Funding Opportunity # DRLA-DRLAQM-17-001

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 Statements of Interest Objectives

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 projects 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 protecting and empowering women and youth.

PLEASE NOTE: DRL strongly encourages applicants to immediately access www.grantsolutions.gov or www.grants.gov in order to obtain a username and password. GrantSolutions.gov is highly recommended for all submissions and is DRL’s preferred system for receiving applications. To register with GrantSolutions.gov for the first time, Please refer to the Proposal Submission Instructions for Statements of Interest at: http://www.state.gov/j/drl/p/c12302.htm.

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.

SOIs should total between $500,000 and $3,000,000. The target period of performance for projects must be between 12 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 around $15 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. Programs should also seek to assist, where relevant and possible, beneficiaries in support of the intent of the Marla Ruzicka Iraqi War Victims Fund to assist civilian victims of conflict. 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. With this in mind, 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. Security plans must address safety for in-person events and recruitment for said events, as well as means to secure online activities or communications. Applicants will also be required to include contingency plans for proposed activities.

Applicants invited to submit full proposals will also be asked to provide 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. Lessons learned should be submitted by the applicant as part of the proposal narrative, or as an annex to the proposal.

Applicants invited to submit full proposals will be asked to provide appropriate resources and support for the psychosocial health of staff. Accordingly, full proposals will be asked to include a section in the proposal and budget to reflect these resources and support (i.e., activities can range from access to educational materials and training opportunities to counseling services to other contextually-relevant support).[1]

REQUESTED STATEMENT OF INTEREST PROGRAM OBJECTIVES

Despite making great progress in diminishing the territorial control of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL/Da’esh), Iraq must continue to address the democracy and human rights issues that will help ensure longer-term peace in the post-Da’esh era. At this critical time, U.S. assistance will be tailored to address pressing needs in governance, democracy, and human rights, as well as the continuing and evolving threats to women and children, promote peaceful coexistence and reconciliation, and mitigate the impact of conflict on Iraqi communities.

Proposed programming must be responsive to the immediate needs on the ground and should contribute to the U.S. Government’s democracy, governance, and human rights goals for Iraq, as well as the White House Strategy to Counter the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant. Helpful resources for applicants to be cognizant of the latest human rights issues are 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 support Iraqi efforts to build democratic institutions; strengthen effective and inclusive governance; provide for the protection of and advocacy for minority rights and gender equality; mitigate the impact of conflict on communities throughout Iraq; address drivers of conflict, such as underlying grievances and political marginalization; and contribute to inclusive post-conflict recovery and stabilization.

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

Advancing Human Rights and Rule of Law:

Programming should advance human rights and rule of law in Iraq and should include Iraqis impacted by the current crisis, particularly the most vulnerable, including religious and ethnic minorities, women, and children. Programming should focus on one or more of the following areas, and may include education initiatives and/or advocacy for legislative changes where appropriate:

• Support land, property, and reparations 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.

• Address the lack of government-issued documentation for individuals previously living under Da’esh control, including assisting individuals to obtain access to official, identification and certification of marriage, death, birth, education, etc.

• Facilitate the return and re-establishment of NGOs formerly operating in areas that fell to Da’esh control. While DRL funding cannot be used for construction, programs may support office start-up costs, including supplies, equipment, and rent, and provide capacity building, technical assistance, and small grants that focus on the restoration of activities on behalf of communities in newly-liberated areas.

• Promote respect for human rights by governmental bodies, particularly in the judicial sector, including but not limited to: increasing transparency and accountability of the justice system, i.e., prisons and other detention facilities; and/or humane treatment of detainees and monitoring conditions in prisons and detention facilities, including juvenile facilities.

• Support threatened journalists reporting on sensitive issues, which may include personal safety training, psychosocial support, and training and mentoring to improve skills and quality of reporting. Programs operating in this space should also include media sensitivity training for journalists on LGBTI and GBV issues.

Promoting Reconciliation, Accountability, and Atrocities Prevention: Programming should build a foundation for the voluntary and sustained return of displaced persons to liberated areas through grassroots reconciliation efforts that focus on both immediate and long-term grievances fueled by Da’esh’s divisive agenda, poor governance, distrust in security forces, and perceptions of betrayal by former neighbors. Programming should include Iraqis impacted by the current crisis, particularly the most vulnerable members of religious and ethnic communities, as well as women and children. Programming should focus on one or more of the following areas, and may include education initiatives and/or advocacy for legislative changes where appropriate (note: programs limited to dialogue activities will not be deemed competitive):

• Provide dispute resolution, conflict management, and targeted reconciliation programs, with particular focus on liberated areas, including Ninewah, Salahaddin, Diyala, and Anbar provinces. Programs may include efforts to reintegrate returnee communities into the national fabric of Iraq and rebuild relationships across and within communities (e.g., through positive messaging on shared experiences, focusing on shared demands, or other points of entry); address demands for restitution and compensation; promote equitable access to services and/or government support; provide protection and security across ethnic and religious backgrounds; and advocate for acknowledgment and recognition of atrocities.

• Promote reconciliation and community cohesion through targeted education initiatives, including but not limited to engagement with teachers, school administrators, students, and families to identify and support at-risk and vulnerable youth, reinforce non-sectarianism and tolerance, promote inclusive educational approaches that respect Iraq’s multi-cultural heritage, and provide human rights and non-violent conflict resolution training.

• Strengthen and engage traditional/informal/tribal justice and reconciliation mechanisms in support of the rights and interests of vulnerable populations, and increase coordination with governmental efforts as appropriate.

• Provide technical support to government authorities in their efforts to identify, protect, secure, exhume, and process mass graves.

• Engage religious and tribal leaders, both at the community and national levels, to encourage rehabilitation and reconciliation among survivors of conflict-related violence or displacement.

Strengthening Effective Governance and Increasing Political Participation: Programming should promote a more inclusive, responsible, transparent, and responsive government, including increased participation by women and members of religious and ethnic minority communities. Programming should focus on one or more of the following areas, and may include education initiatives and/or advocacy for legislative changes where appropriate:

• Support for equitable representation and inclusive engagement in the upcoming national and provincial elections, including: processes related to voter registration and engagement, particularly for IDPs and youth (note: youth-focused programming must include a southern component. IDP programming should include advocacy for IDP communities’ representation in their areas of displacement); support for women and minority candidates; and preventing incitement to violence around elections processes. (Note: direct election monitoring will not be considered eligible for funding under this program area.)

• Promote political empowerment of marginalized populations, including women and minorities, particularly in traditionally male- and sectarian-dominated sectors such as security, finance, and oil. 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 to targeted anti-corruption efforts, specifically promoting a transparent and accessible business environment that enables private sector investment and small business start-up, with particular emphasis on transparency in business registration and licensing.

Protecting and Empowering Women and Youth: Programming must address the distinct needs of women and youth impacted by the current crisis, as well as address existing issues related to the status of women and youth. Proposals that include components to 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 Da’esh captivity and abuse. Programming should focus on one or more of the following areas, and may include education initiatives and/or advocacy for legislative changes where appropriate:

• Promote women’s participation and leadership in decision-making institutions and processes at the national or subnational level, including in reconciliation and stabilization efforts. Program areas may include engagement with the Government of Iraq and the Kurdistan Regional Government on approaches to women’s representation at the national level absent a Ministry of Women’s Affairs, higher council, or other body; and women’s representation in local governance and stabilization structures in liberated areas, such as women’s councils.

• Protect women and youth from violence, discrimination, exploitation, and abuse, to include access to protection (e.g., shelters, either government-run or otherwise) 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. 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; 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.

• Expand economic opportunities for the peaceful and productive engagement of youth, targeting individuals between 18 and 30, including livelihoods/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 children radicalized by Da’esh, including former 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.

Projects should have the potential to have an immediate impact leading to long-term sustainable reforms, and should have potential for sustainability beyond DRL resources. DRL’s preference is to not duplicate past efforts, but instead support 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. 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 typically are not considered competitive include:

• The provision of large amounts of humanitarian assistance;

• English language instruction;

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

• Purely academic or external exchanges or fellowships;

• 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;

• 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;

• Initiatives directed towards a diaspora community rather than current residents of targeted countries.

II. Eligibility Information:

Organizations submitting SOIs must meet the following criteria:

• Be a U.S.-based or foreign-based non-profit organization/non-governmental organization (NGO), or a public international organization; or

• Be a private, public, or state institutions of higher education; or

• Be a for-profit organization or business, although 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”), 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 an applicant’s race, ethnicity, color, creed, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or other status. DRL strongly encourages applications from organizations working with the most at risk and vulnerable communities, including women, youths, persons with disabilities, members of ethnic or religious minority groups, and LGBTI persons

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 Identified (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 GrantSolutions.gov. However, if a SOI is approved, these will need to be obtained before an organization is able to submit a full application.

III. Application Requirements, Deadline, and Technical Eligibility

All SOIs must conform to DRL’s posted Proposal Submission Instructions (PSI) for Statements of Interest, as updated in August 2016, available at http://www.state.gov/j/drl/p/c12302.htm.

Complete SOI submissions must include the following:

1. Completed and signed SF-424 and SF424B, as directed on GrantSolutions.gov 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. The target country/countries;

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

iii. Program length;

b) A synopsis of the project, 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 applicant(s) expertise and capacity to implement the program and manage a U.S. government award.

An organization may submit no more than two SOIs per category. SOIs that request less than $500,000 may be deemed technically ineligible.

Technically eligible SOIs are those which:

1) Arrive electronically via GrantSolutions.gov or Grants.gov by 11:30 p.m. ET on February 24, 2017 under the announcement title, “DRL Request for Statements of Interest (SOI): Democracy, Human Rights, and Rule of Law in Iraq” funding opportunity number DRLA-DRLAQM-17-046;

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 Grantsolutions.gov automatically logs 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 system errors caused by www.grants.gov or www.grantsolutions.gov that is outside of the prospective applicants’ control and is the sole reason for a late submission. Prospective applicants should not expect a notification upon DRL receiving their SOI. It is the sole responsibility of the prospective applicant to ensure that all of the material submitted in the SOI submission package is complete, accurate, and current. DRL will not accept SOIs submitted via email, fax, the postal system, or delivery companies or couriers. DRL strongly encourages all prospective applicants to submit SOIs before February 24, 2017 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 three criteria by a DRL Review Panel, which includes 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 the priority needs of DRL overall. 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 Project Idea/Inclusivity of Marginalized Populations

SOIs should be responsive to the solicitation, appropriate in the country/regional context, and should exhibit originality, substance, precision, and relevance to DRL’s mission of promoting human rights and democracy. DRL prefers creative approaches that do not duplicate efforts by other entities. This does not exclude from consideration programs that improve upon or expand existing successful programs in a new and complementary way. DRL strives to ensure its programs advance the rights and uphold the dignity of the most at-risk and vulnerable populations, including women, youth, people with disabilities, members of racial and ethnic or religious minority groups, and LGBTI persons. To the extent possible and appropriate, applicants should identify and address considerations to support and/or include these populations in all proposed program activities and objectives. Strong justification should be provided if the most at-risk and vulnerable populations will not be included in the proposed activities and objectives. Otherwise, SOIs that do not address the above will not be considered highly competitive in this category.

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 August 2016, available at http://www.state.gov/j/drl/p/c12302.htm.

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.

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

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 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 August 2016, 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, www.grantsolutions.gov, and DRL’s website http://www.state.gov/j/drl/p/c12302.htm.

Background Information on DRL and general DRL funding

DRL is the foreign policy lead within the U.S. government on 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

GrantSolutions.gov Help Desk:

For assistance with GrantSolutions.gov accounts and technical issues related to using the system, please contact Customer Support at help@grantsolutions.gov or call 1-866-577-0771 (toll charges for international callers) or 1-202-401-5282. Customer Support is available

8 AM – 6 PM EST, Monday – Friday, except federal holidays.

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.

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[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.