2017 Iraq RSOI FINAL.docx

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Department of State Public Notice

Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor Request for Statements of Interest: Democracy, Human Rights, and Rule of Law in Iraq

I. Requested Objectives for Statements of Interest The Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor (DRL) announces a Request for Statements of Interest (RSOI) from organizations interested in submitting Statements of Interest (SOI) outlining project concepts and capacity to manage programs that will contribute to stabilization in Iraq by advancing human rights and rule of law; promoting reconciliation, accountability, and atrocities prevention; strengthening effective governance and increasing political participation; and empowering women, youth, and minority populations.

REQUESTED STATEMENT OF INTEREST PROGRAM OBJECTIVES

Following the elimination of the territorial control of the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) in Iraq, the country must ensure sustainable peace in the post-ISIS era. U.S. human rights and democracy assistance will be tailored to stabilize Iraq by promoting governance based on democratic principles, respect for human rights, post-conflict recovery, peaceful coexistence and reconciliation, as well as provide for the protection of and advocacy for women’s and minorities rights and mitigate the impact of conflict on Iraqi communities.

Proposed programming must be responsive to the immediate needs on the ground, should contribute to Iraqi efforts, and should be in line with the U.S. Government’s democracy, governance, and human rights goals for Iraq. Helpful resources for applicants include the annual Iraq Human Rights Report (http://www.state.gov/j/drl/rls/hrrpt/) and the Iraq International Religious Freedom Report (http://www.state.gov/j/drl/rls/irf/religiousfreedom/index.htm#wrapper).

All programming should advance human rights and rule of law in Iraq. Programs must include religious and ethnic minorities, women, and children. Programs awarded under this solicitation may be required to coordinate with other DRL implementers and target beneficiary populations specifically in line with the Marla Ruzicka Iraqi War Victims Fund. Organizations/programs selected to meet this criteria will be informed by DRL at the proposal stage.

With the above in mind, DRL invites organizations to submit SOIs for programs in the following areas:

Promoting Reconciliation, Accountability, and Atrocities Prevention: Programming should build a foundation for the safe, voluntary, dignified, and sustained return and reintegration of displaced persons to liberated areas through grassroots reconciliation efforts that focus on both immediate and long-term grievances such as poor governance, distrust in security forces, and perceptions of betrayal by former neighbors that could lead to reprisal violence. Programs must demonstrate an awareness of existing/ongoing reconciliation efforts in target areas and clearly explain how proposals will complement or build on those efforts. Programming should focus on one or more of the following areas (note: programs limited to dialogue activities will not be deemed competitive):

· Dispute resolution, conflict management, and targeted reconciliation programs, with particular focus on areas liberated from ISIS rule in recent years. Programs may include efforts to reintegrate returnee communities country-wide into the national fabric of Iraq and rebuild trust and relationships across and within communities; address demands for restitution and compensation; promote equitable access to public services and/or government support; and advocate for acknowledgment and recognition of atrocities. Proposals may include a strategy for mapping and coordinating ongoing reconciliation efforts/programs in Iraq.

· Reinforcing non-sectarianism, tolerance, respect for Iraq’s multi-cultural society, and providing human rights and non-violent conflict resolution training and education;

· Strengthening and engaging traditional/informal/tribal justice and reconciliation mechanisms in support of the rights and interests of women, youth and minorities, increasing coordination with governmental efforts as appropriate;

· Create and manage public information campaigns, advocacy, and awareness-raising campaigns on progress toward mass grave identification and processing. Programs must facilitate information flows between the Government of Iraq (GOI) and Kurdish Regional Government (KRG) authorities working on mass graves and family associations, organizations, and advocacy groups, and demonstrate an awareness of and coordination with existing, ongoing efforts to protect, secure, exhume, and process mass graves.

· Support land, property, and compensation management, including but not limited to: providing legal assistance and guidance on accessing government services and navigating bureaucratic processes for resolving land and property disputes; documenting land confiscation; and/or assisting individuals and communities in reasserting ownership of property.

· Support civil society efforts to advocate for more equitable inclusion, representation, and protection of religious and ethnic minorities and other marginalized populations with police and other security entities. Activities may include, but are not limited to: civil society engagement with relevant government institutions and elected officials on security policy development; monitoring conditions in prisons and other detention facilities, and following up on issues identified; and combating impunity for human rights violations through legal advocacy and other channels. (Please note: Leahy vetting may be required and SOIs must address how organizations will meet this requirement in Iraq.)

Strengthening Effective Governance and Increasing Political Participation: Programming should promote a more inclusive, responsible, transparent, and responsive government. Programs should also include digital/cybersecurity training for activists and citizens in order to enhance their safety and privacy online; provide security and technology training to citizens, NGOs, and civil society organizations to enable them to safely and freely exercise their political rights; and should focus on one or more of the following:

· Promote political empowerment of women and minorities. Programs must include dedicated efforts to engage political parties so that party structures and cultures become more supportive of minorities’ and women’s leadership.

· Support increased political engagement at the local and national level, with particular focus on representative governance for minority groups. Programs will strengthen Iraqi citizens’ ability to engage their elected provincial and federal representatives on social, political, and economic issues that most directly impact their livelihoods. Applicants should facilitate and sustain coalition-building efforts within Iraqi civil society to aggregate and more effectively vocalize citizen concerns.

Protecting and Empowering Women and Youth: Programming must address the distinct needs of women and youth affected by ISIS and the GOI’s successful fight to defeat it in Iraq, as well as address existing issues related to the status of women and youth. Proposals that address women and youth issues in the southern provinces will be viewed favorably. Programs should include widows and single female heads of households and/or those who have escaped ISIS captivity and abuse. Programming should focus on one or more of the following areas:

· Promote women’s participation and leadership in decision-making institutions, including federal, provincial, and local government, as well as cross-cutting institutional bodies working on reconciliation and stabilization efforts. Program areas may include engagement with the GOI and the KRG on enhancing women’s representation at the national level; and enhancing women’s participation in local governance and stabilization structures, such as women’s councils.

· Protect women and youth from violence, discrimination, exploitation, and abuse, to include access to protection (e.g., shelters) and direct provision of services; change societal attitudes that stigmatize and shun survivors of gender-based violence and prevent women from accessing assistance and reporting crimes and/or relegating issues of violence against women outside of established justice processes; raise awareness of the potential benefits of psychosocial support for men, women, and children trauma survivors and reduce stigma toward those accessing these services; and promote victim protection and dignity by providing sensitivity training and technical expertise to advocacy groups.

· Targeted training for judicial actors (e.g., lawyers, judges, prosecutors, criminal investigators) on the implementation of existing laws that are conducive to promoting equitable status and rights of women and best practices for victim-centered approaches. Examples may include implementation of elements of personal status laws that allow women the right to confer citizenship or religious affiliation to children, regardless of paternity; safe marriage age; land ownership for single female-headed households; appeals and legal support to women who have received unfavorable rulings based on cultural or social considerations rather than legal basis; privacy and respect for survivors of GBV in legislative processes and evidence collection; and processes for birth registration and documentation. Programming should include awareness-raising within communities on women’s rights according to Iraqi law. Programming may also include support to lawyers targeted for their advocacy on and representation of women’s issues.

· Promote economic opportunities for youth, particularly those between 18 and 30, including vocational training and small and medium enterprise creation/support. Programs must include a southern component.

· Provide youth with concrete alternatives to violence and pathways to contribute to building sustainable peace by: expanding opportunities for youth in public service, community engagement, or volunteerism; developing soft skills – leadership, the ability to work independently and in teams, problem solving, and effective communication; promoting constructive engagement by youth in their communities, including advocacy with local government; and developing capacities of local institutions and NGOs to respond to the needs of youth. Programs should target both urban and rural youth, ages 15-25, inclusive of both girls and boys.

· Promote the reintegration and protection of radicalized children, including former ISIS child soldiers. Programs may include community-reintegration, protection of civil rights, provision of or access to legal assistance, psychosocial support, and advocacy with government on juvenile detention issues.

Community of Practice Resource Development and Coordination: DRL seeks an organization to nurture a community of practice of local and international organizations implementing democracy, human rights, and governance programs in Iraq, to include developing resources and coordinating periodic convenings.

The successful applicant will be responsible for creating, maintaining, distributing and publicizing resources that can be utilized by the community of practice. One such resource DRL seeks is a mapping of services, not limited to those funded by DRL, for use by other implementing organizations operating in Iraq. Services to be mapped should include efforts related to gender-based violence; legal, psychosocial, and economic support; and potentially other areas. Note: mapping is not meant to duplicate existing mechanisms coordinating humanitarian assistance. The applicant may propose additional resources that would be of use to the community of practice and should utilize existing platforms. Website development will not be deemed competitive.

The successful applicant will also coordinate various convenings of the community of practice, to include DRL stakeholders and partners (ranging from approximately 25-40 international and local organizations). DRL is not seeking new programming under this component; instead activities will focus on management of logistics for specific meetings. The successful applicant will be responsible for the logistics and coordination of the following meetings on a yearly basis, which must include robust local partner participation:

One in-person stakeholder meeting in a third country with USG participation Two to four in-person partner meetings in Iraq (Baghdad and Erbil) Quarterly conference call meetings

· Several small-group, thematic-focused conference calls or in-person meetings.

With the exception of the third-country stakeholder meeting, costs associated with other coordination activities should be minimal, utilizing existing office space and locations. Costs for the third-country stakeholder meeting should not exceed $65,000. Iraq-based partner meetings should involve only Iraq-based staff.

This programming stream must stand alone, i.e., it may not be one component of a larger Statement of Interest. The funding ceiling for this objective is $250,000 and the target period of performance must be between 12 and 24 months. (Note: this is a different level and duration than the one listed below for the remainder of this RSOI).

OTHER PROGRAM INFORMATION:

Projects should have the potential to have an immediate impact leading to long-term sustainable reforms, and should have potential for continued funding beyond DRL resources. DRL prefers innovative and creative approaches rather than projects that simply duplicate or add to efforts by other entities. This does not exclude projects that clearly build off existing successful projects in a new and innovative way from consideration. DRL also strives to ensure its projects advance the rights and uphold the dignity of the most vulnerable or at-risk populations.

Programs that propose participant travel outside of Iraq will not be deemed competitive. Applicants should conduct program activities throughout Iraq, including within the IKR; however, where security conditions allow, activities should take place within the beneficiaries’ communities. Additionally, programs proposing activities inside IDP/refugee camps or targeting Syrian refugees in Iraq will not be deemed competitive. Training or workshops may be used as a tool to a larger goal, but should not be the main focus of a program. Projects for which assessments have already been completed that support certain targeted activities or interventions will be viewed favorably. Projects that have a strong academic, research, or conference focus will not be deemed competitive.

Activities that are not typically considered competitive include, but are not limited to:

· The provision of large amounts of humanitarian assistance;

· English language instruction;

· Development of high-tech computer or communications software and/or hardware;

· Purely academic exchanges or fellowships;

· 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;

· Initiatives directed towards a diaspora community rather than current residents of targeted countries;

· Activities that go beyond an organization’s demonstrated competence, or fail to provide clear evidence of the ability of the applicant to achieve the stated impact.

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: http://www.state.gov/documents/organization/275402.pdf.

The submission of a SOI is the first step in a two-part process. Applicants must first submit a SOI, which is a concise, 3-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 their ideas into full proposal applications. Note: Due to the strict 3-page limit, lengthy background/context statements are not necessary.

SOIs should total between $500,000 and $3,000,000, with the exception of the Community of Practice Resource Development and Coordination category. The target period of performance for projects must be between 18 and 24 months, but 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. DRL anticipates funding approximately $14 million in total programming through this solicitation.

A proven ability to implement programs in Iraq must be demonstrated. All proposed program objectives must impact Iraqis inside the country, and 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, persons with disabilities, 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 Iraq. SOIs must realistically address the challenges and limitations the applicant would likely face implementing this program, both within the current context in Iraq and in anticipation of a further evolving landscape.

Applicants invited to submit full proposals upon completion of the SOI process will also be requested to submit:

· A security plan in order to demonstrate situational awareness and preparedness.

· Contingency plans for proposed activities.

· Lessons learned from past programs in Iraq 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).[footnoteRef:1] [1: For reference to international guidance, please see the following: Core Humanitarian Standard Commitment 8.9 (http://redirect.state.sbu/?url=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://redirect.state.sbu/?url=http://www.who.int/mental_health/emergencies/guidelines_iasc_mental_health_psychosocial_june_2007.pdf. ]

To maximize the impact and sustainability of the awards that results from this RSOI, DRL reserves the right to execute non-competitive continuation amendments. The total duration of any award, including a potential non-competitive continuation amendment(s), shall not exceed 60 months or five years. 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). Additionally, DRL may ask successful applicant(s) to incorporate coordination of a stakeholder meeting into the Scope of Work of the final project. DRL will discuss this possibility with particular applicant(s) during the proposal negotiation phase.

II. Eligibility Information Organizations submitting SOIs must meet the following criteria:

· Be a U.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”); and

· 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 occasions when a for-profit entity is best suited. For-profit entities should be aware that its application may be subject to additional review following the panel selection process, and that the Department of State generally prohibits profit under its assistance awards to for-profit or commercial organizations. 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. Program income earned by the recipient must be deducted from the program’s total allowable costs in determining the net allowable costs on which the federal share of costs is based.

DRL is committed to an anti-discrimination policy in all of its programs and activities. DRL welcomes SOI submissions irrespective of race, ethnicity, color, creed, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or other status.

No entity listed on the Excluded Parties List System in the System for Award Management (SAM) is eligible for any assistance or can participate in any activities under an 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 CFR1989 Comp., p. 235), “Debarment and Suspension.” Additionally, no entity listed on the EPLS can participate in any activities under an award. All applicants are strongly encouraged to review the EPLS in SAM to ensure that no ineligible entity is included.

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 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 October 2017, available at http://www.state.gov/documents/organization/275402.pdf.

Complete SOI submissions must include the following:

1. 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,

2. Program Statement (not to exceed three [3] pages in Microsoft Word) that includes:

a) A table listing:

i. Name of the organization;

ii. The target country/countries;

iii. The total amount of funding requested from DRL, total amount of cost-share (if any), and total program amount (DRL funds + cost-share); and,

iv. Program length;

b) 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;

c) A concise breakdown explicitly identifying the program’s objectives and the activities and expected results that contribute to each objective; and,

d) 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.

An organization may submit no more than four SOIs [Note: it is permissible to submit more than one SOI per category]. SOIs that request less than $500,000 or more than $3,000,000 may be deemed technically ineligible, with the exception of the Community of Practice Resource Development and Coordination category.

Technically eligible SOIs are those which:

1) Arrive electronically via SAMS Domestic or Grants.gov by 11:59 p.m. ET on February 28, 2018 under the announcement titled “Democracy, Human Rights, and Rule of Law in Iraq,” funding opportunity number “SFOP0003945”;

2) Are in English;

3) 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:

1) All pages are numbered;

2) All documents are formatted to 8 ½ x 11 paper; and,

3) 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 a submission is made, and the Department of State will use this information to determine whether it has been submitted on time. Late submissions are neither reviewed nor considered unless the DRL point of contact listed in section VI is contacted prior to the deadline and is provided with evidence of a system error caused by www.grants.gov or SAMS Domestic (https://mygrants.service-now.com) that is outside of the applicant’s control and is the sole reason for a late submission. Applicants should not expect a notification upon DRL receiving their SOI. It is the sole responsibility of the applicant to ensure that all material submitted in the SOI package is complete, accurate, and current. 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 28, 2018 to ensure that the SOI has been received and is complete.

IV. Review and Selection Process 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, inclusivity of marginalized populations, program planning, and ability to achieve objectives/institutional capacity. Additionally, the 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 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 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. Proposals that promote creative approaches to recognized ongoing challenges are highly encouraged. DRL prioritizes project proposals with inclusive approaches for advancing these rights.

Inclusivity of Marginalized Populations DRL strives to ensure its projects advance the rights and uphold the dignity of all persons. The Bureau requests an inclusive programming approach, which should encompass marginalized populations, especially those facing discrimination and violence that undermines society’s collective security. To the extent possible, applicants should identify and support marginalized populations in all proposed project activities and objectives, and should provide specific analysis, measures, and corresponding targets to include them as appropriate. It assumes that interventions will not affect all segments of society in the same way. It requires stakeholders to identify and address the difference between the opportunities and barriers to equality and to design programs in a way that does not perpetuate inequality.

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 October 2017, available at http://www.state.gov/documents/organization/275402.pdf.

V. Additional Information DRL will not consider SOIs that reflect any type of support for any member, affiliate, or representative of a designated terrorist organization.

Project activities that directly benefit foreign militaries or paramilitary groups or individuals will not be considered for DRL funding given purpose limitations on funding.

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 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, program beneficiaries or participants from a foreign government’s security forces may need to be vetted by the Department before the provision of any assistance.

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, 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. Please note that as of December 26, 2014, 2 CFR 200 (Sub-Chapters A through E) now applies to foreign organizations, and Sub-Chapters A through D shall apply to all 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 on DRL’s Resources page at: http://www.state.gov/j/drl/p/c72333.htm.

The information in this solicitation and DRL’s PSI for SOIs, as updated in October 2017, 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.service-now.com) and DRL’s website http://www.state.gov/documents/organization/275402.pdf.

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 www.state.gov/j/drl and www.humanrights.gov.

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 for international callers) or through the Self Service online portal that can be accessed from https://afsitsm.service-now.com/ilms. Customer Support is available 24/7/365.

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/snow-dismissal-procedures/federal-holidays/ for a list of federal holidays.

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

With the exception of technical submission questions, during the solicitation period U.S. Department of State staff in Washington and overseas shall not discuss this competition until the entire review process has been completed and rejection and approval letters have been transmitted.