Section 1207 Funding

What is 1207?

Section 1207 of the FY 2006 National Defense Authorization Act authorized the Secretary of Defense to transfer of up to $100 million per year for two years to the Department of State for programs that support security, reconstruction or stabilization. In passing section 1207, the Congress recognized the pressing need previously expressed by the Administration for a civilian response capability for stabilization and reconstruction activities in countries that are prone to conflict. After funding $110 million in projects in FY06 and FY07, it was apparent that 1207 was a promising way to respond to stabilization and reconstruction needs. As a result, section 1207 was renewed for an additional $100 million in 2008.

The 1207 authority is intended to improve U.S. capacity and interagency coordination for immediate reconstruction, security or stabilization assistance to maintain peace and security in countries that are unstable. Section 1207 has a strong civil-military coordination and cooperation component, which means that it focuses on reconstruction and stabilization via civilian coordination with the security sector and civil society.

Beginning in 2006, 1207 funded a $10 million program in Lebanon. In 2007, 1207 funds were used for seven additional projects encompassing 13 countries: Colombia, Haiti, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mali, Mauritania, Nepal, Niger, Philippines, Somalia (Ethiopia and Kenya), and Yemen.

Carrying out stabilization initiatives is a difficult task. It often requires the implementation of development programming in unsafe environments. For this reason, it is imperative that U.S. government partners work together to create a whole-of-government approach to countries in need of stabilization or reconstruction activities. For each 1207 proposals, an interagency team, including the U.S. Embassy, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) mission in-country, the Department of State regional bureau, and the regional Combatant Command, work together to create a comprehensive plan that is designed to achieve a more stable environment in each proposal country.

In Washington, a Review Committee and a Selection Committee, whose members include S/CRS, the Department of State’s Office of Foreign Assistance (F), the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD), the Joint Staff for Strategic Plans and Policy (J-5), and USAID review proposals to determine which programs will benefit most from receiving 1207 funds. It is a difficult task to decide which projects will be funded, but all U.S. government officials involved in the 1207 program recognize the impact their efforts may have in countries where it is imperative to achieve a more stable environment and that the responsibility seriously.

What Can the Funding Be Spent On?

The authority is intended to improve U.S. capacity and interagency coordination for immediate stability, security or reconstruction assistance to a foreign country for the purpose of restoring or maintaining peace and security in that country. The key is the focus on stability operations, an area that requires strong interagency cooperation.

What it Cannot Fund

1207 funding cannot be used for: 1) Assessed UN contributions (but can be used to provide voluntary contributions for stabilization and reconstruction purposes to UN operations); 2) Programs where there is an active budget request pending on the Hill; or 3) Programs that create the impression of an end-run around the appropriations process.

Applying for 1207 Funding

Proposals may originate at embassies, State regional bureaus, USAID, or Combatant Commands. All proposals must be closely coordinated with the U.S. embassy and be submitted by the Ambassador. In the case of regional projects, embassies coordinate in presenting proposals. Funding submissions require clearance by F, as well as relevant State and USAID regional and functional bureaus. All proposals, whether single country or regional, should must be cleared with the relevant Combatant Command. Those submitting proposals should consult broadly and draw in other U.S. government components that have relevant expertise.

1207 Fact Sheet
Guidance For FY 2009 Section 1207 Process

FY 06 and FY 07 1207 Projects:

• Lebanon: $10 million to support training for Lebanese Internal Security Force and to assist Lebanon Armed Forces with recovering unexploded ordnance.
• Colombia: $4 million focused on capacity building, community organization, and supporting improved public outreach.
• Haiti: $20 million focused on volatile communities to create jobs, build infrastructure, and strengthen governance.
• Nepal: $10 million to improve public safety, promote rule of law, and promote quick development activities.
• Somalia Reconciliation and Stabilization Program (Ethiopia, Kenya): $25 million to support security sector reform, promote capacity building, and mitigate conflict and instability.
• Trans-Sahara Counter-Terrorism Partnership (Mali, Mauritania, Niger): $15 million to support teacher training, job skills training, and training local leaders.
• Tri-Border Initiative (Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines): $16.9 million to enhance infrastructure, economic development, and law enforcement activities.
• Yemen: $8.8 million to improve social services among youth, increase youth workforce opportunities and youth involvement.