PRESS RELEASE

June 10, 2008

United States Mission Seeks Concept Papers For Disability Projects

The U.S. Mission to Vietnam, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has announced that it is seeking concept papers from qualified non-governmental organizations interested in designing and implementing model projects to support people with disabilities in Danang and surrounding areas. Funding for these projects comes from the 2007 Congressional appropriation of US$ 3 Million for dioxin mitigation and health activities in Vietnam. This effort builds on continuing U.S. assistance to Vietnamese with disabilities, regardless of cause. The United States has provided US$ 43 Million in assistance to the disabled in Vietnam since 1989.

Programs and activities for this concept may include enhancing earlier intervention for those who are disabled, providing support to existing rehabilitation clinics and services, expanding access of people with disabilities to essential health and education services, initiating or strengthening community based rehabilitation services and support, improving income generation and employment opportunities, strengthening the capacity of local organizations to provide services, improved community-based information around reducing risk exposure, and surveillance and prevention of disability.

Multiple awards will be made generally not to exceed US $500,000 per award annually. Project designs should not exceed 36 months.

Concept papers up to 10 pages should be submitted by June 26, 2008 to:

Karittha Jenchiewchan
c/o Thomas M. Stephens
Regional Office of Procurement
USAID/RDMA
5/F GPF Witthayu Towers A, 93/1 Wireless Road
Bangkok, Thailand 10330
E-mails (preferable): kjenchiewchan@usaid.gov and tstephens@usaid.gov
For a full description of this announcement please visit: www.grants.gov.

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