Office of Acquisitions Management

Description

I. EXECUTIVE SUMMARYThe Department of State’s Office of Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs (R) is pleased to announce an open competition for awards of (grants or cooperative agreements) to provide television program development and distribution through this Request for Proposals (RFP). For-profit and not-for-profit organizations and non-U.S. entities are invited to submit proposals to expand new media for targeted Arabic language television programs for the purpose of fostering mutual respect and improving relations between the Muslim world and the United States through indigenous Arabic language satellite media. The Department will have approximately $4,000,000 available for this grant program, and the maximum amount for a single award can be up to $2,000,000. II. BACKGROUNDCongressional intent outlined in the Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2009, HR.2346, PL 111-32 (June 24, 2009).“… to expand new media for targeted Arabic language television programs for the purpose of fostering cultural, educational and professional dialogues through indigenous Arabic language satellite media” provides for the development of co-productions for television broadcast on the major pan Arab free-to-air satellite channels for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region and satellites channels that reach residual Arabic speaking markets in Europe and Asia. Satellite television is the most powerful tool for reaching audiences in the Middle East. Soft news and entertainment series that tap into stories that the culture already believes are proven to be the most effective formats. FUNDING PRIORITIESThe Department of State’s Policy, Planning and Resources for the Office of Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs (R/PPR) seeks to fund creative and sustainable television series for broadcast on the major pan Arab free-to-air satellite channels for the MENA region and satellites channels that reach residual Arabic speaking markets in Europe and Asia.Proposals that specifically cover all or most of the following priority issues, consistently for the duration of the production, will receive preferential consideration:1- Promotion of religious tolerance.2- Promotion of cultural understanding.3- Rejection of violent extremism4- Discouraging negative stereotypes and conspiracy theories5- Respect for human rights.6- Promotion of rule of law.

Who can apply

• Nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status (other than higher education)
• Nonprofits without 501(c)(3) status (other than higher education)
• For-profit organizations other than small businesses

Contact

Veronica Thompson <br/>Grants Managment Specialist <br/>
thompsonvr@state.gov