Deadline: 18-Jan-23
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 promote representative governance based on democratic principles, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms including religious freedom, and peaceful coexistence.
The Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor (DRL) will also provide for the protection of and advocacy for the rights of youth, women, and religious and ethnic minorities, and others in vulnerable circumstances, as well as mitigate the impact of conflict on Iraqi communities.
Budget Information
Budget requests may range from a floor of $750,000 to a ceiling of $3,000,000. The period of performance may range between 18 and 48 months.
DRL invites organizations to submit statements of interest for programs in the following areas:
- Effective Governance, Political participation, And Civic-activism;
- Fundamental Freedom;
- Atrocity Prevention, Accountability, and Reconciliation ;
- Community of Practice Development and Coordination.
Activities that are not typically considered competitive include, but are not limited, to:
- The provision of humanitarian assistance;
- English language instruction;
- Development of high-tech computer or communications software and/or hardware;
- Purely academic exchanges or fellowships;
- External exchanges or fellowships lasting longer than six months;
- Off-shore activities that are not clearly linked to in-country initiatives and impact or are not necessary due to security concerns;
- Theoretical explorations of human rights or democracy issues, including projects aimed primarily at research and evaluation that do not incorporate training or capacity-building for local civil society;
- Micro-loans or similar small business development initiatives;
- Initiatives directed towards a diaspora community rather than current residents of targeted countries.
A proven ability to implement programs in Iraq must be demonstrated. All proposed program objectives must impact Iraqis inside the country. Working with local partners should be a central aspect of any proposed program. Proposed programs should also thoughtfully and specifically address the participation and integration of women, persons with disabilities, ethnic and religious minority communities, and other marginalized populations in all program elements, where relevant and possible. SOIs that utilize technology in safe and creative ways where possible to shape innovative program strategies will be viewed favorably.
ISIS-Related Restrictions
ISIS is a designated Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) and as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT). Additionally, other FTOs and/or SDGTs may have a presence in Iraq. U.S. law generally prohibits U.S. persons from engaging in transactions with or for the benefit of SDGTs, and the knowing provision of “material support or resources” to FTOs. DRL, in consultation with its implementing partner, will review proposed activities for purposes of ensuring compliance with U.S. law. DRL may require changes to implementer proposed activities and/or implementation of additional controls and risk mitigation measures.
Applicants invited to submit full proposals upon completion of the SOI process will also be requested to submit:
- A security plan in order to demonstrate situational awareness and preparedness;
- Contingency plans for proposed activities.;
- Lessons learned from past programs in Iraq that demonstrate how the implementer has safely operated and responded to challenges, learning from both successes and failures, in the operating environment;
- A section in the proposal and budget to reflect appropriate resources and support for the psychosocial health of staff (i.e., activities can range from access to educational materials and training opportunities to counseling services to other contextually-relevant support);
- A gender analysis that clearly articulates how the program’s design will address the different considerations for men, women, boys, girls, and the marginalized groups within these populations throughout implementation.
Eligibility Criteria
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.
For more information, visit Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor (DRL) FY22 Iraq Programs.
