<html><head><meta http-equiv="content-type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"></head><body dir="auto"><div>I am all for transparency, but there is little to no completely clean money for civil society, and managing that fact is something we all handle in different ways. I would always assume good faith and not get too judgmental about each others' funding sources without knowing how any conflicts of interest are managed.</div><div><br></div><div>Speaking personally I am prepared to disclose that there are no donors currently supporting my work on IG, but it is of course supported by Consumers International as my employer. The other projects that I work on are supported by Open Society Foundations, IDRC and a German government agency.</div><div><br></div><div>This shouldn't be taken to set a precedent for anyone else to detail how they are funded, because there may be any number of constraints that would make them feel unsafe or uneasy about disclosing that on a public list.</div><div><br></div><div>(Replying from my phone.)</div><div><br>-- <div>Jeremy Malcolm PhD LLB (Hons) B Com</div><div>Internet and Open Source lawyer, consumer advocate, geek </div><div>host -t NAPTR 5.9.8.5.2.8.2.2.1.0.6.<a href="http://e164.org">e164.org</a>|awk -F! '{print $3}'</div><div><div><div style="word-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; -webkit-line-break: after-white-space; "><div style="word-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; -webkit-line-break: after-white-space; "><div style="word-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; -webkit-line-break: after-white-space; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; border-spacing: 0px; "><div style="word-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; -webkit-line-break: after-white-space; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; border-spacing: 0px; "><div style="word-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; -webkit-line-break: after-white-space; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; border-spacing: 0px; "><div style="word-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; -webkit-line-break: after-white-space; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; border-spacing: 0px; "><div style="word-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; -webkit-line-break: after-white-space; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; border-spacing: 0px; "><div style="word-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; -webkit-line-break: after-white-space; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; border-spacing: 0px; "><div style="word-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; -webkit-line-break: after-white-space; "><p><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font><b>WARNING</b></font>: This email has not been encrypted. You are strongly recommended to enable PGP or S/MIME encryption at your end. For instructions, see <a href="http://jere.my/l/8m" title="https://luxsci.com/blog/installing-smime-and-pgp-encryption-certificates-into-major-email-clients.html" rel="nofollow external">http://jere.my/l/8m</a>.</span></p><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: medium; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; "><br></div></div></span></div></span></div></span></div></span></div></span></div></span></div></div></div></div></div></div><div><br>On 9 Nov 2013, at 4:11 pm, Norbert Bollow <<a href="mailto:nb@bollow.ch">nb@bollow.ch</a>> wrote:<br><br></div><blockquote type="cite"><div><span>I am honestly surprised to see my request for transparency in regard to</span><br><span>what is in the present situation clearly a key aspect described, by a</span><br><span>member of the BestBits steering committee, as "lining people up against</span><br><span>a wall and shooting them".</span><br><span></span><br><span>Is the plural "people" in that sentence an indication that a plurality</span><br><span>of members of the BestBits steering committee have such a funding</span><br><span>relationship to a project that is funded entirely or in part by the US</span><br><span>government?</span><br><span></span><br><span>I apologize for asking this so bluntly, but I have previously tried</span><br><span>to ask in a very non-confrontational way. The first time I asked a</span><br><span>related question was well before the BestBits meeting in Bali. That</span><br><span>led to an off-list discussion of Jeremy, Andrew and myself in which</span><br><span>I thought it had been agreed to discuss the issue of transparency in</span><br><span>Bali.</span><br><span></span><br><span>However, when I brought the issue up during the BestBits meeting in</span><br><span>Bali, in an as non-confrontational way as possible, Andrew deflected</span><br><span>the attempts to raise the issue, preventing it from being discussed.</span><br><span></span><br><span>Now with that new "Public Notice" addressing, together with two other</span><br><span>countries, the country that will apparently be the host country of next</span><br><span>year's IGF, I feel a need to ask these questions bluntly.</span><br><span></span><br><span>There is a point when one has to speak out, with clear words, if one</span><br><span>does not want to be an accomplice through silence.</span><br><span></span><br><span>Greetings,</span><br><span>Norbert</span><br><span></span><br><span></span><br><span>Am Sat, 9 Nov 2013 12:36:25 +0530</span><br><span>schrieb Anja Kovacs <<a href="mailto:anja@internetdemocracy.in">anja@internetdemocracy.in</a>>:</span><br><span></span><br><blockquote type="cite"><span>Norbert,</span><br></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><span></span><br></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><span>As you are aware, one of the primary goals of Best Bits is to bridge</span><br></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><span>the divide between civil society in the Global South and the Global</span><br></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><span>North.</span><br></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><span></span><br></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><span>With that in mind, I find the tenor of your message below quite</span><br></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><span>unacceptable. Lining people up against a wall and shooting them, as</span><br></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><span>you seem to aim to do, completely disregards the extreme complexity</span><br></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><span>of funding decisions many activists, especially in the Global South,</span><br></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><span>have to take all the time and the tremendous care with which they</span><br></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><span>face these difficult questions. Whatever way these decisions go,</span><br></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><span>those who make them so carefully are quite aware of the fact that</span><br></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><span>nobody is exempt from the taint of money. In fact, the first thing</span><br></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><span>that comes to my mind when I hear someone self-funded a trip to an</span><br></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><span>international meeting (which some seem to see as the most "untainted"</span><br></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><span>position) is: "how the hell are they able to do that?!?!?". The</span><br></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><span>salaries I am familiar with in the not-for-profit sector don't quite</span><br></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><span>allow for this option. It's a good reminder that the range of</span><br></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><span>decisions that are within the reach of each of us are shaped quite</span><br></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><span>intimately by our respective privilege: our gender, our class, the</span><br></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><span>colour of our skin, our geographical location. Depending on where we</span><br></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><span>are situated in this matrix of privilege, the cost-benefit analysis</span><br></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><span>of accepting any particular kind of funding will necessarily be quite</span><br></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><span>different.</span><br></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><span></span><br></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><span>While I have engaged in many conversations about the complexities of</span><br></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><span>funding with people in this community (including in the steering</span><br></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><span>committee) and elsewhere, I find these conversations only valuable if</span><br></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><span>they take this matrix of privilege into account. In such situations,</span><br></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><span>everyone will be as reflective about their own decisions and</span><br></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><span>privilege as about others'. As a consequence, these conversations are</span><br></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><span>not framed around judgement, but around compassion and support to</span><br></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><span>question ourselves and push ourselves just a little bit harder, equip</span><br></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><span>ourselves to carry just a little bit more of those costs. If I've</span><br></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><span>ever managed to do anything politically meaningful in my life, it is</span><br></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><span>only because I have for long been blessed with the company of friends</span><br></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><span>who provided just that environment.</span><br></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><span></span><br></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><span>And it is only in such a politically mature environment that I am</span><br></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><span>prepared to have this conversation - or that I think Best Bits should</span><br></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><span>take it forward for that matter, at least if we are to have this</span><br></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><span>conversation in line with the objectives of Best Bits.</span><br></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><span></span><br></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><span>I will be happy to engage further once the terms of the debate have</span><br></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><span>been altered quite radically along these lines.</span><br></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><span></span><br></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><span>Thanks and best regards,</span><br></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><span>Anja</span><br></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><span></span><br></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><span></span><br></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><span></span><br></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><span>On 9 November 2013 09:54, Norbert Bollow <<a href="mailto:nb@bollow.ch">nb@bollow.ch</a>> wrote:</span><br></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><span></span><br></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>Disclosure request to the members of the BestBits Steering</span><br></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>Committee, to the members of the IRP Steering Committee, and</span><br></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>to the coordinators of the IGC</span><br></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span></span><br></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span></span><br></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>I view the kind of thing that is described in Sala's posting below,</span><br></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>when funded by a government with strong geostrategic interests, as</span><br></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>potentially highly problematic.</span><br></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span></span><br></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>Capacity building always and necessarily includes, to some extent at</span><br></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>least, shaping and directing that capacity.</span><br></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span></span><br></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>People whose activities are partly funded through such programmes</span><br></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>cannot reasonably be expected to be objective in regard to matters</span><br></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>that could be seen as threatening the funder's geostrategic</span><br></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>interests.</span><br></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span></span><br></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>For this reason such funding relationships need to be proactively</span><br></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>disclosed. The situation can then be addressed by means of steps</span><br></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>such as recusal from discussions that relate to matters that have a</span><br></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>clear relevance to the funder's geostrategic interests.</span><br></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span></span><br></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>Specifically, I hereby request the members of the BestBits steering</span><br></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>committee, the members of the IRP Steering Committee, and the</span><br></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>coordinators of the IGC to disclose any direct or indirect financial</span><br></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>relationship to any "capacity building" or similar kind of project</span><br></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>where a US government agency is among the funders.</span><br></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span></span><br></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span></span><br></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>For my part, I can say that I don't have any such funding</span><br></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>relationship, I've never had any such funding relationships, and I</span><br></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>have no intention of entering into any such funding relationships</span><br></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>in the future.</span><br></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span></span><br></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>Greetings,</span><br></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>Norbert</span><br></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span></span><br></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span></span><br></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span></span><br></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>Sala <<a href="mailto:salanieta.tamanikaiwaimaro@gmail.com">salanieta.tamanikaiwaimaro@gmail.com</a>> wrote:</span><br></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span></span><br></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>Dear All,</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span></span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>For those in Azerbaijan, Moldova and Turkey who are seeking to</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>strengthen civil society there, there is some funding available</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>through the US State Department, see below:</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span></span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span></span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span></span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span> Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor Request for</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>Proposals: Democracy, Human Rights, and Rule of Law in Europe and</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>Eurasia (Azerbaijan, Moldova and Turkey)</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span></span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>November 8, 2013</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span></span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>------------------------------</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span></span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span> Department of State</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span></span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>*Public Notice*</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span></span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>*Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor Request for</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>Proposals: *Democracy, Human Rights, and Rule of Law in Europe</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>and Eurasia (Azerbaijan, Moldova and Turkey)</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span></span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>*SUMMARY*</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span></span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>The Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DRL) announces a</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>Request for Proposals from organizations interested in submitting</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>proposals for projects that promote democracy, human rights, and</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>rule of law in Europe and Eurasia.</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span></span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>*PLEASE NOTE**: DRL strongly urges applicants to access *</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>*<a href="http://www.grantsolutions.gov">www.grantsolutions.gov</a>* <<a href="http://www.grantsolutions.gov/">http://www.grantsolutions.gov/</a>>* or *</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>*<a href="http://www.grants.gov">www.grants.gov</a>* <<a href="http://www.grants.gov/">http://www.grants.gov/</a>>* as soon as possible in</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>order to obtain a username and password to submit your</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>application. For more information, please see DRL’s Proposal</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>Submission Instructions (PSI), updated in November 2012,</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>available at * *<a href="http://www.state.gov/j/drl/p/c12302.htm*">http://www.state.gov/j/drl/p/c12302.htm*</a><</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span><a href="http://www.state.gov/j/drl/p/c12302.htm">http://www.state.gov/j/drl/p/c12302.htm</a>>*.</span><br></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>*</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span></span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>*REQUESTED PROPOSAL PROGRAM OBJECTIVES*</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span></span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>DRL invites organizations to submit proposals outlining program</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>concepts and capacity to manage projects targeting one of the</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>following issues:</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span></span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>*Moldova*</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span></span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>*Minority Empowerment in Moldova (approximately $300,000</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>available):* DRL's objective is to strengthen the capacity of</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>minorities in Moldova to advocate for and improve their social,</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>economic and political conditions. This program should focus on</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>one of three areas: Civic Engagement, Social Inclusion or</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>Education. Proposals should focus on more than one minority group</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>and may include the Roma, Bulgarian, Ukrainian, Gagauz, Jewish or</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>other communities. Proposals should clearly indicate which of the</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>three categories they will address. DRL also encourages proposals</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>which address more than one of the categories.</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span></span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>*Civic Engagement* – Civic Engagement proposals should focus on</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>developing minority civil society capacity to engage at the local</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>and national level to promote equal rights and tolerance.</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>Activities could include, but are not limited to: training</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>minority civic leaders and NGOs to effectively engage in</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>political advocacy and to participate in the decision-making</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>process; providing opportunities for participants to network with</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>other minority leaders both within Moldova and through regional</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>civil society networks; and targeting training for civic leaders</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>and NGOs on advocacy skills, legal rights and enforcement,</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>organizational management, or communication skills.</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span></span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>*Social Inclusion* – Social Inclusion proposals should focus on</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>minority acceptance and improving inter-ethnic relations in</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>Moldova. The proposal should promote inter-ethnic communication,</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>tolerance, and understanding through components such as</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>inter-ethnic youth activities or cross-cultural education. The</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>program could raise awareness and knowledge of minority cultures</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>and values. Proposals should involve minority interaction with</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>the majority group in joint activities.</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span></span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>*Education* – Education proposals should focus on improving</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>educational outcomes for minorities in Moldova either through</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>activities such as mentorships, after-school programs, summer</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>camps, internship opportunities, or language training. The</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>program should focus on minorities who are disadvantaged in terms</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>of educational opportunities and outcomes.</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span></span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>*Turkey*</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span></span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>*Connecting Civil Society, Citizens and Government (approximately</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>$500,000 available):* DRL’s objective is to build the voice of</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>civil society in ongoing debates about public policy and increase</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>citizens’ awareness that they should be informed about and</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>participate in the political process. The program should support</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>civil society in advocating for stable democratic institutions,</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>the rule of law, and protection of fundamental freedoms; and</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>educate citizens on their right to participate in the political</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>process. The program should build coalitions among diverse civil</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>society groups and NGOs to bring together disparate voices,</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>including traditionally marginalized groups, to advocate for</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>respect for fundamental freedoms and government accountability.</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>Activities should emphasize the value of civil society engagement</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>in public policy debates and encourage these coalitions to</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>educate their constituents and the general populace on</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>fundamental freedoms, and their role in both holding their</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>government accountable and protecting their rights and freedoms.</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>Proposals should take advantage of traditional and new methods of</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>outreach to help citizens share their views and build citizens</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>expectations for political participation. Successful proposals</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>will also demonstrate a strong knowledge of the political</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>environment for civil society in Turkey and an established</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>ability to work with diverse civil society groups.</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span></span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>*Azerbaijan*</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span></span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>*Civil Society Empowerment in Azerbaijan (approximately $500,000</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>available):* DRL’s objective is to strengthen the role of civil</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>society in enhancing government accountability and respect for</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>fundamental freedoms and rule of law in Azerbaijan. The program</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>will encourage more collaboration among civil society efforts to</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>promote an inclusive, accountable, just and participatory</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>democratic system of government. The program should also support</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>the efforts of civil society in human rights and anti-corruption</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>advocacy, while assisting civil society leaders and NGOs in</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>increased public outreach. Proposals should identify best</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>practices in efforts to promote democratic reforms and rule of</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>law, and assess the needs of independent democracy activists and</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>NGOs. Program activities could include, but are not limited to:</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>technical assistance to build the capacity of Azeri democracy and</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>human rights activists and NGOs in key communities to engage in</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>effective public outreach and advocacy; support for activities to</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>encourage results-oriented, constructive debate and advocacy by</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>citizens and civil society organizations; linking NGOs and</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>activists advocating for justice, accountability and/or</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>fundamental freedoms together within and among Azerbaijan’s</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>regions to enhance their effectiveness. Small-to-medium sized</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>grants to independent NGOs to conduct public outreach and</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>grassroots organizing/advocacy to promote justice, accountability</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>and/or fundamental freedoms would be an essential component of a</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>successful proposal. Successful proposals will also demonstrate a</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>strong knowledge of the environment for civil society in</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>Azerbaijan and an established ability to work with regional</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>independent civil society.</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span></span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>*DEADLINE AND TECHNICAL ELIGIBILITY*</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span></span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>Please refer directly to DRL’s posted Proposal Submission</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>Instructions (PSI), updated in November 2012, available at</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>*<a href="http://www.state.gov/j/drl/p/c12302.htm*">http://www.state.gov/j/drl/p/c12302.htm*</a><</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span><a href="http://www.state.gov/j/drl/p/c12302.htm">http://www.state.gov/j/drl/p/c12302.htm</a>></span><br></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>.</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span></span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>Faxed, couriered, or emailed documents will not be accepted at any</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>time. Applicants must follow all formatting instructions in this</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>document and the Proposal Submission Instructions (PSI).</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span></span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>To ensure all applications receive a balanced evaluation, the DRL</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>Review Committee will review the first page of the requested</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>section up to the page limit and no further. DRL encourages</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>organizations to use the given space effectively.</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span></span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>An organization may submit *no more than three [3] proposals (one</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>per country/theme).* Proposals that combine target countries</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>and/or themes will be deemed technically ineligible. *Proposals</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>that request less than the award floor ($300,000) or more than</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>the award ceiling ($500,000) may be deemed technically</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>ineligible.*</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span></span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>Technically eligible submissions are those which: 1) arrive</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>electronically via *<a href="http://www.grantsolutions.gov">www.grantsolutions.gov</a>*</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span><<a href="http://www.grantsolutions.gov/">http://www.grantsolutions.gov/</a>> or *<a href="http://www.grants.gov">www.grants.gov</a>*</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span><<a href="http://www.grants.gov/">http://www.grants.gov/</a>> by *Wednesday, December 18, 2013 *before</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST); 2) heed all instructions</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>contained in the solicitation document and Proposal Submission</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>Instructions (PSI), including length and completeness of</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>submission; and 3) do not violate any of the guidelines stated in</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>the solicitation and this document.</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span></span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>*It is the responsibility of all applicants to ensure that</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>proposals have been received by **<a href="http://www.grantsolutions.gov">www.grantsolutions.gov</a>*</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span><<a href="http://www.grantsolutions.gov/">http://www.grantsolutions.gov/</a>>* or **<a href="http://www.grants.gov">www.grants.gov</a>*</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span><<a href="http://www.grants.gov/">http://www.grants.gov/</a>> *in their entirety. DRL bears no</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>responsibility for data errors resulting from transmission or</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>conversion processes.*</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span></span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>Once the Request for Proposals deadline has passed U.S.</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>Department of State staff in Washington and overseas may not</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>discuss competing proposals with applicants until the review</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>process has been completed.</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span></span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>*NOTE:* In order to process final awards, approved applicants will</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>need to register with *<a href="http://www.grantsolutions.gov">www.grantsolutions.gov</a>*</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span><<a href="http://www.grantsolutions.gov/">http://www.grantsolutions.gov/</a>>.</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span></span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>*ADDITIONAL INFORMATION*</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span></span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>Programs that leverage resources from funds internal to the</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>organization or other sources, such as public-private</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>partnerships, will be highly considered. Projects that have a</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>strong academic, research, conference, or dialogue focus will not</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>be deemed competitive. DRL strongly discourages health,</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>technology, or science- related projects unless they have an</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>explicit component related to the requested program objectives</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>listed above. Projects that focus on commercial law or economic</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>development will be rated as non-competitive. Cost sharing is</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>strongly encouraged, and cost sharing contributions should be</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>outlined in the proposal budget and budget narrative.</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span></span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>DRL will not consider proposals that reflect any type of support,</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>for any member, affiliate, or representative of a designated</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>terrorist organization, whether or not elected members of</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>government.</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span></span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>The information in this solicitation is binding and may not be</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>modified by any Bureau representative. Explanatory information</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>provided by the Bureau that contradicts this language will not be</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>binding. Issuance of the solicitation does not constitute an award</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>commitment on the part of the Government. The Bureau reserves the</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>right to reduce, revise, or increase proposal budgets in</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>accordance with the needs of the program evaluation requirements.</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span></span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>This request for proposals will appear on</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>*<a href="http://www.grantosolutions.gov">www.grantosolutions.gov</a>*<<a href="http://www.grantosolutions.gov/">http://www.grantosolutions.gov/</a>>or</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>*<a href="http://www.grants.gov">www.grants.gov</a>* <<a href="http://www.grantsolutions.gov/">http://www.grantsolutions.gov/</a>> and DRL’s</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>website, *<a href="http://www.state.gov/j/drl*">www.state.gov/j/drl*</a> <<a href="http://www.state.gov/j/drl">http://www.state.gov/j/drl</a>>.</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span></span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>*FOR FURTHER INFORMATION*</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span></span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>Should you have any questions regarding the solicitation, please</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>feel free to contact Erin Spitzer at *<a href="mailto:SpitzerEM@State.gov">SpitzerEM@State.gov</a>*</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span><<a href="mailto:SpitzerEM@State.gov">SpitzerEM@State.gov</a>>. Once the deadline has passed, State</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>Department officials and staff - both in the Bureau and at</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>embassies overseas - may not discuss this competition with</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>applicants until the entire proposal review process is completed.</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span></span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span></span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span> ------------------------------</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span></span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>Stay connected with the State Department:</span><br></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span></span><br></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span></span><br></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>____________________________________________________________</span><br></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>You received this message as a subscriber on the list:</span><br></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span> <a href="mailto:bestbits@lists.bestbits.net">bestbits@lists.bestbits.net</a>.</span><br></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span>To unsubscribe or change your settings, visit:</span><br></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span> <a href="http://lists.bestbits.net/wws/info/bestbits">http://lists.bestbits.net/wws/info/bestbits</a></span><br></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><span></span><br></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><span></span><br></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><span></span><br></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><span></span><br></blockquote><span></span><br><span>_______________________________________________</span><br><span>IRP mailing list</span><br><span><a href="mailto:IRP@lists.internetrightsandprinciples.org">IRP@lists.internetrightsandprinciples.org</a></span><br><span><a href="http://lists.internetrightsandprinciples.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/irp">http://lists.internetrightsandprinciples.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/irp</a></span><br></div></blockquote></body></html>