[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 38 (Thursday, February 26, 2004)]
[Notices]
[Pages 9001-9002]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-4376]


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DEPARTMENT OF STATE

[Public Notice 4632]


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, 
civil society, freedom of the press, and media reform 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 that 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 
September 30, 2004 and not to exceed two years in duration. Twelve- to 
eighteen-month 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 and Hong Kong 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 $10,500,000 is 
expected to be available under the Economic Support Funds through the 
HRDF for projects that address DRL objectives in China. The Bureau 
anticipates making awards in amounts of $250,000-$850,000 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. non-profit organization meeting the provisions 
described in Internal Revenue Code section 26 U.S.C. 501(c)(3).

[[Page 9002]]

    [sbull] Have demonstrated experience administering successful 
projects in China or in similar challenging program environments. 
(Organizations that have not previously received and successfully 
administered U.S. government grant funds will be subject to additional 
scrutiny before being invited to submit a proposal.)
    [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, 
U.S. foreign policy objectives, and priority needs of DRL.
    Deadline and Submission Instructions: Applicants should submit 
statements of interest by overnight express services such as Federal 
Express or DHL to: the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Democracy, 
Human Rights and Labor, Room 7802, 2201 C Street, NW., Washington, DC 
20520. 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 (E.S.T.) on Friday, March 12, 2004.


    Note:  Due to new security restrictions, we are no longer able 
to accept hand-delivered or courier-delivered proposals.

    Additional Information: This Call for Statements of Interest will 
also appear on the Bureau's Web site at http://www.state.gov/g/drl/ 
under Human Rights and Democracy Fund and on http://www.grants.gov.


    Note:  Beginning in 2005, DRL will no longer publish 
solicitations in the Federal Register. DRL will publish its 
solicitations only on http://www.grants.gov and the Bureau Web site.


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 Rana Siu, (202) 647-0984, on all 
inquiries and correspondence.

    Dated: February 23, 2004.
Lorne W. Craner,
Assistant Secretary for Democracy, Human Rights and Labor, Department 
of State.
[FR Doc. 04-4376 Filed 2-25-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4710-18-P