001 Girls Access to Sports NOFO POSTED.pdf

Funding Opportunity Title: Increase Girls’ Access to Athletics

Announcement Type: Cooperative Agreement

Funding Opportunity Number: SCAKAB-21-CA-001-SCA-03292021

Deadline for Applications: May 31, 2021 (11:59 p.m., U.S. Eastern Time)

Deadline for Questions April 20, 2021 (11:59p.m., U.S. Eastern time)

Award Ceiling: $900,000

CFDA Number: 19.501- Public Diplomacy Programs for

Afghanistan and Pakistan

Program Office: Public Affairs Section, U.S. Embassy, Kabul, Afghanistan

CONTACT INFORMATION

A) For questions relating to Grants.gov, please call the Grants.gov Contact Center at 1-800-

518-4726 or international 1-606-545-5035.

B) For assistance with the requirements of this solicitation, contact

KabulPASProposals@state.gov(preferred method of communication).

IMPORTANT SUBMISSION INFORMATION

We strongly urge you to sign-up for alerts regarding this funding opportunity. In order to receive these alerts, subscribe to receive email notifications by managing your subscriptions here:

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/manage-subscriptions.html, “Subscribe to Opportunities.”

All application materials must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov. Application materials submitted via other means such as email will not be accepted.

Registration at several different sites is required to be able to submit an application via www.grants.gov. The entire registration process can require up to five weeks for the registration to be validated and confirmed. Please begin the registration process immediately to ensure that the process is completed well in advance of the application deadline.

Thorough instructions on the application process are available at https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/apply-for-grants.html (for the DUNS number application, NCAGE number application, and registration with SAM) and at http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration.html(for registration with www.grants.gov as an Authorized Organization Representative). For questions relating to

Grants.gov, please contact the Grants.gov Contact Center at 1-800-518-4726 or international 1-

606-545-5035. Please note, KabulPASProposals@state.gov is unable to assist with technical questions or problems applicants experience with Grants.gov, DUNS, NGAGE, or SAM. Please refer to the contact information for these organizations/processes provided in this Notice of

Funding Opportunity (NOFO).

mailto:KabulPASProposals@state.gov http://www.grants.gov/ https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/apply-for-grants.html http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration.html http://www.grants.gov/ mailto:KabulPASProposals@state.gov

Contents

A. PROJECT DESCRIPTION 3

B. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION 6

C. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION 7

D. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION 8

E. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION 17

F. FEDERAL AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION 19

G. FEDERAL AWARDING AGENCY CONTACTS 22

H. OTHER INFORMATION 22

ANNEX 1. BUDGET CATEGORY DESCRIPTIONS 23

ANNEX 2. PAS M&E PERFORMANCE MONITORING PLAN (PMP) 25

ANNEX 2.1. PAS M&E PERFORMANCE MONITORING PLAN (PMP): INSTRUCTIONS 29

A. PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The Public Affairs Section (PAS) of the U.S. Embassy in Kabul, Afghanistan is pleased to announce an open competition for eligible organizations to submit applications to carry out a project that will use sports as a platform to develop critical life and leadership skills and empower young women and girls to be a force for positive change. Please carefully follow all instructions below.

Executive Summary

Based on funding availability, this cooperative agreement will provide funding to increase girls’ participation in sports and physical fitness in Afghanistan. The recipient should partner with local communities and/or schools to create a safe outdoor space for over 600 girls ages 15-18 per year to engage in activities such as local sports groups, cross-country marathons, and inter-regional sports events to help women reclaim public space and develop the ability to work in a team and the confidence to lead. Proposed projects must also include the following three components: 1)

Inclusion of women and girls with disabilities, 2) Gender-based Violence (GBV) education and prevention, and 3) Ensuring sustainability of the program. Competitive candidates will have a history of promoting girls’ access to athletics in countries in conflict and will describe how discussion of topics such as leadership, teamwork, and female role models in athletics will be woven into programming.

Based on funding availability, PAS intends to issue one or more awards for up to a period of 36 months.

Background

Girls’ participation in sports in Afghanistan has increased since the fall of the Taliban in 2001, and sports teams have formed in urban areas. Great strides have also been made in developing sports programs for females at the national level. However, pervasive cultural beliefs continue to deem exercise to be damaging to women’s moral and physical health, limiting opportunities for engagement in individual and team sports activities. Studies show that participation in athletics leads to better health, increased confidence, higher academic achievement, and improved well-being. At the community, regional, or national level, sports programs can be used as a tool to promote gender equality, develop leadership and negotiation skills, enhance girls’ and women’s rights, and address harmful discriminatory practices and gender-based violence.

Inclusion of girls and women with disabilities in sports demonstrates that all people, regardless of their physical or mental ability, have the right to be respected as valuable, contributing members of their community. Through sport, persons with disabilities acquire vital social skills, develop independence, and become empowered to act as agents of change.

Sports programs that educate participants on prevention of gender-based violence can be an important element in a multi-disciplinary approach to national solutions in addressing violence against women and girls, according to the United Nations. Sport promotes ethical values of fair play, gender equality, a mutual understanding, and the creation of a strong peer support system.

Project Goal

This cooperative agreement seeks to increase girls’ and women’s equality and empowerment through participation in athletics. The fundamental goals of the program are to inspire young women to engage in public life, learn civic leadership skills, and be active agents advocating for social change in their communities, including promoting civic virtues such as tolerance and equality for all.

Project Audience(s)

Afghan young women and girls, including those who are differently abled mentally or physically, will be the primary audience for this project. Parents and community leaders in multiple provinces will also benefit.

Project Objectives

To reach this project goal, proposed projects should strive to:

1. Increase awareness and knowledge among participants about gender-based violence and prevention

2. Strengthen critical athletic skills (e.g. teamwork) and leadership skills (e.g. self-confidence)

3. Promote concrete measures to widen participation for women and girls in public spaces within their communities and beyond

4. Create and strengthen participants’ social networks within their communities and beyond

Project Details

The recipient will be responsible for all conceptual and logistical aspects of the following.

Proposals should clearly explain how the applicant will carry out these requirements.

1. Developing and implementing an athletic training program for girls aged 15-18, including:

a. Identifying a minimum of five cohorts of at least 80-100 girls each to participate in a minimum of six months of athletic training in five regions of Afghanistan over the base period. Cohorts may include the same participants for multiple cycles of training.

b. Applicants should note:

i. Girls with disabilities must be included as program participants.

ii. Programs must be implemented in five regions of Afghanistan.

iii. Programs designed to train professional athletes or coaches will not be considered.

iv. Proposals must include a brief description of the proposed sport or sports the girls will be trained in and rationale behind selecting the sport(s).

v. Proposals must include a brief description and rationale for selected regions and the target participants.

c. Incorporating reflection on select themes into the training program:

i. These themes must include:

1. Leadership

2. Self-confidence

3. Teamwork, inclusion and tolerance

4. Fair play and ethics

5. Civic responsibility, civic engagement, and volunteerism

6. Women role models in athletics

7. Importance of a healthy, active lifestyle

8. Gender-based violence awareness and prevention

ii. Applications should include a clear description of how participation in the proposed athletic training will develop participants’ leadership; teamwork;

inclusion and tolerance; ethics and fair play; civic responsibility and civic engagement; and self-confidence.

d. Developing and executing a training schedule for coaches and participants with proposed locations.

i. Proposals should the calendar of planned athletic training and competitions with proposed locations and convey the number and frequency of training sessions the applicant plans to hold for each cohort.

e. Securing training venues, coach(es), and participants.

f. Providing all logistics for coach(es), including travel and accommodation.

2. Developing and implementing a minimum of two competitions/tournaments annually:

a. Managing all logistics for any proposed travel and accommodations if required.

b. Applicants should note

i. PAS will not support the purchase of vehicles for this project.

ii. Competitions/tournaments should be held within Afghanistan.

iii. PAS will not support construction of arenas, stadiums, or other sports facilities.

3. Developing a performance monitoring plan for all components of the project.

a. Plans should include, at a minimum:

i. Details about how the applicant will measure

1. changes in athletic skills (e.g. teamwork) and leadership skills (e.g.

self-confidence)

2. changes in awareness and knowledge of gender-based violence

3. changes in participants’ parents’ attitudes regarding girls’ access to athletics

4. changes in awareness and knowledge of the abilities of persons with disabilities as girls with disabilities are included in the program from the first cohort to the last cohort

5. any changes in community leaders’ and/or school officials’ knowledge of the benefits of athletics for girls

ii. Pre- and post-surveys must be included, for example to measure changes in participants’ parents’ attitudes and/or knowledge of those in the wider community.

iii. Conducting focus groups with at least two of the cohorts to assess the effect of participation in the training program at the program’s conclusion.

b. Monitoring and evaluation efforts must also include geotagged photos of training and tournaments, attendance logs for training sessions and workshops, and audience reactions at public sporting events.

c. Applicants should refer to Section D for more information on the requirements for the performance monitoring plan.

4. Developing and executing a clear plan for managing safety and security: Include planning for first aid or other medical attention in case of injuries, as well as planning for addressing potential security threats. This plan must be included in the applicant’s proposal.

5. Developing a clear plan to ensure program sustainability beyond the term of the grant. The sustainability plan must be included in the applicant’s proposal.

As a cooperative agreement, the U.S. government will have significant involvement in this effort. The U.S. government’s responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

• Final approval of program locations

• Final approval of participants list

• Curriculum review

The safety and security of all participants and activities under this project are the sole responsibility of the award recipient. Due to the changing nature of security in Afghanistan, PAS requires all applicants to include in their proposal a security plan to accompany appropriate programmatic elements within their proposal. Security packages may include, but are not limited to, secure transportation and lodging. Reasonable costs for necessary security are allowable expenses and may be included in the proposed budget. If a security company is engaged and funded under the award, it must be registered by the government of Afghanistan to operate in Afghanistan. Additionally, applicants should submit their organizational policy for working within high-risk environments, which should include security operational procedures.

This project will be funded by Economic Support Funds, authorized by the Foreign Assistance

Act, and is subject to the statutory limitations of such funding.

B. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION

Number of Awards Anticipated: One to Two

Anticipated Award Amount: The floor for the base period is set at $600,000. The ceiling for the base period is set at $900,000.

Funding Type: This project will be funded by Economic Support Funds, authorized by Foreign

Assistance Act, and is subject to the statutory limitations of such funding.

Anticipated Performance Period: 36 months

Anticipated Program Start Date: October 2021

Potential for Option Years: No

Anticipated Funding Instrument Type: Cooperative Agreement

As a cooperative agreement, the U.S. government will have significant involvement in this effort. The U.S. government’s responsibilities are outlined in Section A.

This NOFO is soliciting applications for the specific project outlined in Section A. Applications for renewal or supplementation of existing projects will not be considered under this NOFO.

Please refer to Sections A and D for monitoring and evaluation considerations and requirements including required performance indicators, targets, baseline data, and data collection methods.

This notice is subject to availability of funding.

C. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

Eligible Applicants

Eligibility is open to all types of applicants except for individuals. Please refer to Section D for funding restrictions. Organizations may sub-award/contract with other entities, but only one entity may be the prime recipient of the award. When sub-awarding/contracting with other entities, the responsibilities of each entity must be clearly defined in the proposal.

Cost Sharing

Cost sharing or matching is not required for this funding opportunity.

Other Eligibility Requirements

• Applicants must have a valid Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number from

Dun & Bradstreet.

• Applicants must have a NATO CAGE/NCAGE.

• Applicants must have and maintain an active System for Award Management (SAM) registration with current information at all times during which they have an active federal award or an application under consideration by a federal awarding agency. Note that

SAM registration must be renewed annually. The U.S. Department of State may not make an award to an applicant until the applicant has complied with all applicable DUNS and SAM requirements. The Department may determine that the applicant is not qualified to receive an award and use this determination as a basis for making an award to another applicant.

• Applications that fail to furnish all documents and information outlined in Section D of this notice or comply with the stated requirements will not be considered for an award.

• Any applicant listed on the Excluded Parties List System (EPLS) in SAM is not eligible to apply for an assistance award in accordance with the Office of Management and https://sam.gov/

Budget guidelines at 2 CFR 180 that implement Executive Orders 12549 (3 CFR, 1986

Comp., p. 189) and 12689 (3 CFR, 1989 Comp., p. 235), “Debarment and Suspension.”

Additionally, no entity listed on the EPLS can participate in any activities under an award. All applicants are strongly encouraged to review the EPLS in SAM to ensure that no ineligible entity is included.

• There is no limit on the number of applications an entity may submit for this NOFO.

• Previous federal award recipients that are not/were not in compliance with the terms of the award, including the financial and program reporting requirements, are not eligible for an award under this NOFO. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure it is in compliance with all applicable terms, conditions, and Office of Management and Budget guidance and requirements.

• Applicants are advised that successful passing of vetting to evaluate the risk that funds may benefit terrorists or their supporters is a condition of award. Applicants may be asked to submit information required by DS Form 4184 Risk Analysis Information about their organization and its principal personnel. Vetting information is also required for all sub-award and contractor performance on assistance awards identified by the Department as presenting a risk of terrorist financing. If an application is selected to move forward in the review process and when vetting information is requested by the Grants Officer, information may be submitted on the secure web portal at https://ramportal.state.gov or via email to RAM@state.gov. Questions about the form may be emailed to

RAM@state.gov. Failure to submit information when requested or failure to pass vetting may be grounds for rejecting your proposal.

• Applicants are advised that individuals proposed to participate in an award resulting from this NOFO (recipient employees, contractors, beneficiaries, etc.) are subject to vetting for involvement in corrupt practices, illicit narcotics production or trafficking, and violation of human rights. Successful passing of this vetting is a precondition to any award under this NOFO.

D. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

Address to Request Application Package

This NOFO document and any amendments can be found at www.grants.gov and https://af.usembassy.gov/embassy/kabul/sections-offices/pdprp/. If you require special accommodation to access any information contained in this announcement, please contact

KabulPASProposals@state.gov (preferred method of communication), +93 (0) 700 10 3706, or

1-301-490-1042 x3706.

Content and Form of Application Submission https://ramportal.state.gov/ mailto:RAM@state.gov mailto:RAM@state.gov http://www.grants.gov/ https://af.usembassy.gov/embassy/kabul/sections-offices/pdprp/

Please follow all instructions below carefully. Applications that fail to furnish all documents and information or comply with the stated requirements will not be considered for an award. Applicants must set forth accurate and complete information as required by this

NOFO. The penalty for making false statements in proposals to the U.S. government is prescribed in 18 U.S.C.1001.

Applicants must ensure:

• The proposal clearly addresses the goals and objectives of this funding opportunity.

• All documents are in English.

• All budgets are in U.S. dollars.

• All pages are numbered.

• All Microsoft Word documents are single-spaced, 12-point Times New Roman font, with a minimum of 1-inch margins.

• All materials are submitted in one of the following formats: .xls, .xlsx, .doc, .docx, .pdf, or .jpeg. Other file types will likely not be reviewed.

• File attachment names are in a format acceptable in Grants.gov.Grants.gov does not accept all UTF-8 special characters in file attachment names. Please note the file name restrictions at https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/submitting-utf-8-special-characters.html.

Any application that fails to include all the documents, forms, and information outlined below will not be considered for funding. Applicants are required to include the following documents and information:

1. Mandatory application forms

● SF-424 Application for Federal Assistance – Organizations available at https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/sf-424-family.html#sortby=1

● SF424A Budget Information for Non-Construction Programs available at https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/sf-424-family.html#sortby=1.See Annex 1, Guidelines for Budget Submissions, for further information.

2. Summary Page: Cover sheet stating the applicant’s name and organization, proposal date, program title, program period proposed start and end date.

3. Proposal Narrative (25 pages maximum): The proposal narrative should contain sufficient information, such that anyone not familiar with it would understand exactly what the applicant plans to do and how the applicant plans to do it. You may use your own proposal format, but it must include all the items below:

● Proposal Summary: Short narrative that outlines the proposed program, including program objectives and anticipated impact.

● Introduction to the Organization Applying: A description of past and present operations showing ability to carry out the program, including information on previous grants from the U.S. Embassy, U.S. government agencies, and other donors.

● Problem Statement: Clear, concise, and well-supported statement of the problem to be addressed and why the proposed program is needed.

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/submitting-utf-8-special-characters.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/submitting-utf-8-special-characters.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/sf-424-family.html#sortby=1 https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/sf-424-family.html#sortby=1

● Program Goals and Objectives: The “goals” describe what the program is intended to achieve. The “objectives” refer to the intermediate accomplishments on the way to the goals. These should be achievable and measurable.

● Program Activities: Describe the program activities, how they will be implemented, and how they will help achieve the objectives.

● Program Methods and Design: A description of how the program is expected to work to solve the stated problem and achieve the goal.

● Proposed Program Schedule and Timeline: The proposed timeline for the program activities. Include the dates, times, and locations of planned activities and events.

● Key Personnel: At a minimum Project Manager position will be designated key personnel for this project. The proposal narrative should include names, titles, roles, and experience/qualifications of key personnel involved in the program and communicate what proportion of their time will be devoted to this program. As a required attachment, applicants must include a 1-page CV or resume for each key personnel proposed for the program. If an individual for these positions have not been identified, the applicant may submit a 1-page position description identifying the qualifications and skills required for the position in lieu of a resume.

● Program Partners: List the names and type of involvement of key partner organizations and sub-awardees.

● Future Funding or Sustainability: Applicant’s plan to ensure that the project benefits will continue to be realized on a long-term basis after the conclusion of the period of performance of the award.

4. Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Plan: Proposals must include a draft Monitoring and

Evaluation (M&E) Performance Monitoring Plan (PMP). The M&E PMP should show how applicants intend to measure and demonstrate progress towards the project’s objectives and goals. Annex 2 of this funding opportunity contains a template that may be used to fulfill this requirement. While the grantee may use their own template, completing Annex 2 will ensure a thorough PMP. If an applicant chooses to use its own template, it must include all the information outlined in the template in Annex 2.

Prior to the issuance of any award as a result of this NOFO, the selected applicant will be required to work with PAS Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist to ensure the M&E PMP achieves an expected level of expertise and meets PAS objectives. PMPs may be subject to periodic updates throughout the life of the project.

The required components of the PMP include:

1. Monitoring and Evaluation Narrative: In narrative form, applicants should describe how they intend to monitor and evaluate the activities of the award and collect data that tracks award performance. This narrative should describe any M&E processes, including key personnel, management structure (where M&E fits into the overall program’s staff structure), and technology.

The PMP should demonstrate that the applicant has considered how it will adjust project activities based on new information. For example, the plan should incorporate community or participant feedback to allow for adjustments to project activities. If the applicant has conducted similar programs in the past, the plan should describe how the applicant has adapted, improved or otherwise modified their approach based on learning from previous experience/past performance. If the applicant has not conducted similar programs, the plan should describe how the applicant used desk research, prior experience, or other evidence to directly inform program design.

If the project requires selecting participants, or beneficiaries, the PMP should articulate how the selection will be done in an equitable way.

This narrative is limited to two pages.

2. Theory of Change Diagram: Applicants must submit either a Theory of Change diagram or an If-Then Statement that illustrates how project activities will lead to intended outcomes. Annex 2 includes a suggested format for these requirements. If an applicant chooses to use its own template, it must include all the information outlined in the template in Annex 2.

3. Monitoring and Evaluation Datasheet: The applicant must include their proposed activities and their expected outputs and outcomes as well as the goals and objectives as written in the NOFO. The datasheet’s purpose is to explicitly illustrate how a project’s activities lead to tangible results (such as increased beneficiary skills, knowledge, or attitude change) that ultimately address a PAS objective. For more information, please see

Annex 2.1: Instructions.

The Monitoring and Evaluation Datasheet must include the following components, which demonstrate progress toward the program objectives set out in the NOFO:

a. Indicators to measure:

i. changes in athletic skills (e.g. teamwork) and leadership skills (e.g. self-confidence) (Project Objective 2)

ii. changes in awareness and knowledge of gender-based violence (Project

Objective 1)

iii. changes in participants’ parents’ attitudes regarding girls’ access to athletics (Project Objective 3)

iv. changes in awareness and knowledge of the abilities of persons with disabilities as girls with disabilities (Project Objective 3)

v. any changes in community leaders’ and/or school officials’ knowledge of the benefits of athletics for girls (Project Objective 3).

b. Data collection methods must include:

i. Pre- and post-surveys, for example to measure changes in participants’ parents’ attitudes and/or knowledge of those in the wider community.

ii. Qualitative focus groups with at least two of the cohorts to assess the effect of participation in the training program at the program’s conclusion

c. Monitoring and evaluation efforts must also include geotagged photos of training and tournaments, attendance logs for training sessions and workshops, and audience reactions at public sporting events.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to include additional indicators and/or data collection methods they determine will assess project impact. An indicator answers “how” or “whether” a project is progressing toward associated objectives. Indicators should be expressed quantitatively and should be objective and measurable (e.g. numeric value, percentages, indices). Examples of indicators include: number of gender-based violence survivors provided social support services;

percent change in knowledge about investigative journalism, etc. Please reference Annex 2.1 for further instruction.

Expenses directly associated with monitoring and evaluation are considered allowable.

Applicants must describe and justify in the Budget Justification Narrative (item 5 below) any line item for M&E listed in the program’s budget.

4. Detailed Line-Item Budget: Applications will not be considered complete and eligible for consideration unless they include budgets that respond to the NOFO guidelines. Complete budgets must include detailed line items outlining specific cost requirements for proposed activities. Applicants must adhere to the regulations found in 2 CFR 200 Uniform Administrative

Requirements, Costs Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards. The allowability of costs incurred by commercial organizations is determined in accordance with the provisions of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) at 48 CFR Part 30 and Part 31.

Applications must include a detailed line-item budget (in Microsoft Excel or similar spreadsheet format) that delineates funds requested from the Embassy and cost-share (see below for more information on budget format). Costs must be in U.S. dollars. The budget must identify the total amount of funding requested, with a breakdown of amounts to be spent in the following budget categories: personnel; fringe benefits; travel; equipment; supplies; consultants/contracts; other direct costs; and indirect costs. See Annex 1 for a description of the types of costs that should be included in each category.

Additional Budget Considerations

• Applicants are advised that the Department of State will utilize Afghanistan’s National

Technical Assistance (NTA) scale to determine if salaries proposed in an applicant’s budget are reasonable. Please refer to this website http://www.budgetmof.gov.af/index.php/en/nta/about-nta for information and guidance on the NTA.

• Please note the audit requirements for Department of State awards in the Standard Terms and Conditions https://www.state.gov/m/a/ope/index.htm and 2 CFR 200, Subpart F –

Audit Requirements. The cost of the required audits may be charged either as an allowable direct cost to the award OR included in the organization’s established indirect costs in the award’s detailed budget.

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• Organizations claiming indirect costs should have an established Negotiated Indirect Cost

Rate Agreement (NICRA). A copy of the NICRA should be provided with the proposal package. If sub-grantees are claiming indirect costs, they should have an established

NICRA, and it should also be submitted with the proposal package. Information on how to obtain a NICRA rate is listed in Section G. If a non-profit organization does not have a NICRA and the proposal budget has a line item for indirect cost charges, those indirect charges may not exceed 10% of Modified Total Direct Costs. The 10% maximum does not apply to for-profit entities. For-profit entities that do not have a

NICRA but do have a formally established General and Administrative (G&A) rate may apply the G&A rate. For-profit entities that do not have a formally established G&A rate should allocate indirect costs to the appropriate direct cost category.

• Grant funds cannot be used for alcoholic beverages.

5. Budget Justification Narrative: The purpose of the budget justification narrative is to supplement the information provided in the budget spreadsheet by justifying how the budget cost elements are necessary to implement project objectives and accomplish the project goals. The budget justification narrative is a tool to help PAS staff fully understand the budgetary needs of the applicant and is an opportunity to provide descriptive information about the requested costs beyond the constraints of the budget template. Together, the detailed budget spreadsheet, the budget justification narrative, and the SF-424A should provide a complete financial and qualitative description that supports the proposed project plan and should be directly relatable to the specific project components described in the applicant’s proposal.

6. Required Attachments:

● 1-page CV or resume for each key personnel proposed for the program. For this program, at a minimum the Project Manager is considered key personnel. If an individual for these positions have not been identified, the applicant may submit a 1-page position description identifying the qualifications and skills required for the position in lieu of a resume.

● Letters of intent from program partners (including sub-recipients and contractors) describing the roles and responsibilities of each partner.

● If your organization has a NICRA and includes NICRA charges in the budget, your latest

NICRA should be included.

● Security plan

● Organizational policy for working in high-risk environments

Please note:

• Other items NOT required for submission, but which may be requested if your application is selected to move forward in the review process include:

o Copies of an organization or program audit within the last two (2) years o Copies of relevant human resources, financial, or procurement policies o Copies of other relevant organizational policies or documentation that would help the Department determine an organization’s capacity to manage a federal grant award overseas o Completion of a pre-award organizational information sheet to determine what financial controls and standard operating procedures an organization uses to procure goods and services, hire staff and track time and attendance, pay for grant-related travel, and identify other financial transactions that may be necessary to undertake the activities in your application o Official support letter. For this project, local partnerships between the recipient, Ministry of Education, and other relevant bodies are critical. Applicants may be requested to submit a support letter from Ministry of Education, and other entities.

The letters must state that Ministry of Education or other entities are willing to work with the applicant on the project described and outline any support it will provide. The individual letters cannot exceed 1 page in length.

o The U.S. Embassy reserves the right to request any additional programmatic and/or financial information regarding the proposal.

• Applications are accepted in English only, and final grant agreements will be concluded in English. Budgets should be submitted in U.S. dollars, and final grant agreements will be conducted in U.S. dollars.

Submission Dates and Times

Application Deadline: All applications must be received by May 31, 2021, at 11:59 p.m. U.S.

Eastern Time. For the purposes of determining if an award is submitted on time, officials will utilize the timestamp provided by Grants.gov. This deadline is firm and is not a rolling deadline.

If organizations fail to meet the deadline noted above, their applications will be considered ineligible and will not be considered for funding.

Question Deadline: For questions on this solicitation, please contact

KabulPASProposals@state.gov.Questions must be received on or before April 20, 2021, at

11:59 p.m., U.S. Eastern Time. Applicants should not expect an email response to questions, as questions received before the deadline will be answered in a question and answer document and posted at http://www.grants.gov and https://af.usembassy.gov/embassy/kabul/sections-offices/pdprp/.

Submission Process

This section provides the application submission and receipt instructions for program applications. Please read the following instructions carefully and completely.

Electronic delivery via www.grants.gov

PAS is participating in the Grants.gov initiative to provide the grant community a single site to find and apply for grant funding opportunities. PAS requires applicants to submit their applications electronically through Grants.gov. Applications submitted via any other means such as email will not be accepted.

To submit an application via Grants.gov, applicants must have

1. A valid DUNS number from Dun & Bradstreet. If your organization does not have one already, you may obtain one by calling 1-866-705-5711 or visiting mailto:KabulPASProposals@state.gov http://www.grants.gov/ http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform/displayHomePage.do;jsessionid=81407B1F03F2BDB12

3DD47D19158B75F. Instructions on obtaining a DUNS number can be found at https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration/step-1-obtain-duns-number.html.

2. A NATO CAGE/NCAGE. If your organization does not have a CAGE/NCAGE, visit https://eportal.nspa.nato.int/AC135Public/scage/CageList.aspx to start the process. For more information on NATO CAGE/NCAGE, see https://eportal.nspa.nato.int/AC135Public/Docs/US%20Instructions%20for%20NSPA%2

0NCAGE.pdf.

● For NCAGE help from within the United States, call 1-888-227-2423.

● For NCAGE help from outside the United States, call 1-269-961-7766.

● Email NCAGE@dlis.dla.mil for any problems with obtaining an NCAGE code.

3. An active SAM registration (www.SAM.gov) with current information at all times during which they have an active federal award or an application under consideration by a federal awarding agency. Applicants must be fully registered in SAM before submitting an application; applicants that do not have an active SAM registration will be deemed ineligible and will not be considered for an award. For information on how to register with SAM, see https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration/step-2-register-with-sam.html and https://eportal.nspa.nato.int/AC135Public/scage/CageList.aspx#show-video-popup. Note that SAM registration must be renewed annually. The Department may determine that the applicant is not qualified to receive an award and use this determination as a basis for making an award to another applicant.

4. A Grants.gov account. Instructions on how to register for a Grants.gov account can be found here:https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration.html.

The registration process can take up to five weeks to complete. Therefore, registration should be done in sufficient time to ensure it does not affect your ability to meet required submission deadlines.

Grants.gov has a full set of instructions on how to apply for opportunities on its website at http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/apply-for-grants.html.

Visit the Adobe Software Compatibility page on Grants.gov to download the appropriate version of the software at https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/adobe-software-compatibility.html.

Grants.gov does not accept all UTF-8 special characters in file attachment names. Please note the file name restrictions at https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/submitting-utf-8-special-characters.html.

Grants.gov recommends submitting your application package 24-48 hours prior to the submission deadline to provide you with time to correct any potential technical issues that disrupt the initial application submission.

Grants.gov provides customer support via the toll-free number 1-800-518-4726 and via email at support@grants.gov. For questions related to the specific grant opportunity, contact http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform/displayHomePage.do;jsessionid=81407B1F03F2BDB123DD47D19158B75F http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform/displayHomePage.do;jsessionid=81407B1F03F2BDB123DD47D19158B75F https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration/step-1-obtain-duns-number.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration/step-1-obtain-duns-number.html https://eportal.nspa.nato.int/AC135Public/scage/CageList.aspx https://eportal.nspa.nato.int/AC135Public/Docs/US%20Instructions%20for%20NSPA%20NCAGE.pdf https://eportal.nspa.nato.int/AC135Public/Docs/US%20Instructions%20for%20NSPA%20NCAGE.pdf http://www.sam.gov/ https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration/step-2-register-with-sam.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration/step-2-register-with-sam.html https://eportal.nspa.nato.int/AC135Public/scage/CageList.aspx#show-video-popup https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration.html http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/apply-for-grants.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/adobe-software-compatibility.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/adobe-software-compatibility.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/submitting-utf-8-special-characters.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/submitting-utf-8-special-characters.html mailto:support@grants.gov kabulpasproposals@state.gov. Please note, PAS cannot assist with questions on or technical issues with www.grants.gov. Applicants experiencing issues with Grants.gov should contact the

Grants.gov Help Desk.

Timely receipt requirements and proof of timely submission

All applications must be received by the deadline communicated in this NOFO. Proof of timely submission is automatically recorded by Grants.gov. An electronic time stamp is generated within the system when the application is successfully received by Grants.gov. Applicants will receive an acknowledgement of receipt and a tracking number from Grants.gov with the successful transmission of their application. Applicants should print this receipt and save it as proof of timely submission.

When PAS successfully retrieves the application from Grants.gov and acknowledges the download of submissions, Grants.gov will provide an electronic acknowledgment of receipt to the email address of the Authorized Organization Representative. Proof of timely submission shall be the date and time that Grants.gov receives your application. Applications received by

Grants.gov after the established due date for the program will be considered late and will not be considered for funding.

Applicants using dial-up connections should be aware that transmission should take some time before Grants.gov receives it. Grants.gov will provide either an error or a successfully received transmission message. The Grants.gov Contact Center reports that some applicants abort the transmission because they think that nothing is occurring during the transmission process. Please be patient and give the system time to process the application. Uploading and transmitting many files, particularly electronic forms with associated XML schemas, will take some time to be processed.

Intergovernmental Review

This funding opportunity is not subject to Executive Order 12372 “Intergovernmental Review of

Federal Programs.”

Funding Restrictions

• Construction: Any award made as a result of this NOFO will not allow for construction activities or costs.

• Pre-award Costs: Any costs incurred prior to the award start date in the Federal Notice of Award are incurred at the recipient’s own risk. Approval of these costs requires authorization of the Grants Officer to be considered allowable, will only be considered on a case-by-case basis, and will only be authorized in extraordinary circumstances.

Applicants should assume that any costs incurred before the start date on the Federal

Notice of Award will not be authorized.

mailto:kabulpasproposals@state.gov http://www.grants.gov/

E. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

Selection Criteria

Applications submitted under this opportunity that comply with all the stated requirements and contain all the required elements will be evaluated and rated on the basis of the criteria detailed below. The criteria are designed to assess the quality of the proposed project plan/approach and to determine the likelihood of its success. The criteria are closely related and are considered as a whole in judging the overall quality of an application. Applications will be reviewed on the basis of their fullness, coherence, clarity, and attention to detail. Proposals will be selected for funding based on an evaluation of how the proposal meets the solicitation review criteria, U.S. foreign policy objectives, and the priority needs of PAS. Past performance on grants awarded by the

U.S. Department of State, other U.S. government entities, or international donor agencies may also be considered.

PAS reviews all proposals for eligibility. Eligible proposals will be subject to compliance with federal regulations and guidelines and may also be reviewed by the Office of the Legal Adviser or by other Department elements. Final technical authority for assistance awards resides with the

Department’s Grants Division.

Selection criteria for this NOFO will include:

1. Quality and feasibility of the project idea (25 points): The proposed project plan is well developed, with detail about how program activities will be carried out; responds to the design outlined in the solicitation; and demonstrates originality. It is clearly and accurately written, substantive, and sufficiently detailed. The program plan adheres to the program overview and guidelines described above.

2. Ability to achieve project objectives (20 points): Goals and objectives are clearly stated, and the program approach is likely to provide maximum impact in achieving the proposed results. Objectives are reasonable and feasible. The application clearly demonstrates how the institution will meet the program’s objectives and plan. Proposed personnel, institutional resources, and partner organizations are adequate and appropriate to achieve the program goals.

3. Institution’s record and capacity (20 points):The application demonstrates that the organization has expertise in fields relevant to the project such as promoting girls’ access to sports and organizing sport events for women; has the internal controls in place to manage federal funds; has a solid and relevant institutional record, including successful programming; has responsible fiscal management involving complex budgets; and has the ability to comply with reporting requirements, especially for U.S. government grants.

The application demonstrates experience in human resources and overseeing staffing.

Past performance on grants awarded by the U.S. Department of State, other U.S.

government entities, or international donor agencies may also be considered and factored into the applicant’s score.

4. Monitoring and Evaluation (15 points):

• Technical M&E: The extent to which the Technical M&E component of the M&E

Performance Monitoring Plan (PMP) is thorough, logical, and methodologically appropriate. This includes a list of proposed project activities, corresponding milestone, output, and outcome indicators, a description of data collection methods, and a timeline for collecting such information.

• Program Design: The extent to which the proposal addresses a significant problem, identifies an appropriate target audience and presents a clear theory of change on how the program will address that problem.

• Learning: The extent to which the proposal demonstrates the intention and ability to adjust project activities based on new information.

5. Cost-effectiveness (10 points): The overhead and administrative components of the proposal, including salaries and supplies, are consistent with prevailing market rates in

Afghanistan. All items are necessary, appropriate, and directly relatable to the project’s goals and objectives. The budget justification narrative is detailed and clear. Costs are reasonable in relation to the proposed activities and anticipated results. The budget is realistic, accounting for all necessary expenses to achieve proposed activities. Cost sharing is not required. The Department of State will utilize the NTA scale to determine if salaries proposed in an applicant’s budget are reasonable. Please refer to this website

6. Sustainability (10 points): The application clearly communicates the applicant’s strategy for ensuring that the project benefits will continue to be realized on a long-term basis after the conclusion of the period of performance of the award. The applicant presents a feasible approach to sustainability.

Review and Selection Process

It will take up to 120 days from the application deadline before an award or decline notice is sent from the Embassy to applicants. Due to the volume of proposals received, individual responses to requests for updates prior to the 120-day timeframe may not be returned until final review of proposals and issuance of an award is completed. PAS utilizes the following review and selection process:

After the NOFO closes, applications are reviewed for eligibility. Those applications found to be ineligible will be removed from the selection process. Applications found to be eligible will be forwarded to an Embassy review committee for consideration. An Embassy review committee will score eligible proposals based on the funding criteria provided in the NOFO. The top applicant(s) will go through additional vetting, risk assessments, and negotiations with a designated PAS representative. If and when the Grants Officer is satisfied, s/he will issue the award(s). Once a grant award(s) is made from this solicitation, those applicants whose proposals were not selected for funding will be notified via email. PAS will send such notifications to the email address listed in box 8f of the applicant’s SF424. Applicants should expect to be notified if their proposal has been selected for award within 120 days of the submission deadline.

http://www.budgetmof.gov.af/index.php/en/nta/about-nta

Federal Awardee Performance & Integrity Information System (FAPIIS)

For any federal award issued as a result of this NOFO, applicants are informed

● That the Department of State, prior to making a federal award with a total amount of federal share greater than the simplified acquisition threshold, is required to review and consider any information about the applicant that is in the designated integrity and performance system accessible through SAM (currently FAPIIS) (see 41 U.S.C. 2313)

● That an applicant, at its option, may review information in the designated integrity and performance system accessible through SAM and comment on any…