The Department of StateÂ’s Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons (the Office) is pleased to announce a two-stage competitive process for fiscal year 2011 funding of projects that will improve the response to trafficking in persons outside the United States.

The first stage

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is submission and competitive panel review of two-page Statements of Interest (SOI) from organizations interested in submitting proposals for projects that combat human trafficking.

In the second stage, the Office will invite applicants whose Statements of Interest meet the technical requirements and are reviewed favorably to submit proposals that expand on their SOI.

These proposals will also be reviewed by a panel for consideration of funding.

This announcement initiates the first stage and the Office is now requesting applicants to submit a Statement of Interest, as described in this solicitation.

U.S.-based and foreign non-profit and non-governmental organizations (NGO), public international organizations (PIO), and institutions of higher education are encouraged to apply by submitting a Statement of Interest.

Pending fiscal year 2011 appropriations, the Office anticipates awarding grants of up to $750,000 per project.

All SOIs must be submitted via www.grantsolutions.gov OR www.grants.gov by 5:00 p.m.

Eastern Standard Time (EST) on Friday, November 19, 201 0.