[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]
BILLING CODE 4710-18-P