"Request for Applications" for Humanitarian Mine Action Grants

U.S. Department of State Issues "Request for Applications" for Humanitarian Mine Action Grants

The Office of Weapons Removal and Abatement (WRA) in the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Political-Military Affairs is issuing a new Request for Applications for grants to advance humanitarian mine action. Grant applications will be accepted from non-governmental organizations, academic institutions and international organizations. The State Department may provide up to $2 million in funding for the grants for projects ranging from $20,000 to $500,000. Depending on the quality of the proposals and changes in programming assumptions, WRA reserves the right to make no awards.

Four specific categories are being considered: 1.) development of methodologies to support national mine action planning processes using current landmine impact survey data; 2.) enabling transition of mine action programs to host nation management; 3.) encouraging private sector support for mine action and destruction of abandoned ordnance; and 4.) to match funds raised from non-U.S. Government sources, up to a total of $100,000 maximum, for demining and mine risk education projects in countries that receive U.S. mine action assistance.

Applications for unsolicited projects relevant to WRA’s goals and objectives, including projects to abate small arms, light weapons and Man-Portable Air Defense Systems (MANPADS), may also be submitted.

Details about the grants process; forms; WRA plans for countries to which it gives mine action assistance; requesting a Data Universal Numbers System (DUNS) Number; registering with the Central Contractor Registry; and electronic submission procedures are available at Grants.gov. For consideration, applications for this new round of grants must be electronically filed through the Grants.gov website no later than 12:00 midnight Eastern Time on Monday, May 2, 2005 and will not be accepted by other means unless approved in advance by Mr. Richard G. Stickels Jr., Grants Officer, telephone (202) 663-0107; email: Stickels@pmwra.org.

To examine the complete Request for Applications announcement on the Grants.gov website; click "Get Started" on the homepage; click "Browse by Agency," then click "Department of State;" and finally scroll to the entry posted by the WRA office.

General information about WRA office is available at state.gov/wra. 2005/362 Released on March 29, 2005 Media Note Office of the Spokesman Washington, DC March 29, 2005

Letter from the President to the Speaker of the House, President of the Senate

Text of a Letter from the President to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President of the Senate March 30, 2005

Dear Mr. Speaker: (Dear Mr. President:)

Consistent with section 2103(c)(2) of the Trade Act of 2002, I ask that the Congress extend trade promotion authority procedures for 2 years, and I enclose a report prepared by my Administration on trade negotiations conducted under those procedures.

Trade promotion authority is essential to expanding opportunities for American businesses, workers, and farmers. Working with the Congress, my Administration has completed trade agreements with 12 nations on 5 continents that will open a combined market of 124 million consumers for America's farmers, manufacturers, and service providers.

We must continue to pursue bilateral and regional agreements to open new markets, and we must complete negotiations in the World Trade Organization to reduce global barriers to trade. We will continue to enforce vigorously the trade laws so that American businesses and workers are competing on a level playing field.

Free and fair trade creates jobs, raises living standards, and lowers prices for families here at home. Trade agreements also deepen our partnerships with countries that want to trade in freedom. I look forward to the continued close cooperation with the Congress in pursuing these objectives.

Sincerely, GEORGE W. BUSH # # # For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary March 30, 2005