Senegal Road Safety Initiative | INL21CA0047 AMESENAGAL ROADSAFETY 052721

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - Senegal Road Safety Initiative (INL)

1) What is the Senegal Road Safety Initiative?

The Senegal Road Safety Initiative is a U.S. Department of State, Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) grant opportunity that uses road safety as a practical entry point to strengthen trust between Senegalese law enforcement and the public.

2) What agency is offering this funding opportunity?

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

3) What is the main purpose of this grant?

The main purpose is to improve the "social contract" by making law enforcement interactions on and around roads more professional, service-oriented, transparent, and trusted by the public, using road safety as a visible and practical area where improvements can be felt quickly.

4) How does the initiative define "road safety"?

The initiative frames road safety broadly. It includes reducing traffic crashes and fatalities, improving prevention and emergency response, and strengthening public engagement and advocacy related to road safety.

5) Why does the grant connect road safety to trust in government?

The grant emphasizes that everyday experiences at checkpoints and during traffic stops can shape public confidence in government. Professional, fair, and service-oriented interactions can improve perceptions of legitimacy, while bribery, intimidation, or arbitrary enforcement can damage trust.

6) What broader issues does the opportunity link to road conditions and traffic enforcement?

It explicitly links road conditions and traffic enforcement to wider security and governance concerns on and around roads, including banditry and everyday corruption.

7) What are the main lines of work expected under this project?

The opportunity highlights three main lines of work: (1) strengthening service delivery related to road safety (including prevention and response capacity), (2) reducing traffic-related corruption and abuse of power, and (3) effectively marketing new initiatives and involving citizens through communication, outreach, and messaging.

8) What does "strengthening service delivery" mean in this context?

It refers to improving road safety prevention measures and response capacity so that citizens view law enforcement and related institutions as capable, helpful, and effective in reducing harm on the roads.

9) What does the grant say about corruption in traffic enforcement?

The grant prioritizes reducing traffic-related corruption and abuse of power, noting that bribery, intimidation, and arbitrary enforcement directly erode confidence in public institutions.

10) How important are communication and outreach activities in this opportunity?

Communication, outreach, and messaging are treated as crosscutting requirements rather than optional add-ons. The project is expected to show public-facing communication that explains what is changing, why it matters, and how citizens can participate or hold institutions accountable.

11) What outcomes is the initiative trying to achieve?

The intended outcome is a combined effect: improved motivation and professionalism among law enforcement, stronger community cooperation, and greater transparency and accountability, leading to reduced distrust and better perceptions of government service delivery.

12) How does the initiative relate to broader stability and security goals?

The opportunity argues that distrust and poor service delivery can contribute to conditions that violent extremist groups exploit. In that framing, improved road safety and cleaner traffic enforcement are part of a wider prevention strategy.

13) Does the initiative build on previous work in Senegal?

Yes. It builds on prior INL-supported efforts in Senegal that brought together civil society organizations and law enforcement to increase mutual trust, educate citizens, curb corruption, and communicate tangible improvements.

14) What type of award instrument is being used?

This is offered as a cooperative agreement.

15) What does a cooperative agreement imply for implementation?

It means the U.S. government is likely to remain actively engaged during implementation rather than acting only as a passive funder.

16) What is the CFDA number for this opportunity?

The opportunity is listed under CFDA 19.703.

17) What is the funding opportunity number?

The funding opportunity number is INL21CA0047 (AMESENAGAL ROADSAFETY 052721).

18) What is the maximum award amount (award ceiling)?

The award ceiling is $1,000,000.

19) How many awards are expected?

One award is expected.

20) When was the opportunity posted?

It was posted May 27, 2021.

21) What was the original closing date?

The original closing date was June 30, 2021.

22) Who is eligible to apply?

The eligible applicant category is listed as "Others," with additional eligibility details referenced in the full notice.

23) Where can applicants find more detailed eligibility requirements?

The opportunity notes that additional eligibility details are provided in the full notice.

24) What does the initiative expect projects to demonstrate beyond technical improvements?

Beyond technical improvements in enforcement or response, the project is expected to demonstrate clear public-facing communication, explain the rationale for changes, and show how citizens can engage or support accountability.

25) What is the core idea behind using road-user experience as a focus area?

The road-user experience is described as a high-visibility area where reform can be felt quickly, and where better policing can translate into better public perceptions of fairness and legitimacy.