DRL Dignity in Documentation Initiative (DIDI) | DFOP0013969

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): DRL Dignity in Documentation Initiative (DIDI)

What is the DRL Dignity in Documentation Initiative (DIDI)?

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 globally. It supports documentation that helps advance truth, justice, and accountability for serious abuses that violate international human rights law and international humanitarian law.

What is the main goal of this funding opportunity?

The goal is to strengthen and professionalize CRSV documentation in ways that are ethically grounded and survivor-led, and that connect documentation to broader pathways to justice and accountability rather than treating documentation as a stand-alone technical activity.

Why does DRL emphasize that documentation is not just a technical exercise?

DRL highlights that documentation can deeply affect victims and survivors. Because collecting testimony or evidence can carry risks (including retraumatization and safety concerns), applicants are expected to integrate ethical safeguards and survivor protections into how documentation is planned and carried out.

What does it mean that DIDI should be "integrated and holistic"?

It means proposals should go beyond isolated documentation tasks. Applicants are expected to connect documentation to survivor needs, community realities, civil society capacity, and accountability pathways, showing how the overall approach fits together as a coherent ecosystem rather than a set of disconnected activities.

What does "survivor-centered" mean in this opportunity?

A survivor-centered approach prioritizes survivors choices, safety, dignity, and agency. It means survivors should not be treated primarily as sources of testimony; instead, programming should respect survivor decision-making and focus on minimizing harm while supporting their needs and rights.

What does "trauma-informed" mean in practice for CRSV documentation?

Trauma-informed documentation implies careful attention to informed consent, confidentiality, do-no-harm principles, and the risk of retraumatization during interviews or evidence collection. It also implies designing processes that recognize the impacts of trauma and reduce the chance that documentation activities cause additional harm.

How does DIDI connect documentation to accountability?

DIDI is framed around advancing truth, justice, and accountability for serious abuses. Applicants are expected to think through how documentation outputs and processes can support accountability pathways, consistent with the initiatives emphasis on linking documentation with broader justice goals.

Does DRL expect applicants to work with local partners and survivor networks?

Yes. DRL signals that DIDI should not operate in a vacuum and is meant to support survivor networks, civil society organizations, and community-based organizations. This points to an emphasis on partnership, local ownership, and strengthening the ecosystem around documentation and survivor support.

Is this a single award or multiple awards?

DRL expects to make one award under this competition.

What is the award type for this opportunity?

This is a discretionary award using a cooperative agreement, which generally indicates substantial involvement by DRL during implementation compared to a standard grant.

What does it mean that this is a cooperative agreement?

Based on how DRL describes the mechanism, a cooperative agreement implies closer collaboration and more substantial involvement from the funder during implementation than is typical for a standard grant. Applicants should be prepared to work closely with DRL throughout the project.

How much funding is available?

The award ceiling for this competition is $1,500,000.

Is this a multi-year initiative?

Yes. This solicitation represents the first tranche of what is envisioned as a five-year initiative.

What does "first tranche" mean for applicants?

It means the award described is essentially the first phase. DRL indicates that additional, incremental funding may be provided over the life of the project depending on funding availability. Applicants should propose a plan that can stand on its own in the near term while fitting into a longer-term strategy that could scale or expand if future increments become available.

Is additional funding guaranteed after the first phase?

No. DRL indicates additional, incremental funding may be provided depending on funding availability, which means it is not guaranteed.

Who is eligible to apply?

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, though DRL notes a preference for working with non-profit entities.

Are for-profit organizations allowed to apply?

Yes, for-profit organizations or businesses may apply. However, DRL notes a preference for non-profit entities, and for-profit applications could receive additional review after panel selection.

Can a for-profit applicant include profit or a fee in its budget?

No. The Department of State does not allow profit under its assistance awards. A commercial applicant can recover allowable direct and indirect costs, but it cannot include a profit margin above those costs.

What cost rules apply to commercial (for-profit) organizations?

For commercial organizations, cost allowability rules are tied to the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), specifically referencing 48 CFR 30 (Cost Accounting Standards Administration) and 48 CFR 31 (Contract Cost Principles and Procedures).

Can the project be implemented by a consortium?

Yes. The competition is designed to select a single implementer, which can include a consortium led by a single applicant.

What kind of implementer is DRL looking for?

DRL is looking for a single implementer (or consortium led by one applicant) capable of managing a global, sensitive, and multi-year effort under close collaboration with DRL.

What is the opportunity number and CFDA number?

The opportunity number is DFOP0013969. The CFDA number is 19.345.

What is the closing date for applications?

The original closing date listed is June 28, 2024.

When was the opportunity created?

The opportunity was created on April 29, 2024.

What types of harms or risks does DRL expect applicants to address in documentation activities?

DRL flags the need to address risks such as retraumatization during interviews or evidence collection, and emphasizes safeguards including informed consent, confidentiality, and do-no-harm principles to protect survivors safety, dignity, and agency.

What is the thematic focus of the documentation supported by DIDI?

The initiative focuses on documenting conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV) and supporting documentation work that advances truth, justice, and accountability for serious abuses under international human rights law and international humanitarian law.

Does DRL expect the initiative to strengthen civil society capacity?

Yes. DRL describes DIDI as supporting survivor networks and civil society organizations, including community-based organizations, and emphasizes strengthening the ecosystem around documentation and survivor support.