The Department of State Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons (TIP Office) announces an open competition for FY 2017 projects to combat trafficking in persons outside of the United States. The first stage of competition begins with this Request for Statements of Interest (SOI) that summarize concepts for projects addressing the country and region-specific requirements identified in this solicitation. In the second stage of the competition, which is expected to begin in November 2016, the TIP Office will invite selected applicants to submit full proposals that expand upon the concepts described in the three-page SOI.