Enhancing Palestinian Independent Media” program

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Mission to the West Bank and Gaza is seeking applications from qualified U.S. Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), U.S. Private Voluntary Organizations (PVOs) registered with USAID, Public International Organizations (PIOs), or U.S. for profit firms (provided they forgo profit) to implement a program entitled “Enhancing Palestinian Independent Media” program in the West Bank and Gaza. The authority for the RFA is found in the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended. Subject to the availability of funds, USAID/West Bank and Gaza intends to provide approximately $6 Million in total USAID funding for this activity to be allocated over a three-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/West Bank and Gaza in its discretion may make awards to more than one organization or no award. The overarching goal of the media program entitled “Enhancing Palestinian Independent Media” program is to promote informed dialogue between the Palestinian Authority and the Palestinian public by enhancing the role of independent media in a future democratic state. The two major program objectives are: 1. To foster sound business management practices and to improve the financial viability of targeted independent media networks and outlets. 2. To increase the number of viewers and listeners to targeted programs coming from independent media networks and outlets. This activity will support the USAID/WBG’s Mission’s Assistance Strategic Objective 11: “To reinforce Palestinian efforts to strengthen the performance and democratic practices of selected public sector institutions and non-state actors” as outlined in the Mission’s new democracy and governance strategy. The program will be managed by USAID/WBG’s Democracy and Governance Office. The three major program components are as follows: 1. Strengthen Targeted Local Independent Television and Radio Networks 2. Improve the Professionalism of Partner Independent Media Networks and Outlets 3. Development of a local Palestinian Service Delivery and Research Institution