20180409 - Notice of Funding Opportunity - Fiscal Transparency Innovation Fund II Embassy Dhaka v3.pdf

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

U.S. EMBASSY DHAKA

Notice of Funding Opportunity

Funding Opportunity Title: Improving the Accessibility of the Bangladesh Budget and

Encouraging Greater Budget Awareness through Local Dialogue

Funding Opportunity Number: DHA-SCA-FY2018-POL-001

Deadline for Applications: June 20

CFDA Number: 19.322

Total Amount Available: $120,000

A. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The U.S. Embassy Dhaka of the U.S. Department of State announces an open competition for organizations to submit applications to carry out a program (or program) to increase accessibility and readability of national budget information, improve local input into the parliamentary budget process, and increase the public’s awareness of local government budget expenditures. Please carefully follow all instructions below.

Priority Region: Bangladesh

Program Objectives:

Embassy Dhaka seeks to build off of its successful 2016-2017 fiscal transparency innovation fund (FTIF)-funded program by continuing to build awareness of fiscal transparency and increasing the demand for budget information among citizens at the national and sub-national level and improving communication with parliamentarians during the relatively short budget stakeholder process.

In 2016-2017, Dhaka-based research institution the Policy Research Institute produced an in-depth analysis of the state of fiscal transparency in Bangladesh and provided a number of recommendations through the FTIF-funded project, "Boosting Fiscal Transparency in

Bangladesh Through Improved Financial Reporting, Training and National Awareness

Building." A lack of sufficient demand for budget information and limited parliamentary input into the budget process were identified as key constraints to improving fiscal accountability. The current budget process allows for limited input from public stakeholders. While the Government of Bangladesh (GOB) undertakes a month-long stakeholder input, there is little time for the average citizen to digest publicly available budget information and provide input to their member of parliament. The budget consultation progress, which begins on June 1 after the Ministry of

Finance presents its Budget Speech to parliament and ends on June 30 when the budget is adopted, is relatively short when compared with other parliamentary democracies, including neighboring India.

Consultations with a variety of organizations also revealed the lack of sufficient demand for budget information among the public. The "Citizen's Budget," which was introduced in 2017-

2018, was canceled because of limited uptake. However, the Citizen's Budget lacked easy to understand language and illustrations and was too complicated for the average reader.

Bangladesh’s budget documents also provide limited information on budget transfers to local governments, which adds to the public's general separation from the budget process and helps limit demand for quality public information. While the majority of government expenditures are processed by the central government and national ministries, local government's still play a significant role and annually receive budget transfers from the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives. However, local government allocations are provided in lump sums, making it difficult for the public to accurately track local budget expenditures and its effectiveness.

In response to these constraints and weaknesses, Embassy Dhaka seeks proposals that take a three-pronged program to increase accessibility and readability of budget information, improve local input into the parliamentary budget process, and increase local awareness of budget expenditures.

Increasing public interest in the budget process and access to decision- makers in parliament will enable citizens to make more education choices during the national elections and increase accountability of elected officials. The project should build off the previous FTIF-funded project and complement other mission programming, including USAID's work with the Access 2

Information (a2i) program, which aims to increase access to government data and services among the public.

Participants and Audiences:

Activity 1:

Working with the Ministry of Finance, the project will assist in re-launching and revamping the annual Citizen's Budget publication. The project will conduct focus groups and research to determine the most appropriate content, length, layout, and level of readability. Afterwards, the project will develop a standard for the production of the annual Citizen's Budget and ensure integration with existing Ministry of Finance systems so that the document can be produced quickly and efficiently during annual stakeholder budget discussions in June. The project will assist in launching and publicizing the revamped Citizen's Budget during the June 2019 budget cycle and conduct follow up assessments on the effectiveness and sustainability of the new document.

Activity 2:

In order to improve public input into the budget process, the project will assist in developing standard operating procedures for members of parliament on how to discuss the budget process with the public. The project will select a pilot group of 10 parliamentary districts and in each one, conduct an assessment of the public awareness of the budget process and ongoing interaction with the government or members of parliament on the budget process. During the

June budget process, the project will conduct stakeholder "town hall" discussions with public groups and the local members of parliament and other government decision-makers. At the end, the activity will produce standard operating procedures, including best practices, for members of parliament providing guidance on discussing the budget process with local stakeholders.

Activity 3:

Finally, the project will select a pilot group of ten local governments (at the upazila level) throughout Bangladesh to assist in creating a more detailed local budget snapshot. Similar to

Activity 1, the project will first conduct stakeholder discussions (including focus groups) with stakeholders from the local governments to identify priority issues for local government expenditures, revenue and other budgetary information. The project will then create a customized "local budget snapshot" publication that summarizes local government revenue

(including transfers from the central government), expenditures and other budgetary information in an easy to read layout and then help launch and publicize the document. The project will work with local political and government leaders to launch the new document. As with Activity

1, the new layout will aim to integrate the new publication with existing Ministry of Finance systems so that the publication can be created quickly and easily.

B. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION

Length of performance period: 18 months

Number of awards anticipated: 1 awards (dependent on amounts)

Award amounts: awards may range from a minimum of $100,000 to a maximum of $120,000

Total available funding: $120,000

Type of Funding: FY2017 Economic Support Funds

Anticipated program start date: July 2018

This notice is subject to availability of funding.

Funding Instrument Type: Grant.

Program Performance Period: Proposed programs should be completed in 18 months or less.

C. ELIGILIBITY INFORMATION

1. Eligible Applicants

The following organizations are eligible to apply:

U.S. and foreign not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks and civil society/non-governmental organizations

U.S. and foreign public and private educational institutions

Public International Organizations and Governmental institutions

2. Cost Sharing or Matching

Cost sharing is not required.

3. Other Eligibility Requirements

In order to be eligible to receive an award, all organizations must have a unique entity identifier

(Data Universal Numbering System/DUNS number from Dun & Bradstreet), as well as a valid registration on www.SAM.gov. Please see Section D.3 for information on how to obtain these registrations. Individuals are not required to have a unique entity identifier or be registered in

SAM.gov.

D. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

1. Address to Request Application Package

Application forms required below are available at:

https://bd.usembassy.gov/embassy/dhaka/american-center-dhaka-grants/

2. Content and Form of Application Submission

Please follow all instructions below carefully. Proposals that do not meet the requirements of this announcement or fail to comply with the stated requirements will be ineligible.

Content of Application

Please 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 documents are formatted to 8 ½ x 11 paper, and

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

The following documents are required:

1. Mandatory application forms

SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance – organizations) at: https://bd.usembassy.gov/embassy/dhaka/american-center-dhaka-grants/

SF424A (Budget Information for Non-Construction programs) at:

https://bd.usembassy.gov/embassy/dhaka/american-center-dhaka-grants/

SF424B (Assurances for Non-Construction programs) at

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

3. Proposal (10 pages maximum): The proposal should contain sufficient information that anyone not familiar with it would understand exactly what the applicant wants to do. 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 or Individual applying: A description of past and present operations, showing ability to carry out the program, including information on all previous grants from the U.S. Embassy and/or U.S. government agencies.

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

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

Program Activities: Describe the program activities 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. Include a logic model as appropriate.

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: Names, titles, roles and experience/qualifications of key personnel involved in the program. What proportion of their time will be used in support of this program?

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

Program Monitoring and Evaluation Plan: This is an important part of successful grants. Throughout the time-frame of the grant, how will the activities be monitored to ensure they are happening in a timely manner, and how will the program be evaluated to make sure it is meeting the goals of the grant?

Future Funding or Sustainability Applicant’s plan for continuing the program beyond the grant period, or the availability of other resources, if applicable.

4. Budget Justification Narrative: After filling out the SF-424A Budget (above), use a separate sheet of paper to describe each of the budget expenses in detail. See section H. Other

Information: Guidelines for Budget Submissions below for further information.

5. Attachments:

1-page CV or resume of key personnel who are proposed for the program

Letters of support from program partners 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 as a PDF file.

Official permission letters, if required for program activities

3. Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM.gov)

Required Registrations:

Any applicant listed on the Excluded Parties List System (EPLS) in the System for Award

Management (SAM) is not eligible to apply for an assistance award in accordance with the OMB 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.

All organizations applying for grants (except individuals) must obtain these registrations. All are free of charge:

Unique entity identifier from Dun & Bradstreet (DUNS number)

NCAGE/CAGE code www.SAM.gov registration

Step 1: Apply for a DUNS number and an NCAGE number (these can be completed simultaneously)

DUNS application: Organizations must have a Data Universal Numbering System (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

NCAGE application: Application page here:

https://eportal.nspa.nato.int/AC135Public/scage/CageList.aspx

Instructions for the NCAGE application process:

https://eportal.nspa.nato.int/AC135Public/Docs/US%20Instructions%20for%20NSPA%20NCA

GE.pdf

For NCAGE help from within the U.S., call 1-888-227-2423

For NCAGE help from outside the U.S., call 1-269-961-7766

Email NCAGE@dlis.dla.mil for any problems in getting an NCAGE code.

Step 2: After receiving the NCAGE Code, proceed to register in SAM.gov by logging onto:

https://www.sam.gov. SAM registration must be renewed annually.

4. Submission Dates and Times

Applications are due no later than June 20

5. Funding Restrictions

None.

6. Other Submission Requirements

All application materials must be submitted by email to: USTC-Dhaka@state.gov.

https://sam.gov/ https://sam.gov/ http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform 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 https://www.sam.gov/ mailto:USTC-Dhaka@state.gov

E. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

1. Criteria

Each application will be evaluated and rated on the basis of the evaluation criteria outlined below.

Quality and Feasibility of the Program Idea – 25 points: The program idea is well developed, with detail about how program activities will be carried out. The proposal includes a reasonable implementation timeline.

Organizational Capacity and Record on Previous Grants – 25 points: The organization has expertise in its stated field and has the internal controls in place to manage federal funds. This includes a financial management system and a bank account.

Program Planning/Ability to Achieve Objectives – 15 points: Goals and objectives are clearly stated and program approach is likely to provide maximum impact in achieving the proposed results.

Budget – 10 points: The budget justification is detailed. Costs are reasonable in relation to the proposed activities and anticipated results. The budget is realistic, accounting for all necessary expenses to achieve proposed activities.

Monitoring and evaluation plan – 15 points: Applicant demonstrates it is able to measure program success against key indicators and provides milestones to indicate progress toward goals outlined in the proposal. The program includes output and outcome indicators, and shows how and when those will be measured.

Sustainability – 10 points: Program activities will continue to have positive impact after the end of the program.

2. Review and Selection Process

A Grants Review Committee will evaluate all eligible applications.

3. Federal Awardee Performance & Integrity Information System (FAPIIS)

For any Federal award under a notice of funding opportunity, if the Federal awarding agency anticipates that the total Federal share will be greater than the simplified acquisition threshold on any Federal award under a notice of funding opportunity may include, over the period of performance (see §200.88 Simplified Acquisition Threshold), this section must also inform applicants:

i. That the Federal awarding agency, prior to making a Federal award with a total amount of

Federal share greater than the simplified acquisition threshold, is required to review and consider any information about the applicant that is in the designated integrity and performance system accessible through SAM (currently FAPIIS) (see 41 U.S.C. 2313);

ii. That an applicant, at its option, may review information in the designated integrity and performance systems accessible through SAM and comment on any information about itself that a Federal awarding agency previously entered and is currently in the designated integrity and performance system accessible through SAM;

iii. That the Federal awarding agency will consider any comments by the applicant, in addition to the other information in the designated integrity and performance system, in making a judgment about the applicant's integrity, business ethics, and record of performance under Federal awards when completing the review of risk posed by applicants as described in §200.205 Federal awarding agency review of risk posed by applicants.

F. FEDERAL AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION

1. Federal Award Notices

The grant award or cooperative agreement will be written, signed, awarded, and administered by the Grants Officer. The assistance award agreement is the authorizing document and it will be provided to the recipient for review and signature by email. The recipient may only start incurring program expenses beginning on the start date shown on the grant award document signed by the Grants Officer.

If a proposal is selected for funding, the Department of State has no obligation to provide any additional future funding. Renewal of an award to increase funding or extend the period of performance is at the discretion of the Department of State.

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 proposals. Further, the U.S. government reserves the right to reject any or all proposals received.

Payment Method: Payment via Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) is preferable. Recipient will be asked to provide necessary bank information. Payments will be made in four intervals: at start, 6 months, 12 months, and 18 months marks.

2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

Terms and Conditions: Before submitting an application, applicants should review all the terms and conditions and required certifications which will apply to this award, to ensure that they will be able to comply. These include:

2 CFR 200, 2 CFR 600, Certifications and Assurances, and the Department of State Standard

Terms and Conditions, all of which are available at:

https://www.statebuy.state.gov/fa/pages/home.aspx

Note the U.S Flag branding and marking requirements in the Standard Terms and Conditions.

3. Reporting

Reporting Requirements: Recipients will be required to submit financial reports and program reports. The award document will specify how often these reports must be submitted.

Recipients will be asked to provide financial and program reports every at the 6 month and 12 month marks, in addition to a final program and financial report.

G. FEDERAL AWARDING AGENCY CONTACTS

If you have any questions about the grant application process, please contact: Leonila Zamora-

Cosper at: USTC-Dhaka@state.gov.

H. OTHER INFORMATION

Guidelines for Budget Justification Personnel and Fringe Benefits: Describe the wages, salaries, and benefits of temporary or permanent staff who will be working directly for the applicant on the program, and the percentage of their time that will be spent on the program.

Travel: Estimate the costs of travel and per diem for this program, for program staff, consultants or speakers, and participants/beneficiaries. If the program involves international travel, include a brief statement of justification for that travel.

Equipment: Describe any machinery, furniture, or other personal property that is required for the program, which has a useful life of more than one year (or a life longer than the duration of the program), and costs at least $5,000 per unit.

Supplies: List and describe all the items and materials, including any computer devices, that are needed for the program. If an item costs more than $5,000 per unit, then put it in the budget under Equipment.

Contractual: Describe goods and services that the applicant plans to acquire through a contract with a vendor. Also describe any sub-awards to non-profit partners that will help carry out the program activities.

Other Direct Costs: Describe other costs directly associated with the program, which do not fit in the other categories. For example, shipping costs for materials and equipment or applicable taxes. All “Other” or “Miscellaneous” expenses must be itemized and explained.

https://www.statebuy.state.gov/fa/pages/home.aspx mailto:USTC-Dhaka@state.gov

Indirect Costs: These are costs that cannot be linked directly to the program activities, such as overhead costs needed to help keep the organization operating. If your organization has a

Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate (NICRA) and includes NICRA charges in the budget, attach a copy of your latest NICRA. Organizations that have never had a NICRA may request indirect costs of 10% of the modified total direct costs as defined in 2 CFR 200.68.

“Cost Sharing” refers to contributions from the organization or other entities other than the U.S.

Embassy. It also includes in-kind contributions such as volunteers’ time and donated venues.

Alcoholic Beverages: Please note that award funds cannot be used for alcoholic beverages.