DRL Dignity in Documentation Initiative (DIDI) | DFOP0013969

Opportunity Information: Apply for DFOP0013969

The DRL Dignity in Documentation Initiative (DIDI) is a U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DRL) funding opportunity focused on improving how conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV) is documented around the world. The core idea is to support documentation work that helps advance truth, justice, and accountability for serious abuses that violate international human rights law and international humanitarian law, while also recognizing that documentation is not just a technical exercise but something that can deeply affect victims and survivors. DRL frames DIDI as a global effort that is integrated and holistic, meaning applicants are expected to think beyond isolated documentation activities and instead propose programming that connects documentation to survivor needs, community realities, civil society capacity, and pathways to accountability.

A central requirement is that the project must be survivor-centered and trauma-informed. In practical terms, this means the approach should prioritize the choices, safety, dignity, and agency of survivors, rather than treating survivors mainly as sources of testimony. It also implies careful attention to informed consent, confidentiality, do-no-harm principles, and the risk of retraumatization during interviews or evidence collection. DRL also signals that DIDI should not operate in a vacuum: it is meant to support survivor networks, civil society organizations, and community-based organizations, suggesting a strong emphasis on partnership, local ownership, and strengthening the ecosystem around documentation and survivor support.

This solicitation represents the first tranche of what is envisioned as a five-year initiative. The award described here is essentially the first phase, with DRL indicating that additional, incremental funding may be provided over the life of the project depending on funding availability. That structure matters for applicants because it points to the need for a plan that can stand up on its own in the near term while also fitting into a longer-term strategy, with room to scale, deepen, or expand as future increments become available.

Administratively, this opportunity is a discretionary award using a cooperative agreement, which generally indicates substantial involvement by the funder during implementation compared to a standard grant. The opportunity number is DFOP0013969, and it falls under CFDA 19.345. DRL expects to make one award, with an award ceiling of $1,500,000 for this competition. The original closing date listed is June 28, 2024, and the opportunity was created on April 29, 2024.

Eligibility is broad. DRL welcomes applications from U.S.-based and foreign-based non-profit NGOs, public international organizations, and institutions of higher education (private, public, or state). For-profit organizations or businesses may also apply, although DRL notes a preference for working with non-profit entities and flags that for-profit applications could receive additional review after panel selection. Importantly, even when a for-profit is eligible, the Department of State does not allow profit under its assistance awards. In other words, a commercial applicant can recover allowable direct and indirect costs, but it cannot include a profit margin above those costs. The cost allowability rules for commercial organizations are tied to the Federal Acquisition Regulation, specifically referencing 48 CFR 30 (Cost Accounting Standards Administration) and 48 CFR 31 (Contract Cost Principles and Procedures).

Overall, DIDI is positioned as a major documentation initiative that aims to professionalize and strengthen CRSV documentation in ways that are ethically grounded and survivor-led, while also connecting documentation to broader justice and accountability goals. The competition is designed to select a single implementer (or consortium led by a single applicant) capable of managing a global, sensitive, and multi-year effort under close collaboration with DRL.

• The Bureau of Democracy Human Rights and Labor in the other sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "DRL Dignity in Documentation Initiative (DIDI)" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 19.345.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2024-04-29.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2024-06-28. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $1,500,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Others.

Apply for DFOP0013969

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