002 Alumni Network NOFO FY21 POSTED.pdf

Funding Opportunity Title: Management of the U.S. Public Diplomacy Program

Alumni Network

Announcement Type: Cooperative Agreement

Funding Opportunity Number: SCAKAB-21-CA-002-SCA-03302021

Deadline for Applications: June 3, 2021 (11:59 p.m., U.S. Eastern Time)

Deadline for Questions; April 26, 2021 (11:59 p.m., U.S. Eastern time)

Award Ceiling: $1,500,000

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

Contents

A. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION 3

B. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION 7

C. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION 8

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. PAS M&E PERFORMANCE MONITORING PLAN (PMP) 26

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

A. PROGRAM 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 program to facilitate greater connectivity, community engagement, and cross-border activities of alumni of U.S. Embassy Kabul Public Diplomacy programs. Please carefully follow all instructions below.

Executive Summary

This project will facilitate coordination among U.S. Public Diplomacy program alumni, enabling them to unite their efforts and play an active role in the social, economic, and political development of Afghanistan. This will include the creation and management of a robust schedule of networking events, professional development workshops, cross-border dialogues, community engagement projects, and mentoring programs, as well as the management of an alumni grants program, and the execution of an effective internal and external communications strategy.

PAS intends to issue an award for a period of 36 months.

Background

Over the last 20 years more than 7,000 Afghans have participated in U.S. Embassy Public

Diplomacy programs and are now part of a network with the potential to influence the future of

Afghanistan. Alumni have participated in the following USG programs: Fulbright scholarship program, International Visitor Leadership Program, academic exchanges, university scholarships, English-language programs, and many more.

A formal alumni network provides a central point for alumni in Afghanistan to connect, share ideas, and develop initiatives. PAS has funded alumni networks previously to facilitate skills-building workshops, alumni seminars, community service projects, and nationwide public events.

Critical thinking and writing workshops have improved alumni’s skills in writing grant proposals and resumes to secure employment. Alumni-driven community projects have successfully engaged civil society, influence leaders, and the public, producing positive outcomes. Under the current program, there are five provincial chapters in addition to the headquarters in Kabul:

Kandahar, Nangarhar, Balkh, Herat, and Bamyan.

This project will 1) build on the achievements of previous projects, 2) strengthen the alumni network by expanding alumni engagement and activities in underserved provinces, 3) identify potential strategic partnerships for alumni with Nongovernmental Organizations (NGOs) that leverage civil society expertise to amplify and sustain the outcomes of alumni grant projects, and

4) create an alumni mentorship program for high school students.

Project Goal The aim of this program is to organize and empower alumni of U.S. government-funded programs to unite their efforts to maximize their contributions to the social, economic, and political development of Afghanistan and support the peace and reconciliation process.

Project Audience The primary audience for this program is U.S. Embassy Public Diplomacy program alumni. The secondary audience is Afghan youth, civil society organizations, and local, provincial, and national leaders.

Project Objectives

The objectives of this project are to:

1. Enhance existing platforms of communication among U.S. government alumni of different programs, between alumni and the public, and with fellow alumni in the region, on priority topics as outlined by the Public Affairs Section including, but not limited to, peace and reconciliation, the economic and political empowerment of women and youth, government capacity building, diversity and inclusion, and civic responsibility.

2. Execution an effective internal and external communications strategy to raise awareness of network activities and encourage participation.

3. Empower individual PAS alumni to initiate impactful community-based projects by providing alumni grants through a clear selection process.

4. Foster an environment of cooperation based on experience sharing and mentoring of younger alumni by experienced alumni through motivational talks and skills trainings.

5. Develop formal partnerships between the alumni network, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and academic institutions that align with the project’s objectives.

6. Increase Afghan youth’s preparation for academic and professional success through the alumni high school mentorship program.

7. Facilitate professional networking and employment opportunities for alumni.

Project Details

The grantee will be responsible for all aspects of the following. Proposals should clearly explain how the applicant will carry out these requirements.

1. Establishing and Managing Alumni Network Chapters in Kabul and at least ten other provinces, including existing chapters in Kandahar, Nangarhar, Balkh, Herat and Bamyan, Select and communicate with alumni volunteers who will oversee each chapter.

Recruit alumni to build membership in previously underserved provinces.

Develop a budget and program calendar for each chapter (see item 2 below).

Note: Preference will be given to proposals that include chapters in underserved provinces.

2. Developing and implementing cultural and educational programs for PAS alumni in Kabul and at chapters in least ten other provinces.

Develop and implement annual program calendars for September 2021 – September 2024 for Kabul and at least ten provincial chapters.

o At least 200 total events should be held each year.

o Programs may include:

Peace and reconciliation initiatives

Community service/volunteer initiatives

Professional skills workshops

Social/professional networking events

Cultural or educational events

Awareness-raising campaigns about the rights of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.

Cross-border alumni dialogues

Projects focused on support for victims of war and their families.

Career fairs

Develop and manage a program budget for Kabul and each chapter.

Submit a proposed program plan and budget for each event for PAS approval at least ten days prior to holding any event.

3. Developing and managing an alumni peer mentorship program that pairs experienced alumni with younger alumni and includes outreach, skills development, career advising and facilitated community engagement.

4. Coordinating with the Afghan Fulbright Association (AFA) on programming and alumni initiatives.

Manage a designated budget to support AFA-led initiatives.

Coordinate with AFA to identify and disseminate communications to active Fulbright alumni throughout the provinces.

Engage AFA alumni to attend and moderate events and utilize their knowledge and experience in the mentorship programs for alumni and high school students.

5. Creating and managing an annual alumni-high school student enrichment and mentorship program to mentor high school juniors and seniors.

Each year match alumni with cohorts of 15 male and 15 female high school juniors and seniors in at least three underserved provinces.

o Note: the proposed list of mentees is subject to PAS review and approval.

Develop and execute a budget and activities for the high school mentorship program.

o Activities should enable alumni to serve as positive role models, help students prepare for the Kankor exam, practice English speaking and writing, help identify university preparatory courses, help develop critical thinking skills, and promote

U.S. related themes and civic values.

o Activities may also include alumni-facilitated meetings with business and NGO leaders.

Facilitate alumni-guided visits to local universities for high school mentees, including meetings with university professors, exposure to clubs and extracurricular activities, and a tour of student facilities.

o Garner required permissions and support for university visits.

o Include costs of travel in the program budget.

If chaperones are deemed necessary, reasonable costs for the chaperones’ travel may be included in the applicant’s budget.

6. Increase alumni connectivity via social media and online platforms.

Manage online/digital newsletters and social media groups for alumni.

Create and manage a website where alumni stories, professional opportunities, scholarships, and other announcements can be shared and discussed.

Facilitate access for PAS to all alumni communication platforms

7. Managing an Alumni Grants Program (AGP).

Manage the program to include selection, issuance, financial management and oversight of alumni small (up to $2,500 each) and big grants (up to $5,000 each) as a means of supporting community-based initiatives that enhance civic engagement.

Develop, submit to PAS for approval, and execute a standard operating procedure (SOP) for the Alumni Grants Program outlining how the recipient will manage the entire process from announcing the program and soliciting applications to selecting small and big grant recipients, how funds will be disbursed to recipients, and overseeing the awards.

o This SOP document should include parameters for the grants (e.g., ceiling and timeframe); a timeline for applications, selection, issuance, etc.; and specific criteria the recipient will use to select grant recipients.

Develop, submit to PAS for approval, and execute an anti-nepotism policy and sub-grant monitoring SOP.

Issue approximately 45 small awards (up to $2,500 each) and ten big awards (up to

$5,000 each) per year.

8. Monitoring and evaluating all project activities.

Track and report on all alumni involvement and projects, including photos.

Manage and update a list of notable and most active alumni.

Develop and maintain a project monitoring and evaluation plan as described on page 12.

o Applicants must include in this plan the following data about change (i.e.

indicators) and methods for collecting this data (i.e. data collection methods), at a minimum:

Data about change:

Number of alumni that have engaged at a low frequency (e.g., 0-1 times) and high frequency (e.g., 6-8 times) on existing alumni communication platforms in the past year.

Number of grant projects completed on time and meeting project goals.

Percent change in level of engagement of younger alumni at events and projects year- to-year (e.g. change in attendance, change in active participation), including younger alumni who take on leadership roles.

Number of joint projects or joint events held quarterly between alumni and NGOs and/or academic institutions.

Number of high school mentees who pass the university entrance exam.

Number of internship recipients reporting gainful employment six months following their internship.

Methods for collecting data:

Maintain attendance logs

Update alumni events tracker, quarterly

Administer pre- and post- survey(s) of mentees, to determine impact of mentorship program on student confidence, leadership ability, and career or higher education planning.

Conduct focus group(s) with communities where small grants are being implemented to assess the impacts of these grants at the project’s conclusion.

o Applicants are strongly encouraged to include in the plan additional indicators and/or data collection methods they determine will assess project impact.

Inform PAS staff of project progress and unexpected issues that arise. Produce weekly

Alumni program highlights, including photos, that can be used in PAS reporting and on

Embassy social media platforms.

U.S. Government Involvement

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:

Review and approval of detailed project proposals and budgets.

Review and approval of the recipient’s proposed Alumni Grants Program SOP including proposed selection criteria, anti-nepotism policy and sub-grant monitoring SOP.

Review and approval of alumni-high school mentorship program plan, events, and participants.

Provide ongoing oversight of all alumni communication platforms, including those established by the recipient.

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 Diplomatic and Consular Programs funds, authorized by the

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

B. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION

Number of Awards Anticipated: 1

Anticipated Award Amount: The proposal floor is set at $1,200,000. The ceiling is set at

$1,500,000.

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

Anticipated Performance Period: 36 months

Anticipated Program Start Date: September 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 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

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 https://sam.gov/ 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 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.

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.htmlnumber ofsortby=1

● SF424A Budget Information for Non-Construction Programs available at https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/sf-424-family.htmlnumber ofsortby=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 (30 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 the Project Manager and Finance Manager positions 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. PAS may determine designate additional positions for key personnel in the pre-award process.

● 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:

o Indicators:

Number of alumni that have engaged at a low frequency (e.g., 0-1 times) and high frequency (e.g., 6-8 times) on existing alumni communication platforms in the past year (Project Objective 1).

Number of grant projects completed on-time and meeting project goals

(Project Objective 2).

Percent change in level of engagement of younger alumni at events and projects year to year (e.g. change in attendance, change in active participation), including young alumni who take on leadership responsibilities

(Project Objective 3).

Number of joint projects or joint events held quarterly between alumni and

NGOs and/or academic institutions (Project Objective 4).

Number of students in the program who pass the university entrance exam

(Project Objective 5).

Number of internship recipients reporting gainful employment six months following their internship (Project Objective 6).

o Data Collection Methods

Maintain attendance logs Update Alumni events tracker reported on quarterly Administer pre- and post- survey(s) of mentees, to determine impact of mentorship program on student confidence, leadership ability, and career or higher education planning (Project Objective 5).

Conduct qualitative focus group(s) with communities where small grants are being implemented to assess the impacts of these grants at the project’s conclusion (Project Objective 2).

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.

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

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.

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 and Finance Manager are 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. PAS may determine designate additional positions as key personnel in the pre-award process.

● 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.

● Proof of Non-profit Status – Documentation to demonstrate the applicant’s non-profit status (e.g., U.S.-based organizations should submit a copy of their 501(c)(3) Internal

Revenue Service determination letter, and Afghan organizations should provide a copy of their NGO license).

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

● 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 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 June 3, 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 time stamp 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 26, 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 mailto:KabulPASProposals@state.gov http://www.grants.gov/ 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 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.aspxnumber ofshow-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.

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://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

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 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:support@grants.gov mailto:kabulpasproposals@state.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 (25 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 professional development workshops, networking initiatives, youth engagement, and management of mentorship programs; 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.

P…