U.S. Agency for International Development, M/OP/ENI/DG, RRB, 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Room 7.09-094, Washington, D.C. 20523-7900

99 -- PROMEDIA II SOL RFA No. M/OP-99-611 POC Grant Specialist, Kim Hupp, Tel: 202-712-4148, Fax: 202-216-3396, E-mail: Khupp@usaid.gov The United States Agency for International Development's (USAID) ENI Bureau, Office of Democracy and Governance (ENI/DGSR) intends to issue seven independent Cooperative Agreements which will continue support of the development of independent media in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) and the New Independent States (NIS). The Cooperative Agreements will cover a regional program as well as programs in the following countries: Armenia, Bosnia, Croatia, Georgia/Azerbaijan, Serbia and Ukraine/Belarus. The Regional Program is envisioned to include a regional component as well as programs for Albania and Bulgaria. Each of the Cooperative Agreements are anticipated to be 3-5 years in length with the possibility of 2-5 extensions for a total of not more than 10 years. The funding amounts for each of the cooperative agreements will vary. However, the combined total for all seven will be approximately $40 million over the first five years of the program. Applicants may apply for one or more of the independent agreements. USAID has been at the forefront of independent media development in the CEE and NIS regions since 1991, when the independent media program was originally authorized. Starting with the International Media Fund (IMF), and continuing with the Professional Media (ProMedia) program and other assistance efforts, USAID anticipates dedicating approximately $40 Million to developing, strengthening, and bolstering independent journalists and media companies whose work is crucial in the formation of democratic societies in the region. ProMedia II's primary objective is to assist the development of sustainable, independent print and broadcast media outlets in the ENI region. The request for applications will be issued on or about 30 days from the date of this publication. The closing date will be on or about 30 days from the issuance date. Interested applicants may request a copy of RFA No. M/OP- 99-611 by submitting a written request with three (3) self addressed, self-adhesive mailing labels to the contact person named above. The preferred method of distribution of USAID procurement information is via the Internet or by request of an application on a 3.5" floppy disk (WordPerfect 5.1/5.2 format). This CBD notice can be viewed and downloaded using the Agency Web Site. The RFA, once issued, can be downloaded from the Agency web site. The Worldwide Web address is http://www.info.usaid.gov. Select Business and Procurement Opportunities from the home page, then "USAID Procurements." On the following screen, select "Download Available USAID Solicitations." Receipt of this RFA through INTERNET must be confirmed by written notification to the contact person noted above. It is the responsibility of the recipient of this application document to ensure that it has been received from INTERNET in its entirety and USAID bears no responsibility for data errors resulting from transmission or conversion processes. All responsible sources may submit an application which shall be considered by USAID. No telephone requests for the application package will be accepted. Mercedes Eugenia, Agreement Officer, M/OP/ENI/DG, RRB Room 7.09-71, (Agency for International Development), Washington, D.C. 20523-7900. Posted 02/23/99 (I-SN301401). (0054)

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