S/CT: SOLICITATION FOR NADR-FUNDED PROPOSALS TO

UNCLAS STATE 128554 E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PTER ASEC SUBJECT: S/CT: SOLICITATION FOR NADR-FUNDED PROPOSALS TO SUPPORT THE REGIONAL STRATEGIC INITIATIVES ¶1. This is an action cable. Please see paras 4-6. ¶2. Department seeks proposals from Embassies partnered with the Regional Strategic Initiative (RSI) for regional counterterrorism programs to be funded with two-year FY'09 foreign assistance funding. S/CT will support programs that can be implemented within the constraints of NADR (Nonproliferation, Antiterrorism, Demining and Related Projects) anti-terrorism funding (outlined in para 5) and that support findings from RSI meetings, the goals of the National Implementation Plan, and the Deputies Committee- approved regional guidance strategies (found at http://www.intelink.sgov.gov/wiki/Portal:Coun terterrorism ) Programs should promote regional objectives and support multilateral counterterrorism initiatives when possible, but can be executed bilaterally if need be. Preference will be given to multilateral programs involving two or more countries. S/CT can make available a total of $3 million in FY '09 NADR funding for qualifying programs. ¶3. RSI Programs support the goals of the Regional Strategic Initiative and the objectives of the Deputies Committee-approved regional counterterrorism strategies (link found in para 2). ¶4. In those regions where they are present, the RSI coordinator should take the lead in working with relevant country team members and other standing coordinating bodies, such as the Law Enforcement Working Group or the Counter-terrorism Working Group, to propose projects for funding. ¶5. Programs must comply with relevant provisions in the Foreign Assistance Act (section 571 of the Foreign Assistance Act, 22 U.S.C. 2349aa),which stipulate that NADR funds should be used to provide "assistance to foreign countries in order to enhance the ability of their law enforcement personnel to deter terrorists and terrorist groups from engaging in international terrorist acts such as bombing, kidnapping, assassination, hostage taking, and hijacking. Such assistance may include training services and the provision of equipment and other commodities related to bomb detection and disposal, management of hostage situations, physical security, and other matters relating to the detection, deterrence, and prevention of acts of terrorism, the resolution of terrorist incidents, and the apprehension of those involved in such acts." ¶6. Post should submit proposals for funding (generally limited to no more than $500,000) in a front channel cable to S/CT by December 29, 2008. Proposals should include: -- Title of project. -- Implementing agency or organization. -- Description of program, to include timeline for implementation, target audience, and stated objectives. -- Coordinating office within the Embassy responsible for oversight of implementation and assessing/reporting results. -- Embassy point of contact and identification of who will receive and execute the contract or grant assistance. ¶7. S/CT, in coordination with RSI Officers when possible, will review proposals and assign funding by priority. Once programs have been approved, S/CT will provide instructions to post to proceed with solicitations and will provide fiscal data upon the receipt of a vehicle for implementation (MOU, grant document, etc.) and appropriate notification to Congress. Note: S/CT can assist with Washington-based implementing agencies, but does not have authority to provide Washington-based grants. ¶8. Point of contact for this program is S/CT Deputy Director for Regional Affairs, Marc Norman, (202) 647- 8911, normanme@state.gov. ¶9. TRIPOLI MINIMIZE CONSIDERED RICE