Countering Transnational Repression Through Evidence-based Research

The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor is seeking proposals to conduct evidence-based research on how perpetrators of transnational repression exploit faith-based and quasi-governmental organizations to target individuals and groups across borders, using governmental and quasi-governmental mechanisms to suppress dissent and intimidate diaspora communities. The goal is to generate actionable intelligence and practical strategies that individuals, civil society organizations, governments, and international bodies can deploy to disrupt these patterns of repression. Proposals must outline a clear research design, methodology, and plan for translating findings into concrete risk-mitigation tools, with implementation expected to occur in 2 to 5 countries globally. The program must operate under a “do no harm” framework, ensuring the safety and psychological well-being of participants, particularly survivors, and include psychosocial support infrastructure, security planning, and contingency measures for emergencies such as retaliation or trafficking. All projects must comply with U.S. federal regulations, including 2 CFR Part 200, the Fly America Act, and policies related to trafficking in persons, anti-discrimination, and the prohibition of abortion-related activities under PHFFA. Proposals are due by August 10, 2026, and must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov or MYGRANTS in specified formats: a one-page executive summary, a 15-page narrative, a detailed line-item budget using SF-424A with a separate budget narrative, key personnel bios limited to two pages, a one-page timeline, and an M&E tracker. Required attachments include position descriptions for key staff, letters of support from partners, and a negotiated indirect cost rate agreement if applicable. Organizations must hold a current Unique Entity Identifier and maintain an active SAM.gov registration. Critical personnel roles include a Conflict Sensitivity Advisor with at least 15 years of experience and a Psychosocial Support Specialist. Contractors must submit security and contingency plans, incorporate emergency expense line items, and adhere to ongoing compliance with federal reporting requirements, including FADR and annual recertifications. The anticipated award period runs from September 30, 2026, for 18 to 24 months, with funding administered through the HHS Payment Management System. Evaluation criteria include the quality and feasibility of the research idea, organizational capacity, program planning, budget realism, monitoring and evaluation rigor, and sustainability. While no formal weightings are assigned, awards will follow a trade-off methodology, with lower indirect cost rates serving as a tie-breaker. The U.S.