Opportunity Information: Apply for DRL 08 GR 001 GIFT 040408
Apply for DRL 08 GR 001 GIFT 040408
- The Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor in the other (see text field entitled explanation of other category of funding activity for clarification) sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Freedom of Expression and Information Through Technology RFP" and is now available to receive applicants.
- This funding opportunity was created on Apr 4, 2008 and posted on Apr 4, 2008.
- Applicants must submit their applications by May 2, 2008. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $13,800,000.00 in funding.
- Eligible applicants include: Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).
- Organizations submitting proposals must meet the following criteria Be a U.S. non profit organization meeting the provisions described in Internal Revenue Code section 26 USC 501(c) (3), a comparable organization headquartered internationally, or an international organization. Universities are also eligible. Have demonstrated experience administering successful projects, with regard to the above proposal program objectives and in challenging country/regional program environments. 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. Have existing, or the capacity to develop, active partnerships with in country organization(s). Organizations may form consortia and submit a combined proposal. However, one organization should be designated as the lead applicant.
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Opportunity Summary:
The Freedom of Expression and Information Through Technology RFP is a grant opportunity from the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DRL) aimed at supporting practical technologies that protect and expand online freedom of expression and the free flow of information. The central goal is to reduce the effectiveness of repressive censorship and surveillance tools that governments or other actors use to block websites, filter content, disrupt communications, or silence peaceful political, religious, or ideological speech on the Internet. DRL is looking for proposals that produce real-world, deployable solutions that help people communicate, access information, and share ideas in environments where internet controls are heavy and the space for open discussion is restricted.
The solicitation emphasizes two broad types of technology approaches. First are internet-based tools that can directly counter internet censorship mechanisms, meaning technologies designed to help users reach blocked content, avoid filtering, or maintain access when authorities attempt to interfere with communications. Second are mobile-focused technologies that can bypass internet censorship by spreading information through alternative pathways or media, which can be especially relevant when internet access is tightly controlled, unstable, or subject to shutdowns. Across both categories, proposals are expected to promote internet freedom in restrictive contexts, with particular attention to regions such as the Middle East and Asia, where censorship pressures and online repression have historically been significant.
Funding is offered as a grant under an earmark category, with no cost sharing or matching requirement, which means applicants are not required to contribute a specific financial match to be eligible. The total award structure indicates relatively large project expectations: awards range from a floor of $1,500,000 to a ceiling of $13,800,000. This suggests DRL is open to substantial, multi-component efforts, such as building and maintaining robust technical platforms, scaling distribution and user support, conducting security testing and hardening, and potentially integrating training, localization, or implementation partnerships that help the technology actually reach users in high-risk environments.
Eligibility is geared toward organizations with the capacity to operate effectively in complex settings and to manage sizable grant-funded projects. Eligible applicants include U.S. nonprofit organizations recognized under IRS 501(c)(3), comparable internationally headquartered nonprofit organizations, and international organizations. Universities are also eligible. DRL places clear weight on demonstrated experience running successful projects aligned with the program objectives, particularly in challenging country or regional environments. For applicants without prior federal grant experience, DRL notes it may request additional background information, and such applicants could be limited to pilot-level funding, which is a signal that the bureau is managing risk and looking for proof of capability when federal grant administration experience is limited.
The RFP also highlights the importance of partnerships on the ground. Applicants must have existing, or be able to develop, active partnerships with in-country organizations. This points to an expectation that projects will be designed with local realities in mind, including language needs, distribution channels, user safety concerns, and practical adoption barriers. DRL allows consortia applications, meaning multiple organizations can team up to combine technical, regional, and operational strengths, but the application must name one lead organization responsible for overall management and accountability.
In terms of timing and administrative details, the funding opportunity number is DRL 08 GR 001 GIFT 040408, and it was posted on April 4, 2008, with a proposal deadline of May 2, 2008. The archive date is June 1, 2008, indicating this was a time-bound call with a defined submission window. Applicants needing help accessing the full announcement were directed to contact Ramiro Martinez, Program Officer, at 202-261-8008, reflecting the standard federal practice of providing a point of contact for technical or administrative questions tied to the solicitation.
Overall, the RFP is best understood as a targeted investment in technology that keeps information moving when authorities try to block it. DRL is seeking credible implementers that can build or strengthen censorship-circumvention and information-access solutions, deploy them safely in restrictive settings, and work with partners who understand the risks and realities on the ground, with a strong emphasis on impact in regions where internet freedom is under pressure.
Freedom of Expression and Information Through Technology RFP (DRL) - FAQs
1) What is this funding opportunity?
This is a U.S. Department of State Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DRL) grant opportunity titled the "Freedom of Expression and Information Through Technology RFP." It supports practical, deployable technologies that protect and expand online freedom of expression and the free flow of information.
2) What problem is DRL trying to address through this RFP?
The RFP aims to reduce the effectiveness of repressive censorship and surveillance tools used by governments or other actors to block websites, filter content, disrupt communications, or silence peaceful political, religious, or ideological speech on the Internet.
3) What is the main goal of projects funded under this RFP?
The central goal is to produce real-world solutions that help people communicate, access information, and share ideas in environments where internet controls are heavy and open discussion is restricted.
4) What kinds of technologies is DRL seeking?
The solicitation emphasizes two broad technology approaches:
- Internet-based tools that directly counter internet censorship mechanisms (helping users reach blocked content, avoid filtering, or maintain access when communications are interfered with).
- Mobile-focused technologies that bypass censorship by spreading information through alternative pathways or media, especially when internet access is tightly controlled, unstable, or subject to shutdowns.
5) What does "counter internet censorship mechanisms" mean in this RFP?
In the context provided, it refers to technologies designed to help users access blocked content, avoid filtering, and keep communications functioning when authorities attempt to interfere with or disrupt access.
6) Why does the RFP emphasize mobile-focused approaches?
The RFP notes mobile-focused technologies can be particularly relevant when internet access is tightly controlled, unstable, or subject to shutdowns, and when information needs to move through alternative pathways or media.
7) Are certain regions prioritized?
Yes. The solicitation calls particular attention to restrictive contexts and highlights regions such as the Middle East and Asia, where censorship pressures and online repression have historically been significant.
8) What type of funding instrument is being offered?
Funding is offered as a grant under an earmark category.
9) Is cost sharing or matching required?
No. The RFP states there is no cost sharing or matching requirement, meaning applicants are not required to contribute a specific financial match to be eligible.
10) What is the award size range?
Awards range from a floor of $1,500,000 to a ceiling of $13,800,000.
11) What does the large award range suggest about project expectations?
The described award structure suggests DRL is open to substantial, multi-component efforts. Examples mentioned include building and maintaining robust technical platforms, scaling distribution and user support, conducting security testing and hardening, and potentially integrating training, localization, or implementation partnerships to ensure technology reaches users in high-risk environments.
12) Who is eligible to apply?
Eligible applicants include:
- U.S. nonprofit organizations recognized under IRS 501(c)(3)
- Comparable internationally headquartered nonprofit organizations
- International organizations
- Universities
13) What kind of organizational experience does DRL value for this opportunity?
DRL places clear weight on demonstrated experience running successful projects aligned with the program objectives, especially in challenging country or regional environments.
14) What if an applicant does not have prior federal grant experience?
DRL notes it may request additional background information from applicants without prior federal grant experience. It also indicates such applicants could be limited to pilot-level funding, reflecting a risk-management approach and an expectation of proof of capability when federal grant administration experience is limited.
15) Are in-country partnerships required?
The RFP highlights the importance of partnerships on the ground and states applicants must have existing, or be able to develop, active partnerships with in-country organizations.
16) Why are in-country partnerships emphasized?
The RFP signals an expectation that projects are designed with local realities in mind, including language needs, distribution channels, user safety concerns, and practical adoption barriers.
17) Are consortium applications allowed?
Yes. DRL allows consortia applications where multiple organizations team up to combine technical, regional, and operational strengths.
18) If applying as a consortium, is a lead organization required?
Yes. The application must name one lead organization responsible for overall management and accountability.
19) What is the funding opportunity number for this RFP?
The funding opportunity number is DRL 08 GR 001 GIFT 040408.
20) When was the opportunity posted, and what was the proposal deadline?
It was posted on April 4, 2008, and the proposal deadline was May 2, 2008.
21) What is the archive date, and what does it indicate?
The archive date is June 1, 2008. This indicates it was a time-bound call with a defined submission window.
22) Who was the point of contact for questions about accessing the full announcement?
Applicants needing help accessing the full announcement were directed to contact Ramiro Martinez, Program Officer, at 202-261-8008.
23) How should this RFP be understood at a high level?
It is a targeted investment in technology that keeps information moving when authorities try to block it. DRL is seeking credible implementers that can build or strengthen censorship-circumvention and information-access solutions, deploy them safely in restrictive settings, and work with partners who understand on-the-ground risks and realities.
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