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U.S. Department of State Weekly Digest Bulletin Inbox U.S. Department of State <usstatebpa@public.govdelivery.com> 6:43 AM (3 hours ago) to me Public Schedule – February 15, 2021 02/15/2021 You are subscribed to Public Schedule for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Public Schedule – February 15, 2021 02/15/2021 08:00 AM EST Office of the Spokesperson                                      ***THE DAILY PUBLIC SCHEDULE IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE*** The Department of State is closed in observance of President’s Day. SECRETARY ANTONY J. BLINKEN Secretary Blinken has no public appointments. Secretary Blinken’s Call with Irish Minster for Foreign Affairs and Defence Coveney 02/15/2021 You are subscribed to Press Releases for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Secretary Blinken’s Call with Irish Minster for Foreign Affairs and Defence Coveney 02/15/2021 11:00 AM EST Office of the Spokesperson The below is attributable to Spokesperson Ned Price: Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke on Saturday with Irish Minster for Foreign Affairs and Defence Simon Coveney.  Secretary Blinken and Foreign Minister Coveney reaffirmed the strong bilateral relationship and extraordinary people-to-people ties between the United States and Ireland.  They discussed Ireland’s role on the UN Security Council and as a Transatlantic partner as well as shared challenges and priorities, including COVID-19, climate change, Iran, and countering malign influences. Secretary Blinken’s Call with Greek Foreign Minister Dendias 02/15/2021 You are subscribed to Press Releases for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Secretary Blinken’s Call with Greek Foreign Minister Dendias 02/15/2021 11:47 AM EST Office of the Spokesperson The below is attributable to Spokesperson Ned Price: Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke with Greek Foreign Minister Nikolaos Dendias today.  Secretary Blinken and Foreign Minister Dendias emphasized their commitment to further strengthening U.S.-Greece bilateral relations, including through the U.S.-Greece Strategic Dialogue and the 3+1 process with Cyprus and Israel, and close cooperation on defense, energy diversification, and stability in the broader Eastern Mediterranean region.  Secretary Blinken welcomed Greece’s sustained leadership in advancing the Transatlantic and European integration of the Western Balkans.  The Secretary and the Foreign Minister reaffirmed the historic importance of North Macedonia’s NATO accession.  The Secretary voiced support for ongoing exploratory talks between NATO Allies Greece and Turkey and congratulated Greece on the occasion of the Greece Bicentennial celebrations this year. Secretary Blinken’s Call with Turkish Foreign Minister Çavuşoğlu 02/15/2021 You are subscribed to Press Releases for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Secretary Blinken’s Call with Turkish Foreign Minister Çavuşoğlu 02/15/2021 11:42 AM EST Office of the Spokesperson The below is attributable to Spokesperson Ned Price: Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke by phone with Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu today.  Secretary Blinken emphasized the longstanding importance of the U.S.-Turkish bilateral relationship, our shared interest in countering terrorism, and the importance of democratic institutions, inclusive governance, and respect for human rights.  Both sides pledged to strengthen cooperation and support for a political resolution to the conflict in Syria.  The Secretary expressed condolences for the deaths of Turkish hostages in northern Iraq and affirmed our view that PKK terrorists bear responsibility.  Secretary Blinken urged Turkey not to retain the Russian S-400 surface-to-air missile system.  The Secretary also voiced support for ongoing exploratory talks between NATO Allies Turkey and Greece. Launch of the Canadian-drafted “Declaration Against the Use of Arbitrary Detention in State-to-State Relations” 02/15/2021 You are subscribed to Press Releases for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Launch of the Canadian-drafted “Declaration Against the Use of Arbitrary Detention in State-to-State Relations” 02/15/2021 12:07 PM EST Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State I am honored to participate in the launch of this important initiative and to stand today with the international community against the use of arbitrary detention in state-to-state relations. I congratulate Canada on having led the way, especially for obtaining the endorsement of so many countries. Arbitrary detentions are prohibited under international human rights conventions. When they are used, as too many nations do, to try to obtain leverage in state-to-state relations, they are a heinous act against the human rights of the individuals in question, and are an affront to international diplomatic norms. The broad coalition of governments endorsing this declaration sends a clear message that history remains on the side of human rights and the rule of law – not the cynical use of law as a political tool. Human beings are not bargaining chips. The United States wholeheartedly endorses this declaration and calls on all like-minded countries to work together to pressure the nations that engage in such detentions to put an end to this practice, to release those detained under such conditions, and to respect the rule of law and human rights. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken Video Remarks on the Declaration Against the Use of Arbitrary Detention in State-to-State Relations 02/15/2021 You are subscribed to Secretary's Remarks for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken Video Remarks on the Declaration Against the Use of Arbitrary Detention in State-to-State Relations 02/15/2021 01:48 PM EST Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State I’m honored to participate in the launch of this initiative, and I’m grateful to Canada for their leadership. Arbitrary detention in state-to-state relations is a serious problem. Put simply, this is when someone traveling or living abroad – for example, a businessperson, a tourist, or someone visiting family – is detained by the government and falsely charged or sentenced because of the country on their passport. Then they’re used to gain leverage in state-to-state relations. They become a bargaining chip – a human pawn. It’s completely unacceptable. And it’s already prohibited under international human rights conventions. But some countries still do it, and we as a global community have to stand against it. This kind of arbitrary detention goes against the human rights of the people being held. It brings anguish to their families. And it’s a threat to anyone who travels, works, or lives abroad. It’s time to send a clear message to every government that arbitrarily detains foreign nationals and tries to use them as leverage: this will not be tolerated by the international community. The fact that so many countries are endorsing this declaration is a sign of its strength. Now let’s keep the momentum going. I urge more countries to join us in making it clear that arbitrary detention has absolutely no place in state-to-state relations. Human beings are not bargaining chips. This is a matter of human rights and the rule of law. We‘ll stand up for both – together. Thank you. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken Video Remarks on the Declaration Against the Use of Arbitrary Detention in State-to-State Relations 02/15/2021 You are subscribed to Press Releases for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken Video Remarks on the Declaration Against the Use of Arbitrary Detention in State-to-State Relations 02/15/2021 01:48 PM EST Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State I’m honored to participate in the launch of this initiative, and I’m grateful to Canada for their leadership. Arbitrary detention in state-to-state relations is a serious problem. Put simply, this is when someone traveling or living abroad – for example, a businessperson, a tourist, or someone visiting family – is detained by the government and falsely charged or sentenced because of the country on their passport. Then they’re used to gain leverage in state-to-state relations. They become a bargaining chip – a human pawn. It’s completely unacceptable. And it’s already prohibited under international human rights conventions. But some countries still do it, and we as a global community have to stand against it. This kind of arbitrary detention goes against the human rights of the people being held. It brings anguish to their families. And it’s a threat to anyone who travels, works, or lives abroad. It’s time to send a clear message to every government that arbitrarily detains foreign nationals and tries to use them as leverage: this will not be tolerated by the international community. The fact that so many countries are endorsing this declaration is a sign of its strength. Now let’s keep the momentum going. I urge more countries to join us in making it clear that arbitrary detention has absolutely no place in state-to-state relations. Human beings are not bargaining chips. This is a matter of human rights and the rule of law. We‘ll stand up for both – together. Thank you. Public Schedule – February 16, 2021 02/15/2021 You are subscribed to Public Schedule for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Public Schedule – February 16, 2021 02/15/2021 08:30 PM EST Office of the Spokesperson                                    ***THE DAILY PUBLIC SCHEDULE IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE*** SECRETARY ANTONY J. BLINKEN Secretary Blinken attends meetings and briefings, from the Department of State. USAID ACTING ADMINISTRATOR GLORIA STEELE 2:00 p.m. Acting Administrator Steele participates in U.S. Global Leadership Coalition virtual town hall, “American Democracy: What’s At Stake At Home And Abroad.”, from Washington, D.C. (CLOSED PRESS COVERAGE) UNDER SECRETARY FOR POLITICAL AFFAIRS DAVID HALE Under Secretary Hale attends meetings and briefings, from the Department of State. BRIEFING SCHEDULE 12:45 p.m. Department Press Briefing by Spokesperson Ned Price. (POOLED PRESS COVERAGE)  The Department Press Briefing will be live streamed on www.state.gov.     Rocket Attacks in Erbil 02/15/2021 You are subscribed to Secretary's Remarks for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Rocket Attacks in Erbil 02/15/2021 09:39 PM EST Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State We are outraged by today’s rocket attack in the Iraqi Kurdistan Region. Initial reports indicate that the attacks killed one civilian contractor and injured several members of the Coalition, including one American service member and several American contractors. We express our condolences to the loved ones of the civilian contractor killed in this attack, and to the innocent Iraqi people and their families who are suffering these ruthless acts of violence. I have reached out to Kurdistan Regional Government Prime Minister Masrour Barzani to discuss the incident and to pledge our support for all efforts to investigate and hold accountable those responsible.   Rocket Attacks in Erbil 02/15/2021 You are subscribed to Press Releases for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Rocket Attacks in Erbil 02/15/2021 09:39 PM EST Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State We are outraged by today’s rocket attack in the Iraqi Kurdistan Region. Initial reports indicate that the attacks killed one civilian contractor and injured several members of the Coalition, including one American service member and several American contractors. We express our condolences to the loved ones of the civilian contractor killed in this attack, and to the innocent Iraqi people and their families who are suffering these ruthless acts of violence. I have reached out to Kurdistan Regional Government Prime Minister Masrour Barzani to discuss the incident and to pledge our support for all efforts to investigate and hold accountable those responsible.   Lithuanian National Day 02/16/2021 You are subscribed to Press Releases for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Lithuanian National Day 02/16/2021 12:01 AM EST Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State On behalf of the Government of the United States of America, I send congratulations to all Lithuanians as you celebrate your independence on February 16. The United States and Lithuania enjoy a strong bilateral relationship and historical ties as NATO Allies and friends, dedicated to our robust security partnership and to the ideals of democracy, human rights, and rule of law.  The people of Lithuania have provided a powerful demonstration of what democracy can deliver to its citizens. As you commemorate the 30th anniversary of your courageous fight for the restoration and recognition of your independence, the United States stands with Lithuania in defending the truth of what happened then and supporting the democratic aspirations of your neighbors and others around the world, now.  Our bond will endure as we face together the challenges posed by the global pandemic, while continuing to foster strong political, economic, and security ties that will define our friendship for generations to come. Congratulations and warm wishes to all Lithuanians.   Lithuanian National Day 02/16/2021 You are subscribed to Secretary's Remarks for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Lithuanian National Day 02/16/2021 12:01 AM EST Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State On behalf of the Government of the United States of America, I send congratulations to all Lithuanians as you celebrate your independence on February 16. The United States and Lithuania enjoy a strong bilateral relationship and historical ties as NATO Allies and friends, dedicated to our robust security partnership and to the ideals of democracy, human rights, and rule of law.  The people of Lithuania have provided a powerful demonstration of what democracy can deliver to its citizens. As you commemorate the 30th anniversary of your courageous fight for the restoration and recognition of your independence, the United States stands with Lithuania in defending the truth of what happened then and supporting the democratic aspirations of your neighbors and others around the world, now.  Our bond will endure as we face together the challenges posed by the global pandemic, while continuing to foster strong political, economic, and security ties that will define our friendship for generations to come. Congratulations and warm wishes to all Lithuanians.   Lithuanian National Day 02/16/2021 You are subscribed to Europe and Eurasia for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Lithuanian National Day 02/16/2021 12:01 AM EST Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State On behalf of the Government of the United States of America, I send congratulations to all Lithuanians as you celebrate your independence on February 16. The United States and Lithuania enjoy a strong bilateral relationship and historical ties as NATO Allies and friends, dedicated to our robust security partnership and to the ideals of democracy, human rights, and rule of law.  The people of Lithuania have provided a powerful demonstration of what democracy can deliver to its citizens. As you commemorate the 30th anniversary of your courageous fight for the restoration and recognition of your independence, the United States stands with Lithuania in defending the truth of what happened then and supporting the democratic aspirations of your neighbors and others around the world, now.  Our bond will endure as we face together the challenges posed by the global pandemic, while continuing to foster strong political, economic, and security ties that will define our friendship for generations to come. Congratulations and warm wishes to all Lithuanians.   The Houthis Must Cease the Assault on Marib 02/16/2021 You are subscribed to Press Releases for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. The Houthis Must Cease the Assault on Marib 02/16/2021 10:33 AM EST Ned Price, Department Spokesperson The United States urges the Houthis to halt their advance on Marib and cease all military operations and turn to negotiations.  The Houthis’ assault on Marib is the action of a group not committed to peace or to ending the war afflicting the people of Yemen.  UNOCHA estimates about one million Yemenis have sought refuge in Marib since the beginning of the war to escape Houthi violence.  Marib is controlled by the legitimate government of Yemen.  This assault will only increase the number of internally displaced persons and exacerbate the humanitarian crisis in Yemen, already home to the world’s worst humanitarian catastrophe. If the Houthis are serious about a negotiated political solution, they must cease all military advances and refrain from other destabilizing and potentially lethal actions, including cross-border attacks on Saudi Arabia. They must commit to constructively participate in the UN-led political process and engage seriously in the diplomatic effort led by U.S. Special Envoy for Yemen Tim Lenderking.  The time to end this conflict is now.  There is no military solution. Secretary Blinken’s Call with Indonesian Foreign Minister Marsudi 02/16/2021 You are subscribed to Press Releases for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Secretary Blinken’s Call with Indonesian Foreign Minister Marsudi 02/16/2021 11:10 AM EST Office of the Spokesperson The below is attributable to Spokesperson Ned Price: Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke today with Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi.  Secretary Blinken affirmed the growing significance of the U.S.-Indonesia Strategic Partnership to the prosperity and security of both nations, and pledged to further strengthen the broad range of our bilateral ties.  They discussed the opportunities for increased trade and investment between the United States and Indonesia. Secretary Blinken agreed on the key role of ASEAN-centrality in the Indo-Pacific, and underscored the importance of protecting and preserving a free and open South China Sea. The two leaders expressed deep concern over the coup in Burma. Secretary Blinken also thanked Minister Retno for her important work to bring peace to Afghanistan, applauded her leadership as a positive role model for women and girls, and noted that as the world’s largest Muslim-majority country, Indonesia has unique insights that it can offer Afghans in their pursuit of a political settlement. Secretary Blinken’s Call with Spanish Foreign Minister González Laya 02/16/2021 You are subscribed to Press Releases for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Secretary Blinken’s Call with Spanish Foreign Minister González Laya 02/16/2021 12:19 PM EST Office of the Spokesperson The below is attributable to Spokesperson Ned Price: Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke with Spanish Foreign Minister Arancha González Laya today to discuss ways to strengthen the bilateral and Transatlantic relationships.  The Secretary thanked Spain for hosting U.S. forces and emphasized the U.S. desire to work with Spain, the EU, and other partners to address shared challenges, including COVID-19 and advancing future pandemic preparedness, climate change, Russia, China, and Venezuela. Office of the Historian, Foreign Service Institute Release of Foreign Relations of the United States, 1981–1988, Volume IV, Soviet Union, January 1983–March 1985 02/16/2021 You are subscribed to Press Releases for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Office of the Historian, Foreign Service Institute Release of Foreign Relations of the United States, 1981–1988, Volume IV, Soviet Union, January 1983–March 1985 02/16/2021 01:58 PM EST Office of the Spokesperson The Department of State released today Foreign Relations of the United States, 1981–1988, Volume IV, Soviet Union, January 1983–March 1985. This volume is part of a subseries of volumes of the Foreign Relations series that documents the foreign policy decisions of the administration of President Ronald Reagan. The focus of the volume is on the development of the Reagan administration’s policies toward the Soviet Union from January 1983 to March 1985. The documentation demonstrates how administration officials developed a four-part agenda to deal with the Soviet Union on arms control, human rights, regional issues, and bilateral relations, and then promoted U.S. positions on these various issues during meetings with Soviet officials. The volume documents several Cold War flashpoints during the contentious months of 1983: the announcement in March 1983 of Reagan’s Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI), the downing of the KAL 007 airliner by the Soviet Union on August 31, 1983, and the deployments of INF missiles to several NATO allied countries in late November 1983, which led to the Soviet walkout of arms control negotiations in Geneva. The volume also presents selective documentation related to the 1983 Soviet “War Scare” and the November 1983 NATO nuclear exercise, Able Archer (see Appendix A). Even with these challenges, Secretary of State George Shultz and others pressed to keep moving ahead with the four-part agenda and promote greater dialogue in U.S.-Soviet relations. This culminated in an agreement to open new arms control negotiations, the Nuclear and Space talks, on three tracks: START, INF, and Defense and Space, starting in March 1985. This volume was compiled and edited by Elizabeth C. Charles. The volume and this press release are available on the Office of the Historian website at https://history.state.gov/historicaldocuments/frus1981-88v04. Copies of the volume will be available for purchase from the U.S. Government Printing Office online at http://bookstore.gpo.gov  (GPO S/N 044-000-02705-4; ISBN 978-0-16-095828-1), or by calling toll-free 1-866-512-1800 (D.C. area 202-512-1800). For further information, contact history@state.gov. Secretary Blinken’s Call with Portuguese Foreign Minister Santos Silva 02/16/2021 You are subscribed to Press Releases for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Secretary Blinken’s Call with Portuguese Foreign Minister Santos Silva 02/16/2021 01:49 PM EST Office of the Spokesperson The below is attributable to Spokesperson Ned Price:   Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke with Portuguese Foreign Minister Augusto Santos Silva today to discuss ways to revitalize the U.S.-Portugal relationship and further strengthen Transatlantic ties.  The Secretary emphasized the U.S. desire to work with Portugal, currently the President of the EU Council, to address shared challenges, including COVID-19, economic recovery, China, and Africa.  Breaking Barriers: The NHL’s Willie O’Ree, Documentary Film & Global Discussion on Racial Equality 02/16/2021 You are subscribed to Press Releases for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Breaking Barriers: The NHL’s Willie O’Ree, Documentary Film & Global Discussion on Racial Equality 02/16/2021 02:17 PM EST Office of the Spokesperson In celebration of Black History Month, the U.S. Department of State, in partnership with Global Affairs Canada and the National Hockey League (NHL), is pleased to present a global screening of the award-winning documentary “Willie”, which chronicles the life and legacy of Willie O’Ree, the first Black man to play in the NHL. Highlighting O’Ree’s ties to both the United States and Canada, the enduring friendship of our peoples, and the shared love of ice hockey on both sides of the border, U.S. and Canadian missions will collaborate to show the film virtually in more than 35 countries, reflecting a multilateral effort to promote a global discussion on racial equality, justice, and inclusion within culture and sport. Invited participants will be able to stream the film and join a global Zoom discussion with Mr. O’Ree, Laurence Mathieu-Leger (director and co-producer), Bryant McBride (co-producer), and Blake Bolden, the first Black woman to play in the National Women’s Hockey League and current scout with the NHL’s L.A. Kings. The panel will be moderated by Anson Carter, former NHL player and current hockey analyst for NBC Sports. The film is set against the backdrop of America’s tumultuous fight to end racial segregation in the dawn of the civil rights movement. Willie O’Ree, born in New Brunswick, Canada, came to Boston to pursue his career in ice hockey, and in doing so, became the first Black player to skate in the National Hockey League. Now, sixty-three years later, Willie serves as the diversity ambassador for the NHL and educates audiences everywhere on his story and the power of sport to break barriers in society. The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs Cultural Programs Division will provide secondary screenings over the next two years, while also supporting the distribution of accompanying social justice curricula for school-aged children around the world. For more information on educational materials, please see the website: lessonsfromwillie.com . For press inquiries, please contact the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs at eca-press@state.gov. This event is open to the press. Follow #WillieGlobal on social media for updates and event highlights. DRL – Promoting Investigative Journalism and Anti-Corruption Efforts in Pacific Island Countries 02/16/2021 You are subscribed to Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. DRL – Promoting Investigative Journalism and Anti-Corruption Efforts in Pacific Island Countries 02/16/2021 04:01 PM EST Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor United States Department of State  Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor (DRL) Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO):  DRL – Promoting Investigative Journalism and Anti-Corruption Efforts in Pacific Island Countries This is the announcement of funding opportunity number SFOP0007603 Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number:  19.345 Type of Solicitation: Open Competition Application Deadline:  11:59 PM EST on 14th, April, 2021 Funding Floor:  $1,000,000 Funding Ceiling:  $1,975,308 Anticipated Number of Awards:  1 – 2 Type of Award: Grant or Cooperative Agreement Period of Performance:  2 – 3 years Anticipated Time to Award, Pending Availability of Funds: 5 – 8 months A. Project Description The U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor (DRL) announces an open competition for organizations interested in submitting applications for a regional project that strengthens investigative journalism and anti-corruption efforts across the Pacific Islands. Since the Biketawa Declaration in 2000, the Pacific Islands have explicitly committed themselves to strengthening democracy, human rights, and good governance.  All Pacific Island countries have ratified the United Nations Convention Against Corruption and in February 2020, Kiribati, Samoa, Cook Islands, Tonga, the Solomon Islands, the Marshall Islands, and Fiji signed the Teieniwa Vision, which, inter-alia, recognized that progress and aspirations for a peaceful, harmonious, and prosperous Pacific cannot be realized unless corruption is addressed.  It also recognized and supported the right to information; the need to protect whistle-blowers; and for civil society and the media to be involved in national and regional anti-corruption efforts.  In furtherance of the region’s commitment to anti-corruption goals, DRL seeks projects that strengthens local independent media organizations in the Pacific to actively contribute as part of a whole-of-society effort to combat corruption. The project should be regional in scope in recognition of the Blue Pacific narrative, which recognizes the potential of collective regional action across Pacific Island countries and territories to drive positive change in the regions political, socio-cultural, and economic development based on a shared ocean identity, geography, and resources.  Pacific Islands countries and territories that could initially be included in proposals are: Fiji, French Polynesia, Cook Islands, Kiribati, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, New Caledonia, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu.  While the focus of the project should be on improving investigative reporting and anti-corruption efforts in the Pacific, additional activities in other regions could be relevant depending on the cross-regional/global aspects of specific corruption schemes impacting the Pacific. Projects should be designed to achieve the following outcomes: Journalists and media outlets effectively provide independent, investigative reporting to large audiences Senior media experts sustain strengthened relationships with emerging investigative journalists and other relevant actors Increased quality and quantity of investigative reporting in the Pacific prompt accountability actions of key stakeholders In furtherance of these outcomes, applicants should consider providing tailored, ongoing, in-depth technical assistance and trainings to local media entities as part of their approach to increase effectiveness of independent media entities.  For example, where feasible, trainers should be available to train and assist organizations over the course of several months or years instead of only short, one-off trainings.  Applicants should also consider the inclusion of mentorships for investigative journalists, editors, and other relevant staff in order for them to continue to receive advice and technical support on an as-needed basis long term.  Competitive proposals should seek to provide the maximum amount of financial assistance directly to local media organizations to conduct activities, for example by striving to provide at least 40% of the total award budget as subawards directly to local media organizations depending on their absorptive capacity. In country environments where media freedom is under threat, additional support to improve physical and digital security and/or provide psycho-social assistance to journalists, editors, or other media professionals who have been subject to violence or other trauma may be considered. Activities to engage with government stakeholders to promote the role of a free press and civil society in advancing anti-corruption efforts could also be included. Proposals should identify opportunities, where appropriate/as relevant, for the U.S. government to be substantially involved such as in partnerships, public events, or other appropriate activities to highlight U.S. government support for anti-corruption efforts in furtherance of shared anti-corruption commitments and vision of a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific. Projects could be designed with the potential for additional funding and time depending on funding availability and program progress and impact during the initial project period.  Applicants may include an additional summary budget and budget narrative to extend the proposed period of performance to as late as March 31, 2026 and should indicate the objective(s) and/or activities that could be accomplished with additional time beyond the proposed period of performance and/or funds beyond the current funding ceiling. Projects should aim to have impact that leads to reforms and should have the potential for sustainability beyond DRL resources.  Programs are encouraged to avoid duplicating past efforts by supporting new and creative approaches, but DRL will not exclude from consideration projects that improve upon or expand existing successful projects in a new and complementary way.  Programs should seek to include groups that can bring perspectives based on their religion, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, and/or sexual orientation.  Programs should be demand-driven and locally led to the fullest extent possible.  DRL also requires all of its programming be non-discriminatory and expects implementers to include strategies for integration of individuals/organizations regardless of religion, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, and/or sexual orientation. Where appropriate, competitive proposals may include: Opportunities for beneficiaries to apply their new knowledge and skills in practical efforts; Solicitation of feedback and suggestions from beneficiaries when developing activities in order to strengthen the sustainability of programs and participant ownership of project outcomes; Input from participants on sustainability plans and systematic review of the plans throughout the life of the project, with adjustments made as necessary; Inclusion of vulnerable populations; Joint identification and definition of key concepts with relevant stakeholders and stakeholder input into project activities; Systematic follow up with beneficiaries at specific intervals after the completion of activities to track how beneficiaries are retaining new knowledge as well as applying their new skills. This notice is subject to availability of funding. B. Federal Award Information Primary organizations can submit 1 application in response to the NOFO. The U.S. government may (a) reject any or all applications, (b) accept other than the lowest cost application, (c) accept more than one application, and (d) waive irregularities in applications received. The U.S. government may make award(s) on the basis of initial applications received, without discussions or negotiations.  Therefore, each initial application should contain the applicant’s best terms from a cost and technical standpoint.  The U.S. government reserves the right (though it is under no obligation to do so), however, to enter into discussions with one or more applicants in order to obtain clarifications, additional detail, or to suggest refinements in the project description, budget, or other aspects of an application. DRL anticipates awarding either a grant or cooperative agreement depending on the needs and risk factors of the program.  The final determination on award mechanism will be made by the Grants Officer.  The distinction between grants and cooperative agreements revolves around the existence of “substantial involvement.”  Cooperative agreements require greater Federal government participation in the project.  If a cooperative agreement is awarded, DRL will undertake reasonable and programmatically necessary substantial involvement.  Examples of substantial involvement can include, but are not limited to: Active participation or collaboration with the recipient in the implementation of the award. Review and approval of one stage of work before another can begin. Review and approval of substantive provisions of proposed subawards or contracts beyond existing Federal policy. Approval of the recipient’s budget or plan of work prior to the award. The authority for this funding opportunity is found in the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended (FAA). To maximize the impact and sustainability of the award(s) that result from this NOFO, DRL retains the right to execute non-competitive continuation amendment(s).  The total duration of any award, including potential non-competitive continuation amendments, shall not exceed 60 months, or five years.  Any non-competitive continuation is contingent on performance and pending availability of funds.  A non-competitive continuation is not guaranteed and the Department of State reserves the right to exercise or not to exercise this option. C. Eligibility Information For application information, please see the proposal submission instructions (PSI) on our website. C.1 Eligible Applicants DRL welcomes applications from U.S.-based and foreign-based non-profit organizations/nongovernment organizations (NGO) and public international organizations; private, public, or state institutions of higher education; and for-profit organizations or businesses.  DRL’s preference is to work with non-profit entities; however, there may be some occasions when a for-profit entity is best suited. Applications submitted by for-profit entities may be subject to additional review following the panel selection process.  Additionally, the Department of State prohibits profit to for-profit or commercial organizations under its assistance awards.  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. Please see 2 CFR 200.307 for regulations regarding program income. C.2 Cost Sharing or Matching Providing cost sharing, matching, or cost participation is not an eligibility factor or requirement for this NOFO with the exception that if a proposal includes a pacific island that is not eligible to receive U.S. foreign assistance, other sources of funding may be required to cover the associated costs.  Providing cost sharing, matching, or cost participation will not result in a more favorable competitive ranking. C.3 Other Applicants should have existing, or the capacity to dev ... [Message clipped]  View entire message ReplyForward