**Program Office:** **Department of State Public Diplomacy**

> International Television Co-productions

**Funding Opportunity Title: Creative and Sustainable Television
Series**

**For Broadcast on major Pan Arab Free-to-Air**

**Satellite channels of the MENA region**

**Announcement Type:** Grant or Cooperative Agreement -- Initial

**Funding Opportunity Number:** Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2008,
HR.2642, PL 110-252, Amended, June 26, 2008.

**Deadline for Applications:** November 10, 2008

**CFDA** 00.000

**Contact Information**

A)  For questions relating to Grants.gov, please call the Grants.gov
    Contact Center at

> 1-800-518-4726.

B)  For assistance with the requirements of this solicitation, contact
    Greg Franklin, Senior Advisor for Broadcasting, Bureau of Public
    Affairs at: frankling@state.gov

> [Phone]{.underline}: 202-736-9053

**CONTENTS**

Executive Summary 3

Background 3

Eligibility Requirements 6

Application and Submission Information 7

Award Selection Criteria 9

Award Administration 11

Disclaimer 12

**I. Executive Summary**

The 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 cultural, educational and
professional dialogues through indigenous Arabic language satellite
media. The Department will have approximately \$3.5 million available to
award multiple awards for up to \$1,500,000 per award.

**Administration and National Policy Perspective**

**II. BACKGROUND**

Congressional intent outlined in the Supplemental Appropriations Act,
2008, HR.2642, PL 110-252 (S6244 Amended, June 26, 2008:2008 :)

"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 Saudi Arabia and the
23 Arabic speaking countries and territories of the 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.

To meet the intent of Congress, these programs must provide a nuanced
view of the world combating the terrorism and public trauma of extremism
while engaging, informing and influencing generations across the Arab
world. The programming will air in prime time on popular pan-Arab
indigenous free-to-air satellite television networks in an effort to
influence Arab viewers and undermine radical anti-Western media
campaigns. The prime time broadcasts of informative and entertaining
reality programming and serial dramas provides an effective venue to
address negative sentiments and day-to-day grievances directed at the
United States and our allies and between Arab Muslim and regional
cultures. It also can be an effective tool to prevent further
anti-western sentiments and violent extremism fueled by misconceptions.

**Objectives**

Public diplomacy is diplomacy aimed at publics, as opposed to officials.
Public diplomacy, like official diplomacy has as its mission the
achievement of the national interest. Public diplomacy performs this
mission by understanding, informing, engaging, and influencing foreign
publics. Ultimately, it is the last word, \"influencing,\" that counts
most.

Our aim is to influence foreign publics to make it easier to achieve
U.S. foreign policy goals \-- both short- and long-term. The key goals
today are to diminish the threat to Americans and the rest of the world
posed by violent extremism and weapons of mass destruction and to help
people around the world achieve freedom. These goals are linked,
according to our National Security Strategy: \"Championing freedom
advances our interests because the survival of liberty at home
increasingly depends on the success of liberty abroad. Governments that
honor their citizens\' dignity and desire for freedom tend to uphold
responsible conduct toward other nations, while governments that
brutalize their people also threaten the peace and stability of other
nations.\"

**Funding Priorities**

The Department of State's Office of Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs
(R) seeks to fund creative and sustainable television series for
broadcast on the major pan Arab free-to-air satellite channels for Saudi
Arabia and the 23 Arabic speaking countries and territories of the MENA
region and satellites channels that reach residual Arabic speaking
markets in Europe and Asia.

Below is a sample list, [though not exhaustive]{.underline}, of the
types of series television the Department will consider funding:

-   Reality series, twelve half to-one-hour episodes, about America seen
    through the eyes of young Arabs, designed to reach the 25 and under
    school-age audience, comprising 60% of the regional population.

    -   The cast would be young Arabs from diverse socio-economic,
        political, religious and geographic backgrounds from across the
        Arab world, representing the diversity of opinions in the
        region.

    -   The aim of the series would be to show the interest of each
        member of the cast leading to specific interfaces and encounters
        in America with counterparts of similar interests, e.g., High
        School exchange student, university foreign student,
        volunteerism to rebuild a devastated community or to assist
        others.

    -   Each episode will feature cities and towns highlighting the
        spiritual, geographical and extrovert diversity of Americans and
        of the cast. The venues mirror the points where the young Arabs
        and Americans meet and differ.

    -   The goal of the series will be to present a new vision of the
        United States \-- its vibrancy and diversity, as well as its
        values to the people of the Arab world.

    -   The objective would be for episodes to be planned encounters
        that focus the right message for the right audience. Research
        and planning should tap into concepts that the target culture,
        young Arabs, already believe.

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-   Foster Socially Responsible serial television dramas on the major
    pan Arab free-to-air satellite channels for Saudi Arabia and the 23
    Arabic speaking countries and territories of the MENA region.

    -   In consultation with the International Academy of Television
        Arts & Sciences, seek out indigenous producers, writers and
        directors of current serial dramas with a proven track record
        and top audience ratings on pan Arab free-to-air satellite
        channels, who would like to focus part of the drama story on
        America and Americans' personal relationships with Saudis in the
        United States.

    -   Establish co-productions with indigenous producers who desire to
        confront current issues facing their society and show people
        "the other side" to any given situation to more effectively
        weave social, political and religious issues in indigenous
        television serial dramas through the development of characters
        and scripts that appeal to audiences.

    -   Develop Westernized characters that appeal to both men and
        women, with the look and feel of Arabs living in America.
        Develop narratives and story lines that draw from stories that
        the culture already believes, that see America through Arab
        eyes.

    -   Assist producers of established indigenous television dramas,
        currently broadcast on major pan Arab free-to-air satellite
        channels, to develop filming projects in the U.S.

    -   Develop private sector and NGO partnership opportunities to
        further socially responsible dramatic production idea.

-   Develop an original serial television drama in partnership with a
    major pan Arab free-to-air satellite channel for Saudi Arabia and
    the 23 Arabic speaking countries and territories of the MENA region.
    Produce a serial drama that attracts audiences for the network and
    enhances the possibility of a better life for all who find its
    entertainment irresistible.

    -   Create a serial drama that will imbed the values necessary for a
        more open society, one that respects, for instance, pluralism,
        equal opportunity and the role and status of women. The drama
        must have a positive goal; a world in which the use of violence
        to achieve political, religious, or social objectives is no
        longer acceptable. It must support constructive alternatives to
        violent extremism. The series must be constructed in a way that
        adapts the popular genre of that part of the world into a
        compelling, must-watch experience.

    -   Design the drama, in the broadest terms, to appeal primarily to
        a 16-35 year-old audience. It is important that the stories be
        written to attract men as well as women.

    -   In order to end up with a compelling drama that will draw the
        desired audience, it is essential that a thorough search be made
        to gather demographic information on the potential viewers. In
        addition, examine all the existing Arab-language serial dramas
        as to ratings and demographics, as well as content.

    -   Develop a creative team of outstanding writers and producers
        that reflects the cultural diversity of the audience. This will
        insure the best scripts, production and performance, the key
        ingredients.

    -   Create the storyline, the location and principle characters of
        the drama and an outline of the first six months of the story.

    -   Focus group test on audiences that approximate the desired
        demographics for the program. After the notes and rewrites, the
        writer(s) will create the first five scripts.

    -   Produce the first five episodes and conduct extensive focus
        group testing. Survey in Saudi Arabia and in a broad selection
        of the 23 Arabic speaking countries and territories of the MENA
        region to get a really good fix on how the characters and plot
        are resonating with the viewers.

**III. ELIGIBILITY Requirements**

Eligibility is open to for-profit and not-for-profit organizations and
for non-U.S. entities. Eligibility is not open to college students or
single individuals.

Applicants must have demonstrated expertise in the production of
prime-time multi-episode television documentary, reality and/or
entertainment serial dramas for network/satellite television, as
applicable to individual funding opportunities herein. Applicants must
have documented national/international broadcast placement success of
series television programming at the network or broadcast satellite
level. Applicants must have proven successful prior or existing
production and broadcast agreements for television programming with
major pan Arab free-to-air satellite channels for Saudi Arabia and the
23 Arabic speaking countries and territories of the MENA region and
satellites channels that reach residual Arabic speaking markets in
Europe and Asia. Applicants for the design and production of serial
television dramas must have demonstrated success employing the Sabido
entertainment-education strategy. Applicants may submit proposals for
more than one category.

[Cost Sharing or Matching]{.underline}

Applicants are not required to include funding from other donors.
However, applications that include additional in-kind and/or cash
contributions from non-U.S. Government sources will be more competitive,
since cost-sharing demonstrates a strong commitment to the planned
activities and will be considered to show great cost effectiveness.

[Other Special Eligibility Criteria]{.underline}

All potential applicants should be knowledgeable of existing programs in
the proposed countries/regions, including those funded by USG, in order
to avoid duplication of effort.

**IV. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION**

**Award Period:** 12 months

[]{.mark}

**Award Amount:** \$3.5 million is available for this grant program.
Multiple awards will be granted, with a maximum amount per award of
\$1,500,000. []{.mark}

**Application Submission Process:** Applicants must submit concept
papers electronically using Grants.gov. Thorough instructions on the
Grants.gov application process are available at
[http://www.grants.gov](http://www.grants.gov/). For questions relating
to Grants.gov, please call the Grants.gov Contact Center at
1-800-518-4726. For assistance with the requirements of this
solicitation, contact Greg Franklin, Senior Advisor for Broadcasting at
202-736-9053. Email frankling@state.gov.

**Application Deadline**: All applications must be submitted on or
before November 10, 2008, 11:59 p.m. eastern time. Applications
submitted after 11:59 p.m. will be ineligible for consideration.
**[Begin the application process early]{.underline}**, as this will
allow time to address any technical difficulties that may arise in
advance of the deadline. There will be no exceptions to this application
deadline.

All applicants must register with Grants.gov prior to submitting an
application. **[Registering with Grants.gov is a one-time process;
however, it could take as long as two weeks to have the registration
validated and confirmed. Please begin the registration process
immediately to ensure that the process is completed well in advance of
the deadline for applications.]{.underline}** Until that process is
complete, you will not be issued a user password for Grants.gov, which
is required for application submission. There are four steps that you
must complete before you are able to register: (1) Obtain a Data
Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number from Dun & Bradstreet (if your
organization does not have one already) by calling 1-866-705-5711; (2)
Register with Central Contractor Registry (CCR); (3) Register yourself
as an Authorized Organization Representative (AOR); and (4) Be
authorized as an AOR by your organization. For more information, go to
[www.grants.gov](http://www.grants.gov/). Please note that your CCR
registration must be annually renewed. Failure to renew your CCR
registration may prohibit submission of a grant application through
Grants.gov.

**Application Content:** Applicants must follow the RFP instructions and
conditions contained herein and supply all information required.
**[Failure to furnish all information or comply with stated requirements
will result in disqualification from the competition.]{.underline}**
Applicants must set forth full, accurate, and complete information as
required by this RFP. The penalty for making false statements in
proposals to the USG is prescribed on 18 U.S.C.1001.

Each proposal category is distinct, requiring a complete project concept
paper in English. The concept paper for each project may not exceed 8
double-spaced pages in 12-point, Times New Roman font with 1-inch
margins. This requirement excludes the allowable appendices, which are
identified in Section 6 below. Organizations are permitted to submit
multiple concept papers, but should be aware that the U.S. Department of
State seeks to provide opportunities to as many organizations as
possible, and is unlikely to fund an organization to work in more than
one location. The proposal must consist of the following:

[]{.mark}

######## **Section 1 - Application for Federal Assistance (SF-424):**

This form can be found on-line at:
<http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/forms.html>.

######## **Section 2 - Abstract:** 

######## **The abstract is limited to 300 words in length. It must provide a summary of the identified need, proposed activities, and expected results.**

**Section 3 -** **Problem Statement:**

The problem statement must describe the need and justification for the
project, with regards to: reaching and engaging the hearts and minds of
television audiences across the Arab world, and challenging the age,
culture, and ideological extremes.

Corroboration of the perceived problem should be presented, with any
available qualitative and quantitative information. The problem
statement should identify the existing resources, such as on-going Arab
language productions and broadcasts of effective Arabic language
television programming on leading Arabic free-to-air satellite channels.
It should include programs and their funding sources, as well as general
internal and external support mechanisms.

**Section 4 --** **Project Goals/Implementation Plan:**

The applicant must specify the goals and objectives of the project,
relative to the problem statement. The proposed activities should be
described in sufficient detail to show how objectives and goals will be
met. This section should also describe how success will be measured via
performance indicators. Finally, this section must include a time-task
plan that clearly identifies the objectives and major activities.

**Section 5 - Organizational Capability:**

Applications must include a clear description of the applicant's
management structure, previous experience with producing series
television programming at the network or broadcast satellite level.
Applicants must present successful prior or existing production and
broadcast agreements for television programming with major pan Arab
free-to-air satellite channels for Saudi Arabia and the 23 Arabic
speaking countries and territories of the MENA region and satellites
channels that reach residual Arabic speaking markets in Europe and Asia.
Besides information about the organization as a whole, this section must
also identify the proposed management structure and staffing plan for
the proposed project.

**Section 6 - Appendices**:

The concept paper submission must include two appendices, with a third,
optional appendix to be submitted at the discretion of the applicant.
Only the appendices listed below may be included as part of the
application:

(a) **Budget (Required)** -- the budget must identify the total amount
    of funding requested, with a breakdown of amounts to be spent in the
    following budget categories: personnel; fringe benefits; travel;
    equipment; supplies; consultants/contracts; other direct costs; and
    indirect costs. The budget may include an estimated cost for
    continuation activities, which will be considered for successful
    applicants to this RFP in future fiscal years based on performance
    and the availability of funds.

(b) **Resume (Required)** -- a resume, not to exceed 1 page in length,
    must be included for the proposed key staff person, such as the
    Project Director. If an individual for this type of position has not
    been identified, the applicant may submit a 1-page position
    description, identifying the qualifications and skills required for
    that position, in lieu of a resume.

(c) **Letters of Intent (Optional)** -- if local partners have been
    identified, which is strongly recommended, letters of intent should
    be included with the concept paper. The letters must identify the
    type of relationship to be entered into (formal or informal), the
    roles and responsibilities of each partner in relation to the
    proposed project activities, and the expected result of the
    partnership. Please note that these are not letters of support, and
    should only be included for those organizations that will play an
    active role in the project, including those that receive financial
    support through the project budget. The individual letters cannot
    exceed 1 page in length, and applicants are limited to submitting up
    to 5 letters per concept paper.

**V. AWARD SELECTION CRITERIA**

Consistent with the federal grant regulations, the Department reserves
the right to give priority for its funds to those organizations that are
and have been supportive, in policy and programs, of USG policies to
support constructive alternatives to violent extremism. Funding
opportunities will be co-productions with the U.S. Department of State.
The Office of Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs and the Bureau of Near
East Affairs Public Diplomacy will take an active interest in
pre-production planning, review of treatments and preview of edited
episodes prior to broadcast.

**Evaluation Criteria:** Applicants should note that the following
criteria (1) serve as a standard against which all proposals will be
evaluated, and (2) serve to identify the significant matters that should
be addressed in all proposals. The USG will award grants to the
applicants whose offers represent the best value to the USG on the basis
of technical merit and cost.

Each application will be evaluated by a peer review committee of
Department of State and other experts, as deemed appropriate. The
evaluation criteria have been tailored to the requirements of this RFP.

-   **Problem Statement (25 points):** This section should identify the
    importance and relevance of the applicant's proposal to the broader
    U.S. policy objectives on confronting the ideology that justifies
    and enables violence. Emphasis will be placed on the extent to which
    the proposed activity complements existing efforts in the country
    (ies) or fills a gap and does not duplicate other programs,
    including those funded by USG. A compelling statement of need for
    the program will be given great consideration by the review panel.

-   **Project Goals/Implementation Plan (40 points):** Applicants should
    describe what they propose to do and how they will do it. The
    proposed activities must directly relate to meeting the goals and
    objectives, and applicants should include information on how they
    will conduct thorough search to gather demographic information on
    the potential viewers in the design phase of the productions.
    Applicants should describe the method and how they will measure
    effectiveness of the production(s)/ television series. The review
    panel will be viewing the implementation plan in terms of how well
    it addresses the problem statement, relevance of the goals and
    objectives, feasibility of the proposed activities and their
    timeline for completion, and the extent to which the impact of the
    project will continue beyond the conclusion of the funding period.

-   **Organizational Capability (20 points):** Proposals should
    demonstrate applicants' expertise in multi-episode television
    documentary, reality and/or entertainment series programming and
    documented national/international broadcast success, including proof
    of prior or existing production agreements to provide television
    programming to major pan Arab free-to-air satellite channels for
    Saudi Arabia and the 23 Arabic speaking countries and territories of
    the MENA region. Applicants must demonstrate how their resources,
    capabilities, and experience will enable them to achieve the stated
    goals and objectives. In addition, applicants should describe how
    and with whom they will collaborate to meet project goals. The
    application must distinguish all key partners and organizations that
    will be involved in the research, planning, writing, production,
    post-production, marketing, broadcast and measurement of
    effectiveness.

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-   **Appendices (15 points):**

    -   **Budget:** Costs shall be evaluated for realism, control
        practices, and efficiency. The Department of State must
        determine that the costs paid for this award are reasonable,
        allowable, and allocable to the proposed project activities.
        This will consist of a review of the Budget to determine if the
        overall costs are realistic for the work to be performed, if the
        costs reflect the applicant's understanding of the allowable
        cost principles established by OMB Circular A-122, and if the
        costs are consistent with the program narrative.

    -   **Resume:** The review panel will consider the appropriateness
        of the selected Project Director, in view of the role and
        responsibility that person will play in guiding the project
        through implementation to completion. Position descriptions
        submitted in lieu of the resume will be reviewed for the
        appropriateness of the qualifications and skills identified.

    -   **Letters of Intent:** While submission of Letters of Intent is
        optional, and applications without will not be penalized, the
        review panel will favorably view their inclusion. The review
        panel will consider the types and depth of relationships that
        the applicant has with local organizations. The panel will also
        review the letters to determine the willingness of local
        organizations to participate in the effort, and that all parties
        have an understanding of their unique roles and responsibilities
        in terms of the proposed project.

**VI. AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION**

**Award Notices:** The grant award or co-operative agreement shall be
written, signed, awarded, and administered by the Grants Officer. The
Grants Officer is the Government official delegated the authority by the
U.S. Department of State Procurement Executive to write, award, and
administer grants and cooperative agreements. The assistance award
agreement is the authorizing document and it will be provided to the
Recipient through either mail or facsimile transmission. Organizations
whose applications will not be funded will also be notified in writing.

**Anticipated Time to Award:** Applicants should expect to be notified
of the *recommended* concepts within 30 days after the submission
deadline. Following this initial notification, **[selected applicants
will be expected to submit a full application within 30
days]{.underline}**. The Senior Advisor for Broadcasting will provide
information at the point of notification about the requirements for the
full application, which may include revisions to the activities. The
full applications will not be subject to further competition, but must
incorporate any suggested changes made by the Senior Advisor for
Broadcasting.

Applicants should be aware that there may be a delay between the time
that full applications are submitted and awards are made. This delay is
primarily due to the extensive clearance process that must be undertaken
prior to awards being made.

Issuance of this RFP does not constitute an award commitment on the part
of the Government, nor does it commit the Government to pay for costs
incurred in the preparation and submission of proposals. Further, the
Government reserves the right to reject any or all proposals received.

-   **Reporting Requirements:** Grantees are required to submit
    quarterly program progress and financial reports throughout the
    project period. Progress and financial reports are due 30 days after
    the reporting period. Final programmatic and financial reports are
    due 90 days after the close of the project period. Progress reports
    at a minimum should be submitted via electronic mail to an address
    to be provided in the award.

**VII. Disclaimer**

If a proposal is selected for funding, the Department of State has no
obligation to provide any additional future funding in connection with
the award. Renewal of an award to increase funding or extend the period
of performance is at the total discretion of the Department of State.

Clearance: 

1.  R/PPR: Midura, Chris; Reynolds, Rodney M; Matin, Seema Cleared by
    all

2.  Cleared by Wolodymyr Sulzynsky L/PD

3.  Cleared by R -- U/S and Amb. Brian Carlson

4.  Cleared by NEA/PD - Walter Douglas and Stuart Seldowitz