The Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) of the U.S. Department of State is soliciting applications for a project to assess the usage of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) in non-criminal lawsuits within the judicial framework of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH). The project aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of ADR practices, identify barriers to their effective implementation, and develop tailored recommendations to improve ADR adoption in the country. By addressing the significant backlog of civil cases in BiH’s courts, the initiative seeks to enhance judicial efficiency, public trust, and the overall rule of law.

The judicial system in Bosnia and Herzegovina faces significant delays caused by overwhelming caseloads in civil courts. ADR mechanisms such as mediation and arbitration, though legally sanctioned, remain underutilized. Contributing factors include low public awareness of ADR options, insufficient training for legal professionals, and cultural preferences for traditional litigation. These challenges perpetuate delays in judicial proceedings, frustrate litigants, and erode public confidence in the legal system. Effective ADR integration could significantly reduce the court backlog, streamline legal processes, and allow judges to focus on complex cases requiring trial.

The project has four primary objectives. The first objective focuses on collecting and assessing publicly accessible data to determine ADR utilization and its effectiveness in resolving civil lawsuits in BiH. Activities will include a literature review, development of survey tools, and analysis of court records and stakeholder input. Deliverables will consist of a comprehensive report detailing ADR utilization trends and data visualizations to highlight key findings. The second objective entails a comparative analysis of ADR practices in BiH versus selected European Union (EU) countries known for effective ADR frameworks. This analysis will identify best practices and successful strategies that could inform improvements in BiH’s ADR system. A report summarizing the comparative findings and highlighting actionable best practices will be delivered.

The third objective aims to identify challenges hindering ADR adoption in BiH. This will involve qualitative research through interviews and focus groups with legal professionals, court officials, and stakeholders. Findings will be compiled into a report outlining the key barriers and obstacles to ADR adoption, accompanied by a summary document of stakeholder insights. The fourth objective focuses on developing targeted, practical recommendations for increasing ADR utilization. These recommendations will be tailored for implementation at the state, entity, and cantonal/district levels and will incorporate best practices from the EU. Stakeholder workshops will help refine these recommendations, and a detailed action plan will outline implementation steps, timelines, and responsible parties.

The project will target officials at the national, entity, and cantonal/district levels responsible for judicial operations in Bosnia and Herzegovina. While travel is not anticipated for this project, applicants may propose travel if deemed necessary, with associated costs covered by the grant. If the project demonstrates success, there is potential for future expansion through additional funding.

The initial project implementation period is expected to last between four to six months, with an anticipated start date of March 1, 2025. One award is anticipated, with funding ranging from $10,000 to $35,000, and a total available funding amount of $35,000. The type of funding will be provided under the Foreign Assistance Act.

Eligible applicants include U.S.-based and foreign-based non-profit organizations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and educational institutions. Applicants must demonstrate experience in implementing similar projects, preferably in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and must have or be able to develop partnerships with relevant stakeholders. While cost-sharing is not required, it is encouraged and must be documented if proposed. Organizations must also meet registration requirements, including having a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and an active registration in SAM.gov.

Applications must be submitted through Grants.gov and include standard forms such as SF-424, SF-424A, and optionally SF-424B. A detailed proposal narrative, performance monitoring plan, risk analysis, timeline, organizational information, budget documents, and key personnel details are also required. Proposals must address the goals and objectives of the funding opportunity, provide a theory of change, and include a gender, equity, and inclusion analysis. All documents must be submitted in English, with budgets in U.S. dollars, formatted according to the specified guidelines.

The deadline for application submission will be indicated in the funding announcement, and applicants are encouraged to review all requirements carefully. Questions regarding the funding opportunity may be directed to INL points of contact as specified in the notice.