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 projects that strengthen the rule of law, protect human rights, and promote good governance.

DRL’s goal is to ensure that, in accordance with Moroccan law and international human rights standards with respect to juvenile justice and the rule of law, the rights of Moroccan youth detainees and former detainees are upheld and protected. Programs should seek to enhance rights protection, rehabilitation, and reintegration of Moroccan youth under 21 years of age during and after detention.

Proposed approaches may include conducting a comprehensive, independent assessment of detention facilities and community-based services to inform and develop wraparound interventions for youth offenders; improving coordination and establishing referral networks with Moroccan institutional partners and civil society to ensure access to services and post-release reintegration for Moroccan youth; supporting advocacy for reforms impacting juvenile justice and youth detention; and building civil society capacity to independently monitor detention facilities that hold youth to ensure international standards are effectively applied in detention centers and prisons.

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.

Funding Information

• Funding Floor: $750,000
• Funding Ceiling: $750,000
• Anticipated Number of Awards: 1
• Type of Award: Grant or Cooperative Agreement
• Period of Performance: 18 months-3 years
• Anticipated Time to Award, Pending Availability of Funds: 6 months

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 allow ability 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.

For more information, visit Grants.gov.