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
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