11/21/2023 10:16 AM EST
Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor
Proposals for this solicitation are due on: Friday, January 5th at
11:59PM ET
Bureau of Democracy,
Human Rights, and Labor Request for Statements of Interest: DRL
Internet Freedom Annual Program Statement
I. Requested
Objectives for Statements of Interest
Within each of the Internet Freedom funding themes, DRL The Bureau of
Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DRL) announces a Request for Statements of
Interest (RSOI) from organizations interested in submitting Statements of
Interest (SOI) 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 SAMS Domestic or
www.grants.gov in order to obtain a username and password. For instructions
on how to register with SAMS Domestic for the first time, please refer to the
Proposal Submission Instructions for Statements of Interest at: https://www.state.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/PSI-for-SOIs-November-2022.pdf
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.
SOIs that move forward to be funded based on this Notice should expect
program activities to begin no earlier than August or September of 2024 pending
the availability of funds. This is the last DRL
Internet Freedom Annual Program Statement for programs able to
begin activities in 2024.
Overview:
Priority Regions:
SOIs focused globally, cross-regionally, or with a specific regional focus
will be considered. Applications should prioritize work in Internet-repressive
environments.
SOIs regarding technology development should have clear regional human
rights use-cases and deployment strategies for the target region(s). 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 the Goal(s) of 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 Goals(s) of Funding Themes will not be considered competitive.
Funding
Theme-specific guidance and requirements can be found in the
following subsections of each Funding Theme: Goals(s);
“Problems of Interest;”
“To be eligible programs
must;” “To be
eligible programs must NOT;” and “Activities that are not typically considered competitive
include, but are not limited to”.
Goal(s):
The higher-order objectives to which a proposal must contribute in order to be eligible
for funding under a specific Funding Theme. A strong SOI will include a clear
articulation of how the proposed project activities contribute to the Goal(s)
of one or more Funding Themes.
Current Problems of
Interest include,
but are not limited to: Problems of interest indicate a subset of
current overarching challenges or threats to Internet freedom of notable
interest for consideration. SOIs that do not address one or more of these
“problems of interest” will not
be penalized nor disqualified from the competitive process.
To be eligible
programs must: A definitive list of the types and methods of
activities that proposed programs under a specific Funding Theme MUST meet in
order to be eligible for funding. These requirements are in addition to the
types and methods of activities outlined in the “Key Program Considerations” section that all programs MUST
include in order to be eligible for funding.
To be eligible
programs must NOT: A definitive list of the types and methods
of activities that proposed programs under a specific Funding Theme MUST NOT
include in order to be eligible for funding. These requirements are in addition
to the types and methods of activities outlined in the similarly titled
subsection under “Key
Program Considerations” that all
programs MUST NOT include in order to be eligible for funding.
Activities that are
not typically considered competitive include, but are not limited to:
Guidance on the types of activities that previous panels have NOT typically
considered competitive. While a SOI will not be immediately excluded from
consideration if it contains elements identified in this subsection, it is
unlikely to receive a panel’s recommendation for advancement. This guidance is
provided in addition to the guidance outlined in the similarly titled
subsection under “Key
Program Considerations” which applies to all programs.
Funding Theme #1:
Technology:
Goal(s):
Develop, improve, and implement technologies to support uncensored and secure
access to the global Internet and/or to support the goals of other Funding
Themes outlined below.
Current Problems of
Interest include,
but are not limited to:
- Advanced
surveillance, censorship, filtering, or blocking of websites or online
services;
- Internet
shutdowns, degradation of access;
- Splintering
of the Internet;
- The
repressive use of spyware, especially when used against civil society,
human rights defenders, and/or independent media.
To be eligible programs must:
- Be based on existing and proven open-source
technologies, which have matured to the point where they can be
responsibly used in relevant repressive, fragile, or conflict-affected
environments and with identified at-risk populations, or those
experiencing vulnerability, marginalization, or exclusion.
- Serve a clear human rights use case in their
application.
- Demonstrate a clear understanding of adversarial
efforts that may impact the use of a proposed technology, and provide a
strategy for addressing them.
- Clearly justify and support specific technical claims
and justify their contribution to outcomes related to the Goal(s) of
identified Funding Theme(s) (e.g. what specific technologies, protocols,
etc. are being used; why a specific technology is being used instead of
others; how the technology works to address specific identified threats;
etc.).
- Submit technologies to an independent third-party
security audit, according to DRL guidelines.
To be eligible programs must
not:
- Be a closed-source technology project (published under
proprietary licenses prohibiting code reuse or adaptation);
- Propose the development of conceptual or aspirational
technology without an existing user base or clear application for
protecting human rights online;
- Implement technologies that lack appropriate security
for relevant at-risk populations.
Activities that are not
typically considered competitive include, but are not limited to:
- Technology aiming to support uncensored and secure
access to the global Internet that does not address specific repressive
threats faced by the populations served, and lacking detail describing how
the technology will address them.
- Core or surge server infrastructure and/or bandwidth
resources for anti-censorship technology.
- Expansion of physical Internet infrastructure,
overcoming fundamental barriers to Internet access (i.e., the physical
availability and inherent quality of network connections independent of
deliberate government interference or targeted repression).
- Incorporation of digital technologies (e.g. artificial
intelligence, blockchain, virtual reality) without a clear strategic
application for, and focus on, protecting human rights online.
- Support for aspirational technologies that have not
advanced beyond the proof-of-concept stage, unless those technologies are
developed to research or respond to an emergent threat to Internet
freedom.
- Implementation of technologies that a) do not clearly
address the unique needs, challenges, and use cases of their target
populations; b) do not reflect demand-driven development, or c) fail to
incorporate input from local communities.
- Technology aimed at introducing curated content into
censored markets.
Funding Theme #2:
Digital Safety:
Goal(s):
Conduct programs that enable at-risk populations, those experiencing
vulnerability, marginalization, or exclusion, or those who protect them, to
prepare for, prevent, identify, investigate, and/or obtain remedy for
repressive digital attacks; or other types of repression (including online
surveillance and censorship) designed to prevent these populations from
exercising their human rights and fundamental freedoms online.
Current Problems of
Interest
include, but are not limited to:
- The
repressive use of spyware, especially when used against civil society,
human rights defenders, and/or independent media.
- Denial of
service (DoS) attacks targeting human rights defenders, independent media
, and/or civil society, impacting freedom of expression.
- Lack of
accountability and remedy available for victims of digital repression
To be eligible programs must:
- Have a clear focus on protecting human rights online.
- Demonstrate a clear understanding of adversarial
efforts and a strategy for addressing them.
- Address acute repressive threats faced by the
populations served.
- Exhibit a clear understanding of the operational risks
specific to local contexts.
- Clearly demonstrate strong internal capacity and deep
expertise in risk management and operational security, with a history of
successful implementation of similar programs in high-risk environments.
- Specify security training methodologies that will be
deployed.
To be eligible programs must
not:
- Recommend or implement technology that cannot be safely
and responsibly used in relevant repressive, fragile, or conflict-affected
environments and with identified at-risk populations or those experiencing
vulnerability, marginalization or exclusion.
- Conduct generalized “digital literacy” training without
clear impact for improved security for beneficiaries.
- Contain activities which look to combat online
harassment, threats, or abuse by encouraging platforms to more actively
moderate discussion in online spaces or increase the ability of
individuals to effectively use platform reporting functionality.
- Focus on countering the use of technology to surveil
physical spaces.
Activities that are not
typically considered competitive include, but are not limited to:
- Projects broadly aimed at countering efforts to
restrict human rights and fundamental freedoms that are not clearly
focused on the online exercise of those rights or freedoms.
- Digital security education or capacity-building
programs not in response to a) a clearly articulated and real threat; b) a
specific recent or predicted upcoming change in threat landscape for the
target population; or c) an unserved, at-risk community.
- The creation of new generalized security educational or
informational security resources, primarily containing topical content
that is commonly found in resources aimed at the general public.
- The provision of educational or informational resources
exclusively to program participants and not made available for sharing,
reuse, revision, or adaptation by other relevant communities and
protection providers.
- Purchases of bulk hardware or bulk licenses for
commercial encryption or technology products. In order to be competitive,
programs that provide beneficiaries with equipment or services should be
discreet efforts that reduce the risk or impact of a) digital attack(s)
beneficiaries have recently experienced or b) specific near-term threat(s)
beneficiaries are likely to face.
Funding Theme #3:
Policy and Advocacy:
Goal(s):
Conducting or enabling policy advocacy to counter laws, judicial actions,
regulations, standards, company policies, and protocols that restrict human
rights and fundamental freedoms online; enabling the Goals of the Digital
Safety or Technology Funding Themes; and/or otherwise promote and expand
Internet freedom.
Current Problems of
Interest
include, but are not limited to:
- Internet
shutdowns, including degradation of access.
- Splintering
of the Internet.
- Policy or
legal measures that restrict human rights and fundamental freedoms online
in the guise of promoting cybersecurity or countering cybercrime,
disinformation, defamation, and/or hate speech.
- Improving
access to remedy and accountability measures for targets of repressive use
of spyware.
To be eligible programs must:
- Clearly identify and articulate a specific Internet
freedom policy focus area for advocacy.
- Demonstrate a clear advocacy strategy, clearly
enumerating activities, and setting concrete goals and outcomes for policy
change.
- Articulate a clear understanding of the local policy
advocacy context.
- Exhibit a clear understanding of the operational risks
for operating in local contexts.
To be eligible programs must
NOT:
- Address digital technology policies or regulations that
are not focused on, or without clear direct implications for, the
protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms on the global
Internet.
Activities that are not typically considered competitive include, but are
not limited to:
- Projects focused on digital technologies (e.g.
artificial intelligence, blockchain, virtual reality) without a clear
strategic reason and focus on protecting human rights online.
- Core support for advocacy capacity development that
does not facilitate or support locally-appropriate and locally-led
advocacy benefiting local members of civil society or marginalized,
vulnerable, and at-risk communities.
- Advocacy engagements that target U.S. Government
stakeholders or allies to promote research findings.
Funding Theme #4:
Applied Research:
Goal(s): Research
efforts to inform and benefit Internet freedom globally as outlined in the
Goal(s) of the above Funding Themes, or to otherwise better understand and
counter threats to Internet freedom.
Current Problems of
Interest
include, but are not limited to::
- The
repressive use of spyware, especially for surveillance, censorship, or
repression of civil society, human rights defenders, and/or independent
media;
- Internet
shutdowns, degradation of access, and splintering of the Internet;
- Laws,
regulations, policies, practices, and protocols that restrict Internet
freedom;
- Mitigating
the impacts of online abuse and harassment without curtailing freedom of
expression.
- Denial of
service (DoS) attacks targeting human rights defenders, independent media
, and/or civil society, impacting freedom of expression.
To be eligible, Applied
Research programs must:
- Have a clear and immediate Internet freedom Policy and
Advocacy, Digital Safety, or Technology application.
- Exhibit a clear understanding of the operational risks
for operating in local contexts.
- Show that they are complementary to, and not
duplicative of, existing research.
- Be transparent in their research methodologies to allow
verification, peer review, and further research by others.
To be eligible, Applied
Research programs must not:
- Conduct purely academic research with no immediate
application to protect Internet freedom for specific marginalized,
vulnerable, or at-risk populations;
- Conduct theoretical exploration of technology and/or
security issues that does not clearly address a specific articulated
threat to Internet Freedom;
- Conduct experiments on marginalized, vulnerable,
at-risk, or actively targeted populations.
Activities that are not
typically considered competitive include, but are not limited to:
- Research scopes that do not indicate a strong baseline
understanding of the issue areas.
- Data/information collection, monitoring, or mapping
activities that cannot clearly articulate how the research under their
project is complementary to, and/or different from, existing
data/information collection, mapping, and tracking projects, and are not
contributing, collaborating, and/or partnering with those existing
projects.
- The use of social-media monitoring tools or other
wide-scale collection of personal data without informed consent unless the
project can show a clear dedication and capacity to do so responsibly; a
robust technical and operational framework for ensuring the safety and
privacy of those being monitored; and a compelling case for why this
approach is more useful, and would yield more relevant information, than
more straightforward research methods that require informed consent.
- Research within technology, policy, or digital security
programs that does not clearly contribute to the project’s identified
objectives, outcomes, and/or goals.
- Projects that do not intend to make their research
methodology, data, and/or research results freely and publicly available
and accessible without having provided compelling potential security,
legal, privacy, ethical, or technical justifications.
- Research that does not show consideration to how its
release might positively and negatively interact with fragile or high-risk
local contexts or otherwise impact local human lives and interests;
- Data/information collection, monitoring, or mapping
activities that do not show a plan for ensuring longer-term sustainability
of the resources created under the project.
Key Program
Considerations:
The following list of program considerations is provided as a guide to help
applicants develop responsive, robust program proposals.
- Projects should have a model for long-term sustainability
beyond the life of the grant.
- Preferences will be given to projects that create
communities of practice and expertise, which do not just include, but
elevate, stakeholders from local communities
- DRL encourages applicants to foster collaborative partnerships,
especially with local organization(s) in target countries and/or regions,
where applicable. Where appropriate, applicants are invited to form
consortia for submitting a combined proposal, with one lead (“prime”)
applicant.
- DRL strongly encourages applicants to consider
contributing to, enhancing, collaborating or partnering with the
developers of, and/or updating existing similar research, educational
materials, or other resources before creating duplicative or similar products.
- When working with marginalized and vulnerable
populations, preference will be given to projects that substantively
partner with organizations or groups who are composed of, or led by,
members of the populations being supported and/or explicitly focus on issues
related to those groups.
- DRL strives to ensure its programs advance the rights
and uphold the dignity of the most at-risk
and vulnerable populations. Projects that directly engage
with or focus on such groups, or with activities in repressive
environments, must show an understanding of context-specific ethical and
safety considerations of their approach, a clear plan for responsibly and
safely conducting their work, and appropriate capacity and expertise to
carry out that plan and respond to emergent risks to the program,
implementers, and/or beneficiaries.
- Any development or use of Artificial Intelligence
and/or Machine Learning will be required to comply with Executive
Order (E.O) 1396’s 9 Principles for Use of AI in Government.
- All peer-reviewed scholarly publications authored or
coauthored by individuals or institutions resulting from research
conducted under proposed programs must be made freely and publicly
available and accessible by default without any embargo or delay after
publication, in accordance with administration
policy. Research projects will be required to provide significant
justification and approval for any restrictions or limitations on data
access, use, and disclosure.
To be eligible ALL
programs must:
- Clearly address one or more of the above Internet
Freedom Funding Themes.
To be eligible ALL
programs must not:
- Focus on digital technologies (e.g. algorithmic tools,
blockchain, virtual reality, Internet of Things, facial recognition)
without a clear strategic application for and focus on protecting human
rights online.
- Contain activities that focus on moderating and/or
countering online content unless they explicitly restrict their efforts to
only use methods which do not curtail freedom of expression (such as
online self-regulation by users, privacy protection measures, etc.).
- Contain offensive cybersecurity efforts, such as
hacking, or counter-attacking.
Programs and activities
that are not typically considered competitive within ANY program theme,
include, but are not limited to
- Activities that go beyond an organization’s
demonstrated competence, or for which the applicant does not show evidence
of their ability to safely and responsibly carry out those activities and
achieve the stated impact;
- Projects not sufficiently connected to real-world
impact of improving Internet Freedom environments in any country or
region.
- Geographically or community-focused programs that do
not articulate how their strategies clearly address or are tailored for
the unique needs, risk, challenges, use cases, and cultural contexts of
their target populations.
- Programs in repressive, fragile, or conflict-affected
environments and/or targeting at-risk, marginalized, or vulnerable
populations that do not show clear consideration for how the context may
impact the program’s efforts and how the program may positively and
negatively change the local context and otherwise impact local human lives
and interests.
- The use of social-media monitoring tools or other
wide-scale collection of personal data without informed consent. Projects
proposing this must be able to show a clear dedication and capacity to do
so responsibly; a robust technical and operational framework for ensuring
the safety and privacy of those being monitored; and a compelling case for
why this approach is more useful, and would yield more relevant
information, than more straightforward research methods that require
informed consent.
- Projects that focus on expansion of physical Internet
infrastructure, overcoming first-order barriers to Internet access (i.e.,
the physical availability and inherent quality of network connections
independent of deliberate government interference or targeted repression).
- The creation of new educational or informational
resources that cannot clearly articulate how they are complementary to,
and not duplicative of, other similar current and previous efforts.
Projects that cannot do this must provide significant justification for
why they could not build on, contribute back to, revive, update,
translate, or localize existing resources to serve their purposes.
- Projects that aim to establish, produce, or create
resources, technology, research efforts, service delivery mechanisms, or
networks that are
intended to continue to be utilized beyond the life of the project
without including tangible efforts within the project design to ensure
this is the case.
- Projects that do not intend to make resources,
technologies, and/or research findings they produce freely and publicly
available and accessible. These projects must provide compelling potential
security, legal, privacy, ethical, or technical justification for
restricting their availability.
- Projects that focus on a single country rather than a
regional or global approach.
- Stand-alone public awareness campaigns.
- Study tours, scholarships, or exchange projects.
All programs should aim to have impact that leads to reforms and should have
the potential for sustainability beyond DRL resources. DRL’s preference
is to avoid duplicating past efforts by supporting new and creative
approaches. This does not exclude from consideration projects that
improve upon or expand existing successful projects in a new and complementary
way.
DRL is committed to advancing equity and support for underserved and
underrepresented communities. Programs should seek strategies for integration
and inclusion of individuals/organizations/beneficiaries that can bring
perspectives based on their religion, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, sexual
orientation, gender identity, gender expression, sex characteristics, national
origin, age, genetic information, marital status, parental status, pregnancy,
political affiliation, or veteran’s status. Programs should be
demand-driven and locally led to the extent possible.
To maximize the impact and sustainability of the award(s) that result(s)
from this RSOI/NOFO, DRL reserves the right to execute a non-competitive
continuation amendment(s). Any non-competitive continuation is contingent on
performance and availability
of funds. A non-competitive continuation is not guaranteed; the
Department of State reserves the right to exercise or not exercise the option
to issue non-competitive continuation amendment(s).
II. Eligibility
Information
Organizations submitting SOIs must meet the
following criteria:
- Be a U.S.- or foreign-based non-profit/non-governmental
organization (NGO), or a public international organization; or
- Be a private, public, or state institution of higher
education; or
- Be a for-profit organization or business (noting 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”, and 48 CFR 31, “Contract Cost
Principles and Procedures”);
- 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 some occasions when a for-profit entity is best
suited. Applications submitted by for-profit entities may be subject to
additional review following the panel selection process. Additionally, the
Department of State prohibits profit to for-profit or commercial organizations
under its assistance awards. 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. Please
see 2 CFR 200.307 for regulations regarding program income.
DRL is committed to an anti-discrimination
policy in all of its programs and activities. DRL welcomes SOI
submissions irrespective of race, color, religion, sex, gender
identity, gender expression, sex characteristics, sexual
orientation, pregnancy, national origin, disability, age, genetic
information, marital status, parental status, political affiliation, veteran’s
status, or other status. DRL requires all programs to be non-discriminatory and
expects implementers to include strategies for nondiscrimination of
individuals/organizations/beneficiaries.
Any applicant listed on the Excluded Parties List System in the System
for Award Management (SAM.gov) (www.sam.gov)
and/or has a current debt to the U.S. government is not eligible to apply for
an assistance 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
CFR,1989 Comp., p. 235), “Debarment and Suspension.” Additionally, no entity or
person listed on the Excluded Parties List System in SAM.gov can participate in
any activities under an award. All applicants are strongly encouraged to review
the Excluded Parties List System in SAM.gov to ensure that no ineligible entity
or person is included in their application.
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 SAMS Domestic. However,
if a SOI is approved, these will need to be obtained before an organization is
able to submit a full application.
Therefore, we recommend starting the process of obtaining a UEI and SAM.gov
registration as soon as possible. Please note that there is no
cost associated with UEI or SAM.gov registration.
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 November 2022, available at https://www.state.gov/bureau-of-democracy-human-rights-and-labor/programs-and-grants/.
Complete SOI submissions must
include the following:
- Completed and signed SF-424 and SF424B, as directed on
SAMS Domestic or Grants.gov (please refer to DRL’s PSI for SOIs for
guidance on completing the SF-424); and,
- Program Statement (not to exceed three (3) pages in
Microsoft Word) that includes:
- A table listing:
- Name of the
organization;
- The target
country/countries;
- The total amount of
funding requested from DRL, total amount of cost-share (if any), and
total program amount (DRL funds + cost-share); and,
- Program length;
- 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;
- A concise breakdown
explicitly identifying the program’s objectives and the activities and
expected results that contribute to each objective; and,
- 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.
Primary organizations
can submit 2 SOIs in response to the RSOI. If an applicant
chooses to submit multiple applications to this RSOI, it is the responsibility
of the applicant to demonstrate the competitiveness and uniqueness of each SOI. SOIs that request less than $500,000
or more than $3,000,000 may be deemed technically ineligible.
Technically eligible SOIs are those which:
- Arrive electronically via SAMS Domestic or Grants.gov
by 11:59 PM EST on
January 5, 2024 under the announcement titled “DRL Internet Freedom Annual
Program Statement,” funding opportunity number SFOP0010084;
- Are in English; and,
- 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:
- All pages are numbered;
- All documents are formatted to 8 ½ x 11 paper; and,
- 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 SAMS Domestic automatically log the date and time an
application submission is made, and the Department of State will use this
information to determine whether an application has been submitted on time.
Late applications are neither reviewed nor considered. Known system errors
caused by Grants.gov or SAMS Domestic (https://mygrants.service-now.com)
that are outside of the applicant’s control will be reviewed on a case-by-case
basis. Applicants should not expect a notification upon DRL receiving their
application. DRL will not
accept SOIs submitted via email, fax, the postal system,
delivery companies, or couriers. DRL strongly encourages all applicants
to submit SOIs before January 5th, to ensure that the SOI has been
received and is complete.
IV. Review and
Selection Process
DRL strives to ensure that each
application receives a balanced evaluation by a DRL review panel. 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 four criteria by a DRL review panel: quality of
program idea, addressing barriers to equal participation, program planning, and
ability to achieve objectives/institutional capacity.
Additionally, the review panel will evaluate how the SOI meets the
solicitation request, U.S. foreign policy goals, and DRL’s overall priority
needs. 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. 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 review 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
SOIs should be responsive to the
program framework and policy objectives identified in the RSOI, appropriate in
the country/regional context, and should exhibit originality, substance,
precision, and relevance to DRL’s mission of promoting human rights and
democracy. Projects should have the potential to have an immediate impact
leading to long-term, sustainable reforms. DRL prefers new approaches that do
not duplicate efforts by other entities. This does not exclude from
consideration projects that improve upon or expand existing successful projects
in a new and complementary way. In countries where similar activities are
already taking place, an explanation should be provided as to how new
activities will not duplicate or merely add to existing activities and how
these efforts will be coordinated. SOIs that promote creative approaches to
recognized ongoing challenges are highly encouraged. DRL prioritizes project
proposals with inclusive approaches for advancing these rights.
Addressing Barriers to Equal Participation
DRL strives to ensure its projects advance the rights and uphold the dignity
of all persons. As the U.S. government’s lead bureau dedicated to promoting
democratic governance, DRL requests a programming approach dedicated to
strengthening inclusive societies as a necessary pillar of strong
democracies. Discrimination, violence,
inequity, and inequality targeting any members of society undermines collective
security and threatens democracy. DRL prioritizes inclusive and integrated
program models that assess and address the barriers to access for individuals
and groups based on their race, ethnicity, religion, income, geography, gender
identity, sexual orientation, or disability. Applicants should describe how
programming will impact all of its beneficiaries, including support for underserved and underrepresented
communities.
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 November 2022, available at
https://www.state.gov/proposal-submission-instructions/.
V. Additional
Information
DRL will not consider applications that reflect any type of support for any
member, affiliate, or representative of a designated terrorist organization.
Please refer the link for Foreign Terrorist Organizations: https://www.state.gov/foreign-terrorist-organizations/.
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.
In accordance with Department of State policy for terrorism, applicants are
advised that successful passing of vetting to evaluate the risk that funds may
benefit terrorists or their supporters is a condition of award. If chosen for
an award, applicants will be asked to submit information required by DS Form
4184, Risk Analysis Information (attached to this solicitation) about their
company and its principal personnel. Vetting information is also required for
all sub-award performance on assistance awards identified by the Department of
State as presenting a risk of terrorist financing. Vetting information may also
be requested for project beneficiaries and participants. Failure to submit
information when requested, or failure to pass vetting, may be grounds for
rejecting your proposal prior to award.
The Leahy Law prohibits Department foreign assistance funds from supporting
foreign security force units if the Secretary of State has credible information
that the unit has committed a gross violation of human rights. Per 22
USC §2378d(a) (2017), “No assistance shall be furnished under this chapter
or the Arms Export Control Act to any unit of the security forces of a foreign
country if the Secretary of State has credible information that such unit has
committed a gross violation of human rights.” 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 through this funding opportunity 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, project beneficiaries or participants from a foreign government’s
security forces may need to be vetted by the Department before the provision of
any assistance. If a proposed grant or cooperative agreement will provide
assistance to foreign security forces or personnel, compliance with the Leahy
Law is required.
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,
DRL requires all recipients of foreign assistance funding to comply with all
applicable Department and Federal laws and regulations, including but not
limited to the following: 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.
Sub-Chapters A through E shall apply to all foreign organizations, and
Sub-Chapters A through D shall apply to all U.S. and foreign 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 at https://www.state.gov/about-us-office-of-the-procurement-executive/.
The information in this solicitation and DRL’s PSI for SOIs, as updated in
November 2021, 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,
SAMS
Domestic (https://mygrants.servicenowservices.com),
and DRL’s website https://www.state.gov/statements-of-interest-requests-for-proposals-and-notices-of-funding-opportunity/.
Background Information on DRL and DRL Funding
DRL has the mission of 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 https://www.state.gov/bureaus-offices/under-secretary-for-civilian-security-democracy-and-human-rights/bureau-of-democracy-human-rights-and-labor/.
VI. Contact
Information
SAMS Domestic Help
Desk:
For assistance with SAMS Domestic accounts and technical issues related to the
system, please contact the ILMS help desk by phone at +1 (888) 313-4567 (toll
charges apply for international callers) or through the Self Service online
portal that can be accessed from https://mygrants.servicenowservices.com/.
Customer support is available 24/7.
Please note that establishing an account in SAMS Domestic may require the
use of smartphone for multi-factor authentication (MFA). If an applicant does
not have accessibility to a smartphone during the time of creating an account,
please contact the helpdesk and request instructions on MFA for Windows PC.
Grants.gov Helpdesk:
For assistance with Grants.gov accounts and technical issues related to
using the system, please call the Contact Center at +1 (800) 518-4726 or email support@grants.gov. The Contact Center is
available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, except federal holidays.
See https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/federal-holidays/
for a list of federal holidays.
For technical questions related to this solicitation, please contact InternetFreedom@state.gov.
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