[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 66 (Monday, April 7, 2003)]
[Notices]
[Pages 16853-16854]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-8391]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF STATE

[Public Notice 4330]


Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor Call for Statements 
of Interest: Democracy, Human Rights, and the Rule of Law in the 
People's Republic of China

SUMMARY: The Office for the Promotion of Human Rights and Democracy of 
the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor (DRL) announces a call 
for statements of interest from organizations interested in being 
invited to submit proposals for projects on promoting democracy, human 
rights and the rule of law in China. This is an initial solicitation to 
ascertain organizations that may be interested in doing projects in 
China and does not constitute a request for proposals. Organizations 
invited to submit proposals will have an opportunity to expand on their 
statements at a later date.

Statements of Interest

    The Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor (DRL) invites 
organizations to submit statements of interest of no more than two 
pages outlining program concepts and capacity to manage projects that 
will foster democracy, human rights, freedom of information, judicial 
independence, criminal and civil rule of law, and civil society in the 
People's Republic of China. Statements should include the following 
information:
    (1) Brief description of the organization;
    (2) Project objectives, activities and the desired outcomes.
    Recipients should not submit a budget at this time, but responses 
should indicate approximate project totals.

Additional Information

    The Bureau's Human Rights and Democracy Fund (HRDF) supports 
innovative, cutting-edge programs which uphold democratic principles, 
support and strengthen democratic institutions, promote human rights, 
and build civil society in countries and regions of the world that are 
geo-strategically important to the U.S. HRDF funds projects that have 
an immediate impact but that have potential for continued funding 
beyond HRDF resources. HRDF projects must not duplicate or simply add 
to efforts by other entities.
    DRL is interested in funding projects to begin no earlier than late 
summer 2003 and not to exceed two years in duration. Twelve-eighteen 
months programs will be the preferred award period. The bulk of project 
activities must take place in-country; U.S-based activities or exchange 
projects are not encouraged. Projects that draw on resources from 
greater China will be considered, but the majority of activities should 
address the PRC directly. Projects that have a strong academic or 
research focus will not be highly considered. DRL will not fund health, 
technology, environmental, or scientific projects unless they have an 
explicit democracy, human rights, or rule of law component. Projects 
that focus on commercial law or economic development will not be highly 
considered.
    Pending availability of funds, approximately 8,500,000 is expected 
to be available under the Economic Support Funds through the Bureau's 
Human Rights and Democracy Fund (HRDF) for projects that address Bureau 
objectives in China. The Bureau anticipates making awards in amounts of 
$250,000-$1,000,000 to support program and administrative costs 
required to implement these programs.

Applicant/Organization Criteria

    Organizations submitting statements should meet the following 
criteria:
    [sbull] Be a U.S. public or private non-profit organization. For-
profit organizations may submit statements of interest. Foreign 
organizations may be sub-recipients of U.S organizations or they may 
submit statements directly. Direct submissions should indicate the 
organization's ability to comply with U.S. government accounting and 
auditing standards.
    [sbull] Have demonstrated experience administering successful 
projects in China or in similar challenging program environments.
    [sbull] Have existing, or the capacity to develop, active 
partnerships with in-country organization(s).
    [sbull] Organizations may form consortia and submit a combined 
statement of interest.

Review Process

    The Bureau will acknowledge receipt of all submissions. Following a 
review of all submissions, organizations may be invited to submit full 
proposals. Invitations will be based on subjective evaluation of how 
the project meets the criteria outlined, United States foreign policy 
objectives, and priority needs of DRL.

Deadline and Submission Instructions

    Applicants should submit statements of interest by overnight 
express courier services such as Federal Express or DHL, or by local 
courier service to: the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Democracy, 
Human Rights and Labor, Room 7802, 2201 C Street, NW., Washington, DC 
20520. Proposals delivered by local courier should be delivered to the 
``Jogger's Entrance'' on 21st street between C and D streets. Due to 
slow mail processing within the Department of State, we do not 
recommend submitting proposals via the U.S. postal system. Faxed 
documents will not be accepted at any time. All submissions must be 
received at the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor by 5 p.m. 
Eastern Standard Time (EST) on Wednesday, April 23, 2003.

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 Amy Gadsden, 202-647-2551, on all 
inquiries and correspondence.


[[Page 16854]]


    Dated: April 1, 2003.
Lorne W. Craner,
Assistant Secretary for Democracy, Human Rights and Labor, Department 
of State.
[FR Doc. 03-8391 Filed 4-4-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4710-18-P