The US Department of State Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor (DRL) has just released the RFP “Supporting Security and Justice Sector Reforms in Tunisia”, solicitation number DRLA-DRLAQM-15-043. There is no specified project duration or start date. The project will focus on Tunisia.
Eligibility
Organizations submitting proposals must meet the following criteria:
· Be a U.S.-based or foreign-based non-profit organization/NGO, or a public international organization; or
· Be a private, public, or state institutions of higher educations; or
· Be a for-profit organization or business, although there are restrictions on payment of fees and/or profits to the prime recipient under grants and cooperative agreements
· Have existing, or the capacity to develop, active partnerships with thematic partners or in-country partners, entities, and relevant stakeholders including industry and NGOs; and
· Have demonstrable experience administering successful and preferably similar projects.
Organizations may form a consortia and submit a combined proposal. However, one organization should be designated as the lead applicant.
Due date: March 20, 2015
Questions Due Date: none
Award Ceiling: $750,000
Cost Share: no requirement
Goal
To enhance ongoing security and justice sector reforms in Tunisia by supporting civilian capacity to understand and engage in these efforts, especially through direct dialogue with security and justice sector leaders in Tunisia.
Objectives
Proposals must articulate program activities designed to address one or more of the following:
1. Bolster Effective Civil Society Mechanisms for Advocacy and Accountability in the Security Sector: Enable local civil society actors to develop and implement constructive dialogues to: (a) improve communication on security sector reform implementation; (b) improve communication on law enforcement engagement in the community in order to promote greater understanding and respect for human rights on the part of security sector actors; (c) advocate with national and local-level leaders for reform outcomes that meet the needs of citizens, especially youth. (d) examine the viability of a victims’ advocacy and/or ombudsman initiative to bolster citizen access and transparency within security institutions.
2. Bolster Effective Civil Society Mechanisms for Advocacy and Accountability in the Justice Sector: Enable local civil society actors to: (a) understand justice sector reforms being undertaken by government; and (b) advocate with national and local-level leaders for reform outcomes that adequately protect the rights of all citizens and appropriately limit government authority in accordance with the rule of law.
3. Bolster Civil Society Action on Prison Conditions and Related Reforms: Support local civil society to develop and implement constructive dialogues with GOT interlocutors to (a) address and alleviate overcrowding; (b) advocate for increased transparency regarding allegations of prisoner abuse; (c) examine the viability of a victims’ advocacy and/or ombudsman initiative to bolster citizen access and transparency within the Ministry of Justice and related institutions.
Organizations must demonstrate knowledge of existing projects that would complement proposed DRL efforts. Projects should demonstrate how they intend to coordinate with and complement ongoing U.S. government efforts.