Opportunity Information: Apply for DRL 09 IRAQ2 PROP 090710
Apply for DRL 09 IRAQ2 PROP 090710
- 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 "Post National Election Democracy Initiatives in Iraq" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 00.000 Not Elsewhere Classified.
- This funding opportunity was created on Jul 10, 2009 and posted on Jul 10, 2009.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Jul 27, 2009 Applicants must submit proposals using www.grants.gov by 1159 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) on July 27, 2009. Please note over the next several months, www.grants.gov will experience higher than normal application volume due to Recovery Act related opportunities. DRL will still require that applications be submitted via www.grants.gov, but will work with applicants who have trouble in the actual submission process.. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- The funding agency has allocated a total of $40,000,000.00 to eligible and selected applicants.
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $20,000,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 20 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education.
- Organizations submitting proposals must meet the following criteria Be a registered U.S. non profit organization meeting the provisions described in Internal Revenue Code section 26 USC 501(c) (3). Applicants in the process of registration must submit proof that they are seeking non profit status from the Internal Revenue Service at the time of proposal submission. Should the applicant be selected for a grant award, funding will be contingent upon 501(c)(3) status or Be a U.S. university or research institution meeting the provisions described in Internal Revenue Code section 26 USC 501(c) (3) and Have demonstrated experience administering successful projects, preferably targeting the requested country and/or region, or similarly challenging program environment. 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 and Have existing, or the capacity to develop, active partnerships with organization(s) in the target country and/or region. Organizations may form consortia and submit a combined proposal. However, one organization should be designated as the lead applicant.
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
Opportunity Summary:
The U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor (DRL) released a Request for Proposals called "Post National Election Democracy Initiatives in Iraq" to fund large-scale democracy and governance programming in Iraq during the post-election period. The opportunity is financed through FY 2009 Economic Support Funds (ESF) and is explicitly tied to the United States Strategy for Democracy and Governance in Iraq (2007 to 2010). The overarching aim is to help Iraqi citizens, civil society, and democratic institutions work together to reduce violence while building a sustainable system of governance that is accountable, responsive, and capable of resolving disputes peacefully. DRL emphasizes that funding is not guaranteed because awards depend on congressional approval of DRL's spending plan and internal State Department approvals.
The solicitation is organized around three strategic objectives: first, institutionalizing democratic political and legislative processes that settle disputes nonviolently; second, improving capacity and accountability across all levels of government; and third, strengthening the environment for civil society and media so they can operate independently, freely, and effectively. Within that framework, DRL highlights the kinds of post-election initiatives it wants to see. Priority concepts include strengthening the Council of Representatives and public administration in practical core functions like coalition and consensus building, policy analysis, drafting legislation, budgeting, constituent services, internal administration, and stronger oversight of executive agencies. DRL also seeks proposals that make the legislative process more transparent and responsive, and that support Iraqis pursuing laws or grassroots efforts tied to national reconciliation and key legislation, including human rights related laws. Other priorities include programs that encourage cross-sectarian dialogue and reconciliation, strengthen pluralistic political institutions, and expand meaningful participation of youth, women, and minorities in political life. On the civil society and media side, DRL invites projects that improve CSO sustainability and accountability, facilitate dialogue among civil society, local and national government, and international stakeholders, and promote professional, financially viable, editorially independent Iraqi media, including work on the regulatory framework that protects independent media and freedom of expression. Where relevant, applicants are expected to explain how they will coordinate with Provincial Reconstruction Teams and other U.S. government funded and international efforts in Iraq.
The competition is designed for U.S. nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status (and certain U.S. universities or research institutions that meet similar 501(c)(3) requirements). Applicants must show they have experience managing successful projects, ideally in Iraq or similarly difficult operating environments, and that they have existing partnerships in-country or a credible plan to build them. Consortia are allowed, but one organization must serve as the lead applicant. DRL also sets a strict policy boundary: proposals will not be considered if they involve any form of support to members, affiliates, or representatives of designated terrorist organizations, regardless of whether those individuals hold elected office.
In terms of funding scale, DRL indicates an estimated total of about $40 million available for post-election awards, with individual grants expected to range roughly from $2 million to $20 million and an anticipated total of about 20 awards. Projects are expected to run between 1 and 3 years, with the clear expectation that most activities occur in Iraq. The notice is also unusually direct about what will not be competitive: proposals centered on U.S.-based activities (including study tours, scholarships, or exchanges) are discouraged; programs that are primarily academic research, conference-driven, or dialogue-heavy without practical implementation are also unlikely to fare well. DRL discourages health, technology, or scientific projects unless they are tightly tied to the democracy and governance objectives listed, and it similarly says commercial law or economic development oriented projects will not be competitive.
Applicants are required to follow DRL's Proposal Submission Instructions (Revised PSI dated June 2008) and submit through Grants.gov. The package is highly structured: standard federal forms (SF-424, SF-424A, SF-424B), a one-page table of contents, a one-page executive summary, and a proposal narrative capped at 10 pages, plus a budget narrative, a detailed line-item budget in spreadsheet form (with separate columns for DRL funds, cost share, and totals), and up to seven pages of attachments. Attachments must include a monitoring and evaluation plan (two pages), short bios of key staff, a timeline, and any optional supporting materials like letters of support. Formatting rules are specific (single spaced, 12-point Times New Roman, 1-inch margins, 8.5 x 11 pages, numbered pages). Only one proposal per organization is permitted for this particular RFP, and applicants are warned not to blend topics from a separate election-related RFP, since overlap could render a submission technically ineligible.
DRL's evaluation process starts with eligibility screening and compliance checks, followed by a State Department review committee scoring proposals against stated criteria. Review factors include the quality and originality of the program idea (with a preference for innovative, stand-alone efforts rather than continuation programs), the rigor and feasibility of program planning, the likelihood of sustainability and longer-term institution-building impact, the strength of the monitoring and evaluation approach with measurable outputs and outcomes (independent evaluation is viewed favorably), the applicant's track record and operational capacity including financial and reporting compliance, and overall cost effectiveness. DRL signals that cost sharing is not required but is strongly encouraged and will be viewed positively, and it repeatedly stresses keeping U.S.-based and overhead costs low.
The deadline for submission was July 27, 2009 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time, with DRL advising applicants to start Grants.gov registration early because credentialing and registration steps (including DUNS and the then-required Central Contractor Registry, plus credential provider steps) could take days and no exceptions would be granted for incomplete registration. DRL anticipated making awards in late summer or fall 2009 and reserved the right to adjust budgets during review. For submission questions, the notice provided State Department contacts (Matt Hickey and Cheryl Harris), while also stating that after the deadline, U.S. government officials would not discuss the competition with applicants until the review process was complete.
FAQs: Post National Election Democracy Initiatives in Iraq (DRL RFP)
What is this funding opportunity?
This is a U.S. Department of State Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor (DRL) Request for Proposals (RFP) titled "Post National Election Democracy Initiatives in Iraq." It supports large-scale democracy and governance programming in Iraq during the post-election period.
What is the overarching goal of the RFP?
The overarching aim is to help Iraqi citizens, civil society, and democratic institutions work together to reduce violence while building a sustainable system of governance that is accountable, responsive, and capable of resolving disputes peacefully.
How is this opportunity funded?
The opportunity is financed through FY 2009 Economic Support Funds (ESF) and is explicitly tied to the United States Strategy for Democracy and Governance in Iraq (2007 to 2010).
Is funding guaranteed if an organization applies?
No. DRL emphasizes that funding is not guaranteed because awards depend on congressional approval of DRL's spending plan and internal State Department approvals.
What are the three strategic objectives in the solicitation?
The RFP is organized around three strategic objectives: (1) institutionalizing democratic political and legislative processes that settle disputes nonviolently; (2) improving capacity and accountability across all levels of government; and (3) strengthening the environment for civil society and media so they can operate independently, freely, and effectively.
What kinds of post-election initiatives are considered priorities?
DRL highlights initiatives such as strengthening the Council of Representatives and public administration in core functions (coalition and consensus building, policy analysis, drafting legislation, budgeting, constituent services, internal administration, and oversight of executive agencies), improving transparency and responsiveness of the legislative process, supporting laws or grassroots efforts tied to national reconciliation and key legislation (including human-rights-related laws), encouraging cross-sectarian dialogue and reconciliation, strengthening pluralistic political institutions, and expanding participation of youth, women, and minorities in political life.
What legislative-support activities does DRL specifically mention?
DRL specifically references support to practical legislative and administrative functions, including coalition and consensus building, policy analysis, drafting legislation, budgeting, constituent services, internal administration, and strengthening oversight of executive agencies.
Does the RFP support initiatives related to national reconciliation?
Yes. DRL indicates interest in proposals that support Iraqis pursuing laws or grassroots efforts tied to national reconciliation and key legislation, including human-rights-related laws.
Does the RFP prioritize cross-sectarian dialogue?
Yes. DRL lists programs that encourage cross-sectarian dialogue and reconciliation among its priorities.
Are youth, women, and minority political participation activities encouraged?
Yes. DRL prioritizes initiatives that expand meaningful participation of youth, women, and minorities in political life.
What types of civil society activities does DRL want to support?
DRL invites projects that improve civil society organization (CSO) sustainability and accountability and that facilitate dialogue among civil society, local and national government, and international stakeholders.
What types of media activities does DRL want to support?
DRL seeks support for professional, financially viable, editorially independent Iraqi media, including work on the regulatory framework that protects independent media and freedom of expression.
Is coordination with other U.S. government and international efforts expected?
Yes. Where relevant, applicants are expected to explain how they will coordinate with Provincial Reconstruction Teams and other U.S. government funded and international efforts in Iraq.
Who is eligible to apply?
The competition is designed for U.S. nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status, and certain U.S. universities or research institutions that meet similar 501(c)(3) requirements.
Are consortia or partnerships allowed?
Yes. Consortia are allowed, but one organization must serve as the lead applicant.
What experience does DRL expect from applicants?
Applicants must show experience managing successful projects, ideally in Iraq or in similarly difficult operating environments, and they must have existing in-country partnerships or a credible plan to build them.
Are there any strict prohibitions regarding project partners or beneficiaries?
Yes. DRL states that proposals will not be considered if they involve any form of support to members, affiliates, or representatives of designated terrorist organizations, regardless of whether those individuals hold elected office.
How much funding is available in total?
DRL indicates an estimated total of about $40 million available for post-election awards.
What is the expected size of individual awards?
Individual grants are expected to range roughly from $2 million to $20 million.
How many awards does DRL anticipate making?
DRL anticipated a total of about 20 awards.
How long should projects last?
Projects are expected to run between 1 and 3 years.
Where are project activities expected to take place?
Most activities are expected to occur in Iraq, and there is a clear expectation that programs are primarily implemented there.
Are U.S.-based activities competitive under this RFP?
DRL discourages proposals centered on U.S.-based activities, including study tours, scholarships, or exchanges.
Are research-focused or conference-heavy proposals competitive?
DRL indicates that programs that are primarily academic research, conference-driven, or dialogue-heavy without practical implementation are unlikely to fare well.
Are health, technology, or scientific projects eligible?
DRL discourages health, technology, or scientific projects unless they are tightly tied to the democracy and governance objectives listed in the solicitation.
Are commercial law or economic development projects competitive?
No. DRL states that commercial law or economic development oriented projects will not be competitive.
How must applications be submitted?
Applicants are required to follow DRL's Proposal Submission Instructions (Revised PSI dated June 2008) and submit through Grants.gov.
What standard federal forms are required?
The application package requires standard federal forms SF-424, SF-424A, and SF-424B.
What are the required narrative components and page limits?
Required components include a one-page table of contents, a one-page executive summary, and a proposal narrative capped at 10 pages.
What budget materials are required?
Applicants must submit a budget narrative and a detailed line-item budget in spreadsheet form with separate columns for DRL funds, cost share, and totals.
How many pages of attachments are allowed, and what must be included?
Up to seven pages of attachments are allowed. Attachments must include a monitoring and evaluation plan (two pages), short bios of key staff, a timeline, and may include optional supporting materials such as letters of support.
What formatting rules apply to the submission?
Formatting rules include single spacing, 12-point Times New Roman font, 1-inch margins, 8.5 x 11 page size, and numbered pages.
Is there a limit on the number of proposals per organization?
Yes. Only one proposal per organization is permitted for this particular RFP.
Can applicants combine topics from other DRL election-related RFPs?
No. Applicants are warned not to blend topics from a separate election-related RFP, since overlap could render a submission technically ineligible.
How does DRL evaluate proposals?
DRL begins with eligibility screening and compliance checks, followed by review committee scoring against the stated criteria.
What are the main evaluation criteria?
Review factors include the quality and originality of the program idea (with a preference for innovative, stand-alone efforts rather than continuation programs), the rigor and feasibility of program planning, the likelihood of sustainability and longer-term institution-building impact, the strength of the monitoring and evaluation approach with measurable outputs and outcomes (independent evaluation is viewed favorably), the applicant's track record and operational capacity (including financial and reporting compliance), and overall cost effectiveness.
Is cost sharing required?
No. Cost sharing is not required, but it is strongly encouraged and will be viewed positively.
Does DRL have guidance on overhead and U.S.-based costs?
Yes. DRL repeatedly stresses keeping U.S.-based and overhead costs low.
What was the submission deadline?
The deadline was July 27, 2009 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time.
What registration steps did DRL warn about for Grants.gov submission?
DRL advised applicants to start Grants.gov registration early because credentialing and registration steps (including DUNS and the then-required Central Contractor Registry, plus credential provider steps) could take days, and no exceptions would be granted for incomplete registration.
When did DRL anticipate making awards?
DRL anticipated making awards in late summer or fall 2009.
Can DRL adjust the proposed budget during review?
Yes. DRL reserved the right to adjust budgets during the review process.
Who were the points of contact for submission questions?
The notice provided State Department contacts Matt Hickey and Cheryl Harris for submission questions.
Will DRL discuss applications with applicants after the deadline?
No. The notice stated that after the deadline, U.S. government officials would not discuss the competition with applicants until the review process was complete.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification)
Next opportunity: Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury Advanced Technology/Therapeutic Devleopment Award
Previous opportunity: Request for Elections Related Initiatives in Iraq
USGrants.org Applicant Portal:
Are you interested in learning about about how to apply for this government funding opportunity? You can create a free applicant account and receive instant access to our applicant portal that many business owners like you have benefited from.
Apply for DRL 09 IRAQ2 PROP 090710
[Watch] how do funding administrators access proposals?
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (DRL 09 IRAQ2 PROP 090710) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| NATIONAL LAB OPPORTUNITY Apply for NNH09CAO003O Funding Number: NNH09CAO003O Agency: NASA Headquarters Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Request for Statements of Interest China Apply for DRL 10 RSOI 01 CHINA 100402 Funding Number: DRL 10 RSOI 01 CHINA 100402 Agency: Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $1,500,000 |
| FY 2010 Funding Opportunity Announcement for NGO programs benefiting Afghan refugees in Pakistan Apply for PRM ECA 10 CA SA 05042010 AFGHAN Funding Number: PRM ECA 10 CA SA 05042010 AFGHAN Agency: Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $1,500,000 |
| FY 2010 Funding Opportunity Announcement for NGO programs benefiting returning refugees in Afghanistan Countrywide Announcement Apply for PRM ECA 10 CA SA 05042010 2 AFGHAN Funding Number: PRM ECA 10 CA SA 05042010 2 AFGHAN Agency: Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $2,000,000 |
| Human Rights and Civil Society Initiatives in Syria. Apply for DRL 10 GR SYRIA 062110 Funding Number: DRL 10 GR SYRIA 062110 Agency: Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $750,000 |
| Request for Proposals Cuba Apply for DRL 10 GR CUBA PROP 062810 Funding Number: DRL 10 GR CUBA PROP 062810 Agency: Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $1,500,000 |
| Iraq Womens Democracy Initiative Apply for DRL 3 IRAQ PROP 08202010 Funding Number: DRL 3 IRAQ PROP 08202010 Agency: Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| CESU Kobuk Valley National Park Cultural Resource Studies Apply for J979110K037 Funding Number: J979110K037 Agency: National Park Service Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $100,000 |
| Migratory Bird Conservation in the Upper Midwest Apply for FWS 11 MB 647 001 Funding Number: FWS 11 MB 647 001 Agency: Region 3 Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $50,000 |
| FY 2011 Funding Opportunity Announcement for NGO programs benefiting Afghan refugees in Pakistan Apply for PRM ECA 10 CA SA 12132010 PAKISTAN Funding Number: PRM ECA 10 CA SA 12132010 PAKISTAN Agency: Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $1,250,000 |
| PRM NGO Projects in South Asia Apply for PRM ANE 11 CA SA 012811 Funding Number: PRM ANE 11 CA SA 012811 Agency: Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $2,500,000 |
| Postal Model for Medical Countermeasures Delivery and Distribution Apply for EP PMC 11 001 Funding Number: EP PMC 11 001 Agency: Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $50,000 |
| Lifeline Embattled NGO Global Assistance Fund Apply for DRL 10 PROP 01 LIFELINE 110207 Funding Number: DRL 10 PROP 01 LIFELINE 110207 Agency: Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $2,000,000 |
| EONS 2011 MUREP Small Projects (MSP) Apply for NNH11ZHA002C MSP Funding Number: NNH11ZHA002C MSP Agency: NASA Headquarters Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| EONS 2011 MSFC Minorities in Science and Engineering Apply for NNH11ZHA002C MSFCMISE Funding Number: NNH11ZHA002C MSFCMISE Agency: NASA Headquarters Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Science and Engineering Fellowship Program Apply for M OAA GRO LMA 11 00307 Funding Number: M OAA GRO LMA 11 00307 Agency: Agency for International Development Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $20,000,000 |
| Yes Youth Can Apply for RFA 623 11 000005 Funding Number: RFA 623 11 000005 Agency: Kenya USAID Nairobi Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $23,000,000 |
| FY 2011 Funding Opportunity Announcement for NGO programs benefiting Afghan refugees in Pakistan Apply for PRM ECA 11 CA SA 04082011 PAKISTAN Funding Number: PRM ECA 11 CA SA 04082011 PAKISTAN Agency: Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| CAFTA DR TCB Apply for DRL 10 CAFTA RFP 110411 Funding Number: DRL 10 CAFTA RFP 110411 Agency: Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $1,900,000 |
| WHA Access to Justice and Freedom of Expression/Press Apply for DRL 11 WHA RFP 220411 Funding Number: DRL 11 WHA RFP 220411 Agency: Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
Grant application guides and resources
It is always free to apply for government grants. However the process may be very complex depending on the funding opportunity you are applying for. Let us help you!
Apply for Grants
Premium leads for funding administrators, grant writers, and loan issuers
Thousands of people visit our website for their funding needs every day. When a user creates a grant proposal and files for submission, we pass the information on to funding administrators, grant writers, and government loan issuers.
If you manage government grant programs, provide grant writing services, or issue personal or government loans, we can help you reach your audience.
Subscribe to Leads
Request more information:
Would you like to learn more about this funding opportunity, similar opportunities to "DRL 09 IRAQ2 PROP 090710", eligibility, application service, and/or application tips? Submit an inquiry below:
Don't forget to subscribe to our grant alerts mailing list to receive weekly alerts on new and updated grant funding opportunities like this one in your email.