2018 NOFO - Strengthening Government through Civil Society Engagement.pdf

NOFO Number: SCS-800-18-GR-001-WHA-032818 Strengthening Government through Civil Society Engagement

Notice of Funding Opportunity

Strengthen Government through Civil Society Engagement

Announcement Type: New Grant

Public Opportunity Title: Strengthening Government through Civil Society Engagement

Catalog of Federal Domestic

Assistance (CFDA) Number: 19.750

Funding Amount: Approximately Five Awards totaling up to $1,261,667 USD

Issuance Date: March 28, 2018

Deadline for Receipt of Questions: May 20, 2018 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time (Washington, D.C.)

Closing for Submission of Applications: May 28, 2018 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time (Washington, D.C.)

Funding Activity Category: Democracy & Governance

Program Type: U.S. Embassy San Jose

Grant Program: Central America Regional Security Initiative

Assistance Type: Grant

Eligibility Category: U.S. non-profit/non-governmental organizations (NGOs) having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS or non U.S.-based

NGOs, and U.S. and non U.S.-based public and private institutions of higher education

Est. Project Start Date: September 30, 2018

Est. Project End Date: Variable (expected March 31, 2020 or September 30, 2020)

Fiscal Year: FY2017

Award Ceiling: $300,000

Award Floor: $100,000

Cost Sharing Requirement: No

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The U.S. Embassy in San Jose, Costa Rica announces a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to strengthen government through civil society engagement. U.S. Embassy San Jose intends to issue five awards in an amount not to exceed $1,261,667 in total funding. The anticipated start date for this activity is September 30, 2018, and project periods should not exceed two years. The

U.S. Department of State is under no obligation to fund any of the proposals submitted under this funding opportunity.

This funding will support United States government objectives under the U.S. Strategy for Central

America (Strategy), and are accomplished through the promotion of prosperity, enhancement of security, and improvement of governance. These objectives are also included under the Central

America Regional Security Initiative (CARSI), which is a component of the Strategy. Within

Central America (Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and

Panama), the United States works with partner nations to strengthen institutions to counter the effects of organized crime, uphold the rule of law, and protect human rights. Institution building is coupled with both prevention projects that dissuade at-risk youth from turning to crime and gangs and community policing projects that engage local communities on citizen security issues.

U.S. Embassy San Jose invites qualified U.S. non-profit/non-governmental organizations (NGOs) having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS or non U.S.-based NGOs,and U.S. and non U.S.-based public and private institutions of higher education to submit proposals that include an implementation strategy focused on: Strong, Capable and Accountable Governments through

Governance, an objective of the U.S. Strategy for Central America. Proposals should be oriented toward activities by civil society organizations working with governments to improve the delivery of government services, particularly to vulnerable and/or marginalized communities and in areas outside of the Central Valley and within Costa Rica. These proposals will assist or complement central/local/municipal government efforts to increase and improve services. Proposals should facilitate citizens’ abilities to hold the government accountable for its responsibilities. Proposals should include a methodology to survey beneficiaries before and after activities occur to measure quantitative and qualitative progress.

Applicants should address the following objective:

Objective: Civil society provides support to improve basic local, municipal, or central government services. Proposals should be oriented toward activities by civil society organizations working to improve, expand or complement the delivery of government services, particularly to vulnerable and/or marginalized communities and in areas outside of the Central

Valley but within Costa Rica in an effort to help create strong, capable, and accountable governments. Illustrative examples include (1) community and neighborhood-based education, training, or after-school programs; (2) projects that will increase citizen participation with government and judicial sector institutions to strengthen security in their neighborhoods; (3) projects that will improve the capacity of government transparency and e-government initiatives;

and (4) projects intended to improve government capacity to provide basic services.

U.S. Embassy San Jose reserves the right to fund any or none of the applications submitted and will determine the resulting level of funding for the award. The authority for this NOFO is found in the

Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended.

Eligible organizations interested in submitting an application are encouraged to read this NOFO thoroughly to understand the type of project sought and the application submission requirements and evaluation process.

For further information, please contact:

U.S. Embassy San Jose

E-mail: SanJoseCarsiESF@state.gov

NOTICE OF FUNDING OPPORTUNITY

U.S. Embassy San Jose is seeking applications from qualified U.S. non-profit/non-governmental organizations (NGOs) having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS or non U.S.-based NGOs, U.S.- and non U.S.-based public and private institutions of higher education, and public international organizations for a grant to implement a project entitled “Continued Civil Society Engagement –

Government Strengthening FY2017.” The authority for this NOFO is found in the Foreign

Assistance Act of 1961, as amended.

Pursuant to 2 CFR 200.400g, it is U.S. Department of State policy not to award profit under assistance instruments. All reasonable, allocable, and allowable expenses, however, both direct and indirect, which are related to the agreement and are in accordance with applicable cost standards (2 CFR 200 for US and non U.S.-based non-profit organizations, and universities; the

Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 31 48 CFR 31.2 for-profit organizations; and the

Mandatory Standard Provision “Allowable Costs (APR 2011)” for public international organizations), may be paid under the grant agreement. NOTE: Non U.S.-based non-profit organizations are legally required to comply with the 2 CFR 200 and must be registered in the country of operation.

Subject to the availability of funds, Embassy San Jose intends to issue approximately five awards in an amount not to exceed $1,261,667. Each award will be for an amount between $100,000 and

$300,000. The U.S. dollar amount will be funded from U.S. Embassy San Jose allocated funds, for a project period not to exceed two years. The anticipated start date for this activity is September

30, 2018. U.S. Embassy San Jose reserves the right to fund any or none of the applications submitted and will determine the resulting level of funding for the award.

Eligible organizations interested in submitting an application are encouraged to read this NOFO thoroughly to understand the type of project sought and the application submission requirements and technical review process.

To be eligible for award, the applicant must submit all required information in its application through Grants.gov (http://www.grants.gov), including the requirements found in any attachments to this Grants.gov opportunity. (Please contact Grants.gov Applicant

Support at 1-800-518-4726 and support@grants.gov with any submission problems. If applicant has persistent problems submitting through Grants.gov and Grants.gov Applicant Support cannot solve the issue, please email your submission to SanJoseCarsiESF@state.gov and include a screen shot of the issue on Grants.gov with any additional details. Emailed submissions will be considered on a select basis depending on the Grants.gov submission issues noted.)

This NOFO consists of this cover letter plus the following Sections:

mailto:SanJoseCarsiESF@state.gov mailto:support@grants.gov

1. Section I – Funding Opportunity Description

2. Section II – Award Information

3. Section III – Eligibility information

4. Section IV – Application and Submission Instructions

5. Section V – Application and Review Information

6. Section VI – Agency Contacts

This funding opportunity is posted on Grants.gov and may be amended. See Section IV for further details. Potential applicants should regularly check the website to ensure they have the latest information pertaining to this NOFO. Applicants will need to have available or download Adobe software to their computers in order to view and save the Adobe forms properly. If you have difficulty registering on Grants.gov or accessing the NOFO, please contact the Grants.gov helpdesk at 1-800-518-4726 or via email at support@grants.gov for technical assistance.

IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE RECIPIENT OF THIS NOFO DOCUMENT TO

ENSURE THAT THE SUBMISSION HAS BEEN RECEIVED IN ITS ENTIRETY FROM

GRANTS.GOV. U.S. EMBASSY SAN JOSE BEARS NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR DATA

ERRORS RESULTING FROM TRANSMISSION OR CONVERSION PROCESSES

ASSOCIATED WITH ELECTRONIC SUBMISSIONS.

Any questions concerning this NOFO should be submitted in writing to

SanJoseCarsiESF@state.gov. The deadline for submission of questions for this NOFO is April

28, 2018, 5:00 PM U.S. Embassy San Jose local time. Responses to questions will be made available to all potential applicants through an amendment to this NOFO and U.S. Embassy San

Jose on Grants.gov.

Issuance of this NOFO does not constitute an award commitment on the part of the U.S.

government, nor does it commit the U.S. government to pay for costs incurred in the preparation and submission of an application. In addition, final award of any resultant grant agreement cannot be made until funds have been fully appropriated, allocated, and committed through internal U.S. Embassy San Jose procedures. While it is anticipated that these procedures will be successfully completed, potential applicants are hereby notified of these requirements and conditions for award. Applications are submitted at the risk of the applicant. All preparation and submission costs are at the applicant's expense.

Sincerely, Ambassador Sharon Day

U.S. Embassy San Jose mailto:support@grants.gov

SECTION I – FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

BACKGROUND

Bordering the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean, Costa Rica has a total of 1,228 km of coastline

(212 km on the Caribbean coast and 1,016 km on the Pacific). Drug-trafficking organizations continue to move illicit material from South America through Central America to the United States and beyond, leaving Costa Rica’s coastal and border communities, typically the most economically disadvantaged, highly vulnerable to the influence of traffickers. Strong, capable, and accountable governments are vital to respond to this threat, and civil society organizations that work with local governments to improve delivery of government services can assist vulnerable and marginalized communities outside of the Central Valley. Functional government services are critical to provide economic opportunities in local communities as attractive alternatives for at-risk populations that may turn to crime and illicit drugs for their livelihood.

A secure and stable Central America contributes to a safer and more prosperous United States.

Through the U.S. Strategy for Central America (Strategy), of which the Central America Regional

Security Initiative (CARSI) is a component, U.S. assistance seeks to secure U.S. borders and protect U.S. citizens by addressing the security, governance, and economic drivers of illegal immigration and illicit trafficking, and to promote fair and reciprocal trade in Central America.

To promote improved governance, U.S. assistance supports anti-corruption efforts that improve the ease of doing business; strengthens the rule of law; promotes strong institutions and government accountability; reduces impunity; and improves fiscal management by promoting efficient tax collection, civil society engagement, and institutional reform. The Strategy enhances the capabilities of government entities and civil society organizations to build more accountable, transparent, and effective public institutions. CARSI Economic Support Fund (ESF) small grants, such as this opportunity, provide programming to strengthen civil society’s role in improving governance and support a professional, non-partisan civil service.

The Results Architecture (TAB E) is the basis of U.S. government monitoring and evaluation for the Strategy by the U.S. interagency. The Results Architecture is organized according to the

Strategy’s three primary objectives (Prosperity, Governance, and Security) and corresponding sub-objectives, and is the primary tool for tracking results, outcomes, and specific indicators, including for CARSI. The relevant Governance sub-objective under the Strategy that these

CARSI ESF funds will address is:

Central American civil society demand government accountability without reprisal of their rights and are able to influence policy outcomes. Host-nation governments uphold the values and practices of liberal democracy; citizens hold their governments accountable for these actions.

CARSI assistance supports a safer and more secure region where criminal organizations no longer wield the power to destabilize governments or threaten national and regional security and public safety, as well as to prevent the entry and spread of illicit drugs, violence, and transnational threats to countries throughout the region and to the United States. The five pillars of CARSI are:

1. Create safe streets for the citizens of the region

2. Disrupt the movement of criminals and contraband within and among the nations of Central

America

3. Support the development of strong, capable and accountable Central American

Governments

4. Re-establish effective state presence and security in communities at risk

5. Foster enhanced levels of security and rule of law coordination and cooperation among the nations of the region.

Solicitations must reflect support for CARSI pillar three (strong, capable, and accountable governments), and results, particularly indicators, will be reported under the Strategy’s

Governance objective. Applicants must provide governance indicators to track results, and that correlate with CARSI pillar three.

PROJECT GOALS

The funds supporting this NOFO will focus on: (a) Supporting the development of strong, capable, and accountable Central American governments; and (b) Central American civil society demanding government accountability without reprisal of their rights and are able to influence policy outcomes. Host nation governments uphold the values and practices of liberal democracy;

citizens hold their governments accountable for these actions.

PROJECT OBJECTIVES

As applicable, proposals should specify the expected results from projects benefitting from these funds, such as the number of participants trained; improvement in government transparency or e-government; and other improvements in basic government services that impact citizens and small business. All proposals should state clear objectives and show plans to measure project performance and contributions to meeting Objectives.

Applicants should address the following objective:

Objective: Civil society provides support to improve basic local, municipal, or central government services. Proposals should be oriented toward activities by civil society organizations working to improve, expand or complement the delivery of government services, particularly to vulnerable and/or marginalized communities and in areas outside of the Central

Valley but within Costa Rica in an effort to help create strong, capable, and accountable governments. Examples of potential activities include, but are not limited to, projects intended to improve the provision of government services, and projects that will improve the capacity of government transparency and e-government initiatives. Illustrative examples include (1) community and neighborhood-based education, training, or after-school programs; (2) projects that will increase citizen participation with government and judicial sector institutions to strengthen security in their neighborhoods; (3) projects that will improve the capacity of government transparency and e-government initiatives; and (4) projects intended to improve government capacity to provide basic services. Proposals should include a methodology to serve beneficiaries before and after activities occur to measure quantitative and qualitative progress.

Funds cannot be used to provide subsidies or direct employment remuneration or benefits, provide direct social services, or support for law enforcement officers or forces.

DESIRED RESULTS AND REQUIRED OUTCOME INDICATORS

By the end of the project, grantees should demonstrate that the project has (1) improved government services, (2) made government stronger, more capable, and accountable, (3) strengthened civil society organizations to promote accountability, and/or (4) contributed to safer and more productive communities through improved government services.

Suggested outcome indicators for the project are provided below. The recipient should provide pertinent output and outcome indicators from this list. The recipient is expected to identify targets for these indicators based on what it can reasonably achieve within the performance period of the project, and based on the expected overall project results described above.

REQUIRED - Indicator for Central America Strategy: Required targets:

Number of civil society organizations (CSOs) receiving USG assistance engaged in advocacy interventions.

TBD

REQUIRED Outcome Indicators for Objective: Required targets:

Number of requests for service that are addressed TBD

Number of civil society organizations (CSOs) strengthened to promote policy dialogue, advocate for change and/or serve as watchdogs on key issues.

TBD

ILLUSTRATIVE OUTPUT INDICATORS

Illustrative output indicators for funded projects are provided below. The below are examples;

there are no specific output indicators required. However, the recipient must develop and provide a list of output indicators and targets appropriate for the recipient’s application.

Example Output Indicators Illustrative targets:

Software developed to facilitate public requests for services. TBD

The recipient will be required to collect baseline data for all the performance management plan indicators during the first year of the project. In addition, certain terms included in the outcomes and indicators will need to be defined at the very beginning of the project so that it is possible to measure the change during and at the end of the project. Examples of such are “capacity,”

“spread effect,” etc. Baseline information will be critical for both monitoring and evaluation of project progress and results.

[END OF SECTION I]

SECTION II – AWARD INFORMATION

U.S. Embassy San Jose expects to award approximately five grant agreements based on this

NOFO. The anticipated total Federal funding amount is $1,261,667. The period of performance is up to two years with an anticipated start date of September 30, 2018.

The U.S. government may issue one or more awards resulting from this NOFO to the responsible applicant(s) whose application(s) conforming to this NOFO are the most responsive to the objectives set forth in this NOFO. The U.S. government may (a) reject any or all applications, (b) accept other than the lowest cost application, (c) accept more than one application, (d) accept alternate applications, and (e) waive informalities and minor irregularities in applications received.

After a merit review panel, the U.S. government may make an award on the basis of initial applications received, without discussions or negotiations. Therefore, each initial application should contain the applicant's best terms from a cost and technical standpoint. The

U.S. government reserves the right (but is not under obligation to do so), however, to enter into discussions with one or more applicants in order to obtain clarifications, additional detail, or to suggest refinements in the project description, budget, or other aspects of an application.

[END OF SECTION II]

SECTION III – ELIGIBLITY INFORMATION

(1) Eligible Entities: Applicants that are eligible to apply are U.S. non-profit/non-governmental organizations (NGOs) having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS or non U.S.-based NGOs, and U.S.

and non U.S.-based public and private institutions of higher education that are able to respond to the NOFO and be able to mobilize in a short period of time. Must be registered in the country of operation.

To be eligible for a grant award, in addition to other conditions of this NOFO, organizations must have a commitment to non‐discrimination with respect to beneficiaries and adherence to equal opportunity employment practices. Non‐discrimination includes equal treatment without regard to race, religion, ethnicity, gender, and political affiliation.

Applicants are reminded that U.S. Executive Orders and U.S. law prohibits transactions with, and the provision of resources and support to, individuals and organizations associated with terrorism. It is the legal responsibility of the Recipient to ensure compliance with these

Executive Orders and laws. This provision must be included in any sub‐awards issued under this grant award.

(2) U.S. Embassy San Jose encourages applications from potential new partners.

[END OF SECTION III]

SECTION IV – APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS

U.S. Embassy San Jose urges prospective applicants to immediately confirm their organization has a current Dun and Bradstreet (DUNS) number as well as a current Central Contractor

Registration (www.sam.gov).

Applicant organizations that do not have DUNS number, may obtain one at no cost by calling the toll-free DUNS request line at 1-866-705-5711 or visiting the D&B website at:

http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform

NOTE: Organizations must obtain a DUNS number prior to completing the SAM.gov registry process.

Applicant organizations can obtain assistance for SAM.gov registration by using the following link:

https://www.sam.gov or calling 1-866-606-8220 (U.S. calls)/or 1-324-206-7828 (international calls).

NCAGE Code - Special Requirements for Non-U.S. Applicants

Non-U.S. organizations must first obtain a North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) CAGE

(NCAGE) Code from the appropriate source. Organizations may request an NCAGE code using the following link: https://eportal.nspa.nato.int/AC135Public/scage/CageList.aspx

TECHNICAL FORMAT REQUIREMENTS

For all application documents, please ensure:

A) All pages are numbered, including budgets and attachments, B) All documents are formatted to 8 ½ x 11 paper, and

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

Complete applications must include the following for proposal submissions:

1. Completed Cover Sheet that includes a project title, name of the solicitation organization, and

Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS). (See Tab F)

2. Completed and signed SF-424, SF-424a [and SF424b,] submitted to Grants.gov, as well as, if applicable, your organization’s most recent audit.

3. Table of Contents (not to exceed one [1] page in Microsoft Word) that includes a page-numbered contents page, including any attachments.

4. Executive Summary (not to exceed two [2] pages in Microsoft Word) that includes:

a) The target country(ies),

b) Name and contact information for the project’s main point of contact,

c) A statement of work or synopsis of the project, including a concise breakdown of the project’s objectives, activities, and expected results,

d) The total amount of funding requested and project length, and

e) A brief statement on how the project is innovative, sustainable, and will have a demonstrated impact.

5. Proposal Narrative (not to exceed ten [10] pages in Microsoft Word). Please note the ten-page limit does not include the Table of Contents, Executive Summary, Attachments, Detailed Budget, http://www.sam.gov/

Budget Narrative, or NICRA. Applicants are encouraged to submit multiple documents in a single

Microsoft Word, (i.e., Table of Contents, Executive Summary, Proposal Narrative, and Budget

Narrative in one file).

6. Budget Narrative (preferably in Microsoft Word) that includes an explanation and justification for each line item in the detailed budget spreadsheet, as well as the source and a description of all cost-share offered. For ease of review, U.S. Embassy San Jose recommends applicants order the budget narrative as presented in the detailed budget. Personnel costs should include a clarification of the roles and responsibilities of key staff and percentage of time devoted to the project. The budget narrative should communicate to U.S. Embassy San Jose any information that might not be readily apparent in the budget, not simply repeat with words what is stated numerically in the budget.

7. Detailed Line-Item Budget (preferably in Microsoft Excel) that includes three [3] columns including the request to U.S. Embassy San Jose, any cost sharing contribution, and total budget

(see below for more information on budget format). A summary budget should also be included using the OMB-approved budget categories (see SF-424 as a sample). Costs must be in U.S.

dollars.

8. Attachments (not to exceed nine [9] pages total, preferably in Microsoft Word) that include the following in order:

a) Page 1-2: Monitoring and Evaluation Plan (see below for more information on this section).

b) Page 3: Roles and responsibilities of key project personnel with short bios that highlight relevant professional experience. This relates to the organization’s capacity. Given the limited space, CVs are not recommended for submission.

c) Page 4: Timeline of the overall proposal. Components should include activities, and project closeout.

d) Page 5-7: Additional optional attachments. Attachments may include further timeline information, letters of support, memoranda of understanding (MOU)/agreement, etc. For applicants with a large number of letters/MOUs, it may be useful to provide a list of the organizations or government agencies that support the project rather than the actual documentation.

9. If your organization has a negotiated indirect cost rate agreement (NICRA) and will include

NICRA charges in the budget, your latest NICRA must be included as a .pdf file. This document will not be reviewed by the panelists, but rather used by project and grant staff if the submission is recommended for funding and therefore does not count against the submission page limitations, as described above. If your proposal involves sub-grants to organizations charging indirect costs, please submit the applicable NICRA also as a .pdf file (see below for more information on indirect cost rates). Specify if your organization elects to charge the de minimis rate of 10% of the modified total direct costs.

Note: U.S. Embassy San Jose retains the right to request additional documentation for those items not included on this form.

INFORMATION ON STANDARD FORMS

Please see Tab D for instructions for completion of Standard Forms 424, 424A, and 424B.

OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET (OMB) CIRCULARS

Organizations should be familiar with 2 CFR 200 on cost accounting principles. For a copy of the

OMB circular cited, please contact Government Publications or download from http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title02/2cfr200_main_02.tpl. Non U.S.-based nonprofit organizations are legally required to comply with 2 CFR 200. Public international organizations retain their privileges and immunities as such, but are encouraged to address this

OMB Circular.

AUDITS

The recipient’s proposal should include the cost of an audit that:

1. Complies with the requirements of 2 CFR 200 Subpart F “Audit Requirements;”

2. Complies with the requirements of American Institute of Certified Public Accountants

(AICPA) Statement of Position (SOP) No. 92-9, "Audits of Not-for-Profit Organizations

Receiving Federal Awards;"

3. Complies with AICPA Codification of Statements on Auditing Standards AU Section 551, "Reporting on Information Accompanying the Basic Financial Statements in Auditor-

Submitted Documents," where applicable. When the U.S. Department of State is the largest direct source of Federal financial assistance (i.e., the cognizant Federal Agency) and indirect costs are charged to Federal grants, a supplemental schedule of indirect cost computation is required;

4. A non-Federal entity that expends $750,000 or more during the non-Federal entity's fiscal year in Federal awards must have a single or program-specific audit conducted for that year in accordance with the provisions of 2 CFR 200 subpart F.

The audit costs shall be identified by 2 CFR 200.425.

INDIRECT COST-RATE

An organization with a negotiated indirect cost rate agreement (NICRA) negotiated with a cognizant Federal government agency other than the U.S. Department of State must include a copy of the cost-rate agreement. Applicants should indicate in the proposal budget how the rate is applied and if any of the rate will be cost-shared. Per 2 CFR 200.414, any non-Federal entity that has never received a negotiated indirect cost rate, except for those non-Federal entities described in

Appendix VII to Part 200—States and Local Government and Indian Tribe Indirect Cost Proposals, paragraph D.1.b, may elect to charge a de minimis rate of 10% of modified total direct costs

(MTDC) which may be used indefinitely. As described in 2 CFR 200.403, factors affecting allowability of costs, costs must be consistently charged as either indirect or direct costs, but may not be double charged or inconsistently charged as both. If chosen, this methodology once elected must be used consistently for all Federal awards until such time as a non-Federal entity chooses to negotiate for a rate, which the non-Federal entity may apply to do at any time.

TAB A: PROPOSAL GUIDELINES

Proposals should include the following components:

Introduction and Problem Statement

Planned Activities

Indicators

Problem Statement and Rationale: Describe the problem and how the project will achieve or contribute to achieving a sustainable solution and a measurable outcome. The applicant should explain the extent of existing assistance within the particular geographic area, and how the proposed intervention may complement (or differ from) other similar interventions. The applicant should also explain, as necessary, the particular experience and qualifications it brings to the project. The rationale should also reflect understanding of the priorities and policies of U.S.

Embassy San Jose or project with which this agreement is associated.

Planned Activities and Indicators: Describe the planned activities, and relevant stakeholders for implementation. The applicant should highlight key stakeholders and their expected role in the project, along with any contingencies. The applicant should list assumptions that are dependent on the ultimate success of the project. This could include elements like geographic location, coordination efforts with other international organizations, or political will from host governments, private sector, and NGOs. As appropriate, limited contingency possibilities should be included in the proposal, in case the initial planning assumptions are not met. Example of a planned activity and contingency:

Sample Planned Activity Contingency

Government services workshops in collaboration with the central Government of Costa Rica, focused on improving knowledge of protocols for delivery of a government service. (Example: the equitable provision of public services.)

If the appropriate agency of the Government of Costa Rica does not engage at the expected level, project team will look to municipal or local governments to assist in convening key stakeholders.

In the proposal, there should be a clearly defined link between each of the following elements as delineated:

Problem Statement Planned Activities/Inputs Process Indicators Output Indicators Outcome

Indicators Impact

Process Indicators measure the activity that has been completed. Please delineate the specific activities to be conducted, such as workshops, roundtables, trainings, forums, exchanges, policy dialogues, etc. All indicators must include targets. Example of a process indicator:

Process Indicator 50 government workers trained in protocols or standards for providing a particular government service

Output Indicators, otherwise known as deliverables associated with the agreement, should be included. Unlike process indicators, outputs are what is produced, and are often tangible. At this level, it is the measurement of ability, knowledge, skills, or access. All indicators must include targets. Example of an output indicator involving the same participants:

Output Indicator 80 percent of participants demonstrate at least 75 percent cognizance of standards to effectively provide government services.

Outcome Indicators measure the change in system, behavior, or practice. Expected outcomes are the results that come from a series of activities that are necessary to achieve impact. All indicators must include targets. Example of an outcome indicator:

Outcome Indicator 30 percent of government services offered by the targeted agency(ies) begin to implement new protocols as a result of participants’ participation.

All indicators must include measurable, numerical targets, which should serve as the foundation for monitoring and evaluation efforts. Ultimately, proposed activities and achievement of indicator targets will lead to impact.

TAB B: PROJECT MONITORING PLAN

U.S. Embassy San Jose will work with recipient organizations to implement the appropriate monitoring plan that meets both the needs of U.S. Embassy San Jose and the implementing partner.

Incorporating a well-designed monitoring component into a project is one of the most efficient methods of documenting the progress and potential success of a project. Successful monitoring depends on the following:

Setting objectives that are specific, measurable, attainable, results-focused, and placed in a reasonable time frame (SMART);

Linking project activities to stated objectives;

Developing key performance indicators that measure realistic progress towards the objectives.

U.S. Embassy San Jose expects implementing organizations will track participants or partners as appropriate and be able to respond to key evaluation questions, including satisfaction with the project/training, information learned as a result of the project/training, changes in attitude and behavior as a result of the project, and effects of the project on institutions with which participants work or partner. Applicants should include the monitoring and evaluation process in their timeline.

Recipients will be required to provide reports with an analysis and summary of their findings, both quantitative and qualitative, in regular progress reports to U.S. Embassy San Jose.

The monitoring and evaluation plan should include, at a minimum, the following elements:

A results “Logic Model” planning document (see sample)

Indicators, as described in Tab A, as well as details on how each indicator will be measured, frequency of the measurements, units of measure, etc. Provide indicators at the output and outcome levels. Monitoring and evaluation plans should include a chart component that clearly delineates indicators and targets. All indicators must include measurable, numerical targets.

Establish, where possible, performance baseline data and expected performance targets for each indicator/outcome. In some cases, the baseline may be zero.

Describe monitoring and evaluation tools, such as rapid assessment surveys, site visits, key stakeholder interviews, etc., that will be used.

Plans should describe how the project’s impact and effectiveness will be monitored and evaluated throughout the project.

Sample Evaluation Plan

Activity: Training Course

Indicator

Type Indicator Name Source

Target

FY18 Q1

Results

FY18 Q1

Target

FY18 Q2

Results

FY18 Q2

Output

# of government workers trained

Training records 10 20

Outcome

Improved level of support provided as a result of participants’ direct or indirect participation in training

Project reporting -+0

Activity: Government Roundtable

Indicator

Type Indicator Name Source

Target

FY18 Q1

Results

FY18 Q1

Target

FY18 Q2

Results

FY18 Q2

Output xxx

Outcome yyy

Sample “Logic Model” Planning Tool

Note: Outcomes, outputs, and activities should include numerical, measurable targets. A Logic

Model is a useful tool for planning, and utilized when designing monitoring and evaluation methodology and frameworks.

Impact: Improved Efficiency of Identified Government Services for 50,000 households in

Costa Rica

Outcome 1

Improved productivity of government workers in targeted agency(ies).

Outcome 2

Increased adoption of efficiency standards by

75% of targeted government workers

Output 1.1 Productivity

Targets

Established

Output 1.2

Improved access to government services by citizens

Output 2.1

Efficiency Manual

Established

Output 2.2

Improved knowledge of efficiency principles and practices

Activities

Conduct productivity training

Identify government services providers for training

Develop and distribute productivity training materials

Conduct training for access to government services utilizing new phone application.

Develop a phone application for

Organize and hold workshops for affected citizens.

Train government workers on efficiency techniques for providing services

Distribute materials to designated government workers

Develop materials for training on efficiency

Train government workers on the principles of efficiency

Develop efficiency principles materials to use with government workers.

TAB C: BUDGET GUIDELINES

Complete budgets will provide a detailed line-item budget outlining specific cost requirements for proposed activities. A minimum of three columns should be used to delineate the Embassy funding request, cost-share by applicant, and total project funding. Complete applications will include a budget narrative to clarify and justify individual line items (i.e. calculations of how the costs were derived per month or year, their necessity, and overall contribution to the project’s cost-effectiveness).

The three-column proposal line-item budget should include the following components, in the suggested format below:

Embassy

Request Cost Share Total

A. PERSONNEL

B. FRINGE BENEFITS

C. TRAVEL

D. EQUIPMENT (single items $5,000 and above)

E. SUPPLIES (single items below $5,000)

F. CONTRACTUAL (sub-grants or consultant fees)

H. OTHER DIRECT COSTS

I. TOTAL DIRECT CHARGES

(Sum of A-H Subtotals)

J. INDIRECT CHARGES (NICRA or 10% de minimis)

K. TOTAL COSTS (Sum I-J)

Note: This budget is designed to serve as an example of the format for complete budget submissions and is NOT exhaustive. Please utilize the attached template or download from

Grants.gov. Individual line items included in each applicant’s budget should reflect specific project activities. (pax = participants)

LINE-ITEM BUDGET – (applicants are instructed to utilize the following Excel budget template, which includes an instruction sheet):

Budget Template with instruction sheet.xlsx

Before grants are awarded, U.S. Embassy San Jose reserves the right to reduce, revise, or increase proposal budgets in accordance with the needs of U.S. Embassy San Jose’s project and availability of funds.

As mentioned above, the detailed budget should also include an accompanying budget notes document that explains and justifies each line item, in the suggested format below:

A. Personnel: Identify staffing requirements by each position title and brief description of duties.

For clarity, please list the annual salary of each position, percentage of time and number of months devoted to the project. (e.g., Administrative Director: $30,000/year x 25% x 8.5 months;

calculation: $30,000/12 = $2,500 x 25% x 8.5 months = $5,312.).

B. Fringe Benefits: State benefit costs separately from salary costs and explain how benefits are computed for each category of employee - specify type and rate.

C. Travel: Staff and any participant travel:

1) International airfare

2) In-country travel

3) Domestic travel in Country X., if any

4) Per diem/maintenance: includes lodging, meals and incidentals for both participant and staff travel. Rates of maximum allowances for U.S. and foreign travel are available from the following website: http:/www.policyworks.gov/. Per diem rates may not exceed the published U.S.

government allowance rates; however, institutions may use per diem rates lower than official government rates.

5) Staff refers to grantee staff only, and not sub-grantee staff or contractors.

D. Equipment: Please provide justification for any equipment purchase/rental, defined as tangible personal property having a useful life of more than one year and an acquisition cost of $5000 or more.

E. Supplies: List items separately using unit costs (and the percentage of each unit cost being charged to the grant) for photocopying, postage, telephone/fax, printing, and office supplies (e.g., Telephone: $50/month x 50% = $25/month x 12 months).

F. Contractual:

a) Sub-grants. For each sub-grant/contract, please provide a detailed line-item budget breakdown explaining specific services. Please provide a sub-grant budget using the approved OMB budget format. (See Tab C: Budget Guidelines, above.)

b) Consultant Fees. For example, lecture fees, honoraria, travel, and per diem for outside speakers or independent evaluators: list number of people and rates per day (e.g., 2 x $150/day x 2 days).

G. Other: These will vary depending on the nature of the project. The inclusion of each should be justified in the budget narrative. All costs must be allowable, allocable, and reasonable, and consistent with OMB guidelines. Line items such as “Miscellaneous,” “Contingency Fund,” and

“Reserve Fund” are not permitted.

H. Indirect Charges: See 2 CFR 200.414, "Indirect Costs”

1) If your organization has an indirect cost-rate agreement with the U.S. government, please include a copy of this agreement. Please specify if your organization elects to charge the de minimis rate of 10% of the modified total direct costs. This does not count against submission page limitations.

2) If your organization is charging an indirect rate, please indicate how the rate is applied–to direct administrative expenses, to all direct costs, to wages and salaries only, etc.

3) Do not include indirect costs against participant expenses in the Embassy budget, as it generally does not pay for these costs.

Cost Share/Cost-Effectiveness: Cost sharing is not required. Explanation of contributions should be included, whether cash or in-kind. Assign a monetary value in U.S. dollars to each in-kind contribution. If the proposed project is a component of a larger program, identify other funding sources for the proposal and indicate the specific funding amount to be provided by those sources.

In addition, it is recommended that budget narratives address the overall cost-effectiveness of the proposal, including leveraging of institutional or other resources. Cost sharing or matching refers to a portion of project or program cost that is not borne by the Federal government. Grantees must follow cost sharing or matching policy as stipulated in 2 CFR 200.306. Cost sharing amounts proposed will be incorporated as part of the allowable budget items. If selected for an award, the organization will have to provide the minimum amount of cost sharing as stipulated in the budget approved by the Grants Officer. If the organization does not meet its cost-share amount stipulated in the approved budget by the end of the period of performance, the Embassy will have the option to (1) reduce its contribution in proportion to the organization’s contribution in the event that it does not provide the minimum amount of cost sharing stipulated in the budget or (2) hold the organization accountable for the amount specified in the approved budget.

BUDGET CONDITIONS AND RESTRICTIONS

The Embassy does not pay for the following:

Publication of materials for distribution within the United States

Administration of a project that will make a profit

Expenses incurred before or after the specified dates of award period of performance

(unless prior written approval received)

Projects designed to advocate policy views or positions of foreign governments or views of a particular political faction

Alcoholic beverages

Costs of entertainment, including amusement, diversion, and social activities and any associated costs are unallowable, except where specific costs that might otherwise be considered entertainment have a programmatic purpose and are authorized either in the approved budget for the Federal award or with prior written approval of the Federal awarding agency

Purchase of land

Construction

Direct social support, Support for law enforcement officials or forces

The Embassy may make conditions and recommendations on proposals to enhance proposed projects. Conditions and recommendations are to be addressed by the applicant before approval of the award. To ensure effective use of U.S. Embassy San Jose funds, conditions or recommendations may include requests to increase, decrease, clarify, and/or justify costs.

TAB D: GUIDELINES FOR STANDARD FORMS

See below links for standard forms:

Link for form SF-424: http://apply07.grants.gov/apply/forms/sample/SF424_2_1-V2.1.pdf

Link for form SF-424A: http://apply07.grants.gov/apply/forms/sample/SF424A-V1.0.pdf

Link for form SF-424B: http://apply07.grants.gov/apply/forms/sample/SF424B-V1.1.pdf

SF-424 – Complete all fields except fields noted as “Leave Blank” below.

1. Type of Submission: Application

2. Type of Application: New

3. Date Received: Leave blank. This will automatically be assigned

4. Applicant Identifier: Leave blank

5a. Federal Entity Identifier: Leave blank

5b. Federal Award Identifier: Leave blank

6. Date Received by Embassy: Leave blank. This will automatically be assigned

7. State Application Identified: Leave blank. This will automatically be assigned

8a. Enter the legal name of the applicant organization.

8b. Employer/Taxpayer ID Number: N/A.

8c. Organizational DUNS: Organizations can request a DUNS number at http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform

8d. Enter the full address of the applicant

8e. Enter the name of the primary organizational unit (and department or division, if applicable) that will undertake the assistance activity, if applicable

8f. Enter the name, title, organization, and contact information of person to be contacted on matters involving this application

9. Select an applicant type (type of organization)

10. Enter: U.S. Embassy San Jose

11. Enter: N/A

12. Enter the Funding Opportunity Number and title. This number will already be entered on electronic applications.

13. Enter the Competition Identification Number and title. This number will already be entered on electronic applications.

14. Areas Affected by Project: List the country or countries where project activities will take place in alphabetical order.

15. Enter the title of the proposed project (if necessary, delete pre-printed wording)

16a. Enter congressional district of Applicant.

16b. Enter: 00

Program: Leave blank

17. Enter a start date of [insert date] and a projected end date

18a. Enter the amount requested for the project under “Federal”

18b Enter any cost-share under “Applicant."

19. Enter “c”

20. Select the appropriate box. If you answer “yes” to this question you will be required to provide an explanation.

http://apply07.grants.gov/apply/forms/sample/SF424_2_1-V2.1.pdf http://apply07.grants.gov/apply/forms/sample/SF424A-V1.0.pdf http://apply07.grants.gov/apply/forms/sample/SF424B-V1.1.pdf

21. Enter the name, title, and contact information of the individual authorized to sign for the application.

SF-424A – Please review the detailed instructions below BEFORE completing this form online.

Section A - Budget Summary - Complete Row 1

1a. Enter: CARSI Program (This is the only grant program that needs to be entered)

1b. Enter: N/A

1c-d. Leave these fields blank

1e. Enter the amount of Federal funds you are requesting for this project

1f. Enter the amount of any other funds you will receive towards this project

1g. Enter the total cost of this project

Rows 2, 3, and 4 should be left blank.

Section B - Budget Categories – Enter total project costs in each category in Column 1 as described below. In Column 5, the form should automatically show the sum. Columns 2, 3, and

4 should be left blank.

6a-h. Enter the amount for each object class category (Include cost share).

6i. Enter the sum of 6a-6h

6j. Enter any indirect charges

6k. Enter the sum of 6i and 6j

7. Enter any program income that will be earned as a result of the project. If there is none, leave this section blank.

Section C - Non-Federal Resources (Only complete this section if your project includes an applicant cost share or funds from other sources-cost share is not required)

8a. Under Grant Program enter: U.S. Embassy San Jose

8b. Enter your cost share amount

8c. Enter the amount of any other funding sources for this project

8d. Leave blank

8e. Enter the total amount for all non-Federal resources (the form should automatically show this sum)

Rows 9, 10, and 11 should be left blank.

Section D - Forecasted Cash Needs

13. In the first column, enter the amount of Federal funds you expect to expend in the project’s first year. Forecasted cash needs by quarter are not required.

14. In the first column, enter the amount of non-Federal funds you expect to expend in the project’s first year. Forecasted cash needs by quarter are not required.

15. In the first column enter the sum of 13 and 14 (the form should automatically show this sum). Forecasted cash needs by quarter are not required.

Section E - Budget Estimates of Federal Funds Needed for Balance of the Project

16a. Under Grant Program enter: CARSI Program

16b. Enter the amount of Federal funds you expect to expend in year two of the…