Tag: Department of State

Promoting Reconciliation and Advancing Accountability in Sri Lanka

The Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor (DRL) announces a Request for Proposals (RFP) from organizations interested in submitting proposals for projects that will support the bureau’s policy priorities of promoting reconciliation and advancing transparency and accountability in Sri Lanka. DRL invites organizations to submit proposals for programs to conduct the following:

1. Advancing reconciliation and cooperation across religious and ethnic lines (approximately $750,000, pending availability of funding): DRL’s goal is to facilitate cooperation across religious and ethnic lines to advance reconciliation so that all citizens of Sri Lanka can live with each other in peace. The bureau seeks proposals that will create opportunities for religious and ethnic groups to come together to promote reconciliation through cross-community communication and initiatives. Program approaches should not be limited to dialogues; activities should include concrete actions to foster intercommunity trust and collaboration. The use of traditional and alternative media to encourage collaboration among diverse communities could also be considered. Strong consideration will also be given to proposals that work to facilitate interaction among communities in the north/east and south.

2. Advancing transparency and accountability and countering corruption (approximately $1,000,000, pending availability of funding): DRL’s goal is to counter corruption and advance transparency and accountability. The bureau’s objective is to strengthen the technical capacity of the Commission to Investigate Allegation of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) so that it can more effectively serve the citizens of Sri Lanka. The program approach should include working with CIABOC to enhance the documentation, processing, monitoring, and resolution of corruption and bribery cases, train staff on effective case management, and assist the Commission to educate government entities, civil society organizations, and the broader public about its work. Activities could include technical capacity building, awareness raising initiatives, as well as procurement of necessary software and equipment.

Amount: Upper  $1,000,000USD Lower $500,000USD
For each program area, proposals that have at least an 18-month timeframe will be viewed more competitively.

Closing date: July 15, 2015

Sponsor:
United States Department of State (DOS)
Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DRL)
Sponsor ID: DRLA-DRLAQM-15-079

Eligibility:
Organizations submitting proposals must meet the following criteria:
– Be a U.S.-based or foreign-based non-profit organization/non-government organization (NGO), or a public international organization; or
– Be a for-profit organization or business, although there are restrictions on payment of fees and/or profits to the prime recipient under grants and cooperative agreements,
including those outlined in 48 CFR Part 30 (“Cost Accounting Standards”), 48 CFR Part 31 (“Cost Principles”), and 22 CFR 145.24(b)(3)(“Program Income”);
3. Have existing, or the capacity to develop, active partnerships with thematic partners or in-country partners, entities, and relevant stakeholders including industry and NGOs; and
4. Have demonstrable experience administering successful and preferably similar projects. DRL reserves the right to request additional background information on organizations that do not have previous experience administering federal grant awards. These applicants may be subject to limited funding on a pilot basis.

Organizations may form consortia and submit a combined proposal. However, one organization should be designated as the lead applicant.

Applications that request less than the award floor ($500,000) or more than the award ceiling ($ 1,000,000) will be deemed technically ineligible.