USAID Media Program: Sustaining Independent Media and Freedom of Expression in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Deadline: 9 January 2017

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is seeking applications from qualified Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) entities to fund a program entitled “USAID Media Program in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH)” with an aim to sustain independent media and freedom of expression in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) by:

providing direct support for media that produce high
quality and independent journalism and media content, and (2) supporting legal representation for media organizations and journalists targeted by politically-motivated defamation lawsuits.

Funding Information

USAID expects to fund the program in the amount of $5 Million for over a period of five years.
This amount is subject to availability of funds. USAID reserves the right to determine the resulting level of funding for the award.
The period of performance anticipated herein is five years.
The estimated start date will be upon the signature of the award on or about, but no later than June 30, 2017.

Problems in BiH Media Sector

Political Instrumentalization of Media
Opaque Media Market
Poor Professional Development
Lack of Media Literacy

Expected Outcomes

Independent media outlets are sustained;
The number of investigative or high quality journalism produced in BiH is increased;
Independent journalism products reach an increased number of citizens;
Citizens are better informed about public policy issues and to hold their elected leaders accountable through objective reporting;
Multiple, objective information sources are available;
BiH journalists have increased access to competent legal advice and representation; and
Journalists’ rights are protected.

Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility requirement is restricted to local Bosnia and Herzegovina entities.
The eligibility requirements below apply to both the principal Applicant and to any organization with which the principal Applicant may choose to use as a sub-awardee.
Only local organizations as defined below are eligible for award. USAID defines a local organization as one that:
- Is organized under the laws of the recipient country;
- Has its principal place of business in Bosnia and Herzegovina;
- Is majority-owned by individuals who are citizens or lawful permanent residents of the recipient country or is managed by the governing body, the majority of whose members are citizens or lawful permanent residents of Bosnia and Herzegovina; and
- Is not controlled by a foreign entity or by an individual or individuals who are not citizens or permanent residents of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Applicants must have established financial management, monitoring and evaluation processes, internal control systems, and policies and procedures that comply with established U.S. Government standards, laws, and regulations.
The successful applicant(s) will be subject to a responsibility determination assessment (Pre-award Survey) by the Agreement Officer (AO).
The Recipient must be a responsible entity. The AO may determine a pre-award survey is required to conduct an examination that will determine whether the prospective recipient has the necessary organization, experience, accounting and operational controls, and technical skills – or ability to obtain them – in order to achieve the objectives of the program and comply with the terms and conditions of the award.