Deadline: 09-Jul-2020
The U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor (DRL) announces an open competition for organizations interested in submitting applications for a project in Sudan that supports accountability and protecting civic space during Sudan’s 39-month transition period culminating with the holding of free and fair elections.
DRL’s goal is a successful democratic transition in Sudan, with a focus on citizen responsiveness of the Civilian Led Transitional Government (CLTG). The objective of the program is to increase and protect civic space and empower community resiliency during the transitional period and in the lead up to elections.
As stipulated in the Draft Constitutional Declaration, Sudan’s 39-month transitional period will be concluded through the holding of national elections. Reaching this stage, however, will require significant steps that are already behind schedule. Currently, the legal and operational framework for elections does not exist. Additionally, the formation of the Transitional Legislative Council is delayed, the National Elections Commission has yet to be formed, and its mandate has yet to be codified. Other key commissions required in the Constitutional Declaration are not formed, and civilian governors have not yet been appointed.
As timelines slip, especially with the outbreak of COVID-19, there will be increased political pressure to expedite key decisions in Sudan’s transition. This exigency may result in legal provisions and electoral operations being developed/conducted without adequate participation and input from all segments of Sudan’s diverse society.
To respond to these challenges, DRL is requesting proposals for programs that work to protect and expand civic space during Sudan’s transitional period and in the lead up to the country’s first post-revolution elections. Applicants should place emphasis on activities that ensure political and electoral processes are inclusive of historically marginalized populations in Sudan, and important decisions are not dominated by traditionally dominate factions in the riverine area.
Priorities
Overall program priorities could include:
- Strengthen citizen capacity to monitor and provide oversight around electoral and political processes, thereby enhancing accountability and transparency of the Civilian Led Transitional Government. Activities can include support to civil society to monitor and report on key political processes and institutions during the transition period. Possible activities include citizen report cards on members of the Transitional Legislative Council; tracking and reporting on key legislation; ensuring a transparent and inclusive voter registration process; support for electoral violence forecasting, monitoring, and mitigation activities; monitoring of campaign finance; and ensuring the rights of the media, candidates and voters are all respected by authorities.
- Strengthen civil society capacity to conduct advocacy around the electoral framework and the implementation of legal reforms that respond to citizen needs. Activities can include technical support to civil society organizations advocating for fair electoral and political processes and the facilitation of multi-stakeholder groups that bring citizens and government institutions together. Issues for advocacy can include, but are not limited to, the composition, independence and activities of commissions mandated in the Draft Constitutional Declaration; ensuring legislation considered by ministries and the Transitional Legislative Council complies with human rights standards and the Draft Constitutional Declaration; and ensuring the legal framework for elections does not marginalize any segments of society (through, for example, the fair delimitation of electoral boundaries; design of an electoral system; development of laws pertaining to electoral finance, candidate and party registration; and an accessible system to receive and adjudicate electoral disputes). Support can also include technical assistance in the drafting of legislation and legal provisions, including through facilitating legal exchanges and internship programs.
- Support democratic government entities to interact with citizens and respond to their needs. Possible activities can include building sustainable methods for government entities to interact with citizens, such as constituency outreach and public hearings, voter education and mobilization campaigns, or innovative use of technology and media to create feedback channels. All activities should include a priority focus on communities outside of the capital area and historically marginalized populations.
Award Information
Only proposals for $2 million will be considered competitive.
Where appropriate, competitive proposals may include:
Opportunities for beneficiaries to apply their new knowledge and skills in practical efforts:
- Solicitation of feedback and suggestions from beneficiaries when developing activities in order to strengthen the sustainability of programs and participant ownership of project outcomes;
- Input from participants on sustainability plans and systematic review of the plans throughout the life of the project, with adjustments made as necessary;
- Inclusion of vulnerable populations;
- Joint identification and definition of key concepts with relevant stakeholders and stakeholder input into project activities;
- Systematic follow up with beneficiaries at specific intervals after the completion of activities to track how beneficiaries are retaining new knowledge as well as applying their new skills.
Eligible Applicants
- DRL welcomes applications from U.S.-based and foreign-based non-profit organizations/nongovernment organizations (NGO) and public international organizations; private, public, or state institutions of higher education; and for-profit organizations or businesses. 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.
For more information, visit https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=327407