U.S. Department of State, Bureau of INL: Strengthening Rule of Law through Capacity Building for the Defense Bar

Deadline: 29 March 2019

The United States Department of State, Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) is seeking applications from qualified U.S. and non-U.S. based non-governmental (NGOs)/non-profit organizations or Educational Institutions for a Grant/Cooperative Agreement to implement a program entitled “Indonesia Defense Bar Initiative”.

The project aims to strengthen and promote the rule of law and facilitate a stable criminal justice system in Indonesia by bolstering the capacity of existing bar and legal aid associations to provide advocacy, training, and on-going professional development for defense attorneys. The project will also develop new in-roads with educational institutions to enhance their criminal justice programs and raise awareness of the benefits of a plea-bargaining system. Protection of fundamental freedoms requires effective access to legal services by an independent and fully functioning legal profession that provides due process without fear of harassment or intimidation.

Project Objectives

INL seeks to fund a project that fulfills the following objectives:

Build the capacity of Indonesian bar associations to provide continuing professional development and learning education opportunities.
Build the capacity of Indonesian bar associations to advocate for defense attorneys subject to harassment; support the independence of the judiciary and the right of defense lawyers to practice their profession without interference.
Enhance educational standards at universities that offer law degrees.

Target Population

Applicants should identify target audiences, specific demographics, and the region(s) in which the project will be implemented. It is particularly important to specify the approximate number of beneficiaries to be directly and indirectly impacted by project activities.

Award Information

The anticipated total federal funding amount is not to exceed $1,000,000.
The period of performance is 2 year(s) with an anticipated start date of May 2019.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility for this NOFO is limited to:
- Applicants that qualify to receive U.S. grants (such as U.S. not-for-profit/nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) or U.S.-based educational institutions subject to section 501(c)(3) of the U.S. tax code; foreign not-for-profits/non-governmental organizations (NGOs) or foreign based educational institutions, with the ability to develop and successfully implement a project in Country X and meet INL’s reporting requirements. Organizations must also be able to demonstrate current (or pending) country registration in Indonesia, if required by the country of project implementation.
- Applicants must have demonstrated experience implementing similar capacity building programs, preferably in Southeast Asia. INL reserves the right to request additional background information on organizations that do not have previous experience administering similar programs and/or federal grant awards.
- Applicants must have the ability to produce course materials, deliver training, and conduct evaluations in English. Interpretation services for training must be considered. The applicant’s staff should be proficient in English in order to fulfill reporting requirements.
- Applicants must have existing, or the capacity to develop, active partnerships with stakeholders in order to successfully carry out the proposed program.
- Organizations may form a consortium and submit a combined proposal. However, one organization should be designated as the lead applicant.
- Applicants must be able to respond to the NOFO and be able to mobilize in a short period of time.
Note: Public International Organizations (PIOs) and For-Profit Organizations are excluded from applying to this grant announcement.
To be eligible for a grant award, in addition to other conditions of this NOFO, organizations must have a commitment to non‐discrimination with respect to beneficiaries and adherence to equal opportunity employment practices. INL is committed to an anti-discrimination policy in all of its programs and activities. INL welcomes applications irrespective of an applicant’s race, ethnicity, color, creed, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or other status.
Applicants are reminded that U.S. Executive Orders and U.S. law prohibits transactions with, and the provision of resources and support to, individuals and organizations associated with terrorism. It is the legal responsibility of the recipient to ensure compliance with these Executive Orders and laws. This provision must be included in any sub‐awards issued under this grant award.
INL encourages applications from potential new partners.