001 Support Afghan Media NOFO - POSTED Modification UEI.pdf

Department of State

U.S. Embassy, Kabul (Doha)

Notice of Funding Opportunity

Funding Opportunity Title: Supporting Afghan Media

Announcement Type: Grant

Funding Opportunity Number: SCAKAB-22-GR-001-SCA-03022022

Deadline for Applications: April 29, 2022 (11:59 p.m., U.S. Eastern Time)

Deadline for Questions April 08, 2022 (11:59p.m., U.S. Eastern time)

Award Ceiling: $500,000

CFDA Number: 19.501- Public Diplomacy Programs for

Afghanistan and Pakistan

Program Office: Public Diplomacy Section (PDS), U.S. Embassy, Kabul (Doha)

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

KabulPDSProposals@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 Unique Entity

Identifier (UEI) 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, KabulPDSProposals@state.gov is unable to assist with technical questions or problems applicants experience with Grants.gov, UEI, NCAGE, or

SAM. Please refer to the contact information for these organizations/processes provided in this

Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO).

mailto:KabulPDSProposals@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 9

E. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION 18

F. FEDERAL AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION 20

G. FEDERAL AWARDING AGENCY CONTACTS 23

H. OTHER INFORMATION 23

ANNEX 1. BUDGET CATEGORY DESCRIPTIONS 24

ANNEX 2. PDS M&E PERFORMANCE MONITORING PLAN (PMP) 26

ANNEX 2.1. PDS M&E PERFORMANCE MONITORING PLAN (PMP): INSTRUCTIONS 30

A. PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) of the U.S. Embassy, Kabul (Doha) is pleased to announce an open competition for eligible organizations to submit applications to carry out a program that implements activities that support media freedom and freedom of expression in

Afghanistan. Please carefully follow all instructions below.

Executive Summary

PDS seeks proposals for a project that will support media freedom and freedom of expression in a majority of the provinces in Afghanistan by addressing at least two of these areas:

1) journalist safety

2) lack of access to information and restrictions on information

3) underlying conditions that exacerbate economic challenges

4) coordination between media-advocacy, media-support, and free speech organizations.

Program approaches could include:

• Improve journalists' ability to safely conduct interviews and share information, particularly those outside of major cities

• Promote increased access to information and/or the ability to verify information

• Advocate for increased accountability for actors implicated in crimes against journalists

• Alleviate difficulties and impediments that contribute to economic hardship for journalists in Afghanistan to do fact-based and investigative reporting [note this grant is not intended to pay salaries or otherwise compensate journalists for work]

• Increase collaboration and coordination among media-advocacy, media-support, and free-speech organizations inside and outside of Afghanistan with journalists in

Afghanistan

PDS intends to issue an award for a period of 12 months (base period) with the option for one additional 12-month period.

Background

In Afghanistan in the 1990s the Taliban regime banned television, destroyed antennas and transmitters, and permitted only one radio outlet (its own religious Radio Sharia). In 2017, a survey by The Asia Foundation said that once independent broadcasting resumed in 2001, the

Afghan media landscape grew significantly: from one independent radio station in 2002 to more than 100 terrestrial television channels, 302 FM radio stations, and nearly 1,000 publications. Until 2021, the Afghanistan media landscape was diverse in terms of financial support and the political affiliation of Afghanistan-based outlets. Journalists were active in every province and while the environment has never been easy, the vibrant free press and media industry have been celebrated as a success story: journalists and media outlets have won international recognition and awards.

Past projects have contributed to this success. Journalism training, support for women journalists, and a diverse range of media programming efforts have helped create a professional field of journalists who are prepared to continue reporting to inform the public.

Without an effort to preserve these gains, Afghanistan risks returning to a country without any free media. According to a survey released in February 2022, the International Federation of

Journalists said that since the Taliban takeover in August 2021, 318 media outlets have stopped working including 51 TV channels, 132 radio stations, and 49 online media outlets, and only 20 of Afghanistan's 114 newspapers are currently published. These numbers reflect the difficulties

Afghan journalists are facing which, according to statements by media-advocacy organizations include violence and intimidation, a lack of access to information, and economic hardships.

This project aims to mitigate some of the underlying difficulties that are preventing journalists from being able to report safely, inform the public, and earn a living in order to preserve freedom of expression and the free media in Afghanistan.

Project Goal

By working to alleviate some of the barriers that prevent journalists from reporting safely, informing the public, and earning a living, this project will preserve freedom of expression and the free media in Afghanistan. Additionally, this project will support better information vetting and community building for Afghan journalists.

Project Audience

The primary audience for this project is journalists working within Afghanistan.

Project Objectives

1. Identify specific difficulties journalists in Afghanistan are facing related to safety, access to information, financial hardships, and support networks by surveying Afghan journalists.

• The questionnaire/survey should be distributed to journalists within

Afghanistan in at least 50% of the provinces who have previously worked in journalism and express a desire to continue working.

• The questionnaire/survey must connect the responses to specific provinces, but not necessarily to individual journalists.

• The questionnaire/survey must include both male and female journalists.

2. Identify 25-40 journalists working in the provinces where the data was collected.

These should be active journalists or those who have previously worked in journalism and express a desire to continue working.

o At least 75% of the journalists must be outside of Kabul.

o Preference should be given to journalists who are open to working with media-advocacy and media-support organizations o Preference should be given to journalists who are open to building relationships with provincial leadership and interacting with de facto authorities

3. Based on the survey data, work with the journalist to plan and implement individual or collective efforts that:

• Improve journalists' ability to safely conduct interviews and share information

• Promote increased access to information and/or the ability to verify information

• Advocate for increased accountability for actors implicated in crimes against journalists

• Alleviate difficulties that contribute to economic hardship for journalists in Afghanistan to do fact-based and investigative reporting [note grant funds cannot be used to pay salaries or otherwise compensate journalists for work]

• The 25-40 journalists should be mentored throughout the planning and implementation. The journalists should have an active role in identifying possible solutions and in the planning process.

• While there will be common difficulties, the efforts should not be one-size-fits-all and there should be a plan of action for each unique challenge the journalists are facing.

4. Make connections between journalists who share similar challenges. Encourage the journalists to interact with existing media-advocacy, media-support, and free-speech organizations outside of Afghanistan.

• Introduce the journalists to existing Afghan and international media-advocacy, media-support, and free-speech organizations and request relevant organizations include these journalists in meetings, outreach, and other activities.

• Establish small, long-term mentorship groups that are working on common challenges.

5. Report on the implemented plans created to address barriers journalists are facing.

• Track reporting from these journalists, any break-throughs in easing some of the challenges, and any new connections to organizations.

Project Details

Proposals should include:

A detailed implementation plan that shows a thorough understanding of the project’s objectives and communicates specifics such as the applicant’s:

• Plan for distribution of questionnaires and recruitment of journalists

• Connection to existing media-advocacy, media-support, and free speech organizations inside and outside of Afghanistan and plans for working with these different groups.

• Past or existing work on freedom of expression and media freedom in

Afghanistan or elsewhere

• Ideas for possible ways to address at least two of these areas:

o journalist safety o lack of access to information and restrictions on information o underlying conditions that exacerbate economic challenges, o coordination among media-advocacy, media-support, and free speech organizations.

Proposal narratives should include a brief commitment to implement the program for the base period, plus one additional option period. The narrative should focus on details specific to the implementation of the base period program, with the understanding that the program design, duration, and number of beneficiaries would be similar when/if the subsequent one option period is exercised. PDS will conduct a performance evaluation/review to determine if an option period will be exercised. Satisfactory performance and the availability of funds is a condition of continued administration of the program and execution of all option periods.

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, PDS 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, lodging, and emergency evacuation for personnel living or working in Afghanistan. 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.

The U.S. Embassy Kabul cannot stress enough that the security and safety of implementing partners and program participants is paramount. All program proposals must describe any safety precautions and measures that will be undertaken to minimize risks to implementors as well as participants. The U.S. Embassy, Kabul (Doha) also reserves the right to suspend or adjust program elements as necessary to ensure the protection of implementing partners and participants.

This project will be funded by Diplomatic and Consular Programs funds, authorized by the

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

B. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION

Number of Awards Anticipated: One

Anticipated Award Amount:

Base Period: The floor for the base period is set at $200,000. The ceiling for the base period is set at $500,000.

Option Period One: The floor for the option period is set at $200,000. The ceiling for the option period is set at $500,000.

Funding Type: This project will be funded by Diplomatic and Consular Programs funds, authorized by the Smith-Mundt Act, and is subject to the statutory limitations of such funding.

Anticipated Performance Period:

Base Period: 12 months

Option Period: 12 months

Anticipated Program Start Date: July 2022

Potential for Option Years: Yes, PDS will entertain an application for continuation of the program beyond the initial base period on a non-competitive basis subject to availability of funds, satisfactory progress of the program, and a determination that continued funding would be in the in the best interest of the U.S. Department of State. PDS intends to award a grant for a period of 12 months (base period) with options for one additional 12-month period. PDS will notify the recipient of its intention to exercise or not to exercise an option period approximately 90 days in advance of the expiration of the current award period after an internal evaluation of the recipient’s performance.

Anticipated Funding Instrument Type: Grant

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 non-profit organizations. Organizations may sub-award/contract with other entities, but only one non-profit entity may be the prime recipient of the award. For-profit entities are not eligible to be the prime recipient of an award under this NOFO. When sub-awarding/contracting with other entities, the responsibilities of each entity must be clearly defined in the proposal. Per Section D, applicants must submit proof of their non-profit status with their proposal (proof of 501(c)(3) status for U.S. entities, the Afghan NGO license for Afghan entities, equivalent document for non-Afghan and non-U.S. entities). Applications that do not include this proof of non-profit status will not be reviewed or considered for an award. Individuals are not eligible for an award under this NOFO. Please refer to Section D for funding restrictions.

Cost Sharing

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

Other Eligibility Requirements

• In order to be eligible to receive an award, all organizations must have a Unique Entity

Identifier (UEI). The UEI will be generated when the organization registers in SAM.gov.

Please see Section D for information on how to register in SAM.gov. Individuals are not required to have a UEI or be registered in SAM.gov. NOTE: As of April 2022, a DUNS number is no longer required to apply for a federal assistance award.

• 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 UEI 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

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 PDSs 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 PDSs vetting may be grounds for rejecting your proposal.

https://sam.gov/ https://ramportal.state.gov/ mailto:RAM@state.gov mailto:RAM@state.gov

• 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

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

Content and Form of Application Submission

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 http://www.grants.gov/ https://af.usembassy.gov/embassy/kabul/sections-offices/pdprp/ mailto:KabulPDSProposals@state.gov 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

● 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.

● 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 https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/sf-424-family.html#sortby=1 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 PDS Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist to ensure the M&E PMP achieves an expected level of expertise and meets PDS 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 PDS 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 survey of the journalists who participated in the initial questionnaire and/or a second questionnaire at the end of the project to evaluate whether any of the challenges journalists face in Afghanistan have improved or been alleviated

• track the number of stories/interviews developed from new contacts as an indicator that access to information is improving in Afghanistan

• track the number of detentions of and attacks against journalists, both before the program and after implementation as an indicator of a change in journalist safety

• track membership and participation in media-advocacy, media-support organizations, as well as their efforts to improve conditions for Afghan journalists

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.

5. 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.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title02/2cfr200_main_02.tpl http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title02/2cfr200_main_02.tpl 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.

• 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.

6. 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 PDS 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.

7. Required Attachments:

● 1-page CV or resume for each key personnel proposed for the program. For this program, at a minimum the Project Manager and/or Finance Officer 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 http://www.budgetmof.gov.af/index.php/en/nta/about-nta https://www.state.gov/m/a/ope/index.htm https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=faafd0fce318cf3701c4ba848b603624&mc=true&node=pt2.1.200&rgn=div5#se2.1.200_1101

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 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 April 29, 2022, 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

KabulPDSProposals@state.gov.Questions must be received on or before April 08, 2022, 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

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

mailto:KabulPDSProposals@state.gov http://www.grants.gov/ https://af.usembassy.gov/embassy/kabul/sections-offices/pdprp/ https://af.usembassy.gov/embassy/kabul/sections-offices/pdprp/

To submit an application via Grants.gov, all organizations applying for grants (except individuals) must obtain these registrations. All are free of charge:

• www.SAM.gov registration (which will generate a UEI)

• NCAGE/CAGE code

1. As of April 2022, a DUNS number is no longer required to apply for a federal assistance award. However, in order to be eligible to receive an award, all organizations must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI). The UEI will be generated when the organization registers in SAM.gov. Please see point 3 below for information on how to register in

SAM.gov. Individuals are not required to have a UEI or be registered in SAM.gov

2. Foreign organizations should apply for an NCAGE code. U.S.-based organizations should proceed to Step 3.

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 when SAM registration is complete the organization will be issued a SAM.gov-generated UEI. SAM registration must be renewed annually. For U.S.-based organizations, registration in SAM.gov will generate both a UEI and a CAGE code. 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.

https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sam.gov%2F&data=04%7C01%7CGianareasCE%40state.gov%7Ca95d443d894d458c6a0508da083a4cf5%7C66cf50745afe48d1a691a12b2121f44b%7C0%7C0%7C637831343741266820%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000&sdata=nAV%2FdUg6S6scIcDEFJvQ4FZXJG1MJnF9%2Ff2KEQyAQ4o%3D&reserved=0 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

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 kabulpdsproposals@state.gov. Please note, PDS 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 PDS 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 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 mailto:kabulpdsproposals@state.gov http://www.grants.gov/

• 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.

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 PDS. 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.

PDS 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 (20 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 (30 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 (15 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

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. PDS 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 PDS representative.