U.S. Anticorruption Innovation Lab

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 partner with us to create the U.S. Anticorruption Innovation Lab (USAIL), a hub to leverage public-private partnerships to support the innovative application of technology to combat corruption.

Around the world, corruption threatens rule of law, security and stability; hinders economic growth; facilitates transnational threats and criminal activity; and siphons away public and private resources. Corruption is an international problem that requires an international solution. According to the United Nations, $1 trillion is paid in bribes every year, while an estimated $2.6 trillion is stolen annually through corruption. This is equivalent to more than five percent of global GDP. INL aims to combat corruption through effective programming at the national, regional, and international levels. The development and implementation of effective anticorruption regimes consistent with international standards – and the ability to meet evolving corruption challenges – is vital to peace and prosperity.

USAIL will advance the Administration’s anticorruption efforts by accelerating technological solutions to combat corruption world-wide. Leveraging technology will add to the arsenal of anticorruption tools that promote democracy and rule of law, and ensure public funds are used responsibly. Through this project, INL and the grantee will set up an innovation lab, which will engage diverse stakeholders (government, civil society, and private sector) in open collaboration for the purpose of tracking, devising, elaborating, and applying new and existing technological solutions to systemic challenges in preventing and detecting corruption, including but not limited to:

• Enhancing transparency and accountability to deter corrupt actors; and

• Improving methods to identify, trace, and disrupt the flow of illicit finances.

Defined problem sets will be devised over the course of the period of performance, based on criteria established by INL. Some potential examples (merely illustrative) include:

• Linking legal entities to related individuals, identifying beneficial owners and reducing the opportunities for corrupt officials and corruption networks to use companies for illicit financial activities;

• Identifying corrupt government and commercial activities and dark money flows related to: illegal mining, illegal logging, wildlife trafficking, and other misappropriation of public/national resources involving corrupt government officials; and

• Using technology to implement anti-corruption safeguards/guardrails in pandemic and other emergency relief distribution, lending programs, and procurement.

INL and the grantee will develop a dissemination plan to promote widespread adoption and use beyond piloted end users..