UPCOMING REGIONAL SECURITY INITIATIVE CONFERENCES: REQUEST

UNCLAS STATE 001148 FOR AMBASSADORS FROM AMBASSADOR DAILEY E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PTER ASEC IZ ZM XF SUBJECT: UPCOMING REGIONAL SECURITY INITIATIVE CONFERENCES: REQUEST FOR CT PROPOSALS TO BE CONSIDERED FOR FUNDING ¶1. THIS IS AN ACTION REQUEST - see para 6. ¶2. BACKGROUND: Regional Strategic Initiative (RSI) meetings will take place in the near future for the Iraq and Neighbors and Eastern Mediterranean RSIs. RSIs bring together key Washington decision-makers, ambassadors in the field, and representatives of the inter-agency to analyze the common threat and develop regionally-focused measures and programs for combating terrorism. To accomplish this objective, and to encourage regionally-based cooperation, S/CT makes resources available through three programs: ¶1. the Counterterrorism Visitor Program, 2. the Ambassadors Fund for Counterterrorism, and 3. DS/ATA training programs funded by S/CT(all ATA programs implemented by DS are S/CT funded) resources. S/CT will consider proposals that support findings from RSI meetings, the goals of the National Implementation Plan, and the Deputies Committee-approved regional guidance strategies (found at www.intelink.sgov. gov/wiki/Portal:Counterterrorism). Programs should promote regional objectives and should support multilateral counterterrorism initiatives as a priority. In addition, since all of the funds come from the NADR account, proposals must have a law enforcement nexus. ¶3. The Counterterrorism Visitor Program (CTVP) can bring up to ten visitors to the United States for ten days to participate in programs tailored for the selected participants. Goals of the CTVP are to build and strengthen regional CT networks; build CT networks across societal and well as governmental sectors; and build CT networks across public and private spheres. For instance, in 2008 we brought CT experts from Latin America to the U.S. for several weeks of meetings. ¶4. The Ambassadors Fund for Counterterrorism provides micro-grants (up to $50,000 each) to Embassies for programs and activities that apply the tools of soft power to assist law enforcement efforts to counter violent extremism. FY08 programs supported a range of activities to include networking law enforcement with other community organization to assist with countering violent extremism; enhancing appreciation for the rule of law and respect for law enforcement among at-risk youth; and supporting law enforcement de-radicalization activities (please review the list of successful proposals at: https://www. intelink.gov/wiki/Countering_Violent_Extremis m.) ¶5. NADR Anti-Terrorism Assistance funding (ATA) can be used to provide a variety of training courses and consultations in disciplines as varied as VIP Protection Training, Identification and Seizure of Digital Evidence, and Underwater Explosives Incident Countermeasures. ATA offers over 40 courses in a wide variety of antiterrorism skills, and DS/T/ATA has the capability to develop training and support packages tailored to specific bilateral and regional needs. Course listings and program manager contact information can be found listed in the DS website under ATA. ¶6. Action Request: Ambassadors attending the upcoming RSIs are requested to present proposals for funding. In preparation, the RSI coordinator in regions can 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. Proposed projects should fall under one of the three accessible programs: -- the Counterterrorism Visitor Program -- Ambassadors Fund for Counterterrorism -- DS/ATA training programs In order to be considered for funding, proposals must be regional initiatives involving at least two countries. ¶7. Post should submit proposals for funding in a front channel cable to S/CT. Proposals should include: -- Title of project. -- Implementing agency or organization. -- Description of program, to include timeline for implementation, target audience, stated objectives, and how it supports law enforcement. -- Coordinating office within the Embassy responsible for oversight of implementation. -- Embassy point of contact and identification of who will receive and execute the contract or grant assistance. ¶8. 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. ¶9. Point of contact for these requests is S/CT Deputy Director for Regional Affairs, Marc Norman, (202) 647-8911, normanme@state.gov. Department appreciates Posts' responses to this action request. RICE ##