The Department of State is soliciting Concept Papers from organizations interested in contributing to the APP's goals through innovative public-private partnerships. Applicants must submit their concept paper by April 27, 2007 (5:00 p.m. EST) using www.grants.gov (search for APP). By May 29, 2007, the State Department will send a request for proposal to applicants with selected concept papers. Final proposals must are due by June 29, 2007 (5:00pm EST). For a brief description of the APP, please visit http://www.sdp.gov/sdp/initiative/c17937.htm, and for information about the partnership's eight Task Forces and specific activities please visit http://www.asiapacificpartnership.org/APPTaskforces.htm

Review Process: The Department of State, the relevant APP Task Force, and a technical review panel will screen incoming Concept Papers. The reviewers will judge the papers according to specific technical criteria, including:

• Leveraging: Proposals must demonstrate that the applicant and its partners are willing/able to collectively contribute significant resources to the proposed program that are at least equal to the Level of resources sought from the Department of State;

• The Department expects that the majority of successful proposals will relate specifically to one of the sectors covered by the Task Forces. However, the Department will also consider exceptional proposals that are cross-cutting or outside of the eight task forces in nature, but that contribute significantly to the APP's goals;

• Prospective applicants may include a wide range of Partner country organizations, from NGOs to commercial firms. Both U.S. and international entities are eligible to apply; and

• An organization may submit no more than four Concept Papers in total as lead grant recipient for the entire Concept Paper process.

For additional information, please contact APP_US@state.gov.