[hr-education] Call for proposals for human rights and democratisation initiatives

Human Rights and Democratization Initiatives in the Muslim World
Primary Sponsor: Department of State
Deadline: 4/30/2002
KEYWORDS

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 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.



------------
Joanie Connors, Ph.D.
Clinical Asst. Professor
ELCF Dept., GRAD 237
University of Arkansas
Fayetteville, AR 72701
ph-479.575.3582, FAX-479.575.2492




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