department of State, Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) funding opportunity focused on strengthening anti-corruption efforts by directly engaging the private sector. The program is built on the idea that corruption is not only a public-sector problem and that businesses, investors, and other commercial actors are often on the front lines of corruption risks and can play a major role in preventing and resisting corrupt practices.

What problem is GPS trying to address?

GPS aims to address corruption by creating practical ways for government, civil society, and businesses to work together on shared anti-corruption challenges. Instead of operating separately, GPS emphasizes coordinated problem-solving structures that reduce corruption vulnerabilities and promote integrity in specific sectors, markets, or governance contexts.

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

This opportunity is offered by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL).

How does GPS relate to the Presidential Initiative for Democratic Renewal?

GPS is described as supporting a Presidential Initiative for Democratic Renewal by strengthening anti-corruption efforts through direct engagement with the private sector.

Why is the private sector a central focus of this program?

GPS is designed around the view that companies, business associations, investors, and other commercial actors regularly face corruption risks and can help prevent, identify, and resist corrupt practices. The program seeks to mobilize this role through structured engagement and collective action rather than relying on government action alone.

What type of award is this funding opportunity?

The opportunity is offered as a Cooperative Agreement.

What does a Cooperative Agreement imply for implementation?

Based on the description provided, a Cooperative Agreement typically means the Department of State expects to remain actively involved during implementation. Examples mentioned include providing strategic guidance, coordinating with diplomatic and technical partners, and aligning activities with broader U.S. government priorities.

Is this program meant to operate independently, or align with other initiatives?

The funded project is intended to complement GPS work conducted in partnership with the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). Applicants should expect the work to fit into an existing global effort and coordinate with parallel OECD-linked activities, rather than functioning as a stand-alone initiative.

How does the OECD connection influence the expected approach?

The OECD partnership is presented as a signal that the program is meant to align with internationally recognized standards and policy approaches related to anti-corruption, responsible business conduct, and integrity in public life.

What is the Funding Opportunity Number (FON)?

The Funding Opportunity Number is SFOP0009851.

What is the activity category and CFDA listing for this opportunity?

The opportunity falls under the Law, Justice and Legal Services activity category and is listed as CFDA 19.705.

Is this a discretionary grant opportunity?

Yes. The opportunity is described as discretionary.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is limited to private institutions of higher education. This indicates INL is looking for universities or similar academic institutions that can bring research capacity, convening power, training expertise, and credibility with both policymakers and the private sector.

How many awards does INL expect to make?

INL anticipates making two awards.

What is the maximum award amount?

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

When was the opportunity posted?

The opportunity was posted on June 2, 2023.

What was the original closing date?

The original closing date was July 5, 2023.

What is the main purpose of the funded project?

At a high level, the grant supports programming that builds a platform for sustained engagement with the private sector on anti-corruption. The intent is to move beyond awareness-raising and create durable cooperation, shared accountability, and ongoing problem-solving structures.

What kinds of activities can the grant support?

The description highlights several activity types, including:

• Facilitating public-private dialogue (bringing businesses together with governments and other stakeholders to discuss practical integrity problems and solutions)
• Supporting collective action models (groups of companies and partners agreeing on shared standards or coordinated steps to reduce bribery and other corruption risks)
• Helping translate anti-corruption commitments into real-world practices

What does "public-private dialogue" mean in the context of GPS?

Public-private dialogue, as described, involves convening businesses with governments and other stakeholders to discuss practical integrity problems and identify solutions together.

What are "collective action models" in this program?

Collective action models refer to approaches where groups of companies and partners agree on shared standards or coordinated steps to reduce bribery and other corruption risks, creating a more unified response to corruption pressures.

Is the program focused only on awareness and messaging?

No. The intent, as stated, is not only to raise awareness but also to create durable cooperation, shared accountability, and problem-solving structures that reduce corruption vulnerabilities.

Who are the stakeholders GPS expects to bring together?

The program emphasizes a multi-stakeholder approach involving government, civil society, and businesses. It also highlights the role of companies, business associations, investors, and other commercial actors.

What role are academic institutions expected to play?

Because eligibility is limited to private institutions of higher education, the opportunity suggests INL is seeking applicants that can contribute research capacity, convening power, training expertise, and credibility with both policymakers and private-sector actors.

What makes GPS "practical" rather than purely policy-focused?

GPS is described as a practical mechanism for mobilizing private-sector engagement through structured dialogue and collective action, with an emphasis on translating anti-corruption commitments into real-world practices.

What does it mean that GPS is part of a "holistic, multi-stakeholder approach"?

In the terms provided, it means anti-corruption efforts are expected to involve coordinated participation by government, civil society, and the private sector, with shared accountability and collaboration rather than isolated efforts.

Does the description specify particular sectors or countries?

The information provided does not list specific countries. It notes that the approach may reduce corruption vulnerabilities in specific sectors, markets, or governance contexts, but does not name particular ones.