DRL FY23 DPRK Access to Information Programs - Statements of Interest | SFOP0010163

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1) What is this funding opportunity?

This is a Request for Statements of Interest (RSOI) from the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DRL). It solicits Statements of Interest (SOIs) for potential programming focused on increasing access to objective, independent information related to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK, or North Korea).

2) What is the main policy goal of the RSOI?

The central policy goal is to expand the free flow of credible information into North Korea, out of North Korea, and within North Korea.

3) What does “Request for Statements of Interest (RSOI)” mean in practice?

An RSOI is typically an early-stage solicitation. It is commonly used to identify capable organizations and promising concepts before the agency invites or shapes full proposals.

4) Who is issuing the opportunity?

The opportunity is issued by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DRL).

5) What is the Funding Opportunity Number?

The Funding Opportunity Number is SFOP0010163.

6) What is the Assistance Listing (CFDA) number for this opportunity?

The CFDA/Assistance Listing number shown is 19.345.

7) What type of grant is this?

It is listed as a discretionary grant.

8) What is the activity category?

The activity category is labeled as “Other.”

9) When was the notice created?

The notice was created on December 18, 2023.

10) What is the original closing date for submissions?

The original closing date for submissions is January 26, 2024.

11) How much funding is available?

The award ceiling is $1,500,000, which indicates the maximum potential funding amount for an award under this announcement.

12) Does the listing guarantee that awards will be made?

No guarantee is indicated. The listing shows “ExpectedAwards: 0,” which can signal that the agency is not committing to a specific number of awards at the SOI stage, or that awards are contingent on later decisions, available funding, or subsequent steps in the process.

13) Who is eligible to apply?

DRL indicates broad eligibility, including U.S.- or foreign-based nonprofit/non-governmental organizations, public international organizations, institutions of higher education (private, public, or state), and for-profit entities.

14) Are foreign-based organizations eligible?

Yes. The eligibility described includes U.S.- or foreign-based nonprofit/non-governmental organizations.

15) Can universities and colleges apply?

Yes. Institutions of higher education are included, whether private, public, or state.

16) Can for-profit organizations apply?

Yes. For-profit entities are listed as eligible applicants, but the announcement highlights restrictions related to payment of fees and/or profits under federal grants and cooperative agreements.

17) What restrictions apply to for-profit applicants?

The notice references federal cost principles and standards in 48 CFR 30 (Cost Accounting Standards Administration) and 48 CFR 31 (Contract Cost Principles and Procedures). In practice, a for-profit entity can apply, but it must be prepared to follow federal rules governing allowable costs, accounting practices, and limits on profit or fee structures when using grant funds.

18) Does DRL expect applicants to have partnerships in place?

Yes. Applicants are expected to already have, or be able to develop, active partnerships with relevant thematic partners, in-country partners where feasible, and other stakeholders.

19) What kinds of partners does DRL mention as potentially relevant?

The notice explicitly mentions potential partners such as private sector actors and NGOs, indicating that collaboration and networks are viewed as central to successfully implementing access-to-information work connected to the DPRK.

20) Is prior program management experience important?

Yes. Applicants must demonstrate experience administering successful programs, preferably similar in scope or complexity.

21) What if an organization has not managed U.S. federal awards before?

DRL reserves the right to request additional background information from organizations that lack prior experience managing federal awards. This is commonly used to assess financial, compliance, and administrative readiness when an applicant is new to U.S. government funding.

22) What kinds of projects is DRL trying to identify through this RSOI?

The RSOI is aimed at identifying organizations capable of designing and implementing initiatives that strengthen independent information flows related to North Korea, aligned with the goal of expanding the free flow of credible information into, out of, and within the DPRK.

23) Is this announcement looking for experienced implementers or early-stage concepts?

It is structured to attract experienced implementers with strong partnerships and the ability to operate responsibly under U.S. federal assistance rules, while still being an early-stage solicitation (RSOI) intended to surface promising concepts.

24) Is collaboration viewed as important for this opportunity?

Yes. The emphasis on active partnerships (including with NGOs and private sector actors) signals that collaboration and networks are central to the kind of work DRL is seeking.

25) What does the RSOI stage imply about next steps?

Based on how RSOIs typically function, this stage is used to identify capable organizations and promising concepts before inviting or shaping full proposals. The notice does not state specific next steps beyond that general purpose.