[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 62 (Monday, April 1, 2002)]
[Notices]
[Pages 15447-15448]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-7807]
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DEPARTMENT OF STATE
[Public Notice 3968]
Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor Request for Grant
Proposals: Human Rights and Democratization Initiatives in the Muslim
World
SUMMARY: The Office for the Promotion of Human Rights and Democracy of
the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor announces an open
competition for human rights and democratization initiatives in the
Muslim world. Public and private non-profit organizations meeting the
provisions described in Internal Revenue Code section 26 USC 501(c)(3)
may submit proposals to administer these programs. Grants should begin
no earlier than Summer 2002.
Program Information: The Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and
Labor (DRL) invites applicants to submit proposals that address
programs and activities that foster democracy, human rights, press
freedoms, women's political development and the rule of law in
countries with a significant Muslim population, and where such programs
and activities would be important to United States efforts to respond
to, deter, or prevent acts of international terrorism. Innovative
projects in predominantly Muslim countries will be considered, in
particular, those that focus on the Middle East, including the Gulf
States, and Central Asia.
U.S. national interests are best served by funding human rights and
democratization initiatives in countries and regions of the world that
are geo-strategically critical to the United States. Economic Support
Funds (ESF) through the Human Rights and Democracy Fund (HRDF) support
the implementation of innovative programs, and underscore the United
States Government's continued commitment to promoting and protecting
human rights and democracy in its fight against terrorism. HRDF
projects must not duplicate or simply add to efforts by other entities.
Strong proposals usually have the following characteristics: an
active, existing partnership between a U.S. organization and in-country
organization(s); a proven track record for conducting successful
program activity; a convincing plan outlining exactly how the program
components will be carried out and what results will be achieved as a
result of the grant; take place in-country or in a third country; and a
follow-on plan that extends beyond the grant period ensuring that
Bureau-supported programs are not isolated events.
Proposals should reflect a practical understanding of the current
political, legal, economic and social environment that is relevant to
the themes addressed in the proposal. In order to avoid the duplication
of activities and programs, proposals should also indicate knowledge of
similar projects being conducted in the region.
Applicants are expected to identify the U.S. and in-country partner
organizations and individuals with whom they are proposing to
collaborate and describe in detail previous cooperative projects
undertaken by the organizations. Specific information about in-country
partners' activities and accomplishments is required and should be
included in the section on ``Institutional Capacity.''
To be eligible for a grant award under this competition, the
proposed programs must address one of the following
[[Page 15448]]
specific themes for regional projects or single country projects:
All Countries
Strengthening of Political and Governing Institutions
(i.e. Judiciary, Parliament).
Supporting Advocacy NGOs.
Promoting Respect for Human Rights and Democratic
Freedoms.
Promoting Accountability, Transparency and Balance of
Authority Among State Institutions.
Supporting Independent Media.
Integrating Women into Public Life.
Promoting the Rule of Law.
Pakistan
Assistance to Support a Transparent and Fair Election
Process.
Budget Guidelines
The Bureau anticipates awarding grants in amounts of $250,000-
$1,000,000 to support project and administrative costs required to
implement these programs. Organizations with less than four years of
experience in conducting similar programs may receive smaller grants.
Applicants must submit a comprehensive budget for the entire program.
There must be a summary budget as well as breakdowns reflecting both
administrative and program budgets. Applicants may provide separate
sub-budgets for each program component, phase, location, or activity to
provide clarification.
Please refer to the Proposal Submission Instructions (PSI) for
complete budget guidelines and formatting instructions.
Announcement Title and Number: All correspondence with the Bureau
concerning this RFP should reference the above title and number DRL/
PHD-02-01.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, CONTACT: The Office for the Promotion of Human
Rights and Democracy of the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and
Labor, DRL/PHD. Please specify Sondra Govatski: 202-647-9734 on all
inquiries and correspondence.
Please read the complete Federal Register announcement before
sending inquiries or submitting proposals. Once the RFP deadline has
passed, Bureau staff may not discuss this competition with applicants
until the proposal review process has been completed.
To Download a Solicitation Package via Internet
The Solicitation Package contains detailed award criteria, specific
budget instructions, and standard guidelines for proposal preparation.
The RFP and Proposal Submission Instructions (PSI) may be downloaded
from the Bureau's website at http://www.state.gov/g/drl/.
Deadline for Proposals
All proposals must be received at the Bureau of Democracy, Human
Rights and Labor by 5 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST) on Tuesday,
April 30, 2002. Faxed documents will not be accepted at any time.
Documents postmarked on the due date but received on a later date will
not be accepted. Each applicant must ensure that the proposals are
received by the above deadline.
Applicants must follow all instructions in the RFP and Proposal
Submission Instructions (PSI). Two complete copies of the proposal
should be sent to: U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Democracy, Human
Rights and Labor, Ref: DRL/PHD-02-01, DRL/PHD, Room 7802, Washington,
DC 20520.
Applicants must also submit the ``Executive Summary'' and
``Proposal Narrative'' sections of the proposal on a 3.5" diskette,
formatted for Microsoft Word. The ``Budget'' must be submitted in
Microsoft Excel format.
Review Process
The Bureau will review proposals for eligibility. Proposals will be
deemed ineligible if they do not fully adhere to the guidelines stated
herein and in the Solicitation Package. All eligible proposals will be
reviewed by DRL's Program Unit. Eligible proposals will be subject to
compliance with Federal and Bureau regulations and guidelines and
forwarded to Bureau grant panels for advisory review. Proposals may
also be reviewed by the Office of the Legal Adviser or by other
Department elements.
Review Criteria
Eligible applications will be competitively reviewed according to
the criteria stated below. These criteria are not rank ordered and all
carry equal weight in the proposal evaluation:
1. Quality of the program idea: Proposals should exhibit
originality, substance, expertise, clarity, and relevance to the
Bureau's mission.
2. Program planning and ability to achieve program objectives: A
detailed agenda and work plan should demonstrate substantive
undertakings and administrative capacity. Agenda and plan should adhere
to the program overview and guidelines described above. Objectives
should be reasonable and feasible. Proposals should clearly demonstrate
how the institution will meet the program's objectives and plan.
3. Multiplier effect/impact: Proposed programs should promote long-
term institution building or have other capacity-building results.
4. Institution's Record/Ability/Capacity: Proposals should
demonstrate an institutional record of successful programs, including
responsible fiscal management and full compliance with all reporting
requirements for past Bureau grants as determined by Bureau Grant
Staff. The Bureau will consider the past performance of prior
recipients, the demonstrated potential of new applicants, and the
strength and capacity of in-country partner organizations. Proposed
personnel and institutional resources should be adequate and
appropriate to achieve the program or project's goals.
5. Cost-effectiveness: The overhead and administrative components
of the proposal, including salaries and honoraria, should be kept as
low as possible. All other items should be necessary and appropriate.
Notice
The terms and conditions published in this RFP are binding and may
not be modified by any Bureau representative.
Explanatory information provided by the Bureau that contradicts
published language will not be binding. Issuance of the RFP does not
constitute an award commitment on the part of the Government. The
Bureau reserves the right to reduce, revise, or increase proposal
budgets in accordance with the needs of the program and the
availability of funds. Awards made will be subject to periodic
reporting and evaluation requirements.
Notification
Final awards cannot be made until funds have been allocated and
committed through internal Department procedures and notified to
Congress.
Dated: March 27, 2002.
Lorne W. Craner,
Assistant Secretary for Democracy, Human Rights and Labor, Department
of State.
[FR Doc. 02-7807 Filed 3-29-02; 8:45 am]
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