> Issuance Date: April 24, 2006

Closing Date: May 31, 2006

Closing Time: 4:00 p.m. Bangkok time.

Subject: Request for Applications (RFA) no. 486-06-005

Strengthening Independent Media Program in Timor-Leste

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in
Timor-Leste, through its Regional Development Mission/Asia, is seeking
applications from non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to implement
activities to support programs under its Strengthen Independent Media
Program. The authority for the Request for Applications (RFA) is found
in the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended.

The Recipient will be responsible for ensuring achievement of the
program objectives to strengthen the independent media sector and
provide citizens with greater access to information, particularly in the
context of the 2007 legislative and presidential elections in
Timor-Leste. Please refer to the Program Description for a complete
statement of goals and expected results, as described in Section C of
this RFA.

Non-US PVO's are eligible to apply and do not need to separately
register with USAID to be eligible for award, but they must be
determined by USAID to have the systems, internal controls, staffing and
finances to manage and implement the program.  This review will be done
as part of the proposal evaluation process.

The chosen Recipient will be responsible for ensuring achievement of the
program objectives described in Section C. Applicants are encouraged to
form partnerships with other organizations to ensure that appropriate
technical expertise can be focused on meeting the primary objectives of
the program (see section A.II.j.4 of the attachment below). Please refer
to the Program Description for a complete statement of goals and
expected results.

Pursuant to 22 CFR 226.81, it is USAID policy not to award profit under
assistance instruments. However, all reasonable, allocable, and
allowable expenses, both direct and indirect, which are related to the
program and are in accordance with applicable cost standards (22 CFR
226, plus OMB Circular A-122 for non-profit organizations, OMB Circular
A-21 for universities, and the Federal Acquisition Regulation Part 31
for for-profit organizations), may be paid under the award.

Subject to the availability of funds, USAID intends to provide
approximately US\$1,800,000.00 in total USAID funding to be allocated
under a cooperative agreement over a 2-year period. USAID will consider
possible extensions of funding pending availability of funds and
positive results of the initial two-year period. USAID reserves the
right to fund any or none of the applications submitted. Although it is
planned to make an award of one cooperative agreement under this RFA,
USAID in its discretion may make awards to more than one organization.

For the purposes of this program, this RFA is being issued and consists
of this cover letter and the following:

1\. Section A - Application Format;

2\. Section B - Selection Criteria;

3\. Section C - Program Description;

4\. Section D - Certifications, Assurances, and Other Statements of
Applicant/Recipient;

5\. Section E - Attachments to Program Description.

To be eligible for award, the applicant must provide all required
information in its application, including the requirements found in any
attachments to this [www.Grants.gov](http://www.Grants.gov/)
opportunity. Applicants must submit the full application package by one
of the methods indicated in Section A of this RFA.

For the purposes of this RFA, the term \"Grant\" is synonymous with
\"Cooperative Agreement\"; \"Grantee\" is synonymous with \"Recipient\";
and \"Grant Officer\" is synonymous with \"Agreement Officer\".

Any questions concerning this RFA should be submitted in writing to
Praveena ViraSingh, via email to <pvirasingh@usaid.gov>, or via fax at
(662)263-7498 (however, email is preferred). If you decide to submit an
application, it must be **received** by the closing date and time
indicated at the top of this cover letter at the place designated below
for receipt of applications.

The federal grant process is now web-enabled. As of December 19, 2005,
grant and cooperative agreement Request for Application (RFA) and Annual
Program Statement (APS) announcements, modifications to the
announcements, and the corresponding application packages must be posted
via Grants.gov on the World Wide Web (www) to allow for electronic
submission of applications. Applicants may upload applications to
[www.grants.gov](http://www.grants.gov/), however, hard copy submissions
are still preferred by USAID/RDMA. This RFA and any future amendments
can be downloaded from this website
[www.grants.gov](http://www.grants.gov/). In order to use this method,
an applicant must first register on-line with Grants.gov.  If you have
difficulty registering or accessing the RFA, please contact the
Grants.gov Helpdesk at 1-800-518-472 or via e-mail at
<support@grants.gov> for technical assistance.  It is the responsibility
of the recipient of the application document to ensure that it has been
received from [www.grants.gov](http://www.grants.gov/) in its entirety.
USAID bears no responsibility for data errors resulting from
transmission or conversion processes associated with electronic
submissions.

Faxed proposals are not acceptable. Applicants may submit their
applications by e-mail attachment formatted in Microsoft Word (up to 2MB
limit per email), with hard copies to follow. **Important**: please see
section A.IV.F of the RFA for detailed instructions regarding submission
of applications via email. Applications and modifications thereof shall
be submitted with the name and address of the applicant and the RFA
number (referenced above) inscribed thereon, via email, to
<pvirasingh@usaid.gov>.

Applicants shall confirm with Agreement Specialist Praveena ViraSingh
that their e-mail submissions were successfully received by the required
due date. In addition to the submission of applications via email, an
original and three (3) hard copies of the technical applications, and an
original and three hard copies of the cost proposals, shall be sent to:

(By U.S. or international mail)

Mr. Carey N Gordon

Regional Agreement Officer

American Embassy, Thailand/Bangkok

Box 47

APO, AP 96546, USA

(By All Other Means of Delivery, e.g. courier)

Mr. Carey N. Gordon

Regional Agreement Officer

USAID/Regional Development Mission Asia

93/1 Wireless Road, 5th Floor, Diethelm Tower A

Bangkok, 10330, Thailand

Hard copies of submissions need not arrive by the due date, provided
that the e-mail submissions have been successfully received by the due
date. It is recommended that applicants use courier service instead of
international mail for the hard copies. Applications will be accepted
for consideration as long as they arrive in Bangkok by the time
stipulated. See RFA section A.IV.C regarding late applications.

Applicants are requested to submit the technical and cost portions of
their applications in separate volumes so that they may be reviewed
separately. Award will be made to that responsible applicant(s) whose
application(s) best meets the requirements of this RFA and the selection
criteria contained herein.

Issuance of this RFA does not constitute an award commitment on the part
of USAID, nor does it commit USAID to pay for costs incurred in the
preparation and submission of an application. Further, USAID reserves
the right to reject any or all applications received. In addition, final
award of any resultant cooperative agreement(s) cannot be made until
funds have been fully appropriated, allocated, and committed through
internal USAID procedures. While it is anticipated that these procedures
will be successfully completed, potential applicants are hereby notified
of these requirements and conditions for award. Applications are
submitted at the risk of the applicant, and all preparation and
submission costs are at the applicant\'s expense.

In the event of any inconsistency between the sections comprising this
RFA, it shall be resolved by the following order of precedence:

\(a\) Section B - Selection Criteria;

\(b\) Section A - Grant Application Format;

\(c\) Section C - The Program Description;

\(d\) This Cover Letter.

Applicants should take account of the expected delivery time required by
the proposal transmission method they choose, and are responsible to
ensure that proposals are received at USAID in Bangkok, Thailand (and
not at another location) by the due date and time specified above.

Applicants should retain for their records one copy of all enclosures
which accompany their application.

Thank you for your interest in USAID/RDMA activities.

Sincerely,

Carey N. Gordon

Regional Agreement Officer

USAID Regional Development Mission/Asia (RDM/A)

Bangkok, Thailand

Table of Contents Page

SECTION A - GRANT APPLICATION FORMAT 5

I. PREPARATION GUIDELINES 5

II\. TECHNICAL APPLICATION FORMAT 5

III\. COST APPLICATION FORMAT 8

IV\. APPLICATION SUBMISSION
PROCEDURES........................................................................9

SECTION B - SELECTION CRITERIA 13

SECTION C - PROGRAM DESCRIPTION 15

SECTION D 25

PART I - CERTIFICATIONS AND ASSURANCES 25

PART II - OTHER STATEMENTS OF RECIPIENT 28

# 

SECTION E -- ATTTACHMENTS (1 Attachment) 32

**Attachment A:** BRANDING
STRATEGY...........................................................................32

**ATTACHMENT B:** SURVEY ON ENSURING EQUAL OPPORTUNITY FOR
APPLICANTS.................39

#   {#section-1 .unnumbered}

#  SECTION A - GRANT APPLICATION FORMAT

## I. PREPARATION GUIDELINES

All applications received by the deadline will be reviewed for
responsiveness to the specifications outlined in these guidelines and
the application format. Section B addresses the technical evaluation
procedures for the applications. Applications which are submitted late
or are incomplete run the risk of not being considered in the review
process. Late applications will be considered for award if, in the sole
discretion of the Agreement Officer, it is determined that it is in the
U.S. Government\'s interest and if the evaluation process has not yet
commenced.

Applications shall be submitted in two separate parts: (a) technical and
(b) cost or business application. An original and three (3) hard copies
of the technical application and an original and three (3) hard copies
of the cost application shall be submitted in addition to the email
submission, as described in the cover letter of this RFA.

The application should be prepared according to the structural format
set forth below. Applications must be submitted no later than the date
and time indicated on the cover page of this RFA, to the location
indicated in the cover letter accompanying this RFA.

Technical applications should be specific, complete and presented
concisely. The applications should demonstrate the applicant\'s
capabilities and expertise with respect to achieving the goals of this
program. Applications shall take into account the technical evaluation
criteria found in Section B.

Applicants should retain for their records one copy of the application
and all enclosures which accompany it. Erasures or other changes must be
initialed by the person signing the application. To facilitate the
competitive review of the applications, USAID will consider only
applications conforming to the format prescribed below.

The length of the Technical Application shall not exceed 25
single-spaced typed pages. Past performance references, the performance
monitoring and evaluation plan, and personnel resumes are **excluded**
from the 25-page limitation and may be included as annexes to the
technical application. There is no page limitation on the Cost Proposal.
However, unnecessarily elaborate brochures or other presentations beyond
those sufficient to present a complete and effective application in
response to this RFA are not desired and may be construed as an
indication of the prospective recipient\'s lack of cost consciousness.
Elaborate art work, expensive paper and bindings, and expensive visual
and other presentation aids are neither necessary nor wanted.

## II. TECHNICAL APPLICATION FORMAT

A. The Technical Approach must include a clear description of the
conceptual approach and the general strategy (i.e. methodology and
techniques) being proposed; a description of the target population
(including geographical location and proposed number of beneficiaries)
or a detailed description of the process by which the target population
will be identified. It should outline specific, focused activities;
explain how the approach is expected to achieve the proposed objectives;
and describe a plan that will enable the activities to continue after
the cooperative agreement is completed. Applicants are encouraged to
propose innovative programs designed to reach the desired
outcomes/results.

B. The proposed outcomes/results should, as far as possible be
measurable, without undergoing an intensive and expensive evaluation. If
it is not possible to measure desired results within the project period
because of funding constraints, such results may be documented through
qualitative approaches.

C. The application shall include a draft annual workplan for the first
year, including a detailed Implementation Schedule for achieving
expected program results. The applicant is encouraged to propose
innovative implementation mechanisms to reach the desired results and an
aggressive but realistic schedule of performance milestones as steps
toward achieving proposed results. The implementation plan should
clearly outline the links between the proposed results, conceptual
approach, and performance milestones, and should include a realistic
timeline for achieving the semi-annual, annual, and end-of-program
results.

D. The Management Plan should provide a brief summary of the history of
the respondent\'s work in strengthening the independent media sector and
provide citizens with greater access to information, particularly in the
context of legislative and presidential elections. The application also
must provide evidence of the organization\'s technical resources,
expertise and capabilities for implementing similar programs. The
organization should describe its comparative advantage in implementing
the proposed activities. The application must specify the composition
and organizational structure of the program team (including home office
support) and describe the role of each proposed staff member and the
amount of time the staff member will be devoted to the program. The
application must also describe the role of the partner-organizations or
consortium members and the comparative advantage of the team in
implementing the proposed activities.

E. The Performance Monitoring Plan must include semi-annual, annual, and
end-of-program indicators and targets to measure the progress of the
proposed activities and the achievement of results. The plan must also
describe the monitoring system that will enable it to track these
indicators regularly. The following end-of-program indicators must, at a
minimum, measure impact on:

1\. Benchmarks in financial viability of targeted media outlets;

2\. Benchmarks in quality, ethical standards and professionalism in key
media outlets;

3\. The number or percentage of population benefiting from increased
access to media and public information;

4\. Benchmarks in balanced political reporting on the elections;

5\. Benchmarks in capacity of targeted media organizations to serve
members, media outlets and the broader public on media advocacy issues.

F. \[Reserved\].

G. Applications will be evaluated based upon both the level of
achievement proposed and the realism of the plan for reaching that level
of achievement. Post-award recipient performance will be evaluated
against the standards proposed by the applicant and accepted by the
USAID, so well-documented realism in the statement of these program
objectives is essential.

H. It is recommended that an applicant carefully review the
selection/evaluation criteria outlined in Section B of the RFA and
organize its proposal accordingly.

I. Applications shall discuss how resources will be organized to obtain
expected results. The applicant should discuss fully the \"what\" and
the \"how\" of its plan. The purpose of this approach is to allow the
applicant greater creative freedom to develop a plan for resource
organization and use.

J. Additional Information about the institutional capability (which
includes past performance) and staffing components of the technical
plan. The institutional capability and staffing components of the
technical plan shall include the information specified in paragraphs 1 -
4, below.

1\. Personnel Proposed. Specify the composition and organizational
context of the entire implementation team (including home office
support) and describe each staff member\'s role, technical expertise and
estimated amount of time each will devote to the project. Indicate the
names and provide resumes of all important managerial and technical
personnel to be assigned to this program activity. Proposed personnel
not yet identified may be shown as \"TBD\" (to be determined).

2\. Organizational Capability. Applicants must offer evidence of their
technical resources and expertise in addressing relevant problems and
issues. Care shall be taken to establish the relevance of past
experience to this program and the basis for reliance upon that
experience as an indicator of success on this program. Information in
this section should include (but is not limited to) the following:

· Brief description of organizational history/expertise;

> · Pertinent work experience and representative accomplishments in
> developing and implementing programs of the
>
> type required under the proposed RFA;

· Evidence of a successful record of implementing projects overseas, and
in the region, if applicable;

· Relevant experience with proposed approaches;

> · Institutional strength as represented by breadth and depth of
> experienced personnel in project relevant
>
> disciplines/areas;

· Sub-recipient capabilities and expertise;

· Proposed field management structure and financial controls; and

· Home-office backstopping and its purposes.

3\. Past Performance References. Applications must include a complete
list of all U.S. Governmental and/or privately funded contracts, grants,
cooperative agreements, etc. received by your organization in the last
three years involving programs similar to the program proposed in your
application. Include the following for each award listed:

· Name of awarding organization or agency;

· Address of awarding organization or agency;

· Place of performance of services or program;

· Award number;

· Amount of award;

· Term of award (start and end dates of services/program);

> · Name, current telephone number, current fax number and e-mail
> address (if one is available) of a responsible
>
> technical representative of that organization or agency; and
>
> · Brief description of the program. USAID may contact references and
> use the past performance data, along with
>
> other information to determine the applicant's responsibility. The
> Government reserves the right to obtain
>
> information for use in the evaluation of past performance from any and
> all sources inside or outside the
>
> Government.

4\. Subgrantees and Consortia: Organizations may not possess all the
skills required to achieve all the results identified in this RFA.
Organizations are urged to enter into partnerships with other non-profit
and/or for-profit organizations as sub-grantees or sub-contractors to
supplement skills. However, **one organization shall be designated to
serve as the prime organization** and will be responsible for the
achievement of results and the implementation of the program. If the
applicant plans to collaborate with other organizations or indigenous
organizations for the implementation of the core component of this
award, the services to be provided by each organization shall be
described. Applicants that intend to utilize subgrantees shall indicate
the extent intended, the method of identifying them and the
tasks/functions they will be performing. Applicants shall state whether
or not they have existing relationships with these other organizations
and the nature of the relationship (e.g., subgrantee, subcontractor,
partnership etc). The applicant must specify the technical resources and
expertise of proposed organizations. Technical plan information for
proposed subgrantees should follow the same format as that submitted by
the applicant.

K. The suggested outline for the technical application is:

I. Table of Contents, listing all page numbers and attachments;

II\. Executive Summary;

III. Goal and Objectives;

> IV\. Technical Approach;
>
> V. Proposed Outcomes/Results;
>
> VI\. Implementation Schedule;

VII. Management Plan (include partnership and subaward arrangements
     where applicable);

VIII. Annexes: a. Relevant Past Performance Information (Recipient and
      Key Partner Organizations, if applicable); b. Curriculum Vitae for
      Key Personnel; c. Performance Monitoring Plan.

L. Substantial Involvement: USAID considers collaboration with the
recipient crucial for the successful implementation of this program.
Substantial involvement under the proposed award shall include the
following:

1\. Approval of key personnel (the applicant shall propose which
positions are deemed "key" for its proposed program).

2\. Approval of the initial and annual work plans, including the
Performance Monitoring and Evaluation Plan; any significant changes to
the approved work-plan or the performance monitoring plan will require
additional approval.

3\. Approval of all sub-awards except those covered by 22 CFR
225.25(c.8)

M. Marking Under Assistance Instruments. See Section E, Attachment A for
the full text of the Branding and Marking provisions under Assistance
Instruments.

## III COST APPLICATION FORMAT

The Cost or Business Application is to be submitted under separate cover
from the technical application. Certain documents are required to be
submitted by an applicant in order for a Grant Officer to make a
determination of responsibility. However, it is USAID policy not to
burden applicants with undue reporting requirements if that information
is readily available through other sources.

The following sections describe the documentation that applicants for an
assistance award must submit to USAID prior to award. While there is no
page limit for this portion, applicants are encouraged to be as concise
as possible, but still provide the necessary detail to address the
following:

A. Include a budget with an accompanying budget narrative which provides
in detail the total costs for implementation of the program your
organization is proposing. In addition to the detailed budget, a summary
of the budget must be submitted using Standard Form 424 and 424A which
can be downloaded from the USAID web site,
<http://www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/forms/sf424/>. The
detailed budget shall include:

\- the breakdown of all costs associated with the program according to
costs of, if applicable, headquarters, regional and/or country offices;

\- the breakdown of all costs according to each partner organization
involved in the program;

\- the costs associated with external, expatriate technical assistance
and those associated with local in-country technical assistance;

\- the breakdown of the financial and in-kind contributions of all
organizations involved in implementing this Cooperative Agreement;

\- potential contributions of non-USAID or private commercial donors to
this Cooperative Agreement;

\- your procurement plan for commodities;

B. A current Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement if your
organization has such an agreement with an agency or department of the
U.S. Government;

C.  Required certifications and representations (see Attachment D
    below);

D.  Details regarding the level of cost share your organization is
    proposing for this activity. While there is no stated minimum
    required cost share amount, applicants are encouraged to give
    serious consideration to the amount they propose as a signal of the
    applicant\'s commitment to the activity (see also sec. B below,
    selection criteria, under costs).

E. Applicants who do not currently have a Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate
Agreement (NICRA) from their cognizant agency shall also submit the
following information:

1\. copies of the applicant\'s financial reports for the previous 3-year
period, which have been audited by a certified public accountant or
other auditor satisfactory to USAID;

2\. projected budget, cash flow and an organizational chart for the
applicant;

3\. A copy of the organization\'s accounting manual.

F. Applicants should submit any additional evidence of responsibility
deemed necessary for the Grant Officer to make a determination of
responsibility. The information submitted should substantiate that the
Applicant:

1\. Has adequate financial resources or the ability to obtain such
resources as required during the performance of the award;

2\. Has the ability to comply with the award conditions, taking into
account all existing and currently prospective commitments of the
applicant, nongovernmental and governmental;

3\. Has a satisfactory record of performance. Past relevant
unsatisfactory performance is ordinarily sufficient to justify a finding
of non-responsibility, unless there is clear evidence of subsequent
satisfactory performance;

4\. Has a satisfactory record of integrity and business ethics; and

5\. Is otherwise qualified and eligible to receive a grant under
applicable laws and regulations (e.g., EEO).

G. Applicants that have never received a grant, cooperative agreement or
contract from the U.S. Government are required to submit a copy of their
accounting manual. If a copy has already been submitted to the U.S.
Government, the applicant should advise which Federal office has a copy.

## IV. APPLICATION SUBMISSION PROCEDURES 

In addition to the aforementioned guidelines, the applicant is requested
to take note of the following:

A. Unnecessarily Elaborate Applications - Unnecessarily elaborate
brochures or other presentations beyond those sufficient to present a
complete and effective application in response to this RFA are not
desired and may be construed as an indication of the applicant\'s lack
of cost consciousness. Elaborate art work, expensive paper and bindings,
and expensive visual and other presentation aids are neither necessary
nor wanted.

B. Acknowledgement of Amendments to the RFA - Applicants shall
acknowledge receipt of any amendment to this RFA by signing and
returning the amendment. The Government must receive the acknowledgement
by the time specified for receipt of applications.

C. Receipt of Applications - Applications must be received at the place
designated and by the date and time specified in the cover letter of
this RFA, to the location stated in the cover letter accompanying this
RFA. Applications which are received late or are incomplete run the risk
of not being considered in the review process. Such late or incomplete
applications will be considered in USAID's sole discretion depending on
the status of USAID's application review process as of the time of
receipt and the quality of other applications received.

D. Submission of Applications:

1\. Applications and modifications thereof shall be submitted in sealed
envelopes or packages (1) addressed to the office specified in the Cover
Letter of this RFA, and (2) showing the time specified for receipt, the
RFA number, and the name and address of the applicant.

2\. Faxed applications will not be considered; however, applications may
be modified by written or faxed notice, if that notice is received by
the time specified for receipt of applications.

E. Preparation of Applications:

1\. Applicants are expected to review, understand, and comply with all
aspects of this RFA. Failure to do so will be at the applicant\'s risk.

2\. Each applicant shall furnish the information required by this RFA.
The applicant shall sign the application and print or type its name on
the Cover Page of the technical and cost applications. Erasures or other
changes must be initialed by the person signing the application.
Applications signed by an agent shall be accompanied by evidence of that
agent\'s authority, unless that evidence has been previously furnished
to the issuing office.

3\. Applicants who include data that they do not want disclosed to the
public for any purpose or used by the U.S. Government except for
evaluation purposes, should:

\(a\) Mark the title page with the following legend:

\"This application includes data that shall not be disclosed outside the
U.S. Government and shall not be duplicated, used, or disclosed - in
whole or in part - for any purpose other than to evaluate this
application. If, however, a grant is awarded to this applicant as a
result of - or in connection with - the submission of this data, the
U.S. Government shall have the right to duplicate, use, or disclose the
data to the extent provided in the resulting grant. This restriction
does not limit the U.S. Government\'s right to use information contained
in this data if it is obtained from another source without restriction.
The data subject to this restriction are contained in sheets ; and

\(b\) Mark each sheet of data it wishes to restrict with the following
legend:

\"Use or disclosure of data contained on this sheet is subject to the
restriction on the title page of this application.\"

F. Submission of Applications by Email (Important):

1\. Preferred software for email attachment: Microsoft Word (for
narrative text) or Excel (for tables). Please convert your documents to
one of these software programs before sending them to USAID, or provide
scanned copies of pages if they include signatures or forms.

2\. After you have sent your proposals by email, please immediately
check your own email to confirm that the attachments you intended to
send were indeed sent. If you discover an error in your transmission,
please send the material again and note in the subject line of the email
that it is a \"corrected\" submission. Please do not wait for USAID to
advise you that certain documents intended to be sent were not sent, or
that certain documents contained errors in formatting, missing sections,
etc. Each applicant is responsible for its submissions, so please
inspect your own emails.

3\. Please do not send the same email to us more than one time unless
there has been a change, and if so, please note that it is a corrected
email. If you send multiple copies of the same email, we do not know if
there has been any change from one email to the next.

4\. Your organization should appoint one person to send in the email
submissions. If we receive email submissions from more than one person
in your organization, we do not know who the authorized person is, and
we cannot tell whether there has been a change from one email to the
next without considerable effort on our part.

5\. If you send your application by multiple emails, please indicate in
the subject line of the email the name of the applicant, whether the
email relates to the technical or cost proposal, and the desired
sequence of multiple emails (if more than one is sent) and of
attachments (e.g. \"no. 1 of 4\", etc.). For example, if your
organization\'s name is Acme Consulting, and your cost proposal is
divided and being sent in as two emails, the first email should have a
subject line which says: \"Acme, Cost Proposal, Part 1 of 2\" and the
second email's subject line should say "Acme, Cost Proposal, Part 2 of
2." If you do not do this clearly, we may not be sure of the correct
order of the separate parts of your application or be sure we have
received all parts. Our preference would be that each technical and each
cost proposal be submitted as a single email attachment, e.g. that you
consolidate the various parts of a technical proposal into a single
document before sending it. But if this is not possible, because it
would create too large a file, please provide instructions on how the
multiple parts are supposed to fit together, especially the sequence.
What is obvious to you as the preparer of the document may not be
obvious to us. Your application may not get optimal treatment if we are
confused regarding the order and composition of your application.

6\. The hard copies of applications and modifications thereof (1 copy of
each technical and cost proposal is required) shall be submitted in
sealed envelopes or packages addressed to the office specified in the
cover letter of this RFA, with the RFA number, the name and address of
the applicant, and whether the contents contain technical and/or cost
proposals noted on the outside of the envelopes/packages.

G. Explanation to Prospective Applicants. Any prospective applicant
desiring an explanation or interpretation of this RFA must request it in
writing within three weeks of issuance of this RFA to allow a reply to
reach all prospective applicants before the submission of their
applications. Oral explanations or instructions given before award of a
Grant will not be binding. Any information given to a prospective
applicant concerning this RFA will be furnished promptly to all other
prospective applicants as an amendment of this RFA, if that information
is necessary in submitting applications or if the lack of it would be
prejudicial to any other prospective applicants.

H. Grant Award:

1\. The Government may award one or more cooperative agreements
resulting from this RFA to the responsible applicant(s) whose
application(s) conforming to this RFA offers the greatest value (see
also Section B of this RFA on evaluation criteria). The Government may
(a) reject any or all applications, (b) accept other than the lowest
cost application, (c) accept more than one application, (d) accept
alternate applications, and (e) waive informalities and minor
irregularities in applications received.

2\. The Government may award one or more cooperative agreements on the
basis of initial applications received, without discussions. Therefore,
each initial application should contain the applicant\'s best terms from
a cost and technical standpoint. As part of the application evaluation
and award process, USAID may enter into discussions and negotiations
with one or more applicants, but is not required to do so.

3\. Neither financial data submitted with an application nor
representations concerning facilities or financing, will form a part of
the resulting Grant(s).

I. Authority to Obligate the Government - The Grant Officer is the only
individual who may legally commit the Government to the expenditure of
public funds. No costs chargeable to the proposed Grant may be incurred
before receipt of either a fully executed Grant or a specific, written
authorization from the Grant Officer.

J. The Contractor/Recipient is reminded that U.S. Executive Orders and
U.S. law prohibits transactions with, and the provision of resources and
support to, individuals and organizations associated with terrorism. It
is the legal responsibility of the contractor/recipient to ensure
compliance with these Executive Orders and laws. This provision must be
included in all subcontracts/subawards issued under this
contract/agreement.

K. Foreign Government Delegations to International Conferences - Funds
in this \[contract, agreement, amendment\] may not be used to finance
the travel, per diem, hotel expenses, meals, conference fees or other
conference costs for any member of a foreign government\'s delegation to
an international conference sponsored by a public international
organization, except as provided in ADS Mandatory Reference \"Guidance
on Funding Foreign Government Delegations to International Conferences
\[http://www.info.usaid.gov/pubs/ads/300/refindx3.htm\] or as approved
by the Agreement Officer.

#  SECTION B - SELECTION CRITERIA

The criteria presented below have been tailored to the requirements of
this particular RFA. Applicants should note that these criteria serve
to: (a) identify the significant matters which applicants should address
in their applications and (b) set the standard against which all
applications will be evaluated. To facilitate the review of
applications, applicants should organize the narrative sections of their
applications in the same order as the selection criteria.

A technical evaluation committee will review the applications based upon
the criteria set forth below. Approximate weighted points indicate the
relative importance of each technical criterion against which technical
applications shall be evaluated. Thereafter, the cost application of all
applicants submitting a technically acceptable application will be
reviewed and costs will be evaluated for general reasonableness,
allowability, and allocability. To the extent that they are necessary
(if award is not made based on initial applications), negotiations will
then be conducted with the applicant or applicants whose application(s),
after discussion and negotiation, has a reasonable chance of being
selected for award. Awards will be made to responsible applicants whose
applications offer the greatest value, cost and other factors
considered.

To facilitate the review of applications, Applicants are requested to
organize the narrative sections of technical proposals according to the
evaluation criteria set forth below. Awards will be made based on the
ranking of proposals according to the technical selection criteria
identified below:

The criteria presented below have been tailored to the requirements of
this RFA. The relative importance of each criterion is indicated by
approximate weight by points, of which 100 points are possible. The
Applicant should note that these criteria serve to identify the
significant matters, which Applicants should address in their
applications, and to set standards against which all applications will
be evaluated. To facilitate the review of applications, Applicants are
requested to organize the narrative sections of technical proposals
according to the evaluation criteria set forth below.

Applications will be evaluated in accordance with the evaluation
criteria set forth below.

**I. Technical Approach (45 points)**

1\. Evidence of an understanding of the Program Description through a
convincing, innovative implementation strategy for achieving USAID goals
and activity objectives in the media sector in Timor-Leste. Clear,
logical and appropriate approach/methodology that demonstrates
applicant\'s understanding of program objectives and pragmatism.
Demonstrated application of lessons learned from similar programs.

2\. Creative approach to institutional development and improved
professional standards of local media outlets and senior
editors/directors.

3\. Demonstrated ability to staff program with judicious mix of local
and expatriate employees.

4\. Merit of the Applicant\'s approach to ensure that the program
results can be sustained after completion of the two-year implementation
program.

5\. Demonstrated support of the proposed technical approach and proposed
results to the broader USAID strategy for Timor-Leste, including
economic growth and health strategic objectives as well as the
cross-cutting themes of gender, marginalized areas and environment.

**II. Management Plan and Personnel (30 points)**

1\. Management plan demonstrates effective and logical relationships
between applicant, partners and any possible sub-awardees for the core
and subgrant components.

2\. Management plan demonstrates the capability to implement and monitor
activities on the ground; the integrity and soundness of the
illustrative monitoring and evaluation plan as it relates to
quantifiable measurement of progress and results under proposed program
activities; and includes a plan for collecting base-line and follow-on
data and suggested indicators of program impact and success.

3\. Technical/managerial qualifications and experience of proposed
long-term and short-term technical advisers relative to the Program
Description. Experience of proposed long-term and short-term staff in
international development; technical and managerial qualifications and
experience of short-term technical advisers. Demonstrated experience of
these staff in similar country contexts will be favored by USAID.

4\. Demonstrated ability of personnel to work productively in complex
environments; demonstrated record of accomplishment in hiring,
retaining, replacing, and mobilizing personnel in similar circumstances
and activities; demonstrated ability to communicate effectively both
orally and in writing with senior USG and USAID officials as well as
senior government officials of host country.

**III. Institutional Experience and Past Performance (25 points)**

1\. Demonstrated ability or experience in delivering effective technical
assistance/training/grants assistance activities of similar size;
demonstrated ability to engage government officials and units in host
country or similar contexts.

2\. Demonstrated relevant ability and experience to work effectively
with partnering organizations in host country, or in similar contexts.

3\. Demonstrated performance of applicant in developing and implementing
similar programs, preferably in countries with similar or analogous
conditions to those found in Timor-Leste.

4\. Demonstrated performance of applicant in fielding and retaining
proposed key personnel.

**Total (technical evaluation criteria): 100 points**

**Cost Evaluation**: Cost has not been assigned a score but will be
evaluated for cost reasonableness, allocability, allowability, cost
effectiveness and realism, adequacy of budget detail and financial
feasibility and cost sharing. While cost may be a determining factor in
the final decision of an awardee(s), especially between closely ranked
applicants, the technical merit of applications is substantially more
important under this RFA.

Notes on cost sharing:

> a\. Cost share is defined by USAID as contributions, both cash and
> in-kind, which are necessary and reasonable to achieve program
> objectives and which are verifiable from the recipient's records.  
> Please take note of the provision on cost sharing in 22 CFR 226.23.
>
> b\. Although there is no requirement that applicants under this RFA
> propose a specific cost share percentage, USAID policy is that cost
> sharing is an important element of the USAID-recipient relationship.
> USAID requires applicants to demonstrate their commitment to program
> success by addressing the issue of cost-sharing.

Applications will be evaluated in accordance with the selection criteria
identified above. USAID reserves the right to determine the resulting
level of funding for any awards made under this RFA.

# SECTION C - PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

**I. Introduction**

The United States Agency for International Development Timor-Leste
Mission (USAID/TL) is seeking applications from qualified applicants to
implement a program to strengthen the independent media sector and
provide citizens with greater access to information, particularly in the
context of the 2007 legislative and presidential elections in
Timor-Leste. USAID anticipates one two-year award (cooperative
agreement) resulting from this RFA with the possibility of extensions.

**II. Purpose**

This activity contains two interrelated objectives: 1) to support the
development of a strong, professional and sustainable independent media
sector; and 2) to engage citizens in the democratic process in the
build-up to the 2007 elections, through strengthening the media\'s
ability to deliver credible and useful news and current affairs to a
broader section of the population. It is expected that objective #2 will
be a shorter-term objective that will contribute to longer-term
objective #1.

Work performed under this award will contribute to the achievement of
Strategic Objective 472-005, Key Foundations for Good Governance
Strengthened, and Intermediate Result 5.2, More Effective Democratic
Governance, as outlined in the USAID Strategic Plan for East Timor
2005-2009, *A New Nation Moving Forward*. Activities implemented under
this award will also support the Mission\'s overall assistance strategy
by increasing information and debate on public policy topics related to
the Mission\'s other strategic objectives of economic growth and
improved health. Results of the program will also contribute to the
benchmarks in the US Embassy Mission Performance Plan for the
development of independent media.

As part of their proposals, applicants are encouraged to develop
tangible, results-oriented indicators that demonstrate progress in the
development of independent, sustainable media and increased availability
of reliable information, with particular respect to the 2007 elections.

**III. Background**

Following a history of colonization and occupation that saw limited
freedom of expression and little scope for the development of an
indigenous media, the Timor-Leste media sector was forced to start
essentially from scratch. As the country moved out of conflict, through
the United Nations Transitional Administration for East Timor
(UNTAET**)** period, and into independence, the media sector was
characterized by a profusion of donor-funded outlets as well as
considerable uncertainty about the future. In addition to at least two
major national publications, several district-based publications were in
circulation. The community radio sector was moving forward (albeit in
fits and starts), and Radio UNTAET was reportedly reaching all thirteen
districts with reliable news and information.

Since then, the media sector has made considerable progress on some
fronts and suffered setbacks on others. There are now around 18
community radio stations, as well as a few quasi-commercial stations.
There are at least three weeklies, six NGO publications, and four
printing facilities. In the wake of declining donor funding, all but one
of the district publications have folded. Professionalism has improved
across the sector, but further progress is needed. Sustainability of
media outlets - commercial and community - is also a continuing
challenge. The legal and regulatory environment for media is unclear,
and issues such as criminal defamation could have a chilling effect on
the media. The population\'s general access to information appears to
have suffered since the UNTAET period, given restructuring and
maintenance issues at the national broadcaster, shrinking distribution
of newspapers outside the capital, and lingering problems at community
radio stations. However, reliable data on access to information is
difficult to acquire.

Since 2000, USAID/TL has supported the development of independent media
in Timor-Leste. Assistance has focused on building professional skills
and sustainability at individual media outlets and across the sector,
strengthening local media associations, educating media professionals
about media law, improving government communications capacity and
working with community radio stations to improve programming and help
them stay operational. USAID assistance has also helped national public
service broadcaster Radio Television Timor-Leste (RTTL) address numerous
human resource, management and technical issues.

Support to independent media falls in line with USAID/TL\'s Strategic
Objective of strengthening key foundations for good governance. USAID/TL
has identified three broad democracy and governance challenges in its
current five year strategy. These include strengthening the rule of law,
making government more effective and transparent, and safeguarding
pluralistic politics. A healthy, independent media provides a strong
underpinning to each of these goals, and makes their achievement
possible. Moreover, improving the media\'s ability to provide accurate
news and information to the population - particularly that outside of
Dili, the capital city - will be crucial to ensuring the participation
of an informed, engaged citizenry in the 2007 legislative and
presidential elections. The ground work laid for the 2007 national
elections should serve the independent media outlets for fair and
balanced coverage of the next village-level elections, likely for 2009.

A media assessment was done in advance of this RFA and is available for
review on the following website:

<http://www.usaideasttimor.net/>

Additional information on USAID/Timor-Leste activities can also be found
on the following website:

[http://www.Timor-Leste.usaid.gov](http://www.Timor-Leste.usaid.gov/).

**IV. Challenges**

The media sector faces a number of key challenges with respect to
professionalism, sustainability, enabling environment, and
distribution/reach. These areas are explained briefly below.

*Professionalism, Skills and Ethics:*

Unlike in many other Southeast Asian countries, the media sector in
Timor-Leste has generally been given the political space to develop
freely. Media professionals generally agree that the bribe-taking and
corruption among journalists is low, and that the media is vigorous,
lively, and dedicated to continuing improvement. That said, newspapers,
radio and television all face significant challenges regarding basic
levels of professionalism, ethics and skill. Key challenges in this area
include:

-   Media outlets in general tend to engage in descriptive rather than
    critical analysis;

-   Editing is weak across the media sector;

-   News and opinion are frequently indistinguishable;

-   Due to poor fact-checking and sourcing, outlets run the risk of
    defamation;

-   Investigative journalism is still a young discipline;

-   There are few senior, experienced journalists who can mentor new
    entrants;

-   Journalists tend to be young, with limited educational backgrounds
    and training;

-   Newspapers still rely more on stories taken from outside sources
    than on their own reporting;

-   The national broadcaster has limited capacity to produce a variety
    of news and current affairs programming;

-   Community radio stations, relying on volunteers, have limited
    ability to deliver news and current affairs programming;

-   The media sector has no self-determined code of ethics;

-   Journalists may be unwilling to hold popular political figures up to
    close scrutiny;

-   Although more people have access to radio, most professional
    journalists are found in the print rather than broadcast sector;

-   There are no university journalism programs, and local organizations
    have limited training capacity;

-   Media outlets have limited capacity to address the complex issues
    posed by impending 2007 elections and provide fair and balanced
    reporting during the electoral process.

*Sustainability and Business Development:*

Primarily due to the country\'s weak economy, the environment for the
development of commercial media outlets is poor. An influx of donor
funds over the past five years has kept many outlets afloat, but the
level of funding has been decreasing steadily, and outlets now face
tough management/operational decisions. Despite this, some media outlets
have made considerable progress over the last few years in devising
plans to ensure ongoing sustainability. Ongoing challenges include:

-   There is a lack of human resources in the media business sector;

-   Many media outlets lack the capacity to develop sophisticated
    business plans;

-   There is little market or consumer research available;

-   Business sector does not fully understand importance of advertising;

-   No effort to develop audience research capabilities to attract
    potential advertisers to tv/radio;

-   Regulatory environment for broadcast media is unclear, discouraging
    potential commercial broadcast development;

-   Subscriber growth is poor or negative in the newspaper industry; as
    the international presence has decreased, so have subscriptions;

-   There is no independent audit board of circulation for newspapers;

-   The classified ad sector is nearly non-existent;

-   In the newspaper sector, printing is expensive, with limited
    options;

-   There are few specialized advertising agencies;

-   Sustainability problems at community radio stations are exacerbated
    by the largely volunteer staff, who may leave at the promise of
    salaries elsewhere.

*Enabling Environment:*

The web of legal and regulatory mechanisms that constitute the enabling
environment for independent media is still developing in Timor-Leste.
Although the media sector here is comparatively free, recent legal and
regulatory issues have caused many media professionals to worry about
trends for the future. Challenges include:

-   Criminal defamation issue has a potential chilling effect on media,
    encourages self-censorship;

-   Public broadcaster is still defining its role and independence;

-   Lack of broadcasting regulation makes development of public,
    commercial, community broadcasting unclear;

-   There are few specialized media lawyers in the country;

-   Media associations are weak and still building their advocacy
    capacity and knowledge on media law/regulatory issues;

-   The rule of law sector is weak overall, which further hampers
    effective development/enforcement of media legal and regulatory
    issues; and

-   Government institutions (ministries, regulators, Parliament, the
    executive, etc.) lack specific expertise and advice in media
    legal/regulatory issues.

*Media Distribution and Reach:*

Access to reliable news and information is a critical issue in
Timor-Leste. Citizens, particularly those that reside outside Dili,
cannot be expected to make informed decisions in the 2007 elections and
beyond if they are unable to obtain a basic minimum of crucial news and
information. Moreover, the lack of reliable information has the
potential to contribute to the spread of rumors and possible unrest,
particularly in areas with a history of conflict.

Low levels of literacy make radio the most appropriate medium for news
and information, although the print sector has considerable influence
with the elite. However, because of poor coverage, only a minority of
the population is able to listen to the RTTL radio broadcast, and a
smaller percentage still has access to RTTL\'s television broadcast.
However, an agreement was recently signed between the government and
Portugal that hopes to expand RTTL radio and television coverage to all
thirteen districts prior to the elections in 2007. Satellite television
coverage is limited to those who can afford their own dishes and power
supply, and there is little to no commercial media development in the
local broadcast sector. There are some areas of Timor-Leste which have
no access to information other than through word of mouth, the chefe de
suco, or government interlocutors. Some locations near the border only
have access to Indonesian radio stations rather than local or national
stations. Ongoing challenges include:

-   RTTL is estimated to reach only 50% of the population even when all
    transmitters are working;

-   Outside of Dili, national newspaper distribution is extremely
    difficult and expensive due to poor infrastructure;

-   There are virtually no district-based newspapers remaining;

-   Basic operations remain a problem for community/commercial radio
    stations: equipment, power supply, staff, etc.;

-   In the districts and villages, people tend to rely on word of mouth;

-   The sole television broadcaster, TVTL, is available live only in
    Dili; plans are underway to bring live coverage to Baucau;

-   Expansion of population\'s access to television is also limited by
    the unreliable electricity supply

-   Most professional journalists are found in the print sector, but the
    national dailies have limited reach outside the capital;

-   Access to the internet is expensive and extremely limited,
    particularly outside the capital;

-   Limited access to information encourages the spread of rumors and
    the potential for unrest, particularly in sensitive border areas;
    and

-   Lack of access to electoral information undercuts other program
    investments for government and donors.

**V. Approach**

The development of independent media in Timor-Leste is at a crucial
juncture. While progress has been made over the last several years,
thanks in part to USAID/TL assistance, there are several key areas that
need further reinforcement, particularly if the media is to report
professionally and responsibly in the lead-up to the 2007 election
period. Accordingly, USAID/TL is seeking proposals that employ a
comprehensive approach, focusing on four key areas:

a\) improving professional skills and capacity for responsible and
ethical reporting;

b\) enhancing media management and business development across the
sector;

c\) building awareness of key media and regulatory issues among both
media professionals and relevant government departments/officials;

d\) augmenting the media\'s ability to reach populations residing
outside the capital.

This comprehensive approach should contain activity components that
serve to mutually reinforce each other, in recognition of the fact that
professionalism, sustainability, distribution/reach and enabling
environment are interdependent. For instance, as media outlets develop
the ability to efficiently run their businesses and make money, they can
and should pay journalists higher wages, which in turn reduces staff
turnover and helps retain and develop talent. This ultimately increases
professionalism and skill development among journalists, which further
attracts readership, audience and advertising. A strong enabling
environment provides the space in which this virtuous cycle can take
place.

USAID/TL envisions an approach that would also maintain a front-loaded
focus on the shorter-term objective mentioned in section 2: to engage
citizens in the democratic process in the build-up to the 2007
elections, through strengthening the media\'s ability to deliver
credible and useful news and current affairs to a broader section of the
population. While both objectives should be incorporated into the
approach, applicants can be creative in linking the two objectives in
order to achieve lasting impact upon the media sector. Applicants are
encouraged to define realistic, achievable goals that will empower the
Timorese media sector to continue its own development, in anticipation
of likely overall decreases in donor funding to this sector over the
next ten years.

Applicants are also encouraged to consider incorporating a number of
overarching themes and lessons learned from previous USAID/TL media
assistance programs. These include:

-   Setting targeted but realistic goals for the program, measured
    against quantifiable indicators;

-   Taking into account specific local needs before designing training
    programs, to ensure maximum skill absorption/retention;

-   Fostering local training capacity over the long term, particularly
    with respect to building local organizations;

-   Focusing on improving senior management and senior editor skills
    across the sector through creative professional development
    programs;

-   Working on ensuring the independence, capability and coverage of the
    national broadcaster, including through improving the enabling
    environment;

-   Monitoring and conducting training follow-up to ensure utilization
    of skills and broad capacity development;

-   Being aware of the impact of international implementers on the local
    media sector, and taking care to foster, rather than hinder, the
    development of local media organizations;

-   Accompanying any equipment/material support with training in proper
    use and maintenance;

-   Success in leveraging other donor resources to expand the impact of
    the program.

Applicants are encouraged to take a highly collaborative approach.
Timor-Leste is small in scale but fortunate to maintain relatively high
levels of foreign assistance per capita. Programs focused on the
independent media will be cross-cutting to many other government and
donor programs, especially for the elections.

**VI. Implementation and Illustrative Activities**

Applicants should propose an approach that targets a mix of different
sectors, and may wish to include their own analysis to identify
opportunities and provide a baseline for progress in various sectors.
However, with respect to the radio sector, USAID\'s focus for this
period of media assistance is predominantly on improving the capability
of the national broadcaster to provide reliable, professional coverage
of news and current affairs to a broader swathe of the population.
Consistent with this approach, emphasis is placed upon strengthening
local organizations to provide ongoing support to the community radio
sector.

In order to show clear benchmarks for progress, applicants are strongly
encouraged to consider devising and incorporating into their proposed
approach a variety of quantitative measures, combined with survey
research to provide relevant baselines. For example, this might include
(but not be limited to) the use of indices to track professionalism,
sustainability, and so on; and/or the use of a media monitoring program
to track and provide feedback on media election coverage.

It is envisioned that the winning applicant will enjoy some form of
limited, small sub-grant authority, to allow for maximum flexibility in
emergency or otherwise unforeseen circumstances. However, it is part of
USAID/TL\'s overall approach to move away from equipment provision and
material support and toward activities that target more strategic
interventions with long-term benefits.

USAID/TL\'s focus for this activity emphasizes the four key areas
mentioned in Section 5. Applicants are encouraged to identify
cross-cutting and sub-sector priorities in their proposals. The outlined
key areas and illustrative activities do not preclude applicants from
proposing other ideas for USAID/TL\'s new media initiative.

Illustrative areas of activity might include:

*Professionalism, Skills, and Ethics:*

-   Targeted in-house advice/mentoring, as appropriate, to select media
    outlets on specific areas of skill development, such as: editing,
    proofreading, layout, newsroom management, story development,
    investigative journalism, specialized reporting skills,
    photojournalism, etc.;

-   Developing long-term training courses that incorporate some type of
    certification and/or award element (the latter could be determined
    by peer jury at end of course);

-   Sustained multi-component training on elections coverage for
    print/broadcast outlets;

-   Advanced professional development courses for senior media
    executives and editors, possibly with an international visit
    component;

-   Encouraging journalism internship programs at media outlets or the
    implementing partner\'s offices to strengthen the capacity of future
    journalists and technical staff;

-   Encouraging intra-outlet competition for nominations to
    international scholarships, international visitor programs,
    internships, etc.;

-   Support for a media monitoring program to deliver elections-related
    coverage analysis as well as feedback to media outlets on
    progress/setbacks;

-   Developing a prestigious national awards program for excellence in
    journalism; specific award categories could encourage beat
    development and specialized expertise;

-   Encouraging local entrants into periodic regional media
    competitions;

-   Linking local reporters/editors into the broader regional and global
    community of media professionals, to encourage networking, ongoing
    professional development, and local awareness of international
    standards and practices;

-   Fostering the development of local media organizations, particularly
    with respect to sustainable local training capacity;

-   Advanced training on production skills for radio/television;

-   Targeted training on skills/ethics for television
    presenters/reporters/producers;

-   Training for journalists on the specific skills and ethical issues
    involved in using the internet for reporting.

*Sustainability and Business Development:*

-   Targeted in-house advice/consulting, as appropriate, to select media
    outlets on advanced management and business development issues;

-   Long-term training courses in basic and advanced media management,
    administration, and organizational development;

-   Development of local entities that can conduct independent
    audience/readership research or in-house skills for audience
    research in media outlets;

-   Supporting local organizations to develop sustainability and
    program-sharing among community radio stations;

-   Assistance to relevant entities on developing a private sector
    climate that nurtures commercial media outlet development (i.e.
    advocating for favorable changes in tax legislation, encouraging
    investment and loans to media outlets, etc.);

-   Devising creative solutions to fundamental media sustainability
    issues in Timor-Leste;

-   Encouraging networking between local senior media managers and
    regional/international media business development organizations;

-   Devising positive incentives, such as awards/prizes/bonuses, for
    exemplary performance in media
    management/administration/advertising/marketing/etc.;

-   Targeted training courses on the ethics of media management and
    business development, particularly with respect to election periods.

*Enabling Environment:*

-   Support to develop the independence and sustainability of
    Timor-Leste media associations, such as media watchdog, media
    training and media advocacy organizations;

-   Supporting local media organizations in developing a
    self-regulating, self-enforced code of ethics

-   Providing targeted advice to relevant government entities on
    developing a legal/regulatory environment that fosters independent,
    professional media;

-   Fostering dialogue between journalists, media outlets and government
    on legal issues affecting media

-   Continuing media legal education (i.e., comparative media law) for
    media professionals, law students, lawyers, judges, and
    parliamentarians;

-   Working on ensuring regulation that favors a balanced mix of
    private/public, commercial/community media development in the
    future;

-   Supporting media advocacy efforts to defend free expression;

-   Encouraging linkages between local media advocacy organizations and
    international media rights organizations;

-   Liaison with legal aid groups or small legal defense fund for
    responsible journalists.

*Media Distribution and Reach:*

-   Conducting an information access survey to determine exactly where
    gaps exist, and how best to fill them;

-   Assistance to the national broadcaster in upgrading to reach
    national radio coverage;

-   Research/assistance to support a better distribution system for
    print media;

-   Limited assistance to expanded television coverage;

-   Assistance to local organizations that encourage networking and
    program-sharing between viable community radio stations;

-   Training for local organizations, government in leveraging the media
    to distribute important information.

**VII. Contribution to Cross-Cutting Objectives**

USAID/TL will be most interested in proposed activities that contribute
to its overall assistance strategy as well as to the specific Strategic
Objective. In particular applicants are encouraged to incorporate the
cross-cutting themes of gender and marginalized areas from USAID/TL's
strategic plan. Programs should be designed to encourage women's full
participation and the extension of media and information services to
marginalized areas.

**VIII. Expected Results**

Work performed under this award will contribute to the achievement of
Strategic Objective 472-005, Key Foundations for Good Governance
Strengthened, and Intermediate Result 5.2, More Effective Democratic
Governance, as outlined in the USAID Strategic Plan for East Timor
2005-2009, *A New Nation Moving Forward*. This work will also serve to
address the three broad democracy and governance challenges in its
current five year strategy. These include strengthening the rule of law,
making government more effective and transparent, and safeguarding
pluralistic politics.

As part of the proposal, the implementing partner(s) should develop a
plan for monitoring and evaluation, including tangible results-oriented
indicators that measure progress toward the SO and IR noted above. After
two years, USAID expects the implementing partner(s) to demonstrate:

-   A measurable increase in the percentage of the population able to
    receive reliable news, current affairs, and development-related
    information;

-   An increase in the financial viability and long-term sustainability
    of targeted media outlets;

-   A measurable improvement in quality, standards, and professionalism
    for targeted independent media outlets and RTTL (particular emphasis
    on the commercial print outlets and radio stations rather than NGO
    publications or community radio stations);

-   Contributions towards more balanced political reporting throughout
    the national election period and next village elections;

-   Greater awareness among the broad media/justice sector community of
    media law and regulatory issues;

-   Demonstrable improvement in the capacity of local Timorese media
    organization partners to continue media development in the long
    term.

**IX. Reporting Schedule**

The successful applicant shall be responsible for delivery of the
following items:

1\. Initial Implementation Plan: An initial implementation plan covering
the first year of the grant period should be submitted to USAID/TL for
review within 30 days of the award of the cooperative agreement. This
plan should include a description of the activities the implementer
intends to undertake during the first year of the grant, as well as a
revised (if necessary) version of the monitoring and evaluation plan
first submitted with the original proposal.

2\. Quarterly Progress Reports: These reports should be delivered within
30 days of the end of each quarter, based on USAID\'s fiscal year. They
should describe the progress achieved, against measurable indicators,
toward each of the objectives; evaluate each of the activities conducted
during the semester; measure actual performance against goals set for
the semester; discuss obstacles that have hindered achievement of the
set goals; and propose means of overcoming these obstacles in the
future.

3\. Oral Briefings: As requested by USAID/Timor-Leste.

4\. Final Report: This report should contain a summary and discussion of
all activities conducted under the cooperative agreement; a detailed
measurement of the results achieved (using the performance indicators
from the original monitoring and evaluation plan); and an assessment of
the program\'s overall impact, both on the media sector and on the
overall democracy and governance sector in Timor-Leste. It should also
discuss the need for, and potential content of, any future assistance to
aid the development of independent media in Timor-Leste.

**X. Administrative and Staff Structure**

Applicants should plan to include, at a minimum, a full-time program
head (Representative, Chief of Party or Country Director) to be based in
Dili, Timor-Leste. The program head should have broad experience in
journalism, mass communications, and/or implementation of media
development programs, particularly in contexts that resemble that of
Timor-Leste. The program head will have overall, in-country management
responsibility for the program. Program manager(s), administrative
assistants, and short-term trainers and other
local/regional/international consultants may provide additional
expertise as needed. As part of their proposals, applicants should be as
specific as possible about the profile of the short-term
trainers/consultants they envision recruiting, the balance between
permanent staff and short-term trainers/consultants, the anticipated
duration of short-term consultancies, and how the anticipated profile of
the staff (permanent and short-term) will enable the applicant to
maximize results.

#   {#section-2 .unnumbered}

#  SECTION D

U.S. AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

CERTIFICATIONS, ASSURANCES, AND OTHER STATEMENTS OF RECIPIENT \[1\]\[2\]

##  PART I - CERTIFICATIONS AND ASSURANCES

**1. ASSURANCE OF COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS AND REGULATIONS GOVERNING
NON-DISCRIMINATION IN FEDERALLY ASSISTED PROGRAMS**

\(a\) The recipient hereby assures that no person in the United States
shall, on the bases set forth below, be excluded from participation in,
be denied the benefits of, or be otherwise subjected to discrimination
under, any program or activity receiving financial assistance from
USAID, and that with respect to the grant for which application is being
made, it will comply with the requirements of:

\(1\) Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Pub. L. 88-352, 42
U.S.C. 2000-d), which prohibits discrimination on the basis of race,
color or national origin, in programs and activities receiving Federal
financial assistance;

\(2\) Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 794),
which prohibits discrimination on the basis of handicap in programs and
activities receiving Federal financial assistance;

\(3\) The Age Discrimination Act of 1975, as amended (Pub. L. 95-478),
which prohibits discrimination based on age in the delivery of services
and benefits supported with Federal funds;

\(4\) Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (20 U.S.C. 1681, et
seq.), which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in education
programs and activities receiving Federal financial assistance (whether
or not the programs or activities are offered or sponsored by an
educational institution); and

\(5\) USAID regulations implementing the above nondiscrimination laws,
set forth in Chapter II of Title 22 of the Code of Federal Regulations.

\(b\) If the recipient is an institution of higher education, the
Assurances given herein extend to admission practices and to all other
practices relating to the treatment of students or clients of the
institution, or relating to the opportunity to participate in the
provision of services or other benefits to such individuals, and shall
be applicable to the entire institution unless the recipient establishes
to the satisfaction of the USAID Administrator that the institution\'s
practices in designated parts or programs of the institution will in no
way affect its practices in the program of the institution for which
financial assistance is sought, or the beneficiaries of, or participants
in, such programs.

\(c\) This assurance is given in consideration of and for the purpose of
obtaining any and all Federal grants, loans, contracts, property,
discounts, or other Federal financial assistance extended after the date
hereof to the recipient by the Agency, including installment payments
after such date on account of applications for Federal financial
assistance which were approved before such date. The recipient
recognizes and agrees that such Federal financial assistance will be
extended in reliance on the representations and agreements made in this
Assurance, and that the United States shall have the right to seek
judicial enforcement of this Assurance. This Assurance is binding on the
recipient, its successors, transferees, and assignees, and the person or
persons whose signatures appear below are authorized to sign this
Assurance on behalf of the recipient.

**Signed:
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_
Date: \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_**

**(Typed Name and Title)**

**2. CERTIFICATION REGARDING LOBBYING**

The undersigned certifies, to the best of his or her knowledge and
belief, that:

\(1\) No Federal appropriated funds have been paid or will be paid, by
or on behalf of the undersigned, to any person for influencing or
attempting to influence an officer or employee of any agency, a Member
of Congress, an officer or employee of Congress, or an employee of a
Member of Congress in connection with the awarding of any Federal
contract, the making of any Federal grant, the making of any Federal
loan, the entering into of any cooperative agreement, and the extension,
continuation, renewal, amendment or modification of any Federal
contract, grant, loan, or cooperative agreement.

\(2\) If any funds other than Federal appropriated funds have been paid
or will be paid to any person for influencing or attempting to influence
an officer or employee of any agency, a Member of Congress, an officer
or employee of Congress, or an employee of a Member of Congress in
connection with this Federal contract, grant, loan, or cooperative
agreement, the undersigned shall complete and submit Standard Form-LLL,
\"Disclosure of Lobbying Activities,\" in accordance with its
instructions.

\(3\) The undersigned shall require that the language of this
certification be included in the award documents for all subawards at
all tiers (including subcontracts, subgrants, and contracts under
grants, loans, and cooperative agreements) and that all subrecipients
shall certify and disclose accordingly.

This certification is a material representation of fact upon which
reliance was placed when this transaction was made or entered into.
Submission of this certification is a prerequisite for making or
entering into this transaction imposed by section 1352, title 31, United
States Code. Any person who fails to file the required certification
shall be subject to a civil penalty of not less than \$10,000 and not
more than \$100,000 for each such failure.

Statement for Loan Guarantees and Loan Insurance

The undersigned states, to the best of his or her knowledge and belief,
that: If any funds have been paid or will be paid to any person for
influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee of any
agency, a Member of Congress, an officer or employee of Congress, or an
employee of a Member of Congress in connection with this commitment
providing for the United States to insure or guarantee a loan, the
undersigned shall complete and submit Standard Form-LLL, \"Disclosure
Form to Report Lobbying,\" in accordance with its instructions.
Submission of this statement is a prerequisite for making or entering
into this transaction imposed by section 1352, title 31, U.S. Code. Any
person who fails to file the required statement shall be subject to a
civil penalty of not less than \$10,000 and not more than \$100,000 for
each such failure.

**Signed:
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_
Date: \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_**

**(Typed Name and Title)**

**3.** **CERTIFICATION REGARDING MATERIAL SUPPORT AND RESOURCES**

As a condition of entering into the referenced agreement,
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ hereby certifies that it has
not provided and will not provide material support or resources to any
individual or entity that it knows, or has reason to know, is an
individual or entity that advocates, plans, sponsors, engages in, or has
engaged in terrorist activity, including but not limited to the
individuals and entities listed in the Annex to Executive Order 13224
and other such individuals and entities that may be later designated by
the United States under any of the following authorities: § 219 of the
Immigration and Nationality Act, as amended (8 U.S.C. § 1189), the
International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. § 1701 et seq.),
the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. § 1601 et seq.), or §
212(a)(3)(B) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, as amended by the
USA Patriot Act of 2001, Pub. L. 107-56 (October 26, 2001)(8 U.S.C.
§1182). \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ further certifies
that it will not provide material support or resources to any individual
or entity that it knows, or has reason to know, is acting as an agent
for any individual or entity that advocates, plans, sponsors, engages
in, or has engaged in, terrorist activity, or that has been so
designated, or will immediately cease such support if an entity is so
designated after the date of the referenced agreement.

For purposes of this certification, \"material support and resources\"
includes currency or other financial securities, financial services,
lodging, training, safe houses, false documentation or identification,
communications equipment, facilities, weapons, lethal substances,
explosives, personnel, transportation, and other physical assets, except
medicine or religious materials.

For purposes of this certification, \"engage in terrorist activity\"
shall have the same meaning as in section 212(a)(3)(B)(iv) of the
Immigration and Nationality Act, as amended (8 U.S.C. § 1182(a)(3)(B)
(iv)).

For purposes of this certification, \"entity\" means a partnership,
association, corporation, or other organization, group, or subgroup.

This certification is an express term and condition of the agreement and
any violation of it shall be grounds for unilateral termination of the
agreement by USAID prior to the end of its term.

Signature:
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Name:
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Date:
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Address:
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

NOTICE:

If you make a false Certification you are subject to U.S. criminal
prosecution under 18 U.S.C. 1001.

##  PART II - OTHER STATEMENTS OF RECIPIENT

1\. AUTHORIZED INDIVIDUALS

The recipient represents that the following persons are authorized to
negotiate on its behalf with the Government and to bind the recipient in
connection with this application or grant:

Name Title Telephone No. Facsimile No.

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

2\. TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER (TIN)

If the recipient is a U.S. organization, or a foreign organization which
has income effectively connected with the conduct of activities in the
U.S. or has an office or a place of business or a fiscal paying agent in
the U.S., please indicate the recipient\'s TIN:

TIN: \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

3\. CONTRACTOR IDENTIFICATION NUMBER - DATA UNIVERSAL NUMBERING SYSTEM
(DUNS) NUMBER

\(a\) In the space provided at the end of this provision, the recipient
should supply the Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number
applicable to that name and address. Recipients should take care to
report the number that identifies the recipient\'s name and address
exactly as stated in the proposal.

\(b\) The DUNS is a 9-digit number assigned by Dun and Bradstreet
Information Services. If the recipient does not have a DUNS number, the
recipient should call Dun and Bradstreet directly at 1-800-333-0505. A
DUNS number will be provided immediately by telephone at no charge to
the recipient. The recipient should be prepared to provide the following
information:

\(1\) Recipient\'s name.

\(2\) Recipient\'s address.

\(3\) Recipient\'s telephone number.

\(4\) Line of business.

\(5\) Chief executive officer/key manager.

\(6\) Date the organization was started.

\(7\) Number of people employed by the recipient.

\(8\) Company affiliation.

\(c\) Recipients located outside the United States may obtain the
location and phone number of the local Dun and Bradstreet Information
Services office from the Internet Home Page at
http://www.dbisna.com/dbis/customer/custlist.htm. If an offeror is
unable to locate a local service center, it may send an e-mail to Dun
and Bradstreet at globalinfo@dbisma.com.

The DUNS system is distinct from the Federal Taxpayer Identification
Number (TIN) system.

DUNS:
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

4\. LETTER OF CREDIT (LOC) NUMBER

If the recipient has an existing Letter of Credit (LOC) with USAID,
please indicate the LOC number:

LOC:
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

5\. PROCUREMENT INFORMATION

\(a\) Applicability. This applies to the procurement of goods and
services planned by the recipient (i.e., contracts, purchase orders,
etc.) from a supplier of goods or services for the direct use or benefit
of the recipient in conducting the program supported by the grant, and
not to assistance provided by the recipient (i.e., a subgrant or
subagreement) to a subgrantee or subrecipient in support of the
subgrantee\'s or subrecipient\'s program. Provision by the recipient of
the requested information does not, in and of itself, constitute USAID
approval.

\(b\) Amount of Procurement. Please indicate the total estimated dollar
amount of goods and services which the recipient plans to purchase under
the grant:

\$\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

\(c\) Nonexpendable Property. If the recipient plans to purchase
nonexpendable equipment which would require the approval of the
Agreement Officer, please indicate below (using a continuation page, as
necessary) the types, quantities of each, and estimated unit costs.
Nonexpendable equipment for which the Agreement Officer\'s approval to
purchase is required is any article of nonexpendable tangible personal
property charged directly to the grant, having a useful life of more
than one year and an acquisition cost of \$5,000 or more per unit.

TYPE/DESCRIPTION QUANTITY ESTIMATED UNIT COST

(Generic)

\(d\) Source, Origin, and Componentry of Goods. If the recipient plans
to purchase any goods/commodities which are not of U.S. source and/or
U.S. origin, please indicate below (using a continuation page, as
necessary) the types and quantities of each, estimated unit costs of
each, and probable source and/or origin. \"Source\" means the country
from which a commodity is shipped to the cooperating country or the
cooperating country itself if the commodity is located therein at the
time of purchase. However, where a commodity is shipped from a free port
or bonded warehouse in the form in which received therein, \"source\"
means the country from which the commodity was shippedto the free port
or bonded warehouse. Any commodity whose source is a non-Free World
country is ineligible for USAID financing. The \"origin\" of a commodity
is the country or area in which a commodity is mined, grown, or
produced. A commodity is produced when, through manufacturing,
processing, or substantial and major assembling of components, a
commercially recognized new commodity results, which is substantially
different in basic characteristics or in purpose or utility from its
components. Merely packaging various items together for a particular
procurement or relabeling items does not constitute production of a
commodity. Any commodity whose origin is a non-Free World country is
ineligible for USAID financing. \"Components\" are the goods which go
directly into the production of a produced commodity. Any component from
a non-Free World country makes the commodity ineligible for USAID
financing.

TYPE/ QUANTITY EST. GOODS PROBABLE GOODS PROBABLE

DESCRIPTION UNIT COMPONENTS SOURCE COMPONENTS ORIGIN

(Generic) COST

\(e\) Restricted Goods. If the recipient plans to purchase any
restricted goods, please indicate below (using a continuation page, as
necessary) the types and quantities of each, estimated unit costs of
each, intended use, and probable source and/or origin. Restricted goods
are Agricultural Commodities, Motor Vehicles, Pharmaceuticals,
Pesticides, Rubber Compounding Chemicals and Plasticizers, Used
Equipment, U.S. Government-Owned Excess Property, and Fertilizer.

TYPE/ QUANTITY ESTIMATED PROBABLE PROBABLE INTENDED

DESCRIPTION UNIT COST SOURCE ORIGIN USE

(Generic)

\(f\) Supplier Nationality. If the recipient plans to purchase any goods
or services from suppliers of goods and services whose nationality is
not in the U.S., please indicate below (using a continuation page, as
necessary) the types and quantities of each good or service, estimated
costs of each, probable nationality of each non-U.S. supplier of each
good or service, and the rationale for purchasing from a non-U.S.
supplier. Any supplier whose nationality is a non-Free World country is
ineligible for USAID financing.

TYPE/ QUANTITY ESTIMATED PROBABLE NATIONALITY RATIONALE

DESCRIPTION UNIT COST SUPPLIER for

(Generic) (Non-US Only) NON-US

\(g\) Proposed Disposition. If the recipient plans to purchase any
nonexpendable equipment with a unit acquisition cost of \$5,000 or more,
please indicate below (using a continuation page, as necessary) the
proposed disposition of each such item. Generally, the recipient may
either retain the property for other uses and make compensation to USAID
(computed by applying the percentage of federal participation in the
cost of the original program to the current fair market value of the
property), or sell the property and reimburse USAID an amount computed
by applying to the sales proceeds the percentage of federal
participation in the cost of the original program (except that the
recipient may deduct from the federal share \$500 or 10% of the
proceeds, whichever is greater, for selling and handling expenses), or
donate the property to a host country institution, or otherwise dispose
of the property as instructed by USAID.

TYPE/DESCRIPTION QUANTITY ESTIMATED PROPOSED DISPOSITION

(Generic) UNIT COST

6\. PAST PERFORMANCE REFERENCES

On a continuation page, please provide a list of the ten most current
U.S. Government and/or privately-funded contracts, grants, cooperative
agreements, etc., and the name, address, and telephone number of the
Contract/Agreement Officer or other contact person.

7\. TYPE OF ORGANIZATION

The recipient, by checking the applicable box, represents that -

\(a\) If the recipient is a U.S. entity, it operates as \[ \] a
corporation incorporated under the laws of the State of, \[ \] an
individual, \[ \] a partnership, \[ \] a nongovernmental nonprofit
organization, \[ \] a state or loc al governmental organization, \[ \] a
private college or university, \[ \] a public college or university, \[
\] an international organization, or \[ \] a joint venture; or

(b) If the recipient is a non-U.S. entity, it operates as \[ \] a
    corporation organized under the laws of
    \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_
    (country), \[ \] an individual, \[ \] a partnership, \[ \] a
    nongovernmental nonprofit organization, \[ \] a nongovernmental
    educational institution, \[ \] a governmental organization, \[ \] an
    international organization, or \[ \] a joint venture.

8\. OMB CIRCULAR A-133 OR SIMILAR AUDITS

If applicable, please provide the date of your most recent A-133 or
similar audit, including findings and results of such audits.

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

9\. ESTIMATED COSTS OF COMMUNICATIONS PRODUCTS

The following are the estimate(s) of the cost of each separate
communications product (i.e., any printed material \[other than non-
color photocopy material\], photographic services, or video production
services) which is anticipated under the grant. Each estimate must
include all the costs associated with preparation and execution of the
product. Use a continuation page as necessary.

# 

Submitted by:\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ (name of officer and
title)

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_(organization
name)

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_(Date)

#  SECTION E

**ATTACHMENT A**

**BRANDING STRATEGY - ASSISTANCE (December 2005)**

\(a\) **Definitions**

***Branding Strategy*** means a strategy that is submitted at the
specific request of a USAID Agreement Officer by an Apparently
Successful Applicant after evaluation of an application for USAID
funding, describing how the program, project, or activity is named and
positioned, and how it is promoted and communicated to beneficiaries and
host country citizens. It identifies all donors and explains how they
will be acknowledged.

***Apparently Successful Applicant(s)*** means the applicant(s) for
USAID funding recommended for an award after evaluation, but who has not
yet been awarded a grant, cooperative agreement or other assistance
award by the Agreement Officer. The Agreement Officer will request that
the Apparently Successful Applicants submit a Branding Strategy and
Marking Plan. Apparently Successful Applicant status confers no right
and constitutes no USAID commitment to an award.

***USAID Identity (Identity)*** means the official marking for the
Agency, comprised of the USAID logo and new brandmark, which clearly
communicates that our assistance is from the American people. The USAID
Identity is available on the USAID website and is provided without
royalty, license, or other fee to recipients of USAID-funded grants or
cooperative agreements or other assistance awards or subawards.

\(b\) **Submission.** The Apparently Successful Applicant, upon request
of the Agreement Officer, will submit and negotiate a Branding Strategy.
The Branding Strategy will be included in and made a part of the
resulting grant or cooperative agreement. The Branding Strategy will be
negotiated within the time that the Agreement Officer specifies. Failure
to submit and negotiate a Branding Strategy will make the applicant
ineligible for award of a grant or cooperative agreement. The Apparently
Successful Applicant must include all estimated costs associated with
branding and marking USAID programs, such as plaques, stickers, banners,
press events and materials, and the like.

\(c\) **Submission Requirements**

At a minimum, the Apparently Successful Applicant's Branding Strategy
will address the following:

**(1) Positioning**

*What is the intended name of this program, project, or activity?*

Guidelines: USAID prefers to have the USAID Identity included as part of
the program or project name, such as a \"title sponsor,\" if possible
and appropriate. It is acceptable to \"co-brand\" the title with USAID's
and the Apparently Successful

Applicant's identities. For example: \"The USAID and \[Apparently
Successful Applicant\] Health Center.\" If it would be inappropriate or
is not possible to \"brand\" the project this way, such as when
rehabilitating a structure that already exists or if there are multiple
donors, please explain and indicate how you intend to showcase USAID\'s
involvement in publicizing the program or project*. For example: School
#123, rehabilitated by USAID and \[Apparently Successful Applicant\]/
\[other donors\].*

Note: the Agency prefers \"made possible by (or with) the generous
support of the American People\" next to the USAID Identity in
acknowledging our contribution, instead of the phrase \"funded by.\"
USAID prefers local language translations.

*Will a program logo be developed and used consistently to identify this
program? If yes, please attach a copy of the proposed program logo.*

Note: USAID prefers to fund projects that do NOT have a separate logo or
identity

that competes with the USAID Identity.

**(2) Program Communications and Publicity**

*Who are the primary and secondary audiences for this project or
program?*

Guidelines: Please include direct beneficiaries and any special target
segments or influencers. *For Example: Primary audience: schoolgirls age
8-12, Secondary audience: teachers and parents--specifically mothers.
What communications or program materials will be used to explain or
market the program to beneficiaries?*

Guidelines: These include training materials, posters, pamphlets, Public
Service Announcements, billboards, websites, and so forth.

*What is the main program message(s)?*

Guidelines: *For example: \"Be tested for HIV-AIDS\" or \"Have your
child inoculated.\"* Please indicate if you also plan to incorporate
USAID's primary message -- this aid is \"from the American people\" --
into the narrative of program materials. This is optional; however,
marking with the USAID Identity is required.

*Will the recipient announce and promote publicly this program or
project to host country citizens? If yes, what press and promotional
activities are planned?*

Guidelines: These may include media releases, press conferences, public
events, and so forth. Note: incorporating the message, "USAID from the
American People", and the USAID Identity is required.

*Please provide any additional ideas about how to increase awareness
that the American people support this project or program.*

Guidelines: One of our goals is to ensure that both beneficiaries and
host-country citizens know that the aid the Agency is providing is
\"from the American people.\"

Please provide any initial ideas on how to further this goal.

**(3) Acknowledgements**

*Will there be any direct involvement from a host-country government
ministry? If yes, please indicate which one or ones. Will the recipient
acknowledge the ministry as an additional co-sponsor*?

Note: it is perfectly acceptable and often encouraged for USAID to
\"co-brand\" programs with government ministries.

*Please indicate if there are any other groups whose logo or identity
the recipient will use on program materials and related communications.*

Guidelines: Please indicate if they are also a donor or why they will be
visibly acknowledged, and if they will receive the same prominence as
USAID.

\(d\) **Award Criteria**. The Agreement Officer will review the Branding
Strategy for adequacy, ensuring that it contains the required
information on naming and positioning the USAID-funded program, project,
or activity, and promoting and

communicating it to cooperating country beneficiaries and citizens. The
Agreement Officer also will evaluate this information to ensure that it
is consistent with the stated objectives of the award; with the
Apparently Successful

Applicant's cost data submissions; with the Apparently Successful
Applicant's project, activity, or program performance plan; and with the
regulatory requirements set out in 22 CFR 226.91. The Agreement Officer
may obtain advice and

recommendations from technical experts while performing the evaluation.

**MARKING PLAN -- ASSISTANCE (December 2005)**

(a)**Definitions**

***Marking Plan*** means a plan that the Apparently Successful Applicant
submits at the specific request of a USAID Agreement Officer after
evaluation of an application for USAID funding, detailing the public
communications, commodities, and program materials and other items that
will visibly bear the USAID Identity. Recipients may request approval of
Presumptive Exceptions to marking requirements in the Marking Plan.

***Apparently Successful Applicant(s)*** means the applicant(s) for
USAID funding recommended for an award after evaluation, but who has not
yet been awarded a grant, cooperative agreement or other assistance
award by the Agreement Officer. The Agreement Officer will request that
Apparently Successful Applicants submit a Branding Strategy and Marking
Plan. Apparently Successful Applicant status confers no right and
constitutes no USAID commitment to an award, which the Agreement Officer
must still obligate.

***USAID Identity (Identity)*** means the official marking for the
Agency, comprised of the USAID logo and new brandmark, which clearly
communicates that our assistance is from the American people. The USAID
Identity is available on the USAID website and USAID provides it without
royalty, license, or other fee to recipients of USAID funded grants,
cooperative agreements, or other assistance awards or subawards.

A ***Presumptive Exception*** exempts the applicant from the general
marking requirements for a *particular* USAID-funded public
communication, commodity, program material or other deliverable, or a
*category* of USAID-funded public communications, commodities, program
materials or other deliverables that would otherwise be required to
visibly bear the USAID Identity. The Presumptive Exceptions are:

Presumptive Exception (i). USAID marking requirements may not apply if
they would compromise the intrinsic independence or neutrality of a
program or materials where independence or neutrality is an inherent
aspect of the program and materials, such as election monitoring or
ballots, and voter information literature; political party support or
public policy advocacy or reform; independent media, such as television
and radio broadcasts, newspaper articles and editorials; and public
service announcements or public opinion polls and surveys (22 C.F.R.
226.91(h)(1)).

Presumptive Exception (ii). USAID marking requirements may not apply if
they would diminish the credibility of audits, reports, analyses,
studies, or policy recommendations whose data or findings must be seen
as independent (22 C.F.R.

226.91(h)(2)).

Presumptive Exception (iii). USAID marking requirements may not apply if
they would undercut host-country overnment "ownership" of constitutions,
laws, regulations, policies, studies, assessments, reports,
publications, surveys or audits, public service announcements, or other
communications better positioned as "by" or "from" a cooperating country
ministry or government official (22 C.F.R. 226.91(h)(3)).

Presumptive Exception (iv). USAID marking requirements may not apply if
they would impair the functionality of an item, such as sterilized
equipment or spare parts (22 C.F.R. 226.91(h)(4)).

Presumptive Exception (v). USAID marking requirements may not apply if
they would incur substantial costs or be impractical, such as items too
small or otherwise unsuited for individual marking, such as food in bulk
(22 C.F.R. 226.91(h)(5)).

Presumptive Exception (vi). USAID marking requirements may not apply if
they would offend local cultural or social norms, or be considered
inappropriate on such items as condoms, toilets, bed pans, or similar
commodities (22 C.F.R. 226.91(h)(6)).

Presumptive Exception (vii). USAID marking requirements may not apply if
they would conflict with international law (22 C.F.R. 226.91(h)(7)).

\(b\) **Submission.** The Apparently Successful Applicant, upon the
request of the Agreement Officer, will submit and negotiate a Marking
Plan that addresses the details of the public communications,
commodities, program materials that will visibly bear the USAID
Identity. The marking plan will be customized for the particular
program, project, or activity under the resultant grant or cooperative
agreement. The plan will be included in and made a part of the resulting
grant or

cooperative agreement. USAID and the Apparently Successful Applicant
will negotiate the Marking Plan within the time specified by the
Agreement Officer. Failure to submit and negotiate a Marking Plan will
make the applicant ineligible for award of a grant or cooperative
agreement. The applicant must include an estimate of all costs
associated with branding and marking USAID programs, such as plaques,
labels, banners, press events, promotional materials, and so forth in
the budget portion of its application. These costs are subject to
revision and negotiation with the Agreement Officer upon submission of
the Marking Plan and will be incorporated into the Total Estimated
Amount of the grant, cooperative agreement or other assistance
instrument.

\(c\) **Submission Requirements**. The Marking Plan will include the
following:

\(1\) A description of the public communications, commodities, and
program materials that the recipient will be produced as a part of the
grant or cooperative agreement and which will visibly bear the USAID
Identity. These include:

\(i\) program, project, or activity sites funded by USAID, including
visible infrastructure projects or other programs, projects, or
activities that are physical in nature;

\(ii\) technical assistance, studies, reports, papers, publications,
audio-visual productions, public service announcements, Web
sites/Internet activities and other promotional, informational, media,
or communications products funded by USAID;

\(iii\) events financed by USAID, such as training courses, conferences,
seminars, exhibitions, fairs, workshops, press conferences, and other
public activities; and

\(iv\) all commodities financed by USAID, including commodities or
equipment provided under humanitarian assistance or disaster relief
programs, and all other equipment, supplies and other materials funded
by USAID, and their export packaging.

\(2\) A table specifying:

\(i\) the program deliverables that the recipient will mark with the
USAID Identity,

\(ii\) the type of marking and what materials the applicant will be used
to mark the program deliverables with the USAID Identity, and

\(iii\) when in the performance period the applicant will mark the
program deliverables, and where the applicant will place the marking.

\(3\) A table specifying:

\(i\) what program deliverables will not be marked with the USAID
Identity, and

\(ii\) the rationale for not marking these program deliverables.

\(d\) **Presumptive Exceptions.**

\(1\) The Apparently Successful Applicant may request a Presumptive
Exception as part of the overall Marking Plan submission. To request a
Presumptive Exception, the Apparently Successful Applicant must identify
which Presumptive Exception applies, and state why, in light of the
Apparently Successful Applicant's technical proposal and in the context
of the program description or program statement in the USAID Request For
Application or Annual Program Statement, marking requirements should not
be required.

\(2\) Specific guidelines for addressing each Presumptive Exception are:

\(i\) For Presumptive Exception (i), identify the USAID Strategic
Objective, Interim Result, or program goal furthered by an appearance of
neutrality, or state why the program, project, activity, commodity, or
communication is 'intrinsically neutral.' Identify, by category or
deliverable item, examples of program materials funded under the award
for which you are seeking exception 1.

\(ii\) For Presumptive Exception (ii), state what data, studies, or
other deliverables will be produced under the USAID funded award, and
explain why the data, studies, or deliverables must be seen as credible.

\(iii\) For Presumptive Exception (iii), identify the item or media
product produced under the USAID funded award, and explain why each item
or product, or category of item and product, is better positioned as an
item or product produced by the cooperating country government.

\(iv\) For Presumptive Exception (iv), identify the item or commodity to
be marked, or categories of items or commodities, and explain how
marking would impair the item's or commodity's functionality.

\(v\) For Presumptive Exception (v), explain why marking would not be
cost-beneficial or practical.

\(vi\) For Presumptive Exception (vi), identify the relevant cultural or
social norm, and explain why marking would violate that norm or
otherwise be inappropriate.

\(vii\) For Presumptive Exception (vii), identify the applicable
international law violated by marking.

\(3\) The Agreement Officer will review the request for adequacy and
reasonableness. In consultation with the Cognizant Technical Officer and
other agency personnel as necessary, the Agreement Officer will approve
or disapprove the requested Presumptive Exception. Approved exceptions
will be made part of the approved Marking Plan, and will apply for the
term of the award, unless provided otherwise.

\(e\) **Award Criteria**: The Agreement Officer will review the Marking
Plan for adequacy and reasonableness, ensuring that it contains
sufficient detail and information concerning public communications,
commodities, and program materials that will visibly bear the USAID
Identity. The Agreement Officer will evaluate the plan to ensure that it
is consistent with the stated objectives of the award; with the
applicant's cost data submissions; with the applicant's actual project,
activity,

or program performance plan; and with the regulatory requirements of 22
C.F.R.226.91. The Agreement Officer will approve or disapprove any
requested Presumptive Exceptions (see paragraph (d)) on the basis of
adequacy and reasonableness. The Agreement Officer may obtain advice and
recommendations from technical experts while performing the evaluation.

**MARKING UNDER USAID-FUNDED ASSISTANCE INSTRUMENTS (December 2005)**

**(a) Definitions**

***Commodities*** mean any material, article, supply, goods or
equipment, excluding recipient offices, vehicles, and non-deliverable
items for recipient's internal use, in administration of the USAID
funded grant, cooperative agreement, or other agreement or subagreement.

***Principal Officer*** means the most senior officer in a USAID
Operating Unit in the field, e.g., USAID Mission Director or USAID
Representative. For global programs managed from Washington but executed
across many countries, such as disaster relief and assistance to
internally displaced persons, humanitarian emergencies or immediate post
conflict and political crisis response, the cognizant Principal Officer
may be an Office Director, for example, the Directors of USAID/W/Office
of Foreign Disaster Assistance and Office of Transition Initiatives. For
non-presence countries, the cognizant Principal Officer is the Senior
USAID officer in a regional USAID Operating Unit responsible for the
non-presence country, or in the absence of such a responsible operating
unit, the Principal U.S Diplomatic Officer in the non-presence country
exercising delegated authority from USAID.

***Programs*** mean an organized set of activities and allocation of
resources directed toward a common purpose, objective, or goal
undertaken or proposed by an organization to carry out the
responsibilities assigned to it.

***Projects*** include all the marginal costs of inputs (including the
proposed investment) technically required to produce a discrete
marketable output or a desired result (for example, services from a
fully functional water/sewage treatment facility).

***Public communications*** are documents and messages intended for
distribution to audiences external to the recipient's organization. They
include, but are not limited to, correspondence, publications, studies,
reports, audio visual productions, and other informational products;
applications, forms, press and promotional materials used in connection
with USAID funded programs, projects or activities, including signage
and plaques; Web sites/Internet activities; and events such as training
courses, conferences, seminars, press conferences and so forth.

***Subrecipient*** means any person or government (including cooperating
country government) department, agency, establishment, or for profit or
nonprofit organization that receives a USAID subaward, as defined in 22
C.F.R. 226.2.

***Technical Assistance*** means the provision of funds, goods,
services, or other foreign assistance, such as loan guarantees or food
for work, to developing countries and other USAID recipients, and
through such recipients to subrecipients, in direct support of a
development objective -- as opposed to the internal management of the
foreign assistance program.

***USAID Identity (Identity)*** means the official marking for the
United States Agency for International Development (USAID), comprised of
the USAID logo or seal and new brandmark, with the tagline that clearly
communicates that our assistance is "from the American people." The
USAID Identity is available on the USAID website at
www.usaid.gov/branding and USAID provides it without royalty, license,
or other fee to recipients of USAID-funded grants, or cooperative
agreements, or other assistance awards

**(b) Marking of Program Deliverables**

\(1\) All recipients must mark appropriately all overseas programs,
projects, activities, public communications, and commodities partially
or fully funded by a USAID grant or cooperative agreement or other
assistance award or subaward with the USAID Identity, of a size and
prominence equivalent to or greater than the recipient's, other donor's,
or any other third party's identity or logo.

\(2\) The Recipient will mark all program, project, or activity sites
funded by USAID, including visible infrastructure projects (for example,
roads, bridges, buildings) or other programs, projects, or activities
that are physical in nature

(for example, agriculture, forestry, water management) with the USAID
Identity. The Recipient should erect temporary signs or plaques early in
the construction or implementation phase. When construction or
implementation is complete, the

Recipient must install a permanent, durable sign, plaque or other
marking.

\(3\) The Recipient will mark technical assistance, studies, reports,
papers, publications, audio-visual productions, public service
announcements, Web sites/Internet activities and other promotional,
informational, media, or communications products funded by USAID with
the USAID Identity.

\(4\) The Recipient will appropriately mark events financed by USAID,
such as training courses, conferences, seminars, exhibitions, fairs,
workshops, press conferences and other public activities, with the USAID
Identity. Unless directly

prohibited and as appropriate to the surroundings, recipients should
display additional materials, such as signs and banners, with the USAID
Identity. In circumstances in which the USAID Identity cannot be
displayed visually, the

recipient is encouraged otherwise to acknowledge USAID and the American
people's support.

\(5\) The Recipient will mark all commodities financed by USAID,
including commodities or equipment provided under humanitarian
assistance or disaster relief programs, and all other equipment,
supplies, and other materials funded by USAID, and their export
packaging with the USAID Identity.

\(6\) The Agreement Officer may require the USAID Identity to be larger
and more prominent if it is the majority donor, or to require that a
cooperating country government's identity be larger and more prominent
if circumstances warrant, and as

appropriate depending on the audience, program goals, and materials
produced.

\(7\) The Agreement Officer may require marking with the USAID Identity
in the event that the recipient does not choose to mark with its own
identity or logo.

\(8\) The Agreement Officer may require a pre-production review of
USAID-funded public communications and program materials for compliance
with the approved Marking Plan.

\(9\) Subrecipients. To ensure that the marking requirements "flow
down\'\' to subrecipients of subawards, recipients of USAID funded
grants and cooperative agreements or other assistance awards will
include the USAID-approved marking

provision in any USAID funded subaward, as follows:

*"As a condition of receipt of this subaward, marking with the USAID
Identity of asize and prominence equivalent to or greater than the
recipient's, subrecipient's, other donor's or third party's is required.
In the event the recipient chooses not to require marking with its own
identity or logo by the subrecipient, USAID may, at its discretion,
require marking by the subrecipient with the USAID Identity."*

\(10\) Any 'public communications', as defined in 22 C.F.R. 226.2,
funded by USAID, in which the content has not been approved by USAID,
must contain the following disclaimer:

*"This study/report/audio/visual/other information/media product
(specify) is made possible by the generous support of the American
people through the United States Agency for International Development
(USAID). The contents are the responsibility of \[insert recipient
name\] and do not necessarily reflect the views of USAID or the United
States Government."*

\(11\) The recipient will provide the Cognizant Technical Officer (CTO)
or other USAID personnel designated in the grant or cooperative
agreement with two copies of all program and communications materials
produced under the award. In addition, the recipient will submit one
electronic or one hard copy of all final documents to USAID's
Development Experience Clearinghouse.

**(c) Implementation of marking requirements.**

\(1\) When the grant or cooperative agreement contains an approved
Marking Plan, the recipient will implement the requirements of this
provision following the approved Marking Plan.

\(2\) When the grant or cooperative agreement does not contain an
approved Marking Plan, the recipient will propose and submit a plan for
implementing the requirements of this provision within \[***Agreement
Officer fill-in***\] days after the

effective date of this provision. The plan will include:

\(i\) A description of the program deliverables specified in paragraph
(b) of this provision that the recipient will produce as a part of the
grant or cooperative agreement and which will visibly bear the USAID
Identity.

\(ii\) the type of marking and what materials the applicant uses to mark
the program deliverables with the USAID Identity,

\(iii\) when in the performance period the applicant will mark the
program deliverables, and where the applicant will place the marking,

\(3\) The recipient may request program deliverables not be marked with
the USAID Identity by identifying the program deliverables and providing
a rationale for not

marking these program deliverables. Program deliverables may be exempted
from USAID marking requirements when:

\(i\) USAID marking requirements would compromise the intrinsic
independence or neutrality of a program or materials where independence
or neutrality is an inherent aspect of the program and materials;

\(ii\) USAID marking requirements would diminish the credibility of
audits, reports, analyses, studies, or policy recommendations whose data
or findings must be seen as independent;

\(iii\) USAID marking requirements would undercut host-country
government "ownership" of constitutions, laws, regulations, policies,
studies, assessments, reports, publications, surveys or audits, public
service announcements, or other

communications better positioned as "by" or "from" a cooperating country
ministry or government official;

\(iv\) USAID marking requirements would impair the functionality of an
item;

\(v\) USAID marking requirements would incur substantial costs or be
impractical;

\(vi\) USAID marking requirements would offend local cultural or social
norms, or be considered inappropriate;

\(vii\) USAID marking requirements would conflict with international
law.

\(4\) The proposed plan for implementing the requirements of this
provision, including any proposed exemptions, will be negotiated within
the time specified by the Agreement Officer after receipt of the
proposed plan. Failure to negotiate an

approved plan with the time specified by the Agreement Officer may be
considered as noncompliance with the requirements is provision.

**(d) Waivers.**

\(1\) The recipient may request a waiver of the Marking Plan or of the
marking requirements of this provision, in whole or in part, for each
program, project, activity, public communication or commodity, or, in
exceptional circumstances, for

a region or country, when USAID required marking would pose compelling
political, safety, or security concerns, or when marking would have an
adverse impact in the cooperating country. The recipient will submit the
request through the Cognizant Technical Officer. The Principal Officer
is responsible for approvals or disapprovals of waiver requests.

\(2\) The request will describe the compelling political, safety,
security concerns, or adverse impact that require a waiver, detail the
circumstances and rationale for the waiver, detail the specific
requirements to be waived, the specific portion of

the Marking Plan to be waived, or specific marking to be waived, and
include a description of how program materials will be marked (if at
all) if the USAID Identity is removed. The request should also provide a
rationale for any use of recipient's own identity/logo or that of a
third party on materials that will be subject to the waiver.

\(3\) Approved waivers are not limited in duration but are subject to
Principal Officer review at any time, due to changed circumstances.

\(4\) Approved waivers "flow down" to recipients of subawards unless
specified otherwise. The waiver may also include the removal of USAID
markings already affixed, if circumstances warrant.

\(5\) Determinations regarding waiver requests are subject to appeal to
the Principal Officer's cognizant Assistant Administrator. The recipient
may appeal by submitting a written request to reconsider the Principal
Officer's waiver

determination to the cognizant Assistant Administrator.

**(e) Non-retroactivity.** The requirements of this provision do apply
to any materials, events, or commodities produced prior to January 2,
2006. The requirements of this provision do not apply to program,
project, or activity sites

funded by USAID, including visible infrastructure projects (for example,
roads, bridges, buildings) or other programs, projects, or activities
that are physical in nature (for example, agriculture, forestry, water
management) where the

construction and implementation of these are complete prior to January
2, 2006 and the period of the grant does not extend past January 2,
2006.

**SECTION E**

**ATTACHMENT B**

**Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants**