Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor Request for Statements of Interest: Iraq Programs
Department of State
Public Notice
Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor Request for Statements of Interest: Iraq Programs
I. Requested Proposal Program Objectives
The Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor (DRL) announces a Request for Statements of Interest (RSOI) from organizations interested in submitting Statements of Interest (SOI) outlining program concepts and capacity to manage projects that will promote democracy, human rights, and rule of law in Iraq.
PLEASE NOTE: DRL strongly encourages applicants to access immediately www.grantsolutions.gov or www.grants.gov in order to obtain a username and password. GrantSolutions.gov is highly recommended for all submissions and is DRL’s preferred choice of receiving applications. For more information, please see DRL’s Proposal Submission Instructions (PSI) for Statements of Interest, as updated in October 2014, available at: http://www.state.gov/j/drl/p/c12302.htm.
The funding requested for each SOI should total between $500,000 and $2,500,000. The target period of performance for projects must be between 12 and 24 months, but upon review of the SOI, DRL may request that the period of performance be extended to ensure safe and effective implementation of proposed program activities. Applicants must develop unique objectives that speak to categories outlined in this request. DRL anticipates funding around $10 million in programming through this solicitation.
Please note that all proposed program objectives must impact citizens and civil society groups working inside Iraq, and working with local partners should be a central aspect of any proposed program. Proposed programs must address the participation of women, persons with disabilities, ethnic and religious minority communities, and other marginalized populations in all program elements. All SOIs should clearly demonstrate this impact. SOIs that utilize technology in creative ways where possible to shape innovative program strategies will be viewed favorably.
In light of the current situation in Iraq, a strong ability to implement programs in-country must be demonstrated. SOIs must also realistically address the challenges and limitations the applicant would likely face implementing this program, both within the current context in Iraq and in anticipation of a further evolving landscape. DRL is conscious of the ever-changing security situation. With this in mind, applicants invited to submit full proposals upon completion of the SOI process will also be requested to submit a security plan in order to demonstrate situational awareness and preparedness. Security plans must address safety for in-person events and recruitment for said events, as well as means to secure online programs or communications. Applicants will also be required to include contingency plans for proposed activities.
The majority of project activities must take place in Iraq. Applicants may plan to conduct program activities throughout Iraq, including within the Iraqi Kurdistan Region (IKR); however, projects that propose activities requiring disproportionate travel outside of Iraq, or to the IKR from other areas of the country, will not be deemed competitive. Additionally, programs proposing activities inside IDP/refugee camps or targeting Syrian refugees in Iraq will not be deemed competitive. Training or workshops may be used as a tool to a larger goal, but should not be the main focus of a program. Projects that have a strong academic, research, or conference focus will not be deemed competitive. DRL funding is not intended to provide humanitarian assistance.
REQUESTED STATEMENT OF INTEREST PROGRAM OBJECTIVES
Despite making political progress through recent elections and subsequent government formation, Iraq faces ongoing threats from the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) and other extremist forces. At this critical time, U.S. assistance will be tailored to address pressing needs in governance and democracy, protect minority rights, address the threat to women and children, and mitigate the impact of conflict on Iraqi communities.
Proposed programming must be responsive to the immediate needs on the ground and should contribute to the U.S. Government’s democracy, governance, and human rights goals for Iraq, as well as the White House Strategy to Counter the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2014/09/10/fact-sheet-strategy-counter-islamic-state-iraq-and-levant-isil). All programming should support Iraqi efforts to build democratic institutions; strengthen effective and inclusive governance; provide for the protection of and advocacy for minority rights and gender equality; mitigate the impact of conflict on communities throughout Iraq; address drivers of conflict, such as underlying grievances and political marginalization; and contribute to post-conflict recovery and stabilization.
With the above in mind, DRL invites organizations to submit SOIs for programs in the following areas:
Human Rights and Rule of Law: Programming must target Iraqis impacted by the current crisis, particularly the most vulnerable, including religious and ethnic minorities, and women and children, and focus on one or more of the following areas: 1) Promote respect for human rights by policing and judicial bodies, to include humane treatment of detainees and monitoring conditions in prisons and other detention facilities; 2) Build a foundation for the eventual return of displaced persons to areas that have been liberated from ISIL control through grassroots-level reconciliation efforts—including, for example, community forums to identify and address concerns—that focus on both immediate and long-term grievances fueled by poor governance, ISIL’s divisive agenda, distrust in security forces, and perceptions of betrayal by former neighbors; 3) Advocate for and protect the rights of internally displaced persons, including addressing land rights and property restitution, particularly for those who were forcibly expelled by ISIL; and 4) Enable Iraqi civil society and advocacy groups to engage constructively and collaboratively with security forces, particularly on security sector reform and/or oversight to ensure that the fight against ISIL, by all parties including militias, is conducted in a manner that protects civilians, minimizes the impact of conflict on communities, adheres to the rule of law, and facilitates accountability for atrocities committed against Iraqi communities.
Effective Governance and Political Participation: Programming must support efforts to strengthen governance and increase political participation of those Iraqis most impacted by the current crisis, and focus on promoting minority rights and those of other vulnerable communities such as women at the national, provincial, and/or local level by employing more inclusive governance strategies, including, for example, outreach to and representation of religious and ethnic minorities within the Council of Representatives and provincial bodies.
Atrocities Prevention and Accountability: Programming must target Iraqis impacted by the current crisis, particularly the most vulnerable religious and ethnic communities, as well as women and children. Programming should ultimately encourage inclusion, promote protection and security across ethnic and religious backgrounds, and/or aid in reconciliation among minority communities affected by recent violence through one or more of the following areas: 1) Innovative and sustainable uses of technology to identify and map vulnerable communities, create early warning mechanisms for atrocities, including abductions of and sexual violence against women and girls, and bolster a sense of security within communities; 2) Community-based rehabilitation and reconciliation programs for survivors of torture, gender-based violence, abductions, conflict-related violence or displacement, and/or former detainees; 3) Support to journalists and civil society activists reporting on human rights abuses, particularly in the IKR; and 4) Amplify independent, credible, peaceful, and tolerant voices, including religious voices, with an emphasis on pluralism and universal values.
Protection and Empowerment of Women and Girls: Programming must address the distinct needs of women and girls impacted by the current crisis, including those who have escaped ISIL captivity and abuse, and focus on one or more of the following areas: 1) Promote women’s engagement and the integration of gender perspectives in conflict prevention and mitigation, early warning, preparedness, response planning, reintegration, and early recovery activities; 2) Promote women’s participation and leadership in decision-making institutions and processes, particularly in traditionally male-dominated areas such as security, infrastructure, finance, and oil; 3) Promote women’s economic empowerment and access to services in communities most impacted by the current crisis; and 4) Protect women and girls from violence, abductions, discrimination, exploitation, and abuse, while working to change societal attitudes that stigmatize and shun survivors of gender-based violence.
Improving Labor Conditions for Vulnerable Populations: Programming must seek to improve labor conditions for vulnerable populations, particularly women and youth most impacted by the current crisis, and should include a component to address rising tensions between host communities and IDPs over access to livelihood opportunities. Programming should focus on one or more of the following areas: 1) Providing access to education, social protection, and livelihood and government services to Iraqis engaged in the informal labor sector, with special focus on displaced populations, including widows and female heads of households; and 2) Working with stakeholders in the informal labor sector to strengthen protection mechanisms for vulnerable populations, including widows and female heads of households.
II. Background Information on general DRL funding and Statements of Interest
DRL supports programs that uphold democratic principles, support and strengthen democratic institutions, promote human rights, and build civil society around the world. Funds are available to support projects that have the potential to have an immediate impact leading to long-term sustainable reforms. Projects should have potential for continued funding beyond DRL resources. DRL prefers innovative and creative approaches rather than programs which simply duplicate or add to efforts by other entities.
The submission of a SOI is the first step in a two-part process. After reviewing SOIs, selected organization will be invited to expand their ideas into full proposals at a later date. The intention of requesting SOIs first is to provide organizations with additional time to focus on submitting creative and new ideas to promote democracy, human rights, and rule of law in Iraq.
DRL will not consider SOIs that reflect any type of support for any member, affiliate, or representative of a designated terrorist organization, whether or not elected members of government.
The information in this solicitation and DRL’s PSI for Statements of Interest, as updated in October 2014, is binding and may not be modified by any DRL representative. Explanatory information provided by DRL that contradicts this language will not be binding. Issuance of the solicitation and negotiation of submission does not constitute an award commitment on the part of the Government. DRL reserves the right to reduce, revise, or increase proposal budgets in accordance with the needs of the program evaluation requirements.
This request for proposals will appear on www.grants.gov, www.grantsolutions.gov, and DRL’s website http://www.state.gov/j/drl/p/c12302.htm.
III. Eligibility Information:
Organizations submitting SOIs must meet the following criteria:
Be a U.S.-based or foreign-based non-profit organization/non-government organization (NGO), or a public international organization; or
Be a private, public, or state institution of higher education; or
Be a for-profit organization or business, although there are restrictions on payment of fees and/or profits to the prime recipient under grants and cooperative agreements, including those outlined in 48 CFR Part 30 (“Cost Accounting Standards”), 48 CFR Part 31 (“Cost Principles”), and 22 CFR 145.24(b)(3)(“Program Income”); and
Have existing, or the capacity to develop, active partnerships with thematic partners or in-country partners, entities, and relevant stakeholders including industry and NGOs; and
Have demonstrable experience administering successful and preferably similar projects. DRL reserves the right to request additional background information on organizations that do not have previous experience administering federal grant awards. These applicants may be subject to limited funding on a pilot basis.
Organizations may form consortia and submit a combined SOI. However, one organization should be designated as the lead applicant.
DRL’s preference is to work with non-profit entities; however there may be occasions when a for-profit entity is best suited. For-profit entities should be aware that its application may be subject to additional review following the panel selection process.
No entity listed on the Excluded Parties List System in the System for Award Management (SAM) is eligible for any assistance or can participate in any activities under an award in accordance with the OMB guidelines at 2 CFR 180 that implement Executive Orders 12549 (3 CFR Part 1986 Comp., p. 189) and 12689 (3 CFR Part 1989 Comp., p. 235), “Debarment and Suspension.”
Organizations are not required to have a DUNS (Data Universal Numbering System) number and an active SAM.gov registration to apply for this solicitation through GrantSolutions.gov. If a project is selected for further funding stages, these will need to be obtained.
IV. Application Requirements, Deadline, and Technical Eligibility
Applications must conform to DRL’s posted Proposal Submission Instructions (PSI) for Statements of Interest, as updated in October 2014, available at http://www.state.gov/j/drl/p/c12302.htm.
Complete SOI applications must include the following:
Completed and signed SF-424 and SF424B, as directed on GrantSolutions.gov or Grants.gov; and,
Executive Summary (not to exceed three [3] pages in Microsoft Word) that includes:
a) A table listing:
i. The target country/countries;
ii. The total amount of funding requested from DRL, total amount of cost-share (if any), and total program amount (DRL funds + cost-share); and,
iii. Program length;
b) A statement of work or synopsis of the program, including a brief statement on how the project will have a demonstrated impact;
c) A concise breakdown explicitly identifying the project’s objectives and the activities and expected results that contribute to each objective; and,
d) A brief description of the applicant(s) that demonstrates applicant(s) expertise and capacity to implement the program and manage a U.S. government award.
An organization may submit no more than five applications [one per theme]. Applications that request less than the award floor ($500,000) or more than the award ceiling ($2,500,000) will be deemed technically ineligible.
Technically eligible applications are those which:
1) Arrive electronically via GrantSolutions.gov or Grants.gov by 11:59 p.m. EST on Wednesday, March 4, 2015;
2) Are in English;
3) Heed all instructions and do not violate any of the guidelines stated in this solicitation and the PSI for Statements of Interest.
Applicants should be aware that all awards made on or after 12/26/2014 will be made with terms and conditions subject to the OMB Uniform Guidance: Cost Principles, Audit, and Administrative Requirements for Federal Awards (2 CFR Chapter I, Chapter II, Part 200, et al.). Applications that are submitted before 12/26/2014 for Federal awards to be made on or after 12/26/2014 should be developed in accordance with the Uniform Guidance.
It is the sole responsibility of the applicant to ensure that all of the material submitted in the grant application package is complete, accurate, and current. DRL will not accept proposals submitted via email, fax, the postal system, or delivery companies or couriers. DRL strongly encourages all applicants, especially foreign or first-time applicants, to submit applications before Wednesday, March 4, 2015, to ensure that the application has been received and is complete.
V. Review and Selection Process
AQM will determine technical eligibility for all applications. All technically eligible applications will then be reviewed against the same three criteria by a Department of State Review Panel. Additionally, the Panel will evaluate how the application meets the solicitation request, U.S. foreign policy goals, and the priority needs of DRL overall. Panelists review each application individually against the evaluation criteria, not against competing proposals. To ensure all applications receive a balanced evaluation, the Department of State Review Panel will review the first page of the SOI up to the page limit and no further. DRL encourages organizations to use the given space effectively.
In most cases, the Department of State Review Panel includes representatives from DRL and the appropriate Department of State regional bureau, which may request feedback on applications from the appropriate U.S. embassies. In some cases, additional panelists may participate, including from other Department of State bureaus or offices, U.S. government departments, agencies, or boards, representatives from partner governments, or representatives from entities that are in a public-private partnership with DRL. At the end of discussion on an application, the panel votes on recommending the application for approval by the DRL Assistant Secretary. Once approved by the DRL Assistant Secretary, applicants of successful SOIs will be invited to submit a full proposal based on their SOI. Unless directed otherwise by the applicant, DRL may also refer SOIs for possible consideration in other U.S. government related funding opportunities. The Grants Officer Representative (GOR) for the eventual award does not vote on the panel.
Department of State Review Panels may provide conditions and recommendations on applications to enhance the proposed program, which must be addressed by the applicant before further consideration of the award. To ensure effective use of limited DRL funds, conditions or recommendations may include requests to increase, decrease, clarify, and/or justify costs and program activities.
Review Criteria
1) Quality of Program Idea/Inclusivity of Marginalized Populations
SOIs should be responsive to the solicitation, appropriate in the country/regional context, and should exhibit originality, substance, precision, and relevance to DRL’s mission of promoting human rights and democracy. DRL typically does not fund programs that continue an organization’s ongoing work (funded by DRL or other sources), but prioritizes innovative, stand-alone programs. In countries where similar activities are already taking place, an explanation should be provided as to how new activities will not duplicate or merely add to existing activities and how these efforts will be coordinated. Projects that have a strong academic, research, conference, or dialogue focus may not be deemed competitive. DRL strongly discourages health or science related projects unless they have an explicit component related to the requested program objectives in the solicitation.
DRL strives to ensure its programs advance the rights and uphold the dignity of the most at risk and vulnerable populations, including women, youth, people with disabilities, racial and ethnic minorities, religious minorities, and lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) persons. To the extent possible, applicants should identify and address considerations to support these populations in all proposed program activities and objectives as appropriate. Applicants should provide a strong justification if it determines it is not feasible or appropriate to incorporate the most at risk and vulnerable populations within proposed program activities and objectives. Applications that do incorporate the most at risk and vulnerable populations will be viewed favorably in this category.
2) Program Planning
A strong SOI will include a clear articulation of how the proposed program activities and expected results (both outputs and outcomes) contribute to specific program objectives and the overall program goal. Objectives should be ambitious, yet measurable, results-focused, and achievable in a reasonable time frame.
3) Ability to Achieve Objectives
SOIs should address how the program will engage relevant stakeholders and should identify local partners as appropriate. If local partners are identified, applicants should describe the division of labor among the direct applicant and any local partners. SOIs should demonstrate the organizations’ expertise and previous experience in administering successful projects, preferably similar projects targeting the requested program area or similarly challenging program environments.
For additional guidance, please see DRL’s posted Proposal Submission Instructions (PSI) for Statements of Interest, as updated in October 2014, available at http://www.state.gov/j/drl/p/c12302.htm.
VI. Contact Information
GrantSolutions.gov Help Desk:
For assistance with GrantSolutions.gov accounts and technical issues related to using the system, please contact Customer Support at help@grantsolutions.gov or call 1-866-577-0771 (toll charges for international callers) or 1-202-401-5282. Customer Support is available 8 AM – 6 PM EST, Monday – Friday, except federal holidays.
Grants.gov Helpdesk:
For assistance with Grants.gov accounts and technical issues related to using the system, please call the Contact Center at 1-800-518-4726 or email support@grants.gov. The Contact Center is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, except federal holidays.
See http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/snow-dismissal-procedures/federal-holidays/#url=2014 for a list of federal holidays.
For technical questions related to this solicitation please contact Jordan Swarthout at SwarthoutJ@state.gov.
With the exception of technical submission questions, during the solicitation period U.S. Department of State staff in Washington and overseas shall not discuss this competition with applicants until the entire proposal review process has been completed and rejection and approval letters have been transmitted.
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Source: Dept. Of State – Releases
Collected Department Releases: Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor Request for Statements of Interest: Iraq Programs
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