DRL Request for Statements of Interest: DRL FY22 Syria Programs

Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor Request for Statements of Interest:

FY22 DRL Syria Programs

I. Requested Objectives for Statements of Interest

The Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor (DRL) announces a Request for Statements of Interest (RSOI) outlining project concepts and demonstrating the capacity to manage programs for Syria that will: promote justice and accountability efforts, potentially including community reintegration and reconciliation; protect civic space; and support survivors of torture, sexual and gender-based violence, and victims of other atrocities.

PLEASE NOTE: DRL strongly encourages applicants to immediately access SAMS Domestic or www.grants.gov in order to obtain a username and password. For instructions on how to register with SAMS Domestic for the first time, please refer to the Proposal Submission Instructions for Statements of Interest at: https://www.state.gov/bureau-of-democracy-human-rights-and-labor/programs-and-grants/.

The submission of a SOI is the first step in a two-part process. Applicants must first submit a SOI, which is a concise, three-page concept note designed to clearly communicate a program idea and its objectives before the development of a full proposal application. The purpose of the SOI process is to allow applicants the opportunity to submit program ideas for DRL to evaluate prior to requiring the development of full proposal applications. Upon review of eligible SOIs, DRL will invite selected applicants to expand upon their program idea(s) through the submission of a full proposal application.

REQUESTED STATEMENT OF INTEREST PROGRAM OBJECTIVES

U.S. democracy and human rights assistance in Syria is designed to promote accountability and justice efforts, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms including religious freedom, and peaceful coexistence. It also provides for the protection of, and advocacy for, the rights of youth, women, and members of ethnic and religious minorities, and others in vulnerable circumstances, as well as mitigates the impact of conflict.

Proposed programming must: be responsive to the immediate needs of Syrians; be flexible in its ability to respond to a shifting context; and be in line with the U.S. government’s democracy, accountability, and human rights goals for Syria. Programming may also contribute to and support international justice efforts, including third country investigations and prosecutions and efforts to clarify the fate and whereabouts of Syria’s missing persons, where possible.

Primary applicant organizations may submit up to two (2) SOIs in response to this RSOI. There are four categories under which organizations may apply, detailed in full below. These categories are: 1) Accountability, Reintegration, and Reconciliation; 2) Protection of Civic Space; 3) Support to Survivors of Torture, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence, and Other Atrocities; and 4) Building Syrian Organizational Compliance Capacity. If your proposal addresses multiple categories, please designate a primary category that best reflects the project’s stated objectives.

Competitive SOIs will include clear, detailed program strategies that illustrate the logic behind each program’s design, program-specific objectives, and the link between the program-specific objectives and one of DRL’s four categories outlined below. Applicants are encouraged to design programs to address a clearly articulated category. SOIs may contribute to more than one category, but it is strongly recommended that applicants keep SOIs as targeted as possible and clearly state the primary DRL category that the program addresses within the body of the SOI. Addressing more than one category will NOT make a SOI more competitive. Each SOI must also include the organization name, proposal title, budget amount, program length, geographic focus, and point of contact. Organizations may submit up to two SOIs total in response to this RSOI.

Budget requests may range from a floor of $750,000 to a ceiling of $2,000,000. The period of performance may range between 18 and 30 months. For all proposals submitted, if the primary applicant is a non-Syrian organization, the program’s design should include at least one Syrian organizational subgrantee. At least 60% of the proposed budget must directly support Syrian organizations, associations, or survivors/witnesses, including through subgranting. Programs with Syrian subgrantees must include measurable activities that build their financial and compliance capacities to administer USG grants directly.

With the above in mind, DRL invites organizations to submit statements of interest for programs in the following four areas:

ACCOUNTABILITY, REINTEGRATION, AND RECONCILIATION

Programming should promote long-term peace and coexistence through holistic, locally-led, and victim-centered approaches to accountability, reintegration, and reconciliation efforts in Syria, including support to members of ethnic and religious minority communities. Applicants may consider program topics below or propose other themes or topics that best respond to the Syrian context. These include:

Documenting, preserving, and/or analyzing human rights violations and abuses, including but not limited to extrajudicial killing, arbitrary detention, enforced disappearance, torture, sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), attacks impacting civilians and civilian facilities, use of chemical weapons, and forced displacement;
Securing and analyzing mass and clandestine graves;
Addressing issues related to housing, land, and property; arbitrary detention; enforced disappearance; and other abuses;
Supporting Syrian family and victims’ groups efforts to determine the fate and whereabouts of Syria’s missing, and effectively advocate for the victims’ and families’ rights and interests with local and international mechanisms and bodies;
Empowering individual victims and networks of independent victims’ groups to effectively advocate for their vision of transitional justice, prevent impunity, and promote redress for victims;
Strengthening the capacities of local community organizations and local governance bodies, including those from religious and/or ethnic minority (REM) communities, to provide rehabilitation services for survivors of torture, SGBV, and other atrocities;
Reconciliation and reintegration of internally displaced persons (IDPs), survivors, their families, and of women and children impacted by the conflict, as well as previously-detained adults, minors in juvenile detention centers, demobilized child soldiers, and/or those who are negatively affected by perceived affiliation to ISIS in communities of return; and
Promoting principles of gender equity and equality per the U.S. Women, Peace and Security Act.

PROTECTING CIVIC SPACE

Programming should protect and expand civic space; encourage meaningful citizen participation in public policy and governance; and facilitate the free engagement of Syrians in public life, particularly including women, youth, and populations in vulnerable circumstances. Applicants may consider program topics below or propose other themes and topics that best respond to the Syrian context. These include:

Countering dis- and mis-information, especially as it relates to human rights issues, women’s civic participation, and other areas of related concern;
Supporting civil society organizations working to promote the rights of populations in vulnerable circumstances, including women and REM individuals, and protecting fundamental freedoms;
Expanding women’s participation in local communities, organizations, and governance bodies, and ensuring their participation is respected and protected;
Monitoring, tracking, and documenting the targeting of civil society groups and activists, including women and members of ethnic and religious minorities;
Providing appropriate psychosocial and personal safety support and/or resources to human rights defenders and journalists;
Supporting community-led efforts to address issues of popular concern;
Supporting online safety efforts including documenting/mapping/assessing the censorship, manipulation, surveillance, and communication through cyberspace of Syrian human rights defenders and key community members, including women and REM individuals; and
Promoting principles of gender equity and equality per the U.S. Women, Peace and Security Act.

SUPPORT FOR SURVIVORS OF TORTURE, SEXUAL AND GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE, AND OTHER ATROCITIES

Programming should provide support, through direct services and training to build long-term, sustainable local capacity, among other means, to survivors of torture, sexual and gender-based violence, and other atrocities (i.e., witnesses of such crimes especially those involved in transitional justice processes and accountability mechanisms). Applicants may consider program topics below or propose other themes and topics that best respond to the Syrian context. These include:

Supporting witnesses, especially those involved in transitional justice processes and accountability mechanisms, victims, and survivors of torture and violence through online and offline trainings designed to build long-term, sustainable local capacity and through specialized services;
Protecting atrocity crime witnesses and survivors to ensure they have the means and tools to engage in accountability processes and transitional justice mechanisms;
Supporting family associations and victims’ groups as they continue to pursue their efforts to determine the fate and whereabouts of those missing in the Syria context;
Direct assistance to released detainees/activists/witnesses to help them with reintegration, which may include medical, psychosocial, legal, relocation, and emergency shelter assistance; and
Supporting released detainees and survivors of torture and other atrocities to reintegrate into their own or host communities.

BUILDING SYRIAN ORGANIZATIONAL COMPLIANCE CAPACITY

DRL seeks proposals that will facilitate a training and mentorship program to support Syrian organizations build their capacities to directly administer U.S. government-funded awards. If awarded, this project will be issued as a cooperative agreement, with both DRL and the applicant involved in the final selection of Syrian organizations to receive this capacity-building support. Applicants must include the following component in their program:

Enhancing Syrian organizations’ ability to directly administer U.S. government awards, including trainings and ongoing mentorship on project development and financial management compliance with relevant U.S. government regulations, reporting, and use of appropriate systems.

Proposals submitted under this category must stand alone (i.e., may not be one component of a larger program proposal) and indicate the proposed Syrian partners. (Note: while all proposals with Syrian subgrantees must include measurable activities to build their compliance capacities as noted above, the ultimate objective of this category of funding is solely meant to build the capacities of Syrian organizations to administer U.S. Government awards.)

OTHER PROGRAM INFORMATION:

All programs should have the potential for sustainability beyond DRL resources. DRL’s preference is to avoid duplicating past efforts by supporting new and creative approaches. This does not exclude from consideration projects that improve upon or expand existing successful projects in a new and complementary way. Programs should seek to include groups that can bring perspectives based on their religion, gender, disability, race, ethnicity, and/or sexual orientation and gender identity. Programs should be demand-driven and locally led to the extent possible. DRL requires all programs to be non-discriminatory and expects implementers to include strategies for integration of individuals/organizations regardless of religion, gender, disability, race, ethnicity, and/or sexual orientation and gender identity.

To maximize the impact and sustainability of the award(s) that result(s) from this RSOI/NOFO, DRL reserves the right to execute a non-competitive continuation amendment(s). Any non-competitive continuation is contingent on performance and availability of funds. A non-competitive continuation is not guaranteed; the Department of State reserves the right to exercise or not exercise the option to issue non-competitive continuation amendment(s).

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; and
Micro-loans or similar small business development initiatives.

Budget requests may range from a floor of $750,000 to a ceiling of $2,000,000. The period of performance may range between 18 and 30 months. Upon review of the SOI, DRL may request that the period of performance be extended to ensure safe and effective implementation of proposed program activities. Applicants must develop unique objectives that speak to the categories outlined in this request.

A proven ability to implement programs in Syria or with Syrian communities must be demonstrated. Preference will be given to programs working with or directly affecting Syrians inside the country. Accountability efforts in third country jurisdictions may be considered to directly impact Syrians 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, youth, persons with disabilities, members of 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.

DRL is conscious of the ever-changing security situation in Syria. SOIs must realistically address the challenges and limitations the applicant would likely face implementing this program, both within the current context in Syria and in anticipation of a further evolving landscape.

ISIS and HTS-Related Restrictions: Designated Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs) such as ISIS and Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), among other FTOs and/or Specially Designated Global Terrorists (SDGTs) are present in Syria, which may require heightened implementation restrictions. 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(s), 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.

For awareness, applicants who are ultimately invited to submit full proposals upon completion of the SOI process will also be requested to submit the following in addition to DRL’s standard required documents:

A security plan in order to demonstrate situational awareness and preparedness.
Lessons learned from past programs in Syria 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).^[1]

II. Eligibility Information

Organizations submitting SOIs must meet the following criteria:

Be a 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.

Applicants may form consortia and submit a combined SOI. However, one organization should be designated as the lead applicant with the other members as sub-award partners.

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. Please see 2 CFR 200.307 for regulations regarding program income.

DRL is committed to an anti-discrimination policy in all of its programs and activities. DRL welcomes SOI submissions irrespective of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sex characteristics, sexual orientation, pregnancy, national origin, disability, age, genetic information, marital status, parental status, political affiliation, veteran’s status, or other status. DRL requires all programs to be non-discriminatory and expects implementers to include strategies for nondiscrimination of individuals/organizations/beneficiaries.

Any applicant listed on the Excluded Parties List System in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov) (www.sam.gov) and/or has a current debt to the U.S. government is not eligible to apply for an assistance award in accordance with the OMB guidelines at 2 CFR 180 that implement Executive Orders 12549 (3 CFR,1986 Comp., p. 189) and 12689 (3 CFR,1989 Comp., p. 235), “Debarment and Suspension.” Additionally, no entity or person listed on the Excluded Parties List System in SAM.gov can participate in any activities under an award. All applicants are strongly encouraged to review the Excluded Parties List System in SAM.gov to ensure that no ineligible entity or person is included in their application.

Organizations are not required to have a valid Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) number—formerly referred to as a DUNS (Data Universal Numbering System) number—and an active SAM.gov registration to apply for this solicitation through SAMS Domestic. However, if a SOI is approved, these will need to be obtained before an organization is able to submit a full application. Therefore, we recommend starting the process of obtaining a UEI and SAM.gov registration as soon as possible. Please note that there is no cost associated with UEI or SAM.gov registration.

III. Application Requirements, Deadlines, and Technical Eligibility

All SOIs must conform to DRL’s posted Proposal Submission Instructions (PSI) for Statements of Interest, as updated in November 2022, available at https://www.state.gov/bureau-of-democracy-human-rights-and-labor/programs-and-grants/.

Complete SOI submissions must include the following:

Completed and signed SF-424 and SF424B, as directed on SAMS Domestic or Grants.gov (please refer to DRL’s PSI for SOIs for guidance on completing the SF-424); and,
Program Statement (not to exceed three (3) pages in Microsoft Word) that includes:
1. A table listing:
  1. Name of the organization;
  2. The target country/countries;
  3. The total amount of funding requested from DRL, total amount of cost-share (if any), and total program amount (DRL funds + cost-share); and,
  4. Program length;
2. A synopsis of the program, including a brief statement on how the program will have a demonstrated impact and engage relevant stakeholders. The SOI should identify local partners as appropriate;
3. A concise breakdown explicitly identifying the program’s objectives and the activities and expected results that contribute to each objective; and,
4. A brief description of the applicant(s) that demonstrates the applicant(s) expertise and capacity to implement the program and manage a U.S. government award.

Primary organizations can submit up to two (2) SOI(s) in response to the RSOI. If an applicant chooses to submit multiple applications to this RSOI, it is the responsibility of the applicant to demonstrate the competitiveness and uniqueness of each SOI.

Technically eligible SOIs are those which:

Arrive electronically via SAMS Domestic or Grants.gov by 11:59 PM EST on February 2, 2022, under the announcement titled “FY22 DRL Syria Programs – Statements of Interest,” funding opportunity number SFOP0009291;
Are in English; and,
Heed all instructions and do not violate any of the guidelines stated in this solicitation and the PSI for Statements of Interest.

For all SOI documents please ensure:

All pages are numbered;
All documents are formatted to 8 ½ x 11 paper; and,
All documents are single-spaced, 12-point Times New Roman font, with 1-inch margins. Captions and footnotes may be 10-point Times New Roman font. Font sizes in charts and tables can be reformatted to fit within one page width.

Grants.gov and SAMS Domestic automatically log the date and time an application submission is made, and the Department of State will use this information to determine whether an application has been submitted on time. Late applications are neither reviewed nor considered. Known system errors caused by Grants.gov or SAMS Domestic (https://mygrants.service-now.com) that are outside of the applicant’s control will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Applicants should not expect a notification upon DRL receiving their application. DRL will not accept SOIs submitted via email, fax, the postal system, delivery companies, or couriers. DRL strongly encourages all applicants to submit SOIs before February 2, 2022, to ensure that the SOI has been received and is complete.

IV. Review and Selection Process

DRL strives to ensure that each application receives a balanced evaluation by a DRL review panel. The Department’s Office of Acquisitions Management (AQM) will determine technical eligibility for all SOI submissions. All technically eligible SOIs will then be reviewed against the same four criteria by a DRL review panel: quality of program idea, addressing barriers to equal participation, program planning, and ability to achieve objectives/institutional capacity.

Additionally, the review panel will evaluate how the SOI meets the solicitation request, U.S. foreign policy goals, and DRL’s overall priority needs. Panelists review each SOI individually against the evaluation criteria, not against competing SOIs. To ensure all SOIs receive a balanced evaluation, the DRL review panel will review the first page of the SOI up to the page limit and no further. All panelists must sign non-disclosure agreements and conflict of interest agreements.

In most cases, the DRL review panel includes representatives from DRL policy and program offices. Once a SOI is approved, selected applicants will be invited to submit full proposal applications based on their SOIs. Unless directed otherwise by the organization, DRL may also refer SOIs for possible consideration in other U.S. government related funding opportunities.

The review panel may provide conditions and/or recommendations on SOIs to enhance the proposed program, which must be addressed by the organization in the full proposal application. To ensure effective use of limited DRL funds, conditions and recommendations may include requests to increase, decrease, clarify, and/or justify costs and program activities.

DRL’s Front Office reserves the right to make a final determination regarding all funding matters, pending funding availability.

Review Criteria

Quality of Program Idea

SOIs should be responsive to the program framework and policy objectives identified in the RSOI, appropriate in the country/regional context, and should exhibit originality, substance, precision, and relevance to DRL’s mission of promoting human rights and democracy. Projects should have the potential to have an immediate impact leading to long-term, sustainable reforms. DRL prefers new approaches that do not duplicate efforts by other entities. This does not exclude from consideration projects that improve upon or expand existing successful projects in a new and complementary way. In countries where similar activities are already taking place, an explanation should be provided as to how new activities will not duplicate or merely add to existing activities and how these efforts will be coordinated. SOIs that promote creative approaches to recognized ongoing challenges are highly encouraged. DRL prioritizes project proposals with inclusive approaches for advancing these rights.

Addressing Barriers to Equal Participation

DRL strives to ensure its projects advance the rights and uphold the dignity of all persons. As the U.S. government’s lead bureau dedicated to promoting democratic governance, DRL requests a programming approach dedicated to strengthening inclusive societies as a necessary pillar of strong democracies. Discrimination, violence, inequity, and inequality targeting any members of society undermines collective security and threatens democracy. DRL prioritizes inclusive and integrated program models that assess and address the barriers to access for individuals and groups based on their race, ethnicity, religion, income, geography, gender identity, sexual orientation, or disability. Applicants should describe how programming will impact all of its beneficiaries, including support for underserved and underrepresented communities.

Program Planning

A strong SOI will include a clear articulation of how the proposed program activities and expected results (both outputs and outcomes) contribute to specific program objectives and the overall program goal. Objectives should be ambitious, yet measurable, results-focused, and achievable in a reasonable time frame.

Ability to Achieve Objectives/Institutional Capacity

SOIs should address how the program will engage relevant stakeholders and should identify local partners as appropriate. If local partners are identified, applicants should describe the division of labor among the applicant and any local partners. SOIs should demonstrate the organization’s expertise and previous experience in administering programs, preferably similar programs targeting the requested program area or similarly challenging environments.

For additional guidance, please see DRL’s posted Proposal Submission Instructions (PSI) for Statements of Interest, as updated in November 2021, available at https://www.state.gov/proposal-submission-instructions/.

V. Additional Information

DRL will not consider applications that reflect any type of support for any member, affiliate, or representative of a designated terrorist organization. Please refer the link for Foreign Terrorist Organizations: https://www.state.gov/foreign-terrorist-organizations/. Project activities whose direct beneficiaries are foreign militaries or paramilitary groups or individuals will not be considered for DRL funding given purpose limitations on funding.

In accordance with Department of State policy for terrorism, applicants are advised that successful passing of vetting to evaluate the risk that funds may benefit terrorists or their supporters is a condition of award. If chosen for an award, applicants will be asked to submit information required by DS Form 4184, Risk Analysis Information (attached to this solicitation) about their company and its principal personnel. Vetting information is also required for all sub-award performance on assistance awards identified by the Department of State as presenting a risk of terrorist financing. Vetting information may also be requested for project beneficiaries and participants. Failure to submit information when requested, or failure to pass vetting, may be grounds for rejecting your proposal prior to award.

The Leahy Law prohibits Department foreign assistance funds from supporting foreign security force units if the Secretary of State has credible information that the unit has committed a gross violation of human rights. Per 22 USC §2378d(a) (2017), “No assistance shall be furnished under this chapter [FOREIGN ASSISTANCE] or the Arms Export Control Act [22 USC 2751 et seq.] to any unit of the security forces of a foreign country if the Secretary of State has credible information that such unit has committed a gross violation of human rights.” Restrictions may apply to any proposed assistance to police or other law enforcement. Among these, pursuant to section 620M of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended (FAA), no assistance provided through this funding opportunity may be furnished to any unit of the security forces of a foreign country when there is credible information that such unit has committed a gross violation of human rights. In accordance with the requirements of section 620M of the FAA, also known as the Leahy law, project beneficiaries or participants from a foreign government’s security forces may need to be vetted by the Department before the provision of any assistance. If a proposed grant or cooperative agreement will provide assistance to foreign security forces or personnel, compliance with the Leahy Law is required.

Organizations should be aware that DRL understands that some information contained in SOIs may be considered sensitive or proprietary and will make appropriate efforts to protect such information. However, organizations are advised that DRL cannot guarantee that such information will not be disclosed, including pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) or other similar statutes.

Organizations should also be aware that if ultimately selected for an award, DRL requires all recipients of foreign assistance funding to comply with all applicable Department and Federal laws and regulations, including but not limited to the following: The Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards set forth in 2 CFR Chapter 200 (Sub-Chapters A through F) shall apply to all non-Federal entities, except for assistance awards to Individuals and Foreign Public Entities. Sub-Chapters A through E shall apply to all foreign organizations, and Sub-Chapters A through D shall apply to all U.S. and foreign for-profit entities. The applicant/recipient of the award and any sub-recipient under the award must comply with all applicable terms and conditions, in addition to the assurance and certifications made part of the Notice of Award. The Department’s Standard Terms and Conditions can be viewed at https://www.state.gov/about-us-office-of-the-procurement-executive/.

The information in this solicitation and DRL’s PSI for SOIs, as updated in November 2021, is binding and may not be modified by any DRL representative. Explanatory information provided by DRL that contradicts this language will not be binding. Issuance of the solicitation and negotiation of SOIs or applications does not constitute an award commitment on the part of the U.S. government. DRL reserves the right to reduce, revise, or increase proposal budgets in accordance with the needs of the program evaluation requirements.

This solicitation will appear on www.grants.gov, SAMS Domestic (https://mygrants.servicenowservices.com), and DRL’s website https://www.state.gov/statements-of-interest-requests-for-proposals-and-notices-of-funding-opportunity/.

Background Information on DRL and DRL Funding

DRL has the mission of promoting democracy and protecting human rights globally. DRL supports programs that uphold democratic principles, support and strengthen democratic institutions, promote human rights, prevent atrocities, combat and prevent violent extremism, and build civil society around the world. DRL typically focuses its work in countries with egregious human rights violations, where democracy and human rights advocates are under pressure, and where governments are undemocratic or in transition.

Additional background information on DRL and the human rights report can be found on https://www.state.gov/bureaus-offices/under-secretary-for-civilian-security-democracy-and-human-rights/bureau-of-democracy-human-rights-and-labor/.

VI. Contact Information

SAMS Domestic Help Desk:
For assistance with SAMS Domestic accounts and technical issues related to the system, please contact the ILMS help desk by phone at +1 (888) 313-4567 (toll charges apply for international callers) or through the Self Service online portal that can be accessed from https://mygrants.servicenowservices.com/. Customer support is available 24/7.

Please note that establishing an account in SAMS Domestic may require the use of smartphone for multi-factor authentication (MFA). If an applicant does not have accessibility to a smartphone during the time of creating an account, please contact the helpdesk and request instructions on MFA for Windows PC.

Grants.gov Helpdesk:

For assistance with Grants.gov accounts and technical issues related to using the system, please call the Contact Center at +1 (800) 518-4726 or email support@grants.gov. The Contact Center is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, except federal holidays.

See https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/federal-holidays/ for a list of federal holidays.

For technical questions related to this solicitation, please contact DRL-NEAProgramInfo@state.gov.

Except for technical submission questions, during the RSOI period U.S. Department of State staff in Washington and overseas shall not discuss this competition with applicants until the entire proposal review process has been completed and rejection and approval letters have been transmitted.

[1] For reference to international guidance, please see the following: Core Humanitarian Standard Commitment 8.9 (http://www.corehumanitarianstandard.org/files/files/CHS-Guidance-Notes-and-Indicators.pdf ); and IASC Guidelines on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support in Emergency Settings Action Sheet 4.4 (http://www.who.int/mental_health/emergencies/guidelines_iasc_mental_health_psychosocial_june_2007.pdf .)