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Funding Opportunity Title: Request for Application: CFDA Number: 19.500Bureau for Near Eastern Affairs (NEA)
1. Funding Opportunity Description: The Office of the Middle East Partnership Initiative, Bureau of Near East Affairs, Department of State, announces an open competition for proposals for the development, implementation, management and oversight of programs to advance the professionalism and sustainability of independent media in the Middle East, with emphasis on local media capacity. The Media Program is part of a President’s Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) to help people in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) - through results-oriented programs - experience the benefits of more open economies, greater educational opportunities, and political freedom. More information about MEPI can be found at www.mepi.state.gov. MEPI seeks a partner(s) to design, plan, and execute the Media Program in cooperation with regional and local media professionals, and other interested parties. Through activities with existing and emerging media outlets, NGOs, private sector and universities, the program’s goal is to develop a more professional, independent, and self-sufficient regional and local media. Program implementation/management will be combined with government to government dialogue, led by NEA/PI, resulting in programs to progress and strengthen independent media in the MENA. Background To ensure continued local contribution and ownership, MEPI aims to strengthen local capacities in all forms of media (print, broadcast, electronic) and to avoid duplicating existing media development programs. To consolidate recent professional and legal gains across the region, MEPI seeks collaborative proposals aimed at integrating media reform efforts within a regional framework. Activities to integrate regional efforts could include: Regional Network – Creation of a regional organization or association (possibly virtual) of independent media outlets, organizations and professionals to network ongoing efforts in the field for broader regional impact, and to raise the profile of independent media and its achievements. Activities could include:
Working within this network of existing local capacities, the media program would pursue the following priorities: 1. Media Law Reform - Improve national laws and conditions to encourage the development of independent media and freedom of the press. Allowable activities include:
2. Business Development and Professional Standards - Build the capacity of independent media to operate on a commercial basis and/or to compete with the significant assets of state-run outlets through increased proficiency in the “business” of media. Allowable activities include:
3. In-Service Training - Develop sustainable approaches to regional and local in-service training for journalists, both print and broadcast. Allowable activities include:
The groundwork has already been laid for the enhancement of regional media through existing reform programs. However, training journalists and other media professionals alone is not sufficient in realizing media reform objectives. Instead MEPI is adopting a more holistic approach that addresses sector priorities simultaneously in order to mutually reinforce each other. MEPI anticipates establishing a professional association to address and advocate reform priorities at local and regional levels, developing a skills base to include expanding the quality and breadth of media content, creating and sustaining financially-viable alternatives to state-run media outlets, and confronting regulatory impediments to free and independent media. The premise of this RFA is that targeted investment in the aforementioned areas will build on existing capacity, stimulate needed momentum for media reform in MENA, and secure broader political participation across the region as media professionals are networked, more self-sufficient, and enjoy greater protection. MEPI anticipates a sequential rollout with initial assessments, network building, and program development accomplished the first year. Where the USG and others are currently supporting or are planning extensive bilateral media programs, including Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Morocco, Israel and the West Bank and Gaza, MEPI will pay particular attention not to duplicate existing efforts. The Media Program will focus on developing relationships with existing media, academia, private sector and civil society organizations. Regional media partners will help develop and implement specific programs that address priority areas. Academia, both international and local, will be crucial to training, curriculum development, and increased standards for new and mid-career media professionals and in attaining media management skills. Areas where the program will seek private sector involvement include: advertising development, market research creation, and independent media support. Civil society organizations will become partners and leverage their skills and capacity to train and advocate for media legal reform. NEA/PI will have substantive involvement in cooperative agreements awarded under this RFA. NEA/PI oversight of grantee performance will include, but not be limited to, the review and approval of: (1) the Sector Expert(s); (2) Strategic Plans and Recommendations, including proposed site visits and technical assistance activities and schedules; (3) all materials developed and proposed for dissemination, including priorities and strategies agreed to with host-country officials and representatives; and (4) any private sector/NGO providers identified to participate in the implementation of the program. NEA/PI is responsible for ensuring that funds are programmed only for countries eligible for assistance and will maintain vigilance to this end. Applications must clearly articulate the institutional capacity and expertise of the submitting organization(s) and each partner. RFA submissions must also demonstrate knowledge of other ongoing media and reform programs in the region (whether funded by MEPI or other U.S. or other international groups) and acknowledge existing media programs involving donor support Electronic Link to Full Announcement: Go to http://www.mepi.state.gov, click on Current Opportunities, click on Media Program Announcement. Funding Instrument Type: Cooperative Agreements. Anticipated Total Program Funding: $5 million in Federal Fiscal Year 2005 Floor of Individual Award Amounts: $1 million II. Award Information: NEA expects to make 1-3 awards under this RFA. Initial awards will be funded for one year, with an option to extend for up to two additional years based on the achievement of performance metrics, availability of funds, and the best interests of the U.S. Government. NEA reserves the right to award less, or more than the funds described, in the absence of worthy applications, or under such other circumstances as may be deemed to be in the best interest of the U.S. Government. Project and Budget Periods: Applicants may propose performance periods for up to 3 years. Applications for continuation grants funded under these awards, beyond the initial budget period, will be entertained on a noncompetitive basis, subject to availability of funds, satisfactory progress of the grantee, and a determination that continued funding would be in the best interest of the Department of State. III. Eligibility Information: Eligible applicants include any U.S.-or foreign-registered non-governmental organization, U.S. and foreign private institutions or commercial entities and U.S. state or local governments.
Additional Information on Eligibility: All Federal assistance recipients must have a Dun & Bradstreet Number prior to funds disbursement per U.S. Government policy. Application/Proposal Submission and Deadline An application (Standard Form 424) with an original signature and one clearly identified copy are required. The application form (Standard Form 424) and instructions can be obtained from either: (1) The following Web sites: The submission checklist for applicant’s easy reference: Applicants must also provide an electronic copy of the proposal by e-mail to nea-grants@state.gov. Proposals must be submitted in both hard copy (1 original and 1 copy) and by e-mail. Proposals submitted only by e-mail, or only in hard copy, will not be considered. Submission: Application materials must be submitted to the U.S. Department of State, Grants Officer, NEA/PI, mailing address: c/o Room 6258, 2201 C Street, N.W., Washington, DC, 20520. Applications submitted by e-mail and either (1) mail (including express mail or overnight mail services), or (2) hand-carried by applicant couriers or by other representatives of the applicant, shall be considered as meeting an announced deadline if they are received by 4:00 p.m. on the due date – June 9, 2005. V. Review and Selection Process: Each application submitted under this announcement will be evaluated and rated by the U.S. Government and by an independent review panel on the basis of the following evaluation criteria. The criteria are designed to assess the quality of the proposed project, and to determine the likelihood of its success. The criteria are closely related and are considered as a whole in judging the overall quality of an application for unique and innovative opportunities. Points are awarded only to applications that are responsive within the context of this program announcement. Approach - The approach demonstrates sector expertise in the field of media and familiarity with USG policies in the Middle East, especially in support of positive change. The applicant must demonstrate that its strategy and plan are likely to achieve the proposed results; that proposed activities and timeframes are rapid, reasonable and feasible. The applicant describes how the technical and training needs of the media development plan will be assessed and provides substantive examples of models of media transformation from anywhere in the world, that bear relevance to the development and implementation of MEPI’s Media Program. The approach describes, in detail, how the allowable activities will be accomplished, including training, advocacy and networking. The plan describes in detail how the proposed activities will be accomplished as well as the potential for the project to have a positive impact on reform efforts in the Middle East and North Africa. (25 points) Organization Capacity – The applicant clearly articulates the institutional capacity and expertise of the submitting organization and each partner, and demonstrates knowledge of other ongoing media and reform programs in the region (whether funded by MEPI or other U.S. or other international groups). The application acknowledges all similar or existing media programs and outlines previous or anticipated donor support. Results or Benefits Expected : Improved Professionalism, Operating Environment, Independence and Sustainability - The applicant describes how the project will increase the professionalism and independence of local media including innovative initiatives to build reform networks and to advocate effectively with citizens, NGOs, business groups, academia and government officials in support of media reform. A key benefit of program design is the results anticipated in terms of sustainability, progressively achieved throughout the project, and innovative advances with local and regional media. The applicant clearly describes the results and benefits to be achieved. Proposed outcomes are tangible and achievable within the performance period. The applicant identifies how data and information will be collected, summarized, and analyzed, how improvement will be measured on key indicators indicating progress, and provides milestones. The applicant outlines a plan to collect, summarize, and analyze this data in support of performance measurement and program outcomes. The applicant provides a plan for disseminating reports and other project products. (30 points) Budget and Budget Justification - Calculations are provided with line item detail for each budget object class identified on the Budget Information form. Detailed calculations include estimation methods, quantities, unit costs, and other similar quantitative detail sufficient for the calculation to be duplicated. The detailed budget also includes a breakout by any funding sources identified in Block 15 of the SF-424. The budget justification should be a narrative that describes how the categorical costs are derived. The budget and narrative justification are reasonable in relation to the proposed activities and anticipated results and the plan for services is realistic. The budget documents the necessity, reasonableness, and allocation of all proposed costs. Adequate travel to and within the Middle East is proposed. The application documents any efforts to secure other funding sources. (20 points)
Guidelines for preparing the budget and budget justification: Both Federal and non-Federal resources shall be detailed and justified. Cost sharing is an important element of the budget process. "Federal resources" refers only to the MEPI grant application. It is suggested that budget amounts and computations be presented in a columnar format: first column, object class categories; second column, Federal budget; next column(s), non-Federal budget(s), and last column, total budget. PERSONNEL Description: Costs of employee salaries and wages. Justification: Identify the project director or principal investigator, if known. For each staff person, provide the title, time commitment to the project (in months), time commitment to the project (as a percentage or full-time equivalent), annual salary, grant salary, wage rates, etc. Do not include the costs of consultants or personnel costs of delegate agencies or of specific project(s) or businesses to be financed by the applicant. FRINGE BENEFITS Description: Costs of employee fringe benefits unless treated as part of an approved indirect cost rate. Justification: Provide a breakdown of the amounts and percentages that comprise fringe benefit costs such as health insurance, retirement insurance, taxes, etc. TRAVEL Description: Costs of project-related travel. Justification: For each trip, show the total number of traveler(s), travel destination, duration of trip, per diem, mileage allowances, if privately owned vehicles will be used, and other transportation costs and subsistence allowances. EQUIPMENT Description: Costs of tangible, non-expendable, personal property, having a useful life of more than one year and an acquisition cost of $5,000 or more per unit. Justification: For each type of equipment requested, provide a description of the equipment, the cost per unit, the number of units, the total cost, and a plan for use on the project, as well as use or disposal of the equipment after the project ends. SUPPLIES Description: Costs of all tangible personal property other than that included under the Equipment category. Justification: Specify general categories of supplies and their costs. Show computations and provide other information that supports the amount requested. OTHER Enter the total of all other costs. Such costs, where applicable and appropriate, may include but are not limited to insurance, professional services costs, space and equipment rentals, printing and publication, computer use, training costs, such as tuition and stipends, staff development costs, and administrative costs. Justification: Provide computations, a narrative description and a justification for each cost under this category. INDIRECT CHARGES Description: Total amount of indirect costs. This category should be used only when the applicant currently has an indirect cost rate approved by a cognizant Federal agency. Justification: An applicant that will charge indirect costs to the grant must enclose a copy of the current negotiated indirect cost rate agreement (NICRA). It should be noted that when an indirect cost rate is requested, those costs included in the indirect cost pool should not also be charged as direct costs to the grant. PROGRAM INCOME Description: The estimated amount of income, if any, expected to be generated from this project. Interest income on US funds is not allowed. Justification: Describe the nature, source and anticipated use of program income in the budget or refer to the pages in the application that contain this information. NON-FEDERAL RESOURCES Description: Amounts of non-Federal resources that will be used to support the project as identified in Block 15 of the SF-424. Justification: The firm commitment of these resources must be documented and submitted with the application in order to be given credit in the review process.
VI. Award Administration Information and National Policy Requirements: A. Reporting Requirements: Programmatic and Financial Reports will be due quarterly 30 days after the quarter. One Web-postable program summary is required within 30 days of award. A final report covering finance and results achieved will be due 90 days after the end of the performance period. B. Acknowledgement: All products and services developed or produced as a result of an approved grant or cooperative agreement must clearly acknowledge the U.S. Middle East Partnership Initiative support. The U.S. Government will retain the right to royalty free use of all materials developed through U.S. funded programs. Similarly, all related written materials; statements, press, media releases, or events must acknowledge the U.S. Government support. The grantee will also allow for Internet connectivity with the MEPI Web site, where relevant. Signed: J. Scott Carpenter MEDIA PROGRAM ANNOUNCEMENT APPLICATION COVER SHEET
Executive Summary: Please summarize the proposed project in the space below. Describe in succinct paragraphs the project activities, phases, milestones, and intended results. Concisely express the relationship of activities and how results will be accomplished.
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