[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 100 (Tuesday, May 25, 1999)]
[Notices]
[Pages 28230-28233]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-13212]


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DEPARTMENT OF STATE

[Public Notice 3052]


Bureau for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs; 
Anti-Domestic Violence and Trafficking in Women and Children; Training 
and Technical Assistance Program

AGENCY: Office of Europe, NIS, and Training; Bureau for International 
Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, State.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: State Department's Bureau for International Narcotics and Law 
Enforcement Affairs (INL) began an anti-domestic violence and 
trafficking in women and children program in 1997 to provide training 
and technical assistance in consultation with counterparts in Russia 
and the New Independent States (NIS). The goal of the program is to 
increase professionalism and improve the technical capabilities of law 
enforcement institutions to develop prevention and early intervention 
strategies to combat domestic violence and trafficking in women and 
children while protecting the human rights of victims.
    This program includes the participation of non-Federal agencies 
(e.g., universities, state/local government agencies, private non-
profit organizations, etc.) in the delivery of law enforcement training 
and technical assistance to Russia, and the NIS. This non-Federal 
component of the INL program has a timeframe of 1999-2001.

DATES: Full proposals must be received at INL no later than 30 days 
following the announcement date. We anticipate that review of full 
proposals will occur during July 1999 and funding should begin during 
September. September 27, 1999 should be used as the proposed start date 
on proposals, unless otherwise directed by the Grants Officer. All 
proposals must be submitted in accordance with the guidelines below. 
Failure to heed these guidelines may result in proposals being returned 
without review.

ADDRESSES: Submit proposals to: Linda Gower, U.S. Department of State, 
Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, 2430 E 
Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20520, TEL: 202-776-8774.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Funding Availability

    This Program Announcement is for projects to be conducted by 
agencies/programs outside the Federal government, over a period of up 
to two years. Current plans are for up to a total of $2.8 million to be 
available for new (or renewing) INL awards. The funding instrument for 
awards will be a grant. Funding for non-U.S. institutions and 
contractual arrangements for services and products for delivery to INL 
are not available under this announcement. Matching share, though 
encouraged, is not required by this program.

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Program Authority

    Authority: Section 635(b) of the Foreign Assistance Act, as 
amended.

Program Objectives

    One of the goals of the INL program is to institute democratic 
practices by increasing the technical capabilities of foreign country 
law enforcement institutions.
    The INL program has been designed to generate assistance to foreign 
governments which will complement the training and assistance provided 
by Federal agencies on a range of crime issues. All training and 
assistance of the INL anti-domestic violence and trafficking in women 
and children program should be focused on city or local police forces, 
the procuracy and advocacy/non-governmental organizations (NGOs).

Program Priorities

    The FY 1999 INL Program Announcement invites training and technical 
assistance program proposals for Russia and the Newly Independent 
States in the following areas:
    (1) Domestic Violence; and
    (2) Trafficking in Women and Children.
    All training conducted under this program must utilize a multi-
disciplinary training format that encourages law enforcement 
cooperation with prosecutors, judges, social workers, medical 
personnel, psychologists, crisis centers and other relevant NGOs. This 
training format should address the elements of ``prevention,'' 
``enforcement and prosecution,'' and ``protection/assistance for 
victims''.
    As much as possible, training programs should also have a regional 
focus targeting cities where there are crisis centers and other 
relevant NGOs.
    Any grant applicants who will be working with Russian and NIS 
crisis centers or other relevant foreign NGOs to implement the proposed 
training program may sub-grant or sub-contract services and provide 
equipment and supplies to assist in fulfilling program objectives.

Government Involvement

    The Department of State will exercise normal federal stewardship 
responsibilities during the implementation of programs. Department of 
State involvement will include, but is not limited to: site visits, 
review and response to performance, technical or subject matter, review 
of financial reports, and audit of programs to ensure that the 
objectives, terms, and conditions of a grant award are accomplished. 
Grant recipients will also be required to provide information to the 
Department of State on proposed meetings, trainees or organizations 
intended to receive technical assistance. The Department of State has 
the right to approve or deny any such meetings, trainees or 
organizations.

Eligibility

    Eligibility is limited to non-Federal agencies and organizations, 
and is encouraged with the objective of developing a strong partnership 
with the state/local law enforcement community. Non-law enforcement 
proposers are urged to seek collaboration with state/local law 
enforcement institutions, crisis centers and other relevant NGOs. 
Experience of U.S. trainers related to combating domestic violence and/
or trafficking in women and children is required. State and local 
governments, universities, and non-profit organizations are included 
among entities eligible for funding under this announcement. Direct 
funding for non-U.S. institutions is not available under this 
announcement.

Evaluation Criteria

    Consideration for financial assistance will be given to those 
proposals which address one or both of the program priorities 
identified above and meet the following evaluation criteria:
    (1) Relevance (20%): Importance and relevance to the goal and 
objectives of the INL Anti-Domestic Violence and Trafficking in Women 
and Children program.
    (2) Methodology (25%): Adequacy of the proposed approach and 
activities, including development of relevant training curricula, 
training methods proposed, project evaluation methodology, project 
milestones, and final products.
    (3) Readiness (25%): Relevant history and experience in conducting 
training/technical assistance in the program priority areas identified 
above, strength of proposed training/technical assistance, past 
performance record of proposers.
    (4) Linkages (15%): Connections to existing law enforcement 
agencies and NGOs in Russia and the NIS, in addition to previous 
training or related assistance experience in these countries.
    (5) Costs (15%): Adequacy/efficiency of the proposed resources; 
appropriate share of total available resources; prospects for joint 
funding.

Selection Procedures

    All proposals will be evaluated and ranked in accordance with the 
assigned weights of the above evaluation criteria by independent peer 
panel review composed of INL and other Federal USG agency experts. 
Their recommendations and evaluations will be considered by INL in 
final selections. Those ranked by the panel and program as not 
recommended for funding will not be given further consideration and 
will be notified of non-selection. For the proposals rated for possible 
funding, the program managers will: (a) ascertain which proposals meet 
the objectives, fit the criteria posted, and do not duplicate other 
projects that are currently funded by INL, other USG agencies or 
foreign governments, or international organizations (note: proposals or 
elements that duplicate existing activities of USG agencies will not 
receive awards. end note); (b) select the proposals to be funded; (c) 
determine the total duration of funding for each proposal; and (d) 
determine the amount of funds available for each proposal.
    Unsatisfactory performance by a recipient under prior Federal 
awards may result in an application not being considered for funding.

Proposal Submission

    The guidelines for proposal preparation provided below are 
mandatory. Failure to heed these guidelines may result in proposals 
being returned without review.

(a) Full Proposals

    (1) Proposals submitted to INL must include the original and three 
unbound copies of the proposal. (2) Proposals must be limited to 30 
pages (numbered), including budget, personnel vitae, and all 
appendices, and should be limited to funding requests for one to two 
year duration. Appended information may not be used to circumvent the 
page length limit. Federally mandated forms are not included within the 
page count. (3) Proposals should be sent to INL at the above address. 
(4) Facsimile transmissions of full proposals will not be accepted.

(b) Required Elements

    (1) Signed title page: The title page should be signed by the 
Project Director (PD) and the institutional representative and should 
clearly indicate which project area is being addressed. The PD and 
institutional representative should be identified by full name, title, 
organization, telephone number and address. The total amount of Federal 
funds being requested should be listed for each budget period.
    (2) Abstract: An abstract must be included and should contain an 
introduction of the problem, rationale and a brief summary of work to 
be

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completed. The abstract should appear as a separate page, headed with 
the proposal title, institution(s) name, investigator(s), total 
proposed cost and budget period.
    (3) Prior training experience: A summary of prior law enforcement 
training experience should be described, including training related to 
program priorities identified above and/or conducted in Russia and the 
NIS. Reference to each prior training award should include the title, 
agency, award number, period of award and total award. The section 
should be a brief summary and should not exceed two pages total.
    (4) Statement of work: The proposed project must be completely 
described, including identification of the problem, project objectives, 
proposed training and evaluation methodology, relevance to the goal and 
objectives of the INL Anti-Domestic Violence and Trafficking in Women 
and Children program, and the program priorities listed above. Benefits 
of the proposed project to U.S. law enforcement efforts should be 
discussed. A year-by-year summary of proposed work must be included 
clearly indicating that each year's proposed work is severable and can 
easily be separated into annual increments of meaningful work. The 
statement of work, including figures and other visual materials, must 
not exceed 15 pages of length.
    (5) Budget: Applicants must submit a Standard Form 424 (4-92) 
``Application for Federal Assistance,'' including a detailed budget 
using the Standard Form 424a (4-92), ``Budget Information--Non-
Construction Programs.'' The proposal must include total and annual 
budgets corresponding with the descriptions provided in the statement 
of work. Additional text to justify expenses should be included (i.e., 
salaries and benefits by each proposed staff person; direct costs such 
as travel (airfare, per diem, miscellaneous travel costs); equipment, 
supplies, contractual, and indirect costs). Indicate if indirect rates 
are DCAA or other Federal agency approved or proposed rates and provide 
a copy of the current rate agreement. In addition, furnish the same 
level of information regarding subgrantee costs, if applicable, and 
submit a copy of your most recent A-110 audit report.
    (6) Vitae: Abbreviated curriculum vitae are sought with each 
proposal. Vitae for each project staff person should not exceed three 
pages in length.

(c) Other Requirements

    Primary Applicant Certification--All primary applicants must submit 
a completed Form CD-511, ``Certification Regarding Debarment, 
Suspension and Other Responsibility Matters; Drug-Free Workplace 
Requirements and Lobbying.'' Applicants are also hereby notified of the 
following:
    1. Non procurement Debarment and Suspension--Prospective 
participants (as defined at 15 CFR Part 26, section 105) are subject to 
15 CFR Part 26, ``Non procurement Debarment and Suspension,'' and the 
related section of the certification form prescribed above applies;
    2. Drug Free Workplace--Grantees (as defined at 15 CFR part 26, 
section 605) are subject to 15 CFR Part 26, Subpart F, ``Government 
wide Requirements for Drug-Free Workplace (Grants)'' and the related 
section of the certification form prescribed above applies;
    3. Anti-Lobbying--Persons (as defined at 15 CFR Part 28, section 
105) are subject to the lobbying provisions of 31 U.S.C. 1352, 
``Limitation on use of appropriated funds to influence certain Federal 
contracting and financial transactions,'' and the lobbying section of 
the certification form prescribed above applies to applications/bids 
for grants of more than $100,000; and
    4. Anti-Lobbying Disclosures--Any applicant that has paid or will 
pay for lobbying using any funds must submit SF-LLL, ``Disclosure of 
Lobbying Activities,'' as required under 15 CFR part 28, appendix B.

Lower Tier Certifications

    (1) Recipients must require applicants/bidders for subgrants or 
lower tier covered transactions at any tier under the award to submit, 
if applicable, a completed Form CD-512, ``Certifications Regarding 
Debarment, Suspension, Ineligibility and Voluntary Exclusion--Lower 
Tier Covered Transactions and Lobbying'' and disclosure Form SF-LLL, 
``Disclosure of Lobbying Activities.'' Form CD-512 is intended for the 
use of recipients and should not be transmitted to Department of State 
(DOS). SF-LLL submitted by any tier recipient or subrecipient should be 
submitted to DOS in accordance with the instructions contained in the 
award document.
    (2) Recipients and subrecipients are subject to all applicable 
Federal laws and Federal and Department of State policies, regulations, 
and procedures applicable to Federal financial assistance awards.
    (3) Preaward Activities--If applicants incur any costs prior to an 
award being made, they do so solely at their own risk of not being 
reimbursed by the Government. Notwithstanding any verbal assurance that 
may have been received, there is no obligation to the applicant on the 
part of Department of State to cover preaward costs.
    (4) This program is subject to the requirements of OMB Circular No. 
A-110, ``Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and Other 
Agreements with Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals, and Other 
Non-Profit Organizations,'' OMB Circular No. A-133, ``Audits of 
Institutions of Higher Education and Other Non-Profit Institutions,'' 
and 15 CFR Part 24, ``Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants 
and Cooperative Agreements to State and Local Governments,'' as 
applicable. Applications under this program are not subject to 
Executive Order 12372, ``Intergovernmental Review of Federal 
Programs.''
    (5) All non-profit applicants are subject to a name check review 
process. Name checks are intended to reveal if any key individuals 
associated with the applicant have been convicted of, or are presently 
facing criminal charges such as fraud, theft, perjury, or other matters 
which significantly reflect on the applicant's management, honesty, or 
financial integrity.
    (6) A false statement on an application is grounds for denial or 
termination of funds and grounds for possible punishment by a fine or 
imprisonment as provided in 18 U.S.C. 1001.
    (7) No award of Federal funds shall be made to an applicant who has 
an outstanding delinquent Federal debt until either:
    (i) The delinquent account is paid in full,
    (ii) a negotiated repayment schedule is established and at least 
one payment is received, or
    (iii) Other arrangements satisfactory to the Department of State 
are made.
    (8) Buy American-Made Equipment or Products--Applicants are 
encouraged that any equipment or products authorized to be purchased 
with funding provided under this program must be American-made to the 
maximum extent feasible.
    (9) The total dollar amount of the indirect costs proposed in an 
application under this program must not exceed the indirect cost rate 
negotiated and approved by a cognizant Federal agency prior to the 
proposed effective date of the award or 100 percent of the total 
proposed direct cost dollar amount in the application, whichever is 
less.
    (d) If an application is selected for funding, the Department of 
State has no obligation to provide any additional future funding in 
connection with the award. Renewal of an award to increase funding or 
extend the period of

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performance is at the total discretion of the Department of State.
    (e) In accordance with Federal statutes and regulations, no person 
on grounds of race, color, age, sex, national origin or disability 
shall be excluded from participation in, denied benefits of or be 
subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving 
assistance from the INL Anti-Domestic Violence and Trafficking in Women 
and Children program.
    Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no person is required 
to respond to nor shall a person be subject to a penalty for failure to 
comply with a collection of information subject to the requirements of 
the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of information 
displays a current valid OMB control number. The standard forms have 
been approved by the Office of Management and Budget pursuant to the 
Paperwork Reduction Act under OMB approval number 0348-0043, 0348-0044, 
and 0348-0046.
    Classification: This notice has been determined to be not 
significant for purposes of Executive Order 12866.

    Dated: May 19, 1999.
James Puleo,
Director, Office of Europe, NIS, and Training, Bureau for International 
Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, U.S. Department of State.
[FR Doc. 99-13212 Filed 5-24-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4710-17-U