[bestbits] Fw: Fwd: Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor: Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor Request for Statements of Interest: DRL Internet Freedom Annual Program Statement
Ayden Férdeline
ayden at ferdeline.com
Fri Jun 2 01:42:32 EDT 2017
This is interesting! Thank you for sharing it, Michael.
Ayden Férdeline
[linkedin.com/in/ferdeline](http://www.linkedin.com/in/ferdeline)
-------- Original Message --------
Subject: [bestbits] Fwd: Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor: Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor Request for Statements of Interest: DRL Internet Freedom Annual Program Statement
Local Time: June 2, 2017 6:05 AM
UTC Time: June 2, 2017 5:05 AM
From: mike.oghia at gmail.com
To: Best Bits list <bestbits at lists.bestbits.net>
FYI, might be of interest
---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: U.S. Department of State <usstatebpa at subscriptions.fcg.gov>
Date: Fri, Jun 2, 2017
Subject: Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor: Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor Request for Statements of Interest: DRL Internet Freedom Annual Program Statement
[Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor: Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor Request for Statements of Interest: DRL Internet Freedom Annual Program Statement](http://links.govdelivery.com:80/track?type=click&enid=ZWFzPTEmbWFpbGluZ2lkPTIwMTcwNjAxLjc0MDc3NzYxJm1lc3NhZ2VpZD1NREItUFJELUJVTC0yMDE3MDYwMS43NDA3Nzc2MSZkYXRhYmFzZWlkPTEwMDEmc2VyaWFsPTE3MTgzMjc3JmVtYWlsaWQ9YXJpZWxzdGVuZ2VyQGdtYWlsLmNvbSZ1c2VyaWQ9YXJpZWxzdGVuZ2VyQGdtYWlsLmNvbSZmbD0mZXh0cmE9TXVsdGl2YXJpYXRlSWQ9JiYm&&&100&&&http://www.state.gov/j/drl/p/271495.htm)
06/01/2017 03:54 PM EDT
June 1, 2017
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Funding Opportunity # DRLA-DRLAQM-18-004
I. Requested Objectives for Statements of Interest
The Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor (DRL) announces a Request for Statements of Interest (RSOI) from organizations interested in submitting applications for programs that support Internet freedom. In support of the U.S. International Strategy for Cyberspace, DRL’s goal is to protect the open, interoperable, secure, and reliable Internet by promoting fundamental freedoms, human rights, and the free flow of information online through integrated support to civil society for technology, digital safety, policy and advocacy, and applied research programs. DRL invites organizations interested in potential funding to submit SOI applications outlining program concepts that reflect this goal.
PLEASE NOTE: DRL strongly encourages applicants to immediately access [www.grantsolutions.gov](http://links.govdelivery.com:80/track?type=click&enid=ZWFzPTEmbWFpbGluZ2lkPTIwMTcwNjAxLjc0MDc3NzYxJm1lc3NhZ2VpZD1NREItUFJELUJVTC0yMDE3MDYwMS43NDA3Nzc2MSZkYXRhYmFzZWlkPTEwMDEmc2VyaWFsPTE3MTgzMjc3JmVtYWlsaWQ9YXJpZWxzdGVuZ2VyQGdtYWlsLmNvbSZ1c2VyaWQ9YXJpZWxzdGVuZ2VyQGdtYWlsLmNvbSZmbD0mZXh0cmE9TXVsdGl2YXJpYXRlSWQ9JiYm&&&101&&&http://www.grantsolutions.gov) or [www.grants.gov](http://links.govdelivery.com:80/track?type=click&enid=ZWFzPTEmbWFpbGluZ2lkPTIwMTcwNjAxLjc0MDc3NzYxJm1lc3NhZ2VpZD1NREItUFJELUJVTC0yMDE3MDYwMS43NDA3Nzc2MSZkYXRhYmFzZWlkPTEwMDEmc2VyaWFsPTE3MTgzMjc3JmVtYWlsaWQ9YXJpZWxzdGVuZ2VyQGdtYWlsLmNvbSZ1c2VyaWQ9YXJpZWxzdGVuZ2VyQGdtYWlsLmNvbSZmbD0mZXh0cmE9TXVsdGl2YXJpYXRlSWQ9JiYm&&&102&&&http://www.grants.gov) in order to obtain a username and password. GrantSolutions.gov is highly recommended for all submissions and is DRL’s preferred system for receiving applications. To register with GrantSolutions.gov for the first time, please refer to the Proposal Submission Instructions for Statements of Interest, updated June 2017, at: [https://www.state.gov/j/drl/p/c12302.htm](http://links.govdelivery.com:80/track?type=click&enid=ZWFzPTEmbWFpbGluZ2lkPTIwMTcwNjAxLjc0MDc3NzYxJm1lc3NhZ2VpZD1NREItUFJELUJVTC0yMDE3MDYwMS43NDA3Nzc2MSZkYXRhYmFzZWlkPTEwMDEmc2VyaWFsPTE3MTgzMjc3JmVtYWlsaWQ9YXJpZWxzdGVuZ2VyQGdtYWlsLmNvbSZ1c2VyaWQ9YXJpZWxzdGVuZ2VyQGdtYWlsLmNvbSZmbD0mZXh0cmE9TXVsdGl2YXJpYXRlSWQ9JiYm&&&103&&&https://www.state.gov/j/drl/p/c12302.htm).
The submission of a SOI is the first step in a two-part process. Applicants must first submit a SOI, which is a concise, 3-page concept note designed to clearly communicate a program idea and its objectives before the development of a full proposal application. The purpose of the SOI process is to allow applicants the opportunity to submit program ideas for DRL to evaluate prior to requiring the development of full proposal applications. Upon review of eligible SOIs, DRL will invite selected applicants to expand their ideas into full proposal applications.
There will be two deadlines for submission of SOIs – July 24, 2017 and February 12, 2018. Organizations may submit up to two (2) SOIs per deadline. Organizations that submit applications to the first deadline may also submit applications to the second deadline, regardless of the outcome of their previous applications(s).
SOIs that request less than $500,000 or more than $3,000,000 may be deemed technically ineligible. DRL reserves the right to award more or less than the funds requested, including estimated individual award floor and ceiling amounts, under such circumstances as it may deem to be in the best interest of the U.S. government. DRL Internet freedom programs typically run for 1-3 years. On average, successful applicants receive funding about 9 months from the SOI submission date.
Overview:
Priority Regions:
SOIs focused globally or focused on any region will be considered. Applications should prioritize work in Internet repressive environments.
SOIs regarding technology development should have clear regional human rights use-cases or plans for deployment. SOIs focused on digital safety, advocacy, and research should also have region- or population-specific goals and priorities that are informed by clear field knowledge and expertise.
Internet Freedom Funding Themes:
SOIs must address one or more of the Internet Freedom Funding Themes: technology, digital safety, policy and advocacy, and applied research. Each of the Funding Themes is described in detail below. Applications that do not address the Funding Themes will not be considered competitive.
Areas of Focus:
Within each of the Internet freedom funding themes, DRL has identified “areas of focus.” SOIs do not need to fit into one of these areas to be considered. They are provided solely to indicate a subset of areas of interest for consideration. Applications that do not address one or more of these “areas of focus” will not be penalized nor disqualified from the competitive process.
Funding Theme #1: Technology: Uncensored and Secure Access to the Global Internet – Development of and support for desktop and mobile technologies that counter censorship and/or enable secure communications. These tools should be tailored to the needs of human rights defenders and the acute and diverse threats they face. The tool design and deployment should be informed by user-centered design that is focused on these communities, and these tools should be supported on the platforms (desktop, mobile, etc.) that these communities most use. Projects may include but are not limited to:
- Development of new technologies for defeating censorship, for maintaining availability of information, for secure communications, for privacy protection, and online services, such as email and website hosting, with robust defenses against hacking and other attacks.
- Improvements to proven technologies including deployment, expansion, adaptation, and/or localization of proven anti-censorship or secure communication technologies; and improvement of usability and user interfaces to enable broader populations of users to adopt such tools.
- Re-usable libraries or platforms that provide the underlying software components that may be used by anti-censorship and secure communication tools.
Areas of Focus:
- Scalable and sustainable next-generation anti-censorship and secure communication technologies, especially for iOS and other platforms that generally have less support for anti-censorship and secure communication.
- Programs to provide small-grant support and seed funding to promising new technologies and tools.
- Next-generation malware detection and mitigation systems.
- Mobile applications for real-time near-field or peer-to-peer communication, and other measures to mitigate the impact of network shutdowns.
Funding Theme #2: Digital Safety – Support, training, and information resources that contribute to greater digital safety for users in Internet repressive societies, including civil society, human rights defenders, journalists, and other vulnerable populations. Projects may include but are not limited to:
- Digital safety skills development for civil society through trainings, organizational security audits, mentorship, local leadership development, peer learning and guided practice approaches, employing adult learning pedagogies.
- Emergency support to respond to urgent cases and to prevent future digital attacks, including harassment and violence against individuals in retribution for their online activities.
- Resource development and information dissemination to targeted communities to raise awareness of digital threats, encourage best practices, and respond to sudden threats to Internet freedom.
Areas of Focus:
- Development of tailored digital safety resources and training methodologies for marginalized populations, including women and LGBTI persons.
- Assessment of the effectiveness of digital safety methodologies and interventions, such as ethnographic research, to inform the digital safety training community and future interventions.
- Holistic and proactive training and skill-building programs for human rights defenders and vulnerable populations that presents digital safety in the larger context of physical security and psychosocial care.
- Programs to build the capacity of local digital safety trainers and foster regional training networks and training opportunities.
- Targeted, public health-style campaigns to promote digital hygiene and increase the adoption of digital safety tools and practices in Internet restrictive environments.
Funding Theme #3: Policy and Advocacy – National, regional, and international policy and advocacy efforts that empower civil society to counter restrictive Internet laws and support policies to promote Internet freedom in countries where the government has adopted, or is considering adopting, laws or policies that restrict human rights online. Projects may include but are not limited to:
- Local capacity-building programs to support the development of non-U.S. based civil society organizations to advocate for human rights online.
- Regional coalition-building efforts to expand networks, increase coordination, and develop regional standards to support policies that protect and promote Internet freedom.
- International engagement opportunities to increase civil society participation in international policy dialogues to support multistakeholder engagement and promote Internet freedom at key international forums.
Areas of Focus:
- Initiatives to mainstream Internet freedom and online human rights standards into regional and international cybersecurity and cybercrime policy-making processes and dialogues.
- Initiatives to integrate Internet freedom and online human rights standards into regional and international trade discussions and engagements.
- Initiatives to institutionalize Internet policy training and expertise in local law firms, legal institutions, and law schools.
- Coordination mechanisms to link disparate efforts across the full range of stakeholder groups to counter the growing trend of network shutdowns.
Funding Theme #4: Applied Research – Research efforts to inform and benefit Internet freedom globally. Research should address technological and political developments affecting Internet freedom. Projects may include but are not limited to:
- Real-time monitoring and analysis of both technical and policy threats to Internet freedom. Global assessments of Internet freedom threats, opportunities, and trends.
Areas of Focus:
- Cyber-threat intelligence collection and analysis, including data forensics, and information-sharing to support human rights defenders and civil society.
- Assessment of the current effectiveness of anti-censorship and secure communication tools and techniques to inform the Internet freedom technical community and improve approaches to anti-censorship and secure communication.
- Policy research and legal analysis to increase awareness of Internet policy trends and enhance targeted national, regional, or international advocacy efforts, such as the human rights implications of Internet sovereignty and data localization policies.
- Analysis of the implications of cutting edge technological developments and issues – such as big data, AI learning, network shutdowns, and the Internet of things – for Internet freedom and human rights online.
Key Program Considerations:
The following list of program considerations is provided as a guide to help applicants develop responsive, robust program proposals. This list of considerations will not be used as criteria to evaluate SOI applications.
- DRL encourages applicants to foster collaborative partnerships, especially with local organizations in target countries and/or regions, where applicable.
- Applicants are strongly encouraged to form consortia for submitting a combined SOI—in which one organization is designated as the lead applicant—that is designed to forge closer links between complementary initiatives and institutional capacities and aims to maximize program multiplier effect.
- DRL strives to ensure its programs advance the rights and uphold the dignity of the most at-risk and vulnerable populations. At-risk populations may include women, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex (LGBTI) individuals, members of religious and ethnic minority groups, and people with disabilities. To the extent possible, organizations should identify and address considerations to support these populations. Additionally, where appropriate, programs targeting at-risk populations should strive to build their leadership in these thematic areas.
- For technology development proposals, strong preference will be given to open source technologies with practical deployment and sustainability plans.
- Consistent with DRL’s venture-capital style approach to Internet freedom, projects should have a model for long-term sustainability beyond the life of the grant. Projects should have the potential to have an immediate impact leading to long-term sustainable reforms, and should have potential for continued funding beyond DRL resources.
- DRL prefers innovative and creative approaches rather than projects that simply duplicate or add to efforts by other entities. This does not exclude projects that clearly build off existing successful projects in a new and innovative way from consideration.
Activities that are not typically considered competitive include, but are not limited to:
- Academic research with no immediate application; theoretical exploration of technology and/or security issues;
- Purchases of bulk hardware or bulk licenses for commercial encryption or technology products;
- Technology and tools that dictate or suggest specific content;
- Technology development without a clear human rights use case in an Internet repressive environment, or without a clear threat model and understanding of adversarial efforts;
- Study tours, scholarships or exchange projects;
- Projects that focus on expansion of Internet infrastructure, commercial law or economic development;
- Projects that focus on a single country rather than a regional or global approach.
- Stand-alone public awareness campaigns and/or public awareness campaigns not directly tied to one of the four funding categories listed above.
- Projects not sufficiently connected to real-world impact of improving Internet freedom environments in any country or region; and,
- Activities that go beyond an organization’s demonstrated competence, or without clear evidence of the ability of the applicant to achieve the stated impact.
II. Eligibility Information
Organizations submitting SOIs must meet the following criteria:
- Be a U.S.-based or foreign-based non-profit organization/non-governmental organization (NGO), or a public international organization; or
- Be a private, public, or state institutions of higher education; or
- Be a for-profit organization or business, although there are restrictions on payment of fees and/or profits under grants and cooperative agreements, including those outlined in 48 CFR 30 (“Cost Accounting Standards Administration”), 48 CFR 31 (“Contract Cost Principles and Procedures”); and
- Have existing, or the capacity to develop, active partnerships with thematic or in-country partners, entities, and relevant stakeholders including private sector partner and NGOs; and
- Have demonstrable experience administering successful and preferably similar programs. DRL reserves the right to request additional background information on organizations that do not have previous experience administering federal awards. These applicants may be subject to limited funding on a pilot basis.
Applicants may form consortia and submit a combined SOI. However, one organization should be designated as the lead applicant with the other members as sub-award partners.
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, and that the Department of State generally prohibits profit under its assistance awards to for-profit or commercial organizations. Profit is defined as any amount in excess of allowable direct and indirect costs. The allowability of costs incurred by commercial organizations is determined in accordance with the provisions of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) at 48 CFR 30, Cost Accounting Standards Administration, and 48 CFR 31 Contract Cost Principles and Procedures. Program income earned by the recipient must be deducted from the program’s total allowable costs in determining the net allowable costs on which the federal share of costs is based.
DRL is committed to an anti-discrimination policy in all of its programs and activities. DRL welcomes SOI submissions irrespective of an applicant’s race, ethnicity, color, creed, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or other status. DRL strongly encourages applications from organizations working with the most at risk and vulnerable communities, including women, youths, persons with disabilities, members of ethnic or religious minority groups, and LGBTI persons
No entity listed on the Excluded Parties List System in the [System for Award Management (SAM)](http://links.govdelivery.com:80/track?type=click&enid=ZWFzPTEmbWFpbGluZ2lkPTIwMTcwNjAxLjc0MDc3NzYxJm1lc3NhZ2VpZD1NREItUFJELUJVTC0yMDE3MDYwMS43NDA3Nzc2MSZkYXRhYmFzZWlkPTEwMDEmc2VyaWFsPTE3MTgzMjc3JmVtYWlsaWQ9YXJpZWxzdGVuZ2VyQGdtYWlsLmNvbSZ1c2VyaWQ9YXJpZWxzdGVuZ2VyQGdtYWlsLmNvbSZmbD0mZXh0cmE9TXVsdGl2YXJpYXRlSWQ9JiYm&&&104&&&http://www.sam.gov) 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 1986 Comp., p. 189) and 12689 (3 CFR1989 Comp., p. 235), “Debarment and Suspension.” Additionally, no entity listed on the EPLS can participate in any activities under an award. All applicants are strongly encouraged to review the EPLS in SAM to ensure that no ineligible entity is included.
Organizations are not required to have a valid Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) number – formerly referred to as a DUNS (Data Universal Numbering System) number – and an active SAM.gov registration to apply for this solicitation through GrantSolutions.gov. However, if a SOI is approved, these will need to be obtained before an organization is able to submit a full application. Please note that there is no cost associated with registration for a UEI or in SAM.gov.
III. Application Requirements, Deadlines, and Technical Eligibility
All SOIs must conform to DRL’s posted Proposal Submission Instructions (PSI) for Statements of Interest, as updated in June 2017, available at [https://www.state.gov/j/drl/p/c12302.htm](http://links.govdelivery.com:80/track?type=click&enid=ZWFzPTEmbWFpbGluZ2lkPTIwMTcwNjAxLjc0MDc3NzYxJm1lc3NhZ2VpZD1NREItUFJELUJVTC0yMDE3MDYwMS43NDA3Nzc2MSZkYXRhYmFzZWlkPTEwMDEmc2VyaWFsPTE3MTgzMjc3JmVtYWlsaWQ9YXJpZWxzdGVuZ2VyQGdtYWlsLmNvbSZ1c2VyaWQ9YXJpZWxzdGVuZ2VyQGdtYWlsLmNvbSZmbD0mZXh0cmE9TXVsdGl2YXJpYXRlSWQ9JiYm&&&105&&&https://www.state.gov/j/drl/p/c12302.htm).
Complete SOI submissions must include the following:
1. Completed and signed SF-424 and SF424B, as directed on GrantSolutions.gov or Grants.gov (please refer to DRL’s PSI for SOIs for guidance on completing the SF-424); and,
2. Program Statement (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 synopsis of the program, including a brief statement on how the program will have a demonstrated impact and engage relevant stakeholders. The SOI should identify local partners as appropriate;
c. A concise breakdown explicitly identifying the program’s objectives and the activities and expected results that contribute to each objective; and,
d. A brief description of the applicant(s) that demonstrates the applicant(s) expertise and capacity to implement the program and manage a U.S. government award.
Technically eligible SOIs are those which:
1. Arrive electronically via GrantSolutions.gov or Grants.gov by 11:30 p.m. ET on July 24, 2017 and February 12, 2018 under the announcement titled “DRL Internet Freedom Annual Program Statement,” funding opportunity number DRLA-DRLAQM-18-004;
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.
For all SOI documents please ensure:
1. All pages are numbered;
2. All documents are formatted to 8 ½ x 11 paper; and,
3. All documents are single-spaced, 12 point Times New Roman font, with 1-inch margins. Captions and footnotes may be 10-point Times New Roman font. Font sizes in charts and tables can be reformatted to fit within one page width.
Grants.gov and Grantsolutions.gov automatically log the date and time a submission is made, and the Department of State will use this information to determine whether it has been submitted on time. Late submissions are neither reviewed nor considered unless the DRL point of contact listed in section VI is contacted prior to the deadline and is provided with evidence of system errors caused by [www.grants.gov](http://links.govdelivery.com:80/track?type=click&enid=ZWFzPTEmbWFpbGluZ2lkPTIwMTcwNjAxLjc0MDc3NzYxJm1lc3NhZ2VpZD1NREItUFJELUJVTC0yMDE3MDYwMS43NDA3Nzc2MSZkYXRhYmFzZWlkPTEwMDEmc2VyaWFsPTE3MTgzMjc3JmVtYWlsaWQ9YXJpZWxzdGVuZ2VyQGdtYWlsLmNvbSZ1c2VyaWQ9YXJpZWxzdGVuZ2VyQGdtYWlsLmNvbSZmbD0mZXh0cmE9TXVsdGl2YXJpYXRlSWQ9JiYm&&&106&&&http://www.grants.gov) or [www.grantsolutions.gov](http://links.govdelivery.com:80/track?type=click&enid=ZWFzPTEmbWFpbGluZ2lkPTIwMTcwNjAxLjc0MDc3NzYxJm1lc3NhZ2VpZD1NREItUFJELUJVTC0yMDE3MDYwMS43NDA3Nzc2MSZkYXRhYmFzZWlkPTEwMDEmc2VyaWFsPTE3MTgzMjc3JmVtYWlsaWQ9YXJpZWxzdGVuZ2VyQGdtYWlsLmNvbSZ1c2VyaWQ9YXJpZWxzdGVuZ2VyQGdtYWlsLmNvbSZmbD0mZXh0cmE9TXVsdGl2YXJpYXRlSWQ9JiYm&&&107&&&http://www.grantsolutions.gov) that is outside of the applicant’s control and is the sole reason for a late submission. Applicants should not expect a notification upon DRL receiving their SOI. It is the sole responsibility of the applicant to ensure that all of the material submitted in the SOI submission package is complete, accurate, and current. DRL will not accept SOIs submitted via email, fax, the postal system, or delivery companies or couriers. DRL strongly encourages all applicants to submit SOIs before the deadline to ensure that the SOI has been received and is complete.
IV. Review and Selection Process
The Department’s Office of Acquisitions Management (AQM) will determine technical eligibility for all SOI submissions. All technically eligible SOIs will then be reviewed against the same three criteria by a DRL Review Panel, which includes quality of program idea/inclusivity of marginalized populations, program planning, and ability to achieve objectives/institutional capacity. Additionally, the Panel will evaluate how the SOI meets the solicitation request, U.S. foreign policy goals, and the priority needs of DRL overall. Panelists review each SOI individually against the evaluation criteria, not against competing SOIs. To ensure all SOIs receive a balanced evaluation, the DRL Review Panel will review the first page of the SOI up to the page limit and no further. All Panelists must sign non-disclosure agreements and conflict of interest agreements.
In most cases, the DRL Review Panel includes representatives from DRL policy and program offices. 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, representatives from entities that are in a public-private partnership with DRL, or key outside experts subject to nondisclosure agreements. Once a SOI is approved, selected applicants will be invited to submit full proposal applications based on their SOIs. Unless directed otherwise by the organization, DRL may also refer SOIs for possible consideration in other U.S. government related funding opportunities.
The Panel may provide conditions and/or recommendations on SOIs to enhance the proposed program, which must be addressed by the organization in the full proposal application. To ensure effective use of limited DRL funds, conditions and recommendations may include requests to increase, decrease, clarify, and/or justify costs and program activities.
DRL’s Front Office reserves the right to make a final determination regarding all funding matters, pending funding availability.
Review Criteria:
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 prefers creative approaches that do not duplicate efforts by other entities. This does not exclude from consideration programs that improve upon or expand existing successful programs in a new and complementary way. 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, members of racial and ethnic or religious minority groups, and LGBTI persons. To the extent possible and appropriate, applicants should identify and address considerations to support and/or include these populations in all proposed program activities and objectives. Strong justification should be provided if the most at-risk and vulnerable populations will not be included in the proposed activities and objectives. Otherwise, SOIs that do not address the above will not be considered highly competitive in this category.
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.
Ability to Achieve Objectives/Institutional Capacity
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 applicant and any local partners. SOIs should demonstrate the organization’s expertise and previous experience in administering programs, preferably similar programs targeting the requested program area or similarly challenging environments.
For additional guidance, please see DRL’s posted Proposal Submission Instructions (PSI) for Statements of Interest, as updated in June 2017, available at [http://www.state.gov/j/drl/p/c12302.htm](http://links.govdelivery.com:80/track?type=click&enid=ZWFzPTEmbWFpbGluZ2lkPTIwMTcwNjAxLjc0MDc3NzYxJm1lc3NhZ2VpZD1NREItUFJELUJVTC0yMDE3MDYwMS43NDA3Nzc2MSZkYXRhYmFzZWlkPTEwMDEmc2VyaWFsPTE3MTgzMjc3JmVtYWlsaWQ9YXJpZWxzdGVuZ2VyQGdtYWlsLmNvbSZ1c2VyaWQ9YXJpZWxzdGVuZ2VyQGdtYWlsLmNvbSZmbD0mZXh0cmE9TXVsdGl2YXJpYXRlSWQ9JiYm&&&108&&&http://www.state.gov/j/drl/p/c12302.htm).
V. Additional Information
DRL will not consider SOIs that reflect any type of support for any member, affiliate, or representative of a designated terrorist organization.
Project activities whose direct beneficiaries are foreign militaries or paramilitary groups or individuals will not be considered for DRL funding given purpose limitations on funding.
Restrictions may apply to any proposed assistance to police or other law enforcement. Among these, pursuant to section 620M of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended (FAA), no assistance provided may be furnished to any unit of the security forces of a foreign country when there is credible information that such unit has committed a gross violation of human rights. In accordance with the requirements of section 620M of the FAA, also known as the Leahy law, program beneficiaries or participants from a foreign government’s security forces may need to be vetted by the Department before the provision of any assistance.
Organizations should be aware that DRL understands that some information contained in SOIs may be considered sensitive or proprietary and will make appropriate efforts to protect such information. However, organizations are advised that DRL cannot guarantee that such information will not be disclosed, including pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) or other similar statutes.
Organizations should also be aware that if ultimately selected for an award, the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards set forth in 2 CFR Chapter 200 (Sub-Chapters A through F) shall apply to all non-Federal entities, except for assistance awards to Individuals and Foreign Public Entities. Please note that as of December 26, 2014, 2 CFR 200 (Sub-Chapters A through E) now applies to foreign organizations, and Sub-Chapters A through D shall apply to all for-profit entities. The applicant/recipient of the award and any sub-recipient under the award must comply with all applicable terms and conditions, in addition to the assurance and certifications made part of the Notice of Award. The Department’s Standard Terms and Conditions can be viewed on DRL’s Resources page at: [http://www.state.gov/j/drl/p/c72333.htm](http://links.govdelivery.com:80/track?type=click&enid=ZWFzPTEmbWFpbGluZ2lkPTIwMTcwNjAxLjc0MDc3NzYxJm1lc3NhZ2VpZD1NREItUFJELUJVTC0yMDE3MDYwMS43NDA3Nzc2MSZkYXRhYmFzZWlkPTEwMDEmc2VyaWFsPTE3MTgzMjc3JmVtYWlsaWQ9YXJpZWxzdGVuZ2VyQGdtYWlsLmNvbSZ1c2VyaWQ9YXJpZWxzdGVuZ2VyQGdtYWlsLmNvbSZmbD0mZXh0cmE9TXVsdGl2YXJpYXRlSWQ9JiYm&&&109&&&http://www.state.gov/j/drl/p/c72333.htm).
The information in this solicitation and DRL’s PSI for SOIs, as updated in June 2017, 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 SOIs or applications does not constitute an award commitment on the part of the U.S. government. DRL reserves the right to reduce, revise, or increase proposal budgets in accordance with the needs of the program evaluation requirements.
This solicitation will appear on [www.grants.gov](http://links.govdelivery.com:80/track?type=click&enid=ZWFzPTEmbWFpbGluZ2lkPTIwMTcwNjAxLjc0MDc3NzYxJm1lc3NhZ2VpZD1NREItUFJELUJVTC0yMDE3MDYwMS43NDA3Nzc2MSZkYXRhYmFzZWlkPTEwMDEmc2VyaWFsPTE3MTgzMjc3JmVtYWlsaWQ9YXJpZWxzdGVuZ2VyQGdtYWlsLmNvbSZ1c2VyaWQ9YXJpZWxzdGVuZ2VyQGdtYWlsLmNvbSZmbD0mZXh0cmE9TXVsdGl2YXJpYXRlSWQ9JiYm&&&110&&&http://www.grants.gov), [www.grantsolutions.gov](http://links.govdelivery.com:80/track?type=click&enid=ZWFzPTEmbWFpbGluZ2lkPTIwMTcwNjAxLjc0MDc3NzYxJm1lc3NhZ2VpZD1NREItUFJELUJVTC0yMDE3MDYwMS43NDA3Nzc2MSZkYXRhYmFzZWlkPTEwMDEmc2VyaWFsPTE3MTgzMjc3JmVtYWlsaWQ9YXJpZWxzdGVuZ2VyQGdtYWlsLmNvbSZ1c2VyaWQ9YXJpZWxzdGVuZ2VyQGdtYWlsLmNvbSZmbD0mZXh0cmE9TXVsdGl2YXJpYXRlSWQ9JiYm&&&111&&&http://www.grantsolutions.gov), and DRL’s website [http://www.state.gov/j/drl/p/c12302.htm](http://links.govdelivery.com:80/track?type=click&enid=ZWFzPTEmbWFpbGluZ2lkPTIwMTcwNjAxLjc0MDc3NzYxJm1lc3NhZ2VpZD1NREItUFJELUJVTC0yMDE3MDYwMS43NDA3Nzc2MSZkYXRhYmFzZWlkPTEwMDEmc2VyaWFsPTE3MTgzMjc3JmVtYWlsaWQ9YXJpZWxzdGVuZ2VyQGdtYWlsLmNvbSZ1c2VyaWQ9YXJpZWxzdGVuZ2VyQGdtYWlsLmNvbSZmbD0mZXh0cmE9TXVsdGl2YXJpYXRlSWQ9JiYm&&&112&&&http://www.state.gov/j/drl/p/c12302.htm).
Background Information on DRL and general DRL funding
DRL is the foreign policy lead within the U.S. government on promoting democracy and protecting human rights globally. DRL supports programs that uphold democratic principles, support and strengthen democratic institutions, promote human rights, prevent atrocities, combat and prevent violent extremism, and build civil society around the world. DRL typically focuses its work in countries with egregious human rights violations, where democracy and human rights advocates are under pressure, and where governments are undemocratic or in transition.
Additional background information on DRL and the human rights report can be found on [www.state.gov/j/drl](http://links.govdelivery.com:80/track?type=click&enid=ZWFzPTEmbWFpbGluZ2lkPTIwMTcwNjAxLjc0MDc3NzYxJm1lc3NhZ2VpZD1NREItUFJELUJVTC0yMDE3MDYwMS43NDA3Nzc2MSZkYXRhYmFzZWlkPTEwMDEmc2VyaWFsPTE3MTgzMjc3JmVtYWlsaWQ9YXJpZWxzdGVuZ2VyQGdtYWlsLmNvbSZ1c2VyaWQ9YXJpZWxzdGVuZ2VyQGdtYWlsLmNvbSZmbD0mZXh0cmE9TXVsdGl2YXJpYXRlSWQ9JiYm&&&113&&&http://www.state.gov/j/drl) and [www.humanrights.gov](http://links.govdelivery.com:80/track?type=click&enid=ZWFzPTEmbWFpbGluZ2lkPTIwMTcwNjAxLjc0MDc3NzYxJm1lc3NhZ2VpZD1NREItUFJELUJVTC0yMDE3MDYwMS43NDA3Nzc2MSZkYXRhYmFzZWlkPTEwMDEmc2VyaWFsPTE3MTgzMjc3JmVtYWlsaWQ9YXJpZWxzdGVuZ2VyQGdtYWlsLmNvbSZ1c2VyaWQ9YXJpZWxzdGVuZ2VyQGdtYWlsLmNvbSZmbD0mZXh0cmE9TXVsdGl2YXJpYXRlSWQ9JiYm&&&114&&&http://www.humanrights.gov).
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 at grantsolutions.gov or call 1-866-577-0771 (toll charges for international callers) or 1-202-401-5282. Customer Support is available
8:00 AM – 5:00 PM ET, 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 at grants.gov. The Contact Center is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, except federal holidays.
See [https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/snow-dismissal-procedures/federal-holidays/](http://links.govdelivery.com:80/track?type=click&enid=ZWFzPTEmbWFpbGluZ2lkPTIwMTcwNjAxLjc0MDc3NzYxJm1lc3NhZ2VpZD1NREItUFJELUJVTC0yMDE3MDYwMS43NDA3Nzc2MSZkYXRhYmFzZWlkPTEwMDEmc2VyaWFsPTE3MTgzMjc3JmVtYWlsaWQ9YXJpZWxzdGVuZ2VyQGdtYWlsLmNvbSZ1c2VyaWQ9YXJpZWxzdGVuZ2VyQGdtYWlsLmNvbSZmbD0mZXh0cmE9TXVsdGl2YXJpYXRlSWQ9JiYm&&&115&&&https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/snow-dismissal-procedures/federal-holidays/) for a list of federal holidays.
For technical questions related to this solicitation, please contact InternetFreedom at 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 until the entire review process has been completed and rejection and approval letters have been transmitted.
The Office of Website Management, Bureau of Public Affairs, manages this site as a portal for information from the U.S. State Department.
External links to other Internet sites should not be construed as an endorsement of the views or privacy policies contained therein.
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