2021 TL Recruitment NOFO Final_5.3.2021.docx

U.S. Department of State Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs Office of Assistance Coordination Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 19.500 Tomorrow’s Leaders Undergraduate and Graduate Recruitment (TLR) Program Opportunity Number:

Key Information:

Announcement Type: New

Funding Opportunity Synopsis

The Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs, Office of Assistance Coordination (NEA/AC) announces a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the recruitment of prospective students for the Tomorrow’s Leaders Undergraduate (TLU) and Tomorrow’s Leaders Graduate (TLG) program. Tomorrow’s Leaders (TL) is a leadership development program that provides scholarships for students from countries in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) to attend American, nonprofit, higher education institutions based in the MENA region and accredited by a U.S. Department of Education-recognized regional accreditation body.

TL is an innovative leadership training opportunity that aims to build a cadre of professional leaders who are civic-minded, intellectually capable, and professionally skilled to become the community, business, and national leaders of the future. This project fulfills Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) strategic framework objectives to: a) provide socioeconomically disadvantaged individuals with opportunities to build leadership skills, and effectively engage with civil society, the private sector, and/or government actors; and b) increase workforce employability and improve access to higher-value opportunities through demand-driven professional training and targeted and localized job placement, primarily in the private sector. This project contributes to Bureau Goal 3 in the Joint Regional Strategy for the Middle East and North Africa by promoting inclusive economic growth and socioeconomic development.

All applications must be submitted in English. Complete information on how applicants can submit proposals for this opportunity can be found in Section VI below.

Applicants should read this NOFO in its entirety before writing their proposal, and should refer to the full Evaluation Criteria provided in Section VIII while drafting all materials.

Eligible Countries and Territories

Eligible applicants include U.S.-based nonprofits or foreign-based nongovernmental organizations with experience in the Middle East and North Africa. This does not include institutions of higher education.

Successful applicants will use innovative and cost-effective approaches to meet the needs and opportunities of students in the MENA region. Program participants are expected to come from countries throughout the Middle East and North Africa region.

Background Information about NEA/AC

The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs, Office of Assistance Coordination (NEA/AC) offers Federal assistance to groups and individuals striving to bring about positive change in the Middle East and North Africa. The Assistance Coordination Office works in 20 countries and territories, partnering with governments, civil society organizations (CSOs), community leaders, youth and women activists, and private sector groups to advance their efforts. Competitively selected projects aim to foster participatory governance, economic reform, and educational advancement in response to local interest and needs.

Table of Contents

APPENDICES (Posted with NOFO)

APPENDIX 1— Budget Sample Template and Budget Narrative Guidance APPENDIX 2— Logic Model Template APPENDIX 3— Application Guidance APPENDIX 4— LOE Table Template APPENDIX 5—Results Monitoring Plan (RMP)

FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

The Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs, Office of Assistance Coordination (NEA/AC) announces a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the Tomorrow’s Leaders Recruitment (TLR) project, part of the Tomorrow’s Leaders (TL) program, a leadership development program that provides scholarships for approximately 40 qualified, diverse, underserved students from MENA countries to attend American, nonprofit, higher education institutions based in the MENA region and accredited by a U.S. Department of Education-recognized regional accreditation body.

The Tomorrow’s Leaders program provides scholarships for students at the American University of Beirut (AUB), the Lebanese American University (LAU), the American University in Cairo (AUC), and any additional qualifying American universities that NEA/AC may add to the Tomorrow’s Leaders program. The primary objective of the Tomorrow’s Leaders program is to build a cadre of leaders who are civic-minded, intellectually able, and professionally skilled, to become the community, business, and national leaders of the future. The program intends to nurture leadership skills and the spirit of civic engagement and volunteerism among participating university-age students at U.S.-accredited institutions. Eligible students include men and women who represent the region’s cultural, religious, and geographic diversity; they should come from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds and be able to gain admission to a U.S.-accredited university in the MENA region, but unable to afford the cost.

PROBLEM STATEMENT

Demographic projections reveal that the MENA region’s youth population (up to 24 years old) will surge by about 10 million between 2015 and 2030. This bulge in the youth population will create increased demand for educational services at all levels and will place pressure on existing educational institutions to advance the potential of the region. MENA youth are also set to face growing challenges accessing employment. Starting in 2018, MEPI began to transform the Tomorrow’s Leaders program to “upskill” the region’s increasing youth population and to better align with MEPI’s evidence-based and results-oriented approach to prepare participants for a future of change and new opportunities in nontraditional sectors.

Progressively raising education rates in the region across a diverse cross-section of the MENA population can positively contribute to medium-term stability. Expanding opportunities for underrepresented or economically disadvantaged students to continue development in their fields, including expanding education and obtaining substantial advanced practical experience, will further their capacity to be community and business leaders and compete at a regional level. Generally, graduate education increases job opportunities with higher salaries, offers intellectual stimulation, raises potential contributions to society, and provides the skills and ability to pursue a meaningful career in a competitive global market.

Recruitment is an important part of the Tomorrow’s Leaders program. Using their knowledge of and experience with youth in eligible countries, the selected implementer organizes and manages all the recruitment and nomination of student candidates in their respective countries.

The Tomorrow’s Leaders program aims to recruit scholarship candidates who demonstrate the ability to become future leaders in the region who will work collaboratively across differences in gender, ethnicity, religion, political views, and socioeconomic status. Therefore identifying, tracking, and reporting these variables is important to ensure that our programs reach out to underprivileged communities and individuals and seek their economic empowerment and sociopolitical inclusion. MEPI and Embassies in the region continue to stay engaged with alumni of the Tomorrow’s Leaders program to leverage skills and networks cultivated by participants of the program to support mutual U.S. and regional security, economic and governance objectives.

ACHIEVABLE OBJECTIVES

Undergraduate Recruitment (in support of the Tomorrow’s Leaders Undergraduate program): Recruit diverse, socioeconomically disadvantaged, and academically qualified high school students from Middle Eastern and North African countries who possess the qualities to become a cadre of civic-minded, intellectually able, and professionally skilled university students. Ensure that the students possess leadership potential and the spirit of civic engagement, volunteerism, and tolerance.

Graduate Recruitment (in support of the Tomorrow’s Leaders Graduate program): Recruit diverse, socioeconomically disadvantaged, and geographically varied students who demonstrate academic merits; leadership potential; civic engagement, volunteerism, and tolerance.

PROJECT DESIGN

The successful applicant for this NOFO should demonstrate the capacity to manage recruitment of students from participating countries across the Middle East and North Africa. Recruitment includes publicizing scholarship opportunities via the internet, social media, and other relevant electronic media, in close coordination with NEA/AC and U.S. Embassies. The applicant will serve as the liaison with university partners to ensure application materials meet university standards and establish a mechanism for submission and review of program applications. The applicant will also develop recruitment guidelines, timelines and benchmarks, as well as support registration and preparation for all standardized tests required for admissions.

Applicant should propose a methodology to collect socioeconomic status (SES) data to serve three purposes: a) help MEPI make better decisions regarding selection of future awardees, b) develop a better understanding of the population that MEPI projects reach, and c) share the human element in the stories of applicants.

Applicant must propose in detail how testing fees and other costs associated with applying to, and traveling to, the scholarship program, will be handled given the students’ socioeconomic status.

NEA/AC will specify minimum recruitment and acceptance quotas for each country. The successful applicant must recruit at least four times as many qualified applicants as the number of scholarships and interview at least two applicants for each scholarship spot. Recruited participants should include a diverse gender-balanced cohort of socioeconomically disadvantaged students from across the MENA region; at least 50% of qualified applicants must be women. U.S. Embassy staff will participate in the interviews arranged by the successful applicant. Final selections of nominations are subject to U.S. Embassy approval. Interviews should be recorded and made available via a secure online portal so that NEA/AC and university partners can view the interviews.

Applicant must develop a database with a centralized, real-time website, and calendar where NEA/AC, Embassies, and other stakeholders can access details of all of the outreach/recruitment activities in each country, including scheduled dates and actual completion dates. The database should include the interview panel dates for each country, the dates for providing applications to posts and other partners, the dates of any in-person outreach events, and other activities. In addition, the database should include all promotional materials that will be added for NEA/AC and Embassy review and approval. Promotional materials should be available in English, Arabic, and French. This database will allow NEA/AC to see in real-time what the requests are and provide feedback/approvals as needed.

Applicant must make applications available to prospective participants to apply for the scholarship online or through a mobile app. That information must then be easily accessed by U.S. Embassy staff, university partners, and other approved stakeholders who wish to review student applications online.

Applicant must ensure student applications including related document uploads (except for Tawjihi scores) are complete by the time of the applicant’s deadline for sharing applications with the universities. TOEFL, IELTS, and SAT scores will be uploaded as they become available.

Applicant must maintain a database of applicants, accessible to NEA/AC, and capable of responding quickly and comprehensively to data, information, and analysis requests made by NEA/AC.

Applicant might be required to arrange and pay for travel from home to the universities for students in conflict countries (Iraq, Libya, Syria, and Yemen). Travel for students from non-conflict countries will be arranged by the universities.

In addition, at a minimum, the applicant will be required to conduct data analysis at the end of year one, if not earlier, to review if the program is meeting objectives (including socioeconomic status, geographic distribution, etc.), and make recommendations for recruitment modifications in future years. The successful applicant will also be required to respond to regular data calls from NEA/AC. It is anticipated that data calls would be requested at least monthly. Examples of data calls include requests for statistics on number of past applicants in a certain category, status of students, etc.

Undergraduate Recruitment A successful project will result in the following:

1. Developing specific plans to recruit qualified candidates through a range of recruitment methods, including in-person events where possible, publication of information in press outlets, and online websites and social networking platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp, SMS, etc., and other relevant online forms that must be attached to the application and include—

a. Written guidelines manual for the recruitment/selection process to NEA/AC for approval, which will be maintained/updated on an ongoing basis in consultation with NEA/AC and partner universities.

b. Country-by-country on-line recruitment plan to include recruitment of participants from other DOS English programs (ex: Access English, YES program, etc.) for NEA/AC and U.S. Embassies’ approval.

c. Rubrics/guidelines for assessing socioeconomic status in each country.

d. Plan to demonstrate how refugees, individuals displaced by conflict, and others from conflict countries will be recruited and supported throughout the recruitment/selection process.

e. Plan for addressing gender parity in recruiting.

2. Coordinating with TLU implementing universities in selection of socioeconomically disadvantaged and geographically diverse student applicants who can succeed in completing undergraduate level degrees from American, nonprofit, higher education institutions based in the MENA region and accredited by a U.S. Department of Education-recognized regional accreditation body.

3. Organizing kick-off call with any new and returning TL university partners, participating embassies, and NEA/AC (to discuss best practices and lessons learned, review timeline, and collect information on the university’s eligibility requirements).

4. Selecting participants and alternates willing and able to successfully complete their programs of study, including the ability to benefit from the following:

a. Receive professional mentoring.

b. Complete internships with civil society organizations, research institutes, businesses, and/or nongovernmental organizations.

c. Increase their understanding of how to be effective civic and/or business leaders.

d. Develop soft skills to compete in the workforce.

e. Complete a U.S.-based study abroad semester.

f. Develop awareness of gender issues in the MENA region and work to improve inclusive civic engagement with the goals of amplifying female voices, encouraging female participation in political and economic life, and encourage women’s participation in the workforce.

g. After graduation, become members of the Department of State alumni community and the MEPI Alumni Connection in particular, which provides access to mentoring, networking, activities, and the MEPI Alumni Venture Fund.

5. Promoting the Tomorrow’s Leaders Undergraduate program and the opportunity it presents for prospective undergraduate students online, as described above. This includes full support for prospective applicants who may reach out to ask questions.

6. Supporting prospective applicants with information about possible programs of study and minimum admissions requirements of the TLU implementing universities, including academic performance and credentials evaluations, standardized tests, minimum English language proficiency, how to complete required applications, etc.

7. Providing funds for costs of application fees, standardized exams, and other expenses affiliated with successful university applications.

8. Proposing and implementing a methodology to collect and analyze socioeconomic status.

9. Coordinating with TLU implementing universities to understand their programs of study and support admissions criteria.

10. Collecting and organizing information, official transcripts, and test scores from applicants to develop preliminary lists of scholarship recipients and waitlisted recipients. The information will also meet the needs of TLU implementing universities.

11. Conducting online interviews to include recording and saving video of the interview.

12. Conducting counterterrorist vetting of all selected interviewees in compliance with Executive Order 13224.

13. Transmitting information about finalists and alternates (applications, supporting documentation, panelist evaluations and recorded interviews) to the universities to review and to make admissions decisions.

14. Following up with applicants to encourage quick responses to the universities and notify applicants who were not selected.

15. Developing a college preparatory and leadership workshop, as well as pre-departure orientation for all selected students.

16. Enrolling students in supplemental English language classes and providing clear instruction plans on the design of this deliverable.

17. Starting student recruitment in 2022 to enable students to be enrolled in 2023.

Graduate Recruitment

1. Developing specific plans to recruit qualified candidates through a range of recruitment methods, including in-person events where possible, publication of information in press outlets, and online websites and social networking platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp, SMS, etc., and other relevant online forums that must be attached to the application and include—

a. Written guidelines manual for the recruitment/selection process to NEA/AC for approval, which will be maintained/updated on an ongoing basis in consultation with NEA/AC and partner universities.

b. Country-by-country on-line recruitment plan, for NEA/AC and U.S. Embassies approval.

c. Rubrics/guidelines for assessing socioeconomic status in each country.

d. Plan to demonstrate how refugees, individuals displaced by conflict, and others from conflict countries will be recruited and supported throughout the recruitment/selection process.

e. Plan for addressing gender parity in recruiting.

2. Coordinating with TLG implementing universities in selection of socioeconomically disadvantaged and geographically diverse student applicants who can succeed in completing graduate-level degrees from American, nonprofit, higher education institutions based in the MENA region and accredited by a U.S. Department of Education-recognized regional accreditation body.

3. Selecting participants and alternates willing and able to successfully complete their programs of study, including the ability to benefit from the following:

a. Receive professional mentoring.

b. Complete internships with civil society organizations, research institutes, businesses, and/or nongovernmental organizations.

c. Increase their understanding of how to be effective civic and/or business leaders.

d. Develop soft skills to compete in the workforce.

e. Develop awareness of gender issues in the MENA region and work to improve inclusive civic engagement with the goals of amplifying female voices, encouraging female participation in political and economic life, and encourage women’s participation in the workforce.

f. After graduation, become engaged citizens of their country who participate and lead civic engagement and social entrepreneurial activities.

4. Supporting prospective applicants with information about possible programs of study and minimum admissions requirements of the TLG implementing universities, including academic performance and credentials evaluations, standardized tests, minimum English language proficiency, how to complete required applications, etc.

5. Providing funds for costs of application fees, standardized exams, and other expenses affiliated with successful university applications.

6. Proposing and implementing a methodology to collect and analyze socioeconomic status.

7. Coordinating with TLG implementing universities to understand their programs of study and support admissions criteria.

8. Collecting and organizing information, official transcripts, and test scores from applicants to develop preliminary lists of scholarship recipients and waitlisted recipients. The information will also meet the needs of TLG implementing universities.

9. Conducting online interviews to include recording and saving video of the interview.

10. Conducting anti-terrorist vetting of all selected interviewees in compliance with Executive Order 13224.

11. Transmitting information about finalists and alternates (applications, supporting documentation, panelist evaluations and recorded interviews) to the universities to review and to make admissions decisions.

12. Following up with applicants to encourage quick responses to the universities and notify applicants who were not selected.

13. Conducting pre-departure orientations for participants to review the program goals and expectations.

14. Assist students in making airline ticket and visa arrangements as needed.

Note: Applicants should read this NOFO in its entirety before writing their proposal and should refer to the full Evaluation Criteria provided in Section VIII while drafting all materials.

Stocktaking and Management Meetings

Annual Stocktaking Sessions and Management Meeting Timeline: MEPI plans to host annual stocktaking sessions and management meetings with TL implementing institutions, as well as implementing organizations for study abroad and recruitment. Stocktaking sessions will include staff, faculty, and leadership. Applicants should budget annually for up to five (5) participants to attend this in-person event for three days.

The following activities and costs are NOT ALLOWED under this announcement:

· Exchange activities with other countries or territories;

· Social welfare projects;

· Paying to complete activities begun with other funds;

· Activities that appear partisan or that support individual or party electoral campaigns;

· Academic or analytical research (if not necessary as part of a larger project);

· One-time events, such as standalone conferences and one-off round tables except as otherwise included in the requirements;

· Medical and psychological research and clinical studies;

· Projects of a commercial or profit-making nature;

· Cultural presentations, cultural research, cultural clubs, or festivals, etc.; and

· Entertainment costs (e.g., receptions, social activities, ceremonies, alcoholic beverages, guided tours, etc.).

NOTE: Applications that include any of these activities or costs above may be eliminated at the Technical Eligibility Review stage and will not advance to the Merit Review Panel.

GENDER INTEGRATION

NEA/AC requires that all activities fully address gender considerations, ensuring that both men and women benefit from support where applicable, and that gender awareness is a built-in component of project activities. This should be documented through gender analysis in the project narrative that identifies any relevant gender gaps and ways the proposed activities will address those gaps. Proposals should demonstrate how addressing relevant gender gaps will enhance the project’s goals and objectives. Applicants who are unfamiliar with integrating gender in foreign assistance programing should view the training video located here: https://encompassworld.com/elearningfiles/DOS/DOS_Gender_Integration_E-Course/story_html5.html.

DEFINITIONS

N/A

MEASUREMENT OF RESULTS

The proposal should articulate a clear, measurable, relevant, and realistic set of objectives that the project aims to achieve over the lifetime of the award. Without a well-articulated set of project objectives, it is difficult to objectively assess project success. Project objectives should be distinct from the application’s proposed activities.

The application should also include an informed analysis of the specific problem the proposed project seeks to address, propose a strong idea to address the issues identified, and appraise the potential results that the project seeks to achieve. Applicants may provide a logic model or theory of change to demonstrate how the proposed project (including activities, the project design, and the surrounding context) will achieve or contribute to the stated objectives and explain the longer-term impact that is anticipated beyond the period of performance. A logic model or theory of change statements can be generated using the template in Appendix II. Please note these documents are optional. Please see Section VI below for more information.

Applicants are required to include a Results Monitoring Plan (RMP) in their application. The purpose of the Results Monitoring Plan (RMP) is to describe how the proposed project will capture and measure data that demonstrates progress toward achieving the specific objectives of the proposed project. The RMP may also include project-specific sub-objectives (i.e. project outcomes). Please see Appendix 5 for the RMP template.

The RMP will be judged based on the following elements:

1. Well-defined objectives: Do the objectives provide a clear statement of what the project specifically plans to achieve? Objectives should be specific, measurable, achievable, realistic (achievable), and time-bound. Objectives should be project specific and contribute towards the overall goals of the Tomorrow’s Leaders Program and MEPI.

1. Well-defined qualitative and quantitative indicators: Indicators should objectively measure project progress towards achieving the application’s proposed objectives. To this end, applicants may include both output and outcome indicators. Indicators should be Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound (SMART). Indicators must all contribute towards an objective measurement of progress towards achieving project objectives. Applicants should not include indicators that simply track progress towards project milestones, deliverables, or activities.

1. Data collection and analysis: How (and how often) will you collect and present indicator data and analysis to show progress toward the project objectives? Data collection methods should be detailed and realistic.

1. Monitoring and reporting: How will you monitor and assess results during the implementation of the project to adapt to changes on the ground and maintain progress? Do you plan to conduct or manage any internal or external evaluations?

Applicants should consider including one or more of the following example objectives, depending on the proposed project:

· Undergraduate Recruitment (in support of the Tomorrow’s Leaders Undergraduate program): Recruit diverse, socioeconomically disadvantaged, and academically qualified high school students from Middle Eastern and North African countries who possess the qualities to become a cadre of civic-minded, intellectually able, and professionally skilled university students. Ensure that the students possess leadership potential and the spirit of civic engagement, volunteerism, and tolerance.

· Graduate Recruitment (in support of the Tomorrow’s Leaders Graduate program): Recruit diverse, socioeconomically disadvantaged, and geographically varied students who demonstrate academic merits; leadership potential; civic engagement, volunteerism, and tolerance.

The quality and feasibility of the proposed RMP will be among the elements on which applications are evaluated (See Part VIII for more information). More information about preparing the RMP can be found in Appendix 5.

As part of the negotiation process, successful applicants will work with the NEA/AC program and Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) teams to finalize their RMP (including adding standard indicators) based on their proposal in order to ensure the RMP meets the above-mentioned standards. The successful applicant(s) will be responsible for collecting data against these indicators listed in the RMP, which will be monitored throughout the period of performance of the award to gauge necessary modifications to the project’s design and assess the results of the project’s success in meeting expected outcomes. At the minimum, successful applicants will be required to submit quarterly reports against the RMP.

In addition to quarterly reports, all projects funded as a result of this NOFO will be required to complete a mid-term and final evaluation. The mid-term and final evaluation assess the period of performance to date for the project. Both the mid-term and final evaluations will have the technical support from the NEA/AC M&E team.

Award Information

Funding Mechanism Type: Cooperative Agreement

Estimated Number of Awards: 1

Estimated Total Program Funding: $5,000,000

Estimated Base Year Award Ceiling $400,000

Estimated Base Year Award Floor:

$300,000

Cost-Sharing or Matching: Encouraged; NOT Required

Estimated Length of Project Period: 5 Years

Contingent on the availability of funds, approximately 5,000,000 in Economic Support Funds for approximately one (1) award will be awarded through this announcement. If selected to receive an award, an applicant will be awarded funds for up to one year depending on the activities and countries proposed. The estimated start date for this project is August 1, 2021. NEA/AC reserves the right to award more or less than the estimated program funding and reserves the right to award funding under this announcement for a period of up to two years after the announcement’s close date.

This request for full applications does not constitute an award or commitment on the part of the U.S. Government to make any awards, nor does it commit the U.S. Government to pay for costs incurred in the preparation and submission of an application.

Non-Competing Continuation

Continuation grants funded under these awards, beyond the initial budget period, will be contingent upon the availability of funds; grantee’s progress in meeting grant requirements, including timely submission of required reports and compliance with all terms and conditions of the award; timely submission of a request for additional funding; and a determination that continued funding would be in the best interest of the Department of State.

Pending successful implementation of this project for the initial estimated length of time as indicated above, and pending the availability of funds in subsequent fiscal years, NEA/AC may extend this grant for additional time, not to exceed a five (5) year total project period. Please note that this NOFO requires that applicants submit additional budget materials to plan for potential out-years of non-competing continuations. See Section VI Application and Submission Information for more details.

SUBSTANTIAL INVOLVEMENT

NEA/AC shall be involved in the program and management performance of these cooperative agreements through consultation and technical collaboration on specified program activities.

NEA/AC Responsibilities

· Collaboration in establishing annual program objectives and approval of an annual work plan;

· Collaboration in assessing progress and identifying issues that might affect the success of the program;

· Collaboration in determining selection criteria for beneficiaries;

· Collaboration in determining corrective actions, when necessary;

· Approval of key personnel and any subsequent changes in the positions during the life of the award;

· Collaboration in the creation of any training materials;

· Ensuring consistency in key personnel qualifications and job descriptions across all implementing partners and approving universities’ selection criteria;

· Approval of annual program eligibility requirements;

· Approval over student selections; and

· Approval of security, risk mitigation, & contingency plans.

ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

All applicants will be screened by NEA/AC to determine whether they meet all of the program eligibility requirements detailed below.

NOTE: Applications that do not demonstrate that they meet all of the eligibility requirements in Section A and Section B will not advance past the Technical Eligibility Review stage and may be deemed ineligible for funding under this announcement. Nothing can be added to an application once the competition deadline has passed.

1. ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS

Eligible applicants include—

· U.S. or foreign

· Nonprofit organizations;

· For-profit organizations;

· Public international organizations; and

· Small businesses with function and regional experience in MENA.

A.1. Prime Applicant

To be considered for funding under this opportunity, applicants SHALL:

Meet ALL of the registration requirements listed in Part B below.

Meet any requirements listed as MANDATORY in Part C, Additional Eligibility Considerations, below.

A.2. Local Partners A partnership is defined as a negotiated arrangement among organizations or individuals that defines substantive, collaborative roles for each of the partners in planning and implementing a project. IF proposing partners, applicants must provide the following in their submission:

· Describe how the partner(s) will contribute to the objectives of the project;

· Detail how the partner(s) has been involved in the project design at the proposal stage;

· Clearly define the roles and responsibilities of the partner(s) in the implementation of the project, project evaluation, and project sustainability relative to the lead applicant’s;

· Provide a description of the organization (including a link to its website) as well as specific examples of its experience working in the proposed content area(s);

· Explain how the applicant organization will provide programmatic oversight and support to the partner(s); and

· Provide a letter of intent or letter of agreement from the prospective partner(s) detailing how they will collaborate with the applicant organization on the proposed project.

In addition, applicants who propose working with sub-grant(s), must describe in both the program and budget narratives how the sub-grant(s) will be managed, monitored, and evaluated to ensure compliance with project objectives and Federal regulations.

REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS

To apply for NEA/AC (Federal) funding, organizations, whether based in or outside the United States, must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) number, currently referred to as a DUNS number, and an active account with the System for Award Management (SAM). Applicants who do not meet all registration requirements are NOT eligible for funding under the opportunity.

UEI Number

The UEI number is a nine-digit number established and assigned by Dun and Bradstreet, Inc. (D&B) to uniquely identify business entities.

All applicants must have a UEI number. To obtain a UEI number, please follow the steps below:

· Go to http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform/pages/CCRSearch.jsp.

· Select the country or territory where your organization is physically located.

· Complete and submit the form. Organizations will need to provide basic information, including physical and mailing addresses, name and title of the chief executive, primary Standard Industrial Code (SIC) (https://www.osha.gov/pls/imis/sic_manual.html), and annual revenue.

For technical difficulties in obtaining this number, please contact D&B at: govt@dnb.com.

System for Award Management (SAM)

SAM is a U.S. Government-wide registry of vendors doing business with the Federal government and requires annual renewal. The system centralizes information about grant applicants/recipients, and provides a central location for grant applicants/recipients to change organizational information.

Further, each applicant must maintain an active account, with current information, while its application is under consideration for funding. To keep an active SAM.gov account, an applicant must renew it at least once each year. If an organization’s account expires, the organization cannot submit a grant application until it is renewed.

To create a new account, please follow the steps below:

· Go to http://www.sam.gov.

· Log In to complete authentication and create an account. On the My SAM page, select Entity Registrations from the sub-navigation menu and select Register New Entity.

Organizations must have a UEI number and a CAGE number (U.S. Domestic Organizations) or a NCAGE number (Foreign Organizations), to create an account.

Complete and submit the online form. If the applying organization already has the necessary information on hand (see the SAM Quick Start Guide for Grant Registration: (https://sam.gov/SAM/transcript/Quick_Guide_for_Grants_Registrations.pdf), the online form takes approximately one hour to complete, depending upon the size and complexity of the applying entity. Because of the different steps in the process, it might take anywhere from 12 - 15 business days to complete the process of creating an account with the system.

For help with SAM.gov, please visit their support page at https://www.fsd.gov or contact them at: 866-606-8220 (U.S.) or +1-334-206-7828 (international).

ADDITIONAL ELIGIBILITY CONSIDERATIONS

Cost-Sharing or Matching There is no minimum or maximum percentage required for this competition. However, NEA/AC encourages applicants to provide maximum levels of cost sharing and funding in support of its programs.

Cost-sharing or matching is not an evaluation criteria of this NOFO.

APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

1. APPLICATION DOCUMENTS

All applications must include the application components detailed below. All application documents must be submitted in English. Applicants may submit only one application. Please refer to Section B below for additional submissions guidance and requirements.

NOTE: Applications that do not include all the required documentation described in Section 1 below will not advance past the Technical Eligibility Review stage. Further, applications that exceed the allowable page limits will not be reviewed by the review panel. Applicants may not add any materials to an application once it has been submitted and the competition deadline has passed.

A.1. Required Documents

Federal Assistance Application Forms (SF-424, SF424a, and SF-424b)

Applicants must complete each of these forms online to be considered for funding. The SF-424B is only required for those applicants who a) have not registered in SAM.gov or b) have not recertified their registration in SAM.gov since February 20, 2020.

If an organization has an active registration in SAM.gov that was either created or updated on or after 2/20/2020, then the applicant does NOT need to submit the SF-424B because their registration or recertification will have included the necessary information.

Guidance on how to complete the SF-424 and SF424a is provided in Appendix 3. NOTE: In addition to following all guidance outlined below regarding application materials, applicants are strongly encouraged to review the Application Evaluation Criteria section of this NOFO closely as they prepare their proposal. The Evaluation Criteria section is the rubric by which each application will be scored.

Project Narrative:

The Project Narrative describes the efforts the applicant will undertake to address the priorities and goals of this announcement. It may be no longer than 25 pages. The following should be included in the narrative:

a) Description of how students will be recruited.

b) Table of contents and calendar for student outreach, proposed online presentations, and group advising sessions. Proposed activities should include a brief description.

c) Plan for an annual student satisfaction survey.

d) A plan to increase communication and coordination with TL implementing universities and other partners. This plan should include an annual staking session and management meeting in a TBD MENA location.

e) Plan for addressing gender parity in recruiting.

f) Country by country recruitment plan (may be an attachment that does not count toward the page limit). Rubrics/guidelines for assessing socioeconomic status in each country (to be included as attachments that do not count against the page limit) Budget & Budget Narrative Submission:

Applicants must provide the following four elements as part of their budget submission:

· Summary Budget

· Detailed Line Item Budget

· LOE Table

· Budget Narrative

A detailed budget for 12 months is required as well as a notional budget for four additional out (option) years, with each option period being one year. Each of the three option periods should be their own detailed tab within the budget.

There is no page limit for this section of an application. A sample fillable template can be found in Appendix 1. This template includes three tabs: The first tab includes written guidance on preparing the Budget Narrative. Applicants are strongly encouraged to create their Budget Narrative in Word and submit as either a Word Doc or PDF file. Please note that the Budget Narrative should include designations of who is considered Key Personnel for this project. As defined in the Department of State Standard Terms and Conditions (for assistance awards, Key Personnel means, “…key professional, including key professionals working in field offices, and supervisory personnel; i.e., the members of the professional staff in a program supervisory position engaged for or assigned to duties under the award.” The second tab has the template for the Summary Budget. This tab will auto-fill as you complete the Detailed Line Item Budget, which can be found on the third tab. The third tab is where you can fill in the template for the Detailed Line Item Budget as stated above. NOTE: Applicants are strongly encouraged to use the same format as provided in the template, and to submit summary and detailed line item budgets in Excel form, and the Budget Narrative as either a PDF or Word file. If the applicant does not use the template, the applicant must ensure that their submission includes all elements outlined in the sample. The template, which includes more detailed instructions, can be found in Appendix 1. Applicants are strongly encouraged to review Appendix 1 before preparing their Budget and Budget Narrative.

Results Monitoring Plan

A Results Monitoring Plan (RMP) describes the measures proposed by an applicant to capture and demonstrate progress toward achieving the objectives of the proposed project. Please see the “II. Measurement of Results” above for further guidance. The quality and feasibility of the proposed RMP will be among the elements on which applications are evaluated. More information about preparing this RMP can be found in Appendix 5. NOTE: Applicants are strongly encouraged to use the same format as found in the sample (Appendix 5). If the applicant does not use the template, the applicant must ensure that their submission includes all elements outlined in the sample. The RMP should be submitted as a separate document and has no page limit.

Project Timeline

Applicants must provide an overall breakdown of the order and timeframe in which all project activities will take place. This item should provide a macro snapshot of what will take place from beginning to end of the project. Applicants must ensure that the timeline of activities/events corresponds with details provided in the Project Narrative and Logic Model/Theory of Change. This section may not exceed 2 pages.

Job Descriptions/Biographical Info for Key Personnel Positions

For each position designated as key personnel for this project, applicants must provide the following:

1. If the position is already filled: Provide brief biographical information summarizing the person’s qualifications, as well as a brief description of the roles or responsibilities pertaining to this project.

OR

2. If the person to fill a key position has not yet been hired: Provide a brief summary of the job description, which should include a description of the roles and responsibilities pertaining to this project, as well as a description of qualifications of eligible candidates.

NOTE: If an applicant is proposing sub-grant partner(s) as part of their project design, Key Personnel/Positions of the sub-grantee must also be included. This section of the application may not exceed 5 pages.

Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement

Applicants proposing indirect costs in the Budget greater than a 10% de minimis rate must provide a copy of their Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA). This item will not be counted toward any page limits.

A.2. Optional Documents

Applicants may submit additional documents for consideration with their application. These documents are not required and there is a 10-page limit for this section of the application. Below are examples of some additional documents an applicant may wish to submit.

1. Letters of Agreement or Letters of Intent: Applicants proposing partner organizations and/or government bodies should include Letters of Intent or Letters of Agreement from their proposed partners.

2. Organizational Chart: The organizational chart outlines the clear lines of responsibility and authority in the applicant organization to include budgeted level of effort listed by each person.

3. Sustainability Plan: The sustainability plan outlines how the proposed project will be sustained beyond the initial award period. More information on preparing the Sustainability Plan is provided in Appendix 3. Sustainability Plans may not exceed 2 pages.

4. Security, Risk Mitigation, & Contingency Planning Summary: This item should provide detail regarding the applicant’s intended due diligence to assess and mitigate risks, and put in place adequate security measures to ensure the safety and well-being of project staff, participants, and partners, if applicable. This should include specific actions by the applicant to ensure risks are adequately and routinely assessed, and that security measures are commensurate with operational concerns specific to the locale. The applicant should also include a contingency plan that highlights potential challenges and limitations to project implementation in the operating environment and propose contingency plans should program activities be impacted. Please note that this section should not be limited to physical security and risk but should cover any applicable factors relevant to the given operating environment. This section may not exceed 5 pages.

5. Logic Model/Theory of Change: A logic model or theory of change demonstrates how the proposed project (including activities, the project design, and the surrounding context) will achieve the stated objectives. The logic model or theory of change statements can be generated using the template in Appendix 2. This section may not exceed 3 pages.

NOTE: Applicants must adhere to all maximum allowed page counts. Applications that exceed any of the allowable page limits will not advance past the Technical Eligibility Review stage.

1. APPLICATION FORMATTING REQUIREMENTS

The required font is 12-point, Times New Roman. All application documents must be single spaced, with all margins (left, right, top, and bottom) of at least one inch each. Also, applicants should ensure all pages in the application package are numbered consecutively and meet the page limit requirements outlined in Section VI above. The Standard Forms 424 (SF-424, SF-424a, and SF-424b) are excluded from the page numbering.

It is strongly recommended that applicants submit grant applications using Microsoft Office. If applicants do not have access to Microsoft Office products, Adobe PDF files may be submitted.

1. SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION

Applicants must submit their application electronically using SAMS Domestic. Applications will NOT be accepted from grants.gov. SAMS Domestic requires that the applying organization have an account with the system and both require a UEI number and SAM.gov account as detailed in Section V. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure they have an active account and will be able to submit its application. NEA/AC is not in a position to grant exceptions to these requirements.

The application process is not complete until the applicant receives notification that its application has been validated and forwarded to the granting agency (NEA/AC).