2023 GCJ NOFO AFG posted.docx

United States Department of State Office of Global Criminal Justice

Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO): Accountability for Afghan Victims and Survivors This is the announcement of funding opportunity number: SFOP0009919 Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number: 19.990

Type of Solicitation: Open Competition

Application Deadline: 11:59 PM EST on Tuesday, July 25, 2023

Total Funding Floor: $1,000,000

Total Funding Ceiling: $1,000,000

Anticipated Number of Awards: 1

Type of Award: Cooperative Agreement

Period of Performance: up to 36 months

Anticipated Time to Award, Pending Availability of Funds: 3-4 months

A. PROJECT DESCRIPTION

A1. Summary The Department of State’s Office of Global Criminal Justice (J/GCJ) works to prevent atrocities, mitigate their effects, and end impunity by fostering justice and accountability to enhance respect for human dignity and stability worldwide. GCJ seeks to strengthen accountability mechanisms to investigate those responsible for serious international crimes committed during both armed conflict and times of peace (including crimes involving extrajudicial killings; arbitrary detentions; torture; disappearances; inhumane treatment; forced displacement; and gender, ethnic, or religious persecution), with an emphasis on crimes against women and children. GCJ also seeks to encourage the highest standards in investigations conducted by investigators, prosecutors, and other actors in the justice and accountability documentation space to ensure that legal proceedings are survivor-centered and trauma-informed and meet internationally accepted legal standards.

With this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), GCJ seeks applications for advancing accountability for Afghan victims and survivors of international crimes committed by the Taliban; IS-K; including members of the so-called “Haqqani Network”; and other non-state actors. This program will expand the capabilities of lawyers, investigators, prosecutors, and/or documentarians and build their understanding of international human rights law (IHRL), international criminal law (ICL), international humanitarian law (IHL), and domestic law, where applicable, through investigative support, capacity building training programs, and/or peer-to-peer mentorship in the investigation and prosecution of serious international crimes. Given the unavailability of Afghan courts, this NOFO seeks to capacitate civil and criminal cases (particularly gender-based and sexual crimes) in the courts of other states that may have jurisdiction.

GCJ seeks to expand the capabilities of lawyers, investigators, prosecutors, and/or documentarians building cases in domestic courts involving Afghan victims and survivors against those responsible listed above. A successful program will be aligned with global efforts to collect and preserve evidence in line with relevant “chain of custody” standards and will directly support both the education of relevant personnel and the investigation and prosecution of alleged perpetrators of atrocities. Coordination efforts should, in a manner consistent with U.S. law, support domestic cases, international mechanisms (including United Nations entities), and any future domestic prosecutions in Afghanistan in the event of a change in political realities on the ground.

A2. Background Since the Taliban takeover in August 2021, human rights abuses have intensified in Afghanistan according to open-source reporting, human rights documenters on the ground, and the United Nations. The atrocities and other abuses include ethnic, religious, and gender-based persecution, leading to the undermining of respect for universal human rights for many Afghans. As a result, Afghans constitute the fourth largest refugee population in the world, with many victims and survivors surviving on limited resources. Abuses have been mainly perpetrated by the Taliban and IS-K who have targeted opposition actors, women protesters, and members of marginalized communities. In addition to their extreme repression of women and girls, the Taliban have issued wide-reaching edicts restricting the exercise of rights, imposing such punishments as public flogging and “judicially sanctioned” executions. IS-K is also believed to be responsible for several mass casualty events, primarily involving schoolgirls, members of the Hazara community, Shi’a Afghans, and the Sufi community. Mainly through remote investigative capabilities, human rights organizations have documented the mistreatment of detainees in detention facilities, the use of violent or abusive force and collective punishment tactics against peaceful demonstrators and detainees, and alleged deaths at the hands of Taliban members. The Taliban do not undertake independent, transparent, or credible investigations or prosecutions of these acts and have dismantled the pre-existing legal system.

Afghans—including victims, survivors, and their domestic and international advocates—have called for accountability, but options are limited. In addition, victims and survivors have expressed interest in memorialization, truth-telling, and providing testimony that can eventually be used by accountability mechanisms. Advocates for Afghan victims and survivors need various forms of support, including technical assistance around trauma-informed, survivor-centered preservation of documentation and strategic advice with respect to the potential to bring cases in domestic courts. Disparate efforts to collect and preserve evidence cry out for coordination.

A3. Problem Statement Under this solicitation, GCJ wishes to focus on both the investigation and prosecution of any international crimes. These investigations demand a very specific set of advanced skills and training to prepare potential cases for future accountability mechanisms. Given the inability of victims and survivors to resort to the Afghan legal system, and the limited international options available, strategic litigation in third countries may be the only viable redress for Afghan victims and survivors. Several test cases are currently being pursued in European courts involving Afghan victims and survivors. Afghans should have accessible avenues for providing their testimonies and sharing any evidence they may have in a manner that meets international standards; adheres to survivor-centered, trauma-informed investigative protocols; and helps to mitigate the risk of over-documentation, re-interviewing, and re-traumatization. Such evidence collection and preservation provide a necessary foundation for holding those responsible accountable while at the same time acting as a crucial fact-finding mechanism for historical memory purposes. The coordination of this evidence-gathering is critical, as these efforts remain siloed and largely inaccessible to the vast majority of victims and survivors.

A4. Program Objectives The overarching goal of this program is to promote the investigation of human rights abuses and atrocities, lay the necessary groundwork for the prosecution of individual perpetrators and other forms of accountability, and better coordinate evidence collection and preservation in the context of Afghanistan. In the near term, the activities undertaken as part of this NOFO will advance a process that may eventually culminate in criminal prosecutions of those responsible and other forms of accountability, signal the unacceptability of the patterns of abuses in Afghanistan, and facilitate victims’ access to global efforts that are collecting and preserving evidence for accountability purposes. All work will be performed outside of Afghanistan and/or virtually and will require applicants to develop strong risk assessments and mitigation measures to protect participating Afghan victims and survivors as well as their relations inside of Afghanistan.

Programming may include, but is not limited to, one or more of the following areas:

1. Train and educate lawyers, investigators, advocates, and other relevant specialists in the highest standards governing the investigation and prosecution of serious international crimes, including those involving human rights violations and abuses, and in the maintenance of documentary evidence—including digital evidence—in line with relevant international “chain of custody” standards;

2. Provide instruction on identifying, analyzing, and building linkage evidence to connect senior Taliban, including members of the so-called “Haqqani Network”, IS-K, and other non-state actors to any crimes committed by their subordinates;

3. Develop the capacity of lawyers, investigators, and/or other relevant specialists to launch strategic litigation around the world in domestic courts with jurisdiction on behalf of Afghan victims and survivors;

4. Provide training to lawyers and investigators on the building of case files against those allegedly responsible for any crimes involving violations of international humanitarian law and human rights abuses as well as the filing of complaints in domestic courts that may have jurisdiction over such violations or abuses;

5. Facilitate Afghan victims’ and survivors’ access to existing legal processes in a trauma-informed, survivor-centered manner;

6. Deploy evidentiary collection and preservation techniques of relevant criminal conduct taking advantage of new digital technologies and techniques;

7. Support global efforts, in a manner consistent with U.S. law, to coordinate evidence collection and preservation of human rights abuses in Afghanistan for, primarily, accountability while also feeding into other transitional justice processes, as available;

8. Support long-term interventions that could result in criminal prosecutions and other forms of accountability; and

9. Support services that could include translation and digitization of evidence, advising and assisting victims’ and survivors’ networks on specific accountability initiatives, sharing investigative resources, online information verification, promoting cross-talk between ongoing investigations, and digitization of documentation and case files.

A.5 Key Considerations Applicants must incorporate support to, and complement, ongoing transitional justice work being undertaken by other U.S. government entities and international donors, as well the United Nations, other international organizations, and non-governmental organizations on Afghanistan. Applicants must demonstrate a flexible and responsive approach to time-sensitive requirements and a capacity to monitor and evaluate activities as well as coordinate work with the Department of State and other relevant U.S. government entities and international donors.

Applicants must demonstrate a clear understanding of applicable international criminal law, international humanitarian law, and international human rights law; operational investigative and prosecutorial best practices; and the range of jurisdictions available to seek criminal accountability for atrocities committed in Afghanistan.

Applicants are encouraged to foster collaborative partnerships, especially with Afghan diaspora organization(s) in target prosecution countries and/or regions, where applicable. Where appropriate, applicants are invited to form consortia for submitting a combined proposal, but one applicant must be designated as the lead (“prime”) applicant and others listed as sub-recipients.

The following activities and costs are not allowed under this announcement and applications that include any of these activities or costs above will not advance to the Technical Review stage:

· Buying evidence, including paying inducements to conduct interviews;

· 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 stand-alone conferences

· 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).

This notice is subject to availability of funding.

B. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION

Primary organizations can submit 1 application in response to the 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, and (d) waive irregularities in applications received.

The U.S. government may make award(s) 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 (though it is under no 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.

The Office of Global Criminal Justice anticipates awarding either a grant or cooperative agreement depending on the needs and risk factors of the program. The final determination on award mechanism will be made by the Grants Officer. The distinction between grants and cooperative agreements revolves around the existence of “substantial involvement.” Cooperative agreements require greater Federal government participation in the project. If a cooperative agreement is awarded, GCJ will undertake reasonable and programmatically necessary substantial involvement. Examples of substantial involvement can include, but are not limited to:

· Active participation or collaboration with the recipient in the implementation of the award;

· Review and approval of one stage of work before another can begin;

· Collaboration on selection and/or review and approval of sub-award partnerships or sub-contracts beyond existing Federal policy;

The authority for this funding opportunity is found in the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended (FAA).

To maximize the impact and sustainability of the award(s) that result from this NOFO, GCJ retains the right to execute non-competitive continuation amendment(s). The total duration of any award, including potential non-competitive continuation amendments, shall not exceed 54 months, or four and a half years. Any non-competitive continuation is contingent on performance and pending availability of funds. A non-competitive continuation is not guaranteed, and the Department of State reserves the right to exercise or not to exercise this option.

C. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

C.1 Eligible Applicants

GCJ welcomes applications from U.S.-based non-profit/non-governmental organizations with or without 501(c) (3) status of the U.S. tax code; foreign-based non-profit organizations/nongovernment organizations (NGO); Public International Organizations; Foreign Public Organizations; private, public, or state institutions of higher education; and for-profit organizations or businesses.

Applications submitted by for-profit entities may be subject to additional review following the panel selection process. Additionally, the Department of State prohibits profit to for-profit or commercial organizations under its assistance awards. Profit is defined as any amount in excess of allowable direct and indirect costs. The allowability of costs incurred by commercial organizations is determined in accordance with the provisions of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) at 48 CFR 30, Cost Accounting Standards Administration, and 48 CFR 31 Contract Cost Principles and Procedures.

Please see 2 CFR 200.307 for regulations regarding program income.

C.2 Cost Sharing or Matching

Providing cost sharing, matching, or cost participation is not an eligibility factor or requirement for this NOFO and providing cost share will not result in a more favorable competitive ranking. Per 2 CFR §200.306, items that are proposed for cost share must be allowable per 2 CFR §200, Subpart E—Costs Principles.

Any applicant listed on the Excluded Parties List System in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov) (www.sam.gov) and/or has a current debt to the U.S. government 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 or person listed on the Excluded Parties List System in SAM.gov can participate in any activities under an award. All applicants are strongly encouraged to review the Excluded Parties List System in SAM.gov to ensure that no ineligible entity or person is included in their application.

D. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

D.1 Address to Request Application Package

Applicants can find application forms, kits, or other materials needed to apply on www.grants.gov and SAMS Domestic (https://mygrants.servicenowservices.com) under the announcement title “Accountability for Afghan Victims and Survivors,” funding opportunity number “SFOP0009919.” Please contact the GCJ point of contact listed in Section G if requesting reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities or for security reasons. Please note that reasonable accommodations do not include deadline extensions.

D.2 Content and Form of Application Submission

For all application documents, please ensure:

· All documents are in English and all costs are in U.S. Dollars. If an original document within the application is in another language, an English translation must be provided (please note the Department of State, as indicated in 2 CFR 200.111, requires that English is the official language of all award documents). If any document is provided in both English and a foreign language, the English language version is the controlling version;

· All pages are numbered, including budgets and attachments;

· All documents are formatted to 8 ½ x 11 paper; and,

· All documents are single-spaced, 12-point Calibri font, with 1-inch margins. Captions and footnotes may be 10-point Calibri font. Font sizes in charts and tables, including the budget, can be reformatted to fit within 1 page width.

D.2.1 Application Requirements

Complete applications must include the following:

1) Completed and signed SF-424, SF-424A, and SF-424B forms.

2) Organizations that engage in lobbying the U.S. government, including Congress, or pay for another entity to lobby on their behalf, are also required to complete the SF-LLL “Disclosure of Lobbying Activities” form (only if applicable).

3) Cover Page/Executive Summary (not to exceed one (1) page, preferably as a Word Document) that includes a table with the organization name, project title, target country/countries, and name and contact information for the application’s main point of contact and brief section that clearly outlines the (1) the problem statement addressed by the project (2) research-based evidence justifying the applicant’s approach, and (3) quantifiable project outcomes and impacts.

4) Proposal Narrative (not to exceed ten (10) pages, preferably as a Word Document). Please note the ten-page limit does not include the Cover Page/Executive Summary, Detailed Budget, Budget Narrative, Logic Model, Program Monitoring and Evaluation Narrative and Plan, Key Personnel, Timeline, Gender and Inclusion Analysis, Security Plan or Attachments. Applicants are encouraged to combine multiple documents into a single Word Document or PDF (i.e. Cover Page/Executive Summary, and Proposal Narrative in one file). The Narrative must include the following:

· Introduction to the Organization: A description of past and present operations, showing ability to carry out the project, including information on all relevant or similar type projects from 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 Methods and Design: A description of how the program is expected to work to solve the stated problem and achieve the goal.

· Program Goal: The “goal(s)” describe the larger outcome intended

· Program Objectives: The intermediate accomplishments and measurable targets to achieve a goal. Objectives of the program should be SMART:

· Specific: Detailed and specifies what will be achieved

· Measurable: have associated metrics or measurements of success

· Attainable: appropriately challenging, objectives can be reasonably attained give the available resources

· Relevant: align with the policy/program goal and appropriate within the country or beneficiary audience

· Time-Bound: achievable within the timeframe of the program

· Program Activities: Describe specific actions taken under Objective. All activities should be clearly developed and sufficiently explain the resource and time requirements (inputs) and things done or produced (outputs). Activities should detail: target areas, participant groups or selection criteria for participants; how relevant stakeholders will be engaged; actions taken by local partners as appropriate/relevant.

· Risk Analysis: identify the internal and external risks associated with the proposed project, rate the likelihood of the risks, rate the potential impact of the risks on the project, and identify actions that could help mitigate the risks.

· Future Funding or Sustainability Applicant’s plan for continuing the program beyond the grant period, or the availability of other resources, if applicable. Include ways program activities will ensure sustainability.

5) Budget (preferably as an Excel workbook) that includes three (3) columns containing the request to GCJ, any cost sharing contribution, and the total budget. A summary budget should also be included using the OMB-approved budget categories (see SF-424A as a sample) in a separate tab. Costs must be in U.S. Dollars. Detailed line-item budgets for sub-grantees should be included as additional tabs within the Excel workbook (if available at the time of submission). Please see attached Budget Guidelines-Template for Multi-Year Awards (FY2023)

6) Budget Narrative (preferably as a Word Document) Justify each line-item in the budget and explain how the amounts were derived, consistency with the applicant’s documented policies, as well as the source and description of all proposed costs (and cost-share, if applicable). The narrative should complement the budget rather than repeat information provided in the budget. For example, the narrative should provide details on the purpose of costs, reasonability of costs, cost price analysis, explain allocations, explain any yearly variances and tie expenses to program activities and/or objectives where appropriate. Sources of all cost-share offered in the application should be identified and explained in the budget narrative. See Tab 1 Budget Guidelines-Template for Multi-Year Awards (FY2023) for more information.

7) Logic Model (preferably as a Word Document). Logic models, and alternative approaches, can be helpful when planning and designing programs. These tools can be used to visually depict or outline how and why a project will work—i.e. the rationale behind your project approach. Detailing how a program’s planned activities lead to certain outcomes can often help applicants understand the assumptions within the approach. Detailing factors outside your control, such as policy shifts (i.e. external factors) within a logic model can identify areas that should be included within your program’s risk analysis. It details planned activities, the immediate services or product of project activities (outputs), and the expected changes or benefits that occur after activities have been implemented (outcomes). Applicants should specify objectives, identify what resources (inputs) are needed, outline proposed activities (outputs) and beneficiaries, and illustrate how activities lead to expected results.

8) Program Monitoring and Evaluation Narrative and Plan:

· An M&E Narrative (preferably as a Word Document, not to exceed one (1) page) outlines how a project’s M&E system will be carried out and by whom. It details how you will track your project’s performance toward its objectives, over time. Provide a clear description of the approach and data collection strategies and tools to be employed (e.g., pre- and post-test surveys, interviews, focus groups). The description should include how the applicant will track and document whether activities occurred (outputs) and the results or changes caused by these activities (outcomes). If the project includes work with local partners or sub-partners, explain how M&E efforts will be coordinated amongst these organizations. Explain if an external evaluation will be included. Evaluations, internal or external, should be systematic studies that use research methods to address specific questions about project performance. They should provide a valuable supplement to ongoing monitoring activities. Evaluation activities generally include baseline assessments, mid-term and final evaluations.

· The M&E plan should draw on the objectives, activities and expected changes from the logic model, and link those areas to indicators. The M&E plan is generally structured as a table with output- and outcome-based indicators. It explains how data will be collected (data collection methods) to show that certain changes occurred. It outlines baselines (where your project is starting) and quarterly targets (what you would like to achieve) for each indicator.

9) Key Personnel (not to exceed two (2) pages, preferably as a Word Document). This can represent staff within your organization or outside of your organization (subgrantee, consultants, contractors), carrying out administrative or technical responsibilities, who are integral to the success of the program. Include short bios that highlight relevant professional experience. Provides names, titles, roles and experience/qualifications of key personnel involved in the program. Given the limited space, CVs are not recommended for submission.

10) Timeline (not to exceed one (1) page, preferably as a Word Document or Excel Sheet). The timeline of the overall proposal should include activities, evaluation efforts, and program closeout. Sufficient time should be included to conduct and finalize internal/external evaluations and allow any sub-recipients time for final reporting.

11) Gender and Inclusion Analysis (not to exceed two (2) pages, preferably as a Word Document) that provides a concise analysis of relevant gender norms, equity and equality for underserved communities and marginalized populations, power relations, and conflict dynamics in target countries. Potential domains of analysis include institutional practices and barriers, cultural norms, gender roles, access to and control over assets and resources, and patterns of decision-making. Applicants should briefly explain how they have integrated findings from their analysis into project design and/or other proposal documents, including a plan for regularly reviewing and updating the gender and inclusion analysis with local partners/beneficiaries as applicable, and making any necessary adjustments to program implementation.

12) Security Plan (not to exceed three (3) pages) addressing any issues involving in-person events and recruitment for said events, and safety for any online programs or communications, including independent IT security audits (to include a vulnerability assessment) of any proposed web application or platform. Organization’s Security Plan should demonstrate consideration of the risks identified in the submitted risk assessment. Costs may also be identified within the budget and budget narrative. Applicants are also encouraged to include contingency plans for in-person or online activities.

13) Psychosocial Assistance (not to exceed one (1) page) as well as be incorporated into the “Budget” and “Budget Narrative” as appropriate). If charging as a direct cost, reflect appropriate resources and support for the psychosocial health of staff (i.e., activities can range from access to educational materials and training opportunities to counseling services to other contextually relevant support).

· References: For reference to international guidance, please see the following: Core Humanitarian Standard Commitment 8.9 (https://corehumanitarianstandard.org/files/files/CHS-Guidance-Notes-and-Indicators.pdf); and IASC Guidelines on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support in Emergency Settings Action Sheet 4.4 (http://www.who.int/mental_health/emergencies/guidelines_iasc_mental_health_psychosocial_june_2007.pdf).

14) Attachments:

· Letters of support from program partners describing the roles and responsibilities of each partner, if applicable/pre-identified

· Official permission letters, if required for project activities

Applications that do not include the elements listed above may be deemed technically ineligible.

D.2.2 Additional Information Requested For Those Receiving Notification of Intent

Successful applicants must submit, after notification of intent to make a Federal award, but prior to issuance of a Federal award:

· Written responses and revised application documents addressing conditions and recommendations from the review panel;

· A copy of the applicant’s latest NICRA as a PDF file, if the applicant has a NICRA and includes NICRA charges in the budget;

· A completed copy of the Department’s Financial Management Survey, if receiving USG funding for the first time;

· Submission of required documents to register in the Payment Management System managed by the Department of Health and Human Services, if receiving GCJ funding for the first time (unless an exemption is provided);

· Other requested information or documents included in the notification of intent to make a Federal award or subsequent communications prior to issuance of a Federal award;

· Applicants who submit their applications through Grants.gov will be required to create a SAMS Domestic account in order to accept the final award. Accounts must be logged into to every 60 days in order to maintain an active account.

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

All prime organizations, whether based in the United States or in another country, must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI), formerly referred to as DUNS, and an active registration with the SAM.gov before submitting an application. GCJ may not review applications from or make awards to applicants that have not completed all applicable UEI and SAM.gov requirements. A UEI is one of the data elements mandated by Public Law 109-282, the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act (FFATA), for all Federal awards.

The 2 CFR 200 requires that sub-grantees obtain a UEI number. Please note the UEI for sub-grantees is not required at the time of application but will be required before the award is processed and/or directed to a sub-grantee.

Note: The process of obtaining a SAM.gov registration may take anywhere from 4-8 weeks. Please begin your registration as early as possible.

· Organizations based in the United States or that pay employees within the United States will need an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). A Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) code and a UEI number are issued through SAM.gov. Once received continue with the remainder of the SAM.gov registration.

· Organizations based outside of the United States and do not pay employees within the United States do not need an EIN from the IRS, but do need a UEI number prior to registering in SAM.gov. Please note that as of November 2022 and February 2022 respectively, organizations based outside of the United States that do not intend to apply for U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) awards are no longer required to have a NATO CAGE (NCAGE).

· If an applicant organization is mid-registration and wishes to remove a CAGE or NCAGE code from their SAM.gov registration, the applicant should submit a help desk ticket (“incident”) with the Federal Service Desk (FSD) online at www.fsd.gov using the following language: “I do not intend to seek financial assistance from the Department of Defense. I do not wish to obtain a CAGE or NCAGE code. I understand that I will need to submit my registration after this incident is resolved in order to have my registration activated.”

If you are an organization based outside the U.S. and DO NOT plan to do business with the Department of Defense:

Step 1: Proceed to SAM.gov to obtain a UEI and complete the registration. SAM registration must be renewed annually.

If you are an organization based outside the U.S. and plan to do business with the Department of Defense:

Step 1: Apply for an NCAGE number

NCAGE Homepage:

https://eportal.nspa.nato.int/AC135Public/sc/CageList.aspx NCAGE Code Request Tool (NCRT):

https://eportal.nspa.nato.int/Codification/CageTool/home 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 SAM.gov to obtain a UEI an complete registration. SAM registration must be renewed annually.

All prime organizations must also continue to maintain active SAM.gov registration with current information at all times during which they have an active Federal award or application under consideration by a Federal award agency. SAM.gov requires all entities to renew their registration once a year in order to maintain an active registration status in SAM. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure it has an active registration in SAM.gov and to maintain that active registration. If an applicant has not fully complied with the requirements at the time of application, the applicant may be deemed technically ineligible to receive an award and use that determination as a basis for making an award to another applicant.

Note: SAM.gov is not the same as SAMS Domestic. It is free to register in both systems, but the registration processes are different.

Information is included on the SAM.gov website to help international registrations: https://www.fsd.gov/gsafsd_sp?id=kb_article_view&sysparm_article=KB0016380&sys_kb_id=194695221bfe4d983565ed3ce54bcbbb&spa=1 Please note, guidance on SAM.gov and the guidance on GSA’s website about requirement for registering in SAM.gov is subject to change and currently being updated. Applicants should review the website frequently for the most up-to-date guidance.

The attached “UEI and SAM.gov FAQ updated 021623” is a resource provided by the grants policy office. Any content shown from SAM.gov is not owned by the Department of State. This guidance and instruction are to the best of our knowledge based at the time of posting this solicitation. Where guidance in this attachments differs from the SAM.gov website, SAM.gov prevails and the applicant is encouraged to seek and document clarity provided by the SAM.gov helpdesk.

D.3.1 Exemptions

An exemption from these requirements may be permitted under the following circumstances:

· Recipient is a foreign organization receiving an award that will be performed outside the United States valued at less than $25,000, if the Grants Officer deems it to be impractical for the entity to obtain a UEI or register in SAM.gov.

· The recipient is an overseas school and does not currently have a UEI number.

· The award relates to a classified or national security matter.

· The recipient’s identity must be protected due to possible endangerment of their mission, their organization’s status, their employees, or the beneficiary being served by the recipient.

· There are exigent circumstances that prohibit the recipient from receiving a UEI and completing SAM registration prior to receiving the award. These circumstances are identified in the justification below and the recipient will be required to register within 30 days of the award date in accordance with 2 CFR 25.

Organizations requesting exemption from UEI or SAM.gov requirements must email the point of contact listed in the NOFO at least two weeks prior to the deadline in the NOFO providing a justification of their request. Approval for a SAM.gov exemption must come from the warranted Grants Officer before the application can be deemed eligible for review.

D.4 Submission Dates and Times

Applications are due no later than 11:59 PM Eastern Standard Time (EST), on Tuesday, July 25, 2023 on https://www.grants.gov/ or SAMS Domestic (https://mygrants.servicenowservices.com) under the announcement title “Accountability for Afghan Victims and Survivors” funding opportunity number “SFOP0009919.”

Grants.gov and SAMS Domestic automatically log the date and time an application submission is made, and the Department of State will use this information to determine whether an application has been submitted on time. Late applications are neither reviewed nor considered. Known system errors caused by Grants.gov or SAMS Domestic (https://mygrants.service-now.com) that are outside of the applicant’s control will be reviewed on a case by case basis. Applicants should not expect a notification upon GCJ receiving their application.

D.5 Funding Limitations, Restrictions, and other Considerations

GCJ will not consider applications that reflect any type of support for any member, affiliate, or representative of a designated terrorist organization. Please refer the link for Foreign Terrorist Organizations: https://www.state.gov/foreign-terrorist-organizations/

The Leahy Law prohibits Department foreign assistance funds from supporting foreign security force units if the Secretary of State has credible information that the unit has committed a gross violation of human rights. Per 22 USC §2378d(a) (2017), “No assistance shall be furnished under this chapter [FOREIGN ASSISTANCE] or the Arms Export Control Act [22 USC 2751 et seq.] to any unit of the security forces of a foreign country if the Secretary of State has credible information that such unit has committed a gross violation of human rights.” Restrictions may apply to any proposed assistance to police or other law enforcement. Among these, pursuant to section 620M of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended (FAA), no assistance provided through this funding opportunity may be furnished to any unit of the security forces of a foreign country when there is credible information that such unit has committed a gross violation of human rights. In accordance with the requirements of section 620M of the FAA, also known as the Leahy law, project beneficiaries or participants from a foreign government’s security forces may need to be vetted by the Department before the provision of any assistance. If a proposed grant or cooperative agreement will provide assistance to foreign security forces or personnel, compliance with the Leahy Law is required.

Organizations should be cognizant of these restrictions when developing project proposals as these restrictions will require appropriate due diligence of program beneficiaries and collaboration with GCJ to ensure compliance with these restrictions. Program beneficiaries subject to due diligence vetting will include any individuals or entities that are beneficiaries of foreign assistance funding or support. Due diligence vetting will include a review of open-source materials.

D.6 Other Submission Requirements

All application submissions must be made electronically via www.grants.gov or SAMS Domestic (https://mygrants.servicenowservices.com). Both systems require registration by the applying organization. Please note that the Grants.gov registration process can take ten (10) business days or longer, even if all registration steps are completed in a timely manner.

It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that it has an active registration in SAMS Domestic or Grants.gov. Applicants are required to document that the application has been received by SAMS Domestic or Grants.gov in its entirety. GCJ bears no responsibility for disqualification that result from applicants not being registered before the due date, for system errors in either SAMS Domestic or Grants.gov, or other errors in the application process. Additionally, applicants must save a screen shot of the checklist showing all documents submitted in case any document fails to upload successfully.

Faxed, couriered, or emailed documents will not be accepted. Reasonable accommodations may, in appropriate circumstances, be provided to applicants with disabilities or for security reasons. Applicants must follow all formatting instructions in the applicable NOFO and these instructions.

GCJ encourages organizations to submit applications during normal business hours (Monday – Friday, 9:00AM-5:00PM Eastern Standard Time (EST)). If an applicant experiences technical difficulties and has contacted the appropriate helpdesk but is not receiving timely assistance (e.g. if you have not received a response within 48 hours of contacting the helpdesk), you may contact the GCJ point of contact listed in the NOFO in Section G. The point of contact may assist in contacting the appropriate helpdesk.

Note: The Grants Officer will determine technical eligibility of all applications.

SAMS Domestic Applications:

Applicants using SAMS Domestic for the first time should complete their “New Organization Registration.” To register with SAMS Domestic, click “Login to https://mygrants.servicenowservices.com” and follow the “create an account” link.

Please note that establishing an account in SAMS Domestic may require the use of smartphone for multi-factor authentication (MFA). If an applicant does not have accessibility to a smartphone during the time of creating an account, please contact the helpdesk and request instructions on MFA for Windows PC.

Organizations must remember to save a screen shot of the checklist showing all documents submitted in case any document fails to upload successfully.

SAMS Domestic Help Desk:

For assistance with SAMS Domestic accounts and technical issues related to the system, please contact the ILMS help desk by phone at +1 (888) 313-4567 (toll charges apply for international callers) or through the Self Service online portal that can be accessed from https://afsitsm.service-now.com/ilms/home. Customer support is available 24/7.

Grants.gov Applications:

Applicants who do not submit applications via SAMS Domestic may submit via www.grants.gov.

Please be advised that completing all the necessary registration steps for obtaining a username and password from Grants.gov can take ten (10) business days or longer.

Please refer to the Grants.gov website for definitions of various "application statuses" and the difference between a submission receipt and a submission validation. Applicants will receive a validation e-mail from Grants.gov upon the successful submission of an application. Validation of an electronic submission via Grants.gov can take up to two business days. Additionally, organizations must remember to save a screenshot of the checklist showing all documents submitted in case any document fails to upload successfully.

Grants.gov Helpdesk:

For assistance with Grants.gov, please call the Contact Center at +1 (800) 518-4726 or email support@grants.gov. The Contact Center is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, except federal holidays.

See https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/federal-holidays/ for a list of federal holidays.

E. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

E.1 Proposal Review Criteria

GCJ’s review panel will evaluate each application individually against the following criteria, listed below in order of importance, and not against competing applications. Please use the below criteria as a reference, but do not structure your application according to the sub-sections.

Quality and Program Design – 20 points: The program idea is well developed and responsive to the policy and program objective of the NOFO. The applicant describes the project’s potential contribution to solving the problem addressed in the problem statement. The application clearly defines the problem; it’s causes; stakeholders; and existing research/data; the approach taken to solve the problem; realistic milestones to indicate progress.

Organizational Capacity – 20 points: The applicant demonstrates an institutional record of successful projects in the content area proposed. The applicant demonstrates experience (e.g., has previously worked and/or has established contacts/partners) in the proposed country/territory/region. The organization has expertise in its stated field and has adequate staffing to manage the proposed project. The applicant demonstrates capacity for responsible fiscal management of donor funding (e.g., successful management of a previous grant or sub-award).

Program Planning/Ability to Achieve Objectives – 20 points: Goals and objectives are clearly stated and project approach is likely to provide maximum impact in achieving the proposed results. The applicant proposes activities that are feasible, and are also practical, and/or experiential in nature to encourage innovation. The applicant addresses how the project will engage or obtain support from relevant stakeholders and/or identifies local partners. Program logic is sound showing plausible pathways to achieve project outcomes. Key assumptions and risks have been identified and their potential influences described. The applicant acknowledges if activities similar to those proposed are already taking or have taken place previously, and provides an explanation as to how proposed new activities will not duplicate or merely add to existing/recent activities.

Budget & Budget Narrative – 10 points: The budget justification is detailed, accounting for all necessary expenses to achieve proposed activities. Costs are reasonable in relation to the proposed activities and anticipated results and provide detail of calculations, including estimation methods, quantities, unit costs, labor in-put and responsibilities, procurement practice and policy information, and other similar quantitative detail.

Monitoring & Evaluation/Sustainability – 20 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 and who will be responsible for them. The applicant clearly details how activities will result in benefits that will continue beyond the funding period.

Support of Equity and Underserved Communities – 10 points: Proposals should clearly demonstrate how the program will support and advance equity and engage underserved communities in program administration, design, and implementation.

In accordance with the Executive Order on Advancing Racial Equity and Underserved Communities, proposals should demonstrate how the program advances equity with respect to race, ethnicity, religion, income, geography, gender identity, sexual orientation, and disability. The proposal should also demonstrate how the program will further engagement in underserved communities and with individuals from underserved communities. Proposals should demonstrate how addressing racial equity and underserved communities will enhance the program’s goals and objectives, as well as the experience of participants.

The support of underserved communities will be part of the review criteria for this opportunity. Therefore, proposals should clearly demonstrate how the program will support and advance equity and engage underserved communities in program administration, design, and implementation.

E.2 Review and Selection Process

The Department of State is committed to ensuring a competitive and standardized process for awarding funding. Applications will be screened initially in a Technical Eligibility Review stage to determine whether applicants meet the eligibility requirements outlined in section C and have submitted all required documents outlined in section D. Applications that do not meet these requirements will not advance beyond the Technical Eligibility Review stage and will be deemed ineligible for funding under this NOFO.

All applications that are deemed eligible will proceed to the Merit Review Panel consisting of U.S. government subject matter and/or country-specific experts and will be rated on a 100-point scale. GCJ reserves the right to request the assistance of non-US government Subject Matter Experts (SMEs), if appropriate to the solicitation. Point values for individual elements of the application are presented in E.1, of this part. Panel Reviewers’ ratings, and any resulting recommendations, are advisory. Panel Reviewers may provide conditions and recommendations on applications to enhance the proposed project, which must be addressed by the applicant before further consideration of the award.

Final selection authority reside with GCJ’s senior level official. Final award decisions will be influenced by whether the application meets the Department of State’s programmatic goals and objectives, how it supports the Department’s overarching foreign policy priorities, and the geographic distribution of the top-ranking applications.

E.3 Responsibility/Qualification Information in SAM.gov (Formerly, FAPIIS)

The Department of State, 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 (formerly FAPIIS) (see 41 U.S.C. 2313).

The applicant, at its option, may review information about itself that a Federal awarding agency previously…