2024 CDI NOFO (1).pdf

United States Department of State Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs (OES)

Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO): Supporting the Adoption of Mercury-Free Processing in Africa’s Sahel

Funding Opportunity Number: DFOP0016638

Assistance Listing Number: 19.017 Solicitation Type: Open Competition Type of Award: Grant or Cooperative Agreement Application Deadline: 11:59 PM EDT on 24, July, 2024 Total Funding Ceiling: $300,000 Funding Authority: Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended (FAA);

Cost Sharing: Not Required Anticipated Number of Awards: One Period of Performance: 36 months Application Submission: Electronic Eligibility Applicants: U.S.-based non-profit/non-governmental organizations with or without 501(c) (3) status of the U.S. tax code and foreign-based non-profit organizations/nongovernment organizations (NGO); Public International Organizations; Foreign Public Organizations; and U.S. for-profit organizations or businesses Number of Applications: One per applicant organization.

Table of Contents

Section A: Funding Opportunity Description

A.1. Background

A.2. Problem Statement

A.3. Project Goal

A.4. Objectives

A.5. Expected Outcomes

A.6. Performance Indicators

A.7. Key Considerations

A.8. Substantial Involvement (if awarded a Cooperative Agreement)

Section B: Federal Award Information

B.1. Available Funding

B.2. Award Management

Section C. Eligibility Information

C.1. Eligible Applicants:

C.2. Cost-Sharing or Matching

C.3. Other Eligibility Criteria

Section D: Application and Submission Information

D.1. Address to request Application Package

D.2. Content and Form of Application Submission

D.3. Unique entity identifier (UEI) and System for Award Management (sam.gov) D.3.1 Exemptions

D.4. Submission Dates and Times

D.5. Funding Limitations, Restrictions, and Other Considerations

Section E: Application Review Information

E.1. Proposal Review Criteria

E.2. Review and Selection Process

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

Section F: Federal Award Administration Information

F.1. Federal Award Notices

F.2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

F.3. Reporting

Section G: Federal Awarding Agency Contact

G.1. Contacts

Section H: Other information

H.1. Conflict of Interest

H.2. Freedom of Information Act

H.3. Marking Policy (Not applicable to Foreign Public Organizations or Public International Organizations)

H.4. Evaluation Policy

H.5. Monitoring Site Visits

H.6. Privacy Disclosure

H.7. Mandatory disclosures (2 CFR 200.113) (Not applicable to Foreign Public Organizations or Public International Organizations) H.8. Background Information on the Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Acairs (OES)

Section A: Funding Opportunity Description A.1. Background The U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs (OES) announces an open competition for (see eligibility information in C.1) programming to support the adoption of mercury-Free processing technologies in Africa’s Sahel, focusing on Cote d’Ivoire. This programming will include developing mine site plans that will facilitate miners’ access to the formal financial sector and mercury-free gold processing technologies.

A.2. Problem Statement

Artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) contributes around 20% of gold produced annually to the global gold supply chain. However, many ASGM practitioners rely on mercury, a highly toxic substance, to extract gold, resulting in excess exposures and adverse impacts to human health and the environment. In Cote d’Ivoire, many ASGM miners make very little profit from their mining and struggle to accumulate savings – continuing a cycle of poverty and a demand for subsistence gold mining. Due to their lack of relationship with the formal finance sector and other economic barriers, many miners do not qualify for support from the formal financing sector and instead must rely on informal lenders. Unlike formal financial institutions, informal lenders rarely require adherence to environmental, social, or governance standards. Informal lenders will often limit their financial support to cheaper and less technologically efficient ASGM practice which often include the use of mercury. The persistent reliance of financially unstable miners to seek the support of informal lenders perpetuates the release of mercury into the environment and communities surrounding ASGM sites.

Without access to formal finance options, ASGM operations will continue to utilize cheap and inefficient mining practices, leading to increased mercury pollution.

Mercury-free gold processing technologies can extract a higher percentage of gold than when mercury is used, are better for the environment, and are an affective alternative to reducing the adverse environmental and health impacts of ASGM. These responsible ASGM practices also support environmental safeguards and generate substantial income, while mitigating and reducing environmental exposures to mercury. However, the initial investment for mercury-free processing technology presents a financial barrier to those miners who are unable to access the formal financial sector. Formal banking and financing provide ASGM miners the opportunity to purchase efficient mercury-free processing equipment, thus facilitating the creation of formal mining associations, and the growth of sustainable gold markets while mitigating the release of mercury into the environment. However, miners interested in setting up processing centers will need to develop mine site plans that detail the projected value of the concession along with other financial information required by banks.

Funding for this programming will support global efforts to develop novel and context-specific approaches to increase mercury-free technology uptake by ASGM communities. It is expected that this programming will require activities to characterize the ore and estimate the value of the concession, design of appropriate mercury-free processing centers to estimate equipment costs, training to provide financial literacy, the promotion of the adoption of mercury-free mining technologies, the establishment of formal mining associations, and the development of mine site plans. By facilitating the transition to sustainable ASGM practices, this initiative will enhance the livelihoods of miners and improve the environmental sustainability of ASGM practices.

This project will support global efforts to develop new approaches to increase mercury-free technology uptake by ASGM communities.

A.3. Project Goal

To prepare and train potential mercury-free processing center owners to operate in the formal ASGM sector.

A.4. Objectives

To educate and train miners at four (4) ASGM mine sites on the development of mine site plans that can be used to access financing from legal sources.

The following are considered responsive to this objective. The applicant may include other activities in its proposal towards this project’s intended goal/objective and is encouraged to provide explanations for its rationale, which will also serve as evidence of the applicant’s experience. Applicant should include specific targets in application (e.g. train 50 miners in mercury-free gold processing techniques).

At four ASGM mine sites:

• To characterize ore (mineralogical profile) in order to design appropriate mercury-free processing centers.

• To evaluate gold deposits on each concession (mineral resource and reserve evaluation) to develop estimates of the value of the concession.

• To identify appropriate mercury-free processing technologies for each mine site.

• To design appropriate mercury-free processing centers for each mine site (taking into account waste management treatment, environmental protection, water and energy needs).

• To develop and deliver educational and training materials to ASGM operators on mercury-free gold processing.

• To develop and deliver educational and training materials to ASGM operators to improve financial literacy.

• To develop mine site plans for each mine site for use in applying for financing at banks.

• To make broadly available lessons learned from the pilot sites for potential implementation in other communities.

Should funding be made available at a later date, additional activities could include:

• Acquisition of mercury-free processing equipment as per the design.

• Installation and training on the operation and maintenance of the mercury-free processing equipment

A.5. Expected Outcomes

Results should include the following:

• Publicly available educational materials for ASGM communities on mercury-free gold processing.

• Publicly available educational materials for ASGM communities on accessing finance and improving financial literacy.

• Publicly available report on lessons learned.

• Increased knowledge within financial institutions on the needs and challenges of ASGM communities.

• Ore characterization reports and estimates of gold deposits, designs for appropriate mercury-free processing centers, and mine site plans for four sites.

A.6. Performance Indicators

The project should monitor and report on performance indicators that are specific, measurable, achievable, reasonable, and time bound. Establish, where possible, performance baseline data, and expected performance targets for each expected result and include details on what sources of data will be used to document performance, how the indicators will be measured, frequency of measurement, and units of measure. Where possible, indicators should also allow for gender disaggregation.

The implementer will be responsible for quarterly reporting on each performance indicator included in the grant as well as analysis of progress or impediments to reach indicator targets. Indicators should be chosen or crafted carefully to reflect the key outcomes or outputs that reflect project performance. The Department of State, per policy, assesses the quality of data reported by recipients as part of the award activities, therefore applicants should be aware that recipients will be engaged in data quality assessments.

The implementor will be responsible for periodically preparing success stories, press releases, and other qualitative performance information in a format suitable for public dissemination.

A required indicator includes the number of men and women trained.

Additional indicators for this project could include:

• Number of people trained in mercury-free gold processing.

• Number of people banked through initiatives of this project.

• Number of pilot sites established with mercury-free gold processing technology.

• Amount of gold processed without mercury.

A.7. Key Considerations

In the proposal, applicants should detail how their proposed work will build off or complement prior, current, or future work in this region or thematic area Applicants should also include how their approach will encourage gender equity, including what actions will be taken to further include women.

A.8. Substantial Involvement (if awarded a Cooperative Agreement)

OES anticipates awarding a cooperative agreement. The distinction between grants and cooperative agreements revolves around the existence of “substantial involvement.” Cooperative agreements require greater Federal government participation in the project. OES will undertake reasonable and programmatically necessary substantial involvement. Substantial involvement areas can include, but are not limited to:

• Active participation or collaboration with the recipient on certain aspects of award implementation.

• Review and approval of one stage of work before another can begin.

• Collaboration on selection and/or review of project beneficiaries.

Specific areas of substantial involvement will be dependent upon the objectives of the proposal and outlined in the final Agreement. The final determination on award mechanism will be made by the Grants Officer.

Section B: Federal Award Information B.1. Available Funding

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

Applicants can submit one application in response to the NOFO. If more than one application is submitted by an organization, only the first application received, and time stamped by either grants.gov or MyGrants will be reviewed for eligibility.

Organizations may form a consortium and submit a combined proposal. However, only one organization must be designated as the lead applicant, with the remaining organizations designated sub-awardees. The lead applicant must meet the eligibility criteria listed in Section C.

The Department of State reserves the right to (a) fund any or none of the applications received; (b) reserves the right to reduce, revise, or increase the budget in accordance with bureau proprieties and the availability of funds; (c) accept other than the lowest cost application.

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.

B.2. Award Management

The successful applicant will need to routinely collaborate with OES through regular meetings and conference calls to discuss progress, challenges, emerging topics, etc. The successful applicant must ensure that all funds are used in a manner consistent with any applicable restrictions on funding. See D.5 below for funding restrictions.

Section C. Eligibility Information C.1. Eligible Applicants:

OES welcomes applications from U.S.-based non-profit/non-governmental organizations with or without 501(c) (3) status of the U.S. tax code and foreign-based non-profit organizations/nongovernment organizations (NGO); Public International Organizations; Foreign Public Organizations; and U.S. 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

The non-Federal share of costs, frequently called “cost share” or “matching costs”, refers to that portion of the project or program costs not borne by the Federal Government. This may include cash and third-party in-kind contributions.

These costs must reflect the realistic capacity of the applicants and any third-party contributors.

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.

Voluntary cost-share: Should the applicant choose to contribute voluntary cost-share, in the event the applicant does not meet the minimum amount of the voluntary cost-sharing stipulated in the applicant’s budget, DOS contribution may be reduced in proportion to the Applicant’s contribution.

C.3. Other Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must have existing, or the capacity to develop, active partnerships, local in-country partners, entities, and relevant stakeholders and have demonstrable experience in administering successful and preferably similar projects. Key personnel need to demonstrate technical expertise and experience in artisanal and small-scale gold mining. Strong applicants will demonstrate experience working in Africa and can demonstrate the necessary language skills for communication with the host country.

Any applicant with an exclusion in the Exclusions section of the System for Award Management (sam.gov) is not eligible to apply for an assistance award in accordance with the OMB guidelines at 2 CFR 180 that implement Executive Orders 12549 (3 CFR, 1986 Comp., p. 189) and 12689 (3 CFR, 1989 Comp., p. 235), “Debarment and Suspension.” Additionally, no entity listed on the EPLS can participate in any activities under an award. All applicants are strongly encouraged to review the EPLS in sam.gov to ensure that no ineligible entity is included.

https://mcas-proxyweb.mcas.ms/certificate-checker?login=false&originalUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fsam.gov.mcas.ms%3FMcasTsid%3D20892&McasCSRF=d2f6518b0e32f057da8ef30afcf172e0893d8eac18884a8bd67f7bc5660990bf https://mcas-proxyweb.mcas.ms/certificate-checker?login=false&originalUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fsam.gov.mcas.ms%3FMcasTsid%3D20892&McasCSRF=d2f6518b0e32f057da8ef30afcf172e0893d8eac18884a8bd67f7bc5660990bf

Section 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 grants.gov and MyGrants under the announcement title “Supporting the Adoption of Mercury-Free Processing in Africa’s Sahel” funding opportunity number “DFOP0016638.” Please contact the Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs 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

Proposal packages must adhere to the attached Proposal Submission Instructions (PSI). Proposal submissions that do not meet all of the requirements outlined in this NOFO and the PSI will be deemed technically ineligible. To ensure that all applications receive a balanced evaluation, the review panel will review from the first page of each section up to the page limit and no further.

Complete applications must include the following as defined in the PSI:

1. Completed and signed SF-424, SF-424A, and SF-424B forms (OPTIONAL but strongly encourage for FPE/PIOs)

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

4. Proposal Narrative

5. Budget Documents (two (2) component submission requirement)

6. Program Monitoring and Evaluation Narrative and Plan https://mcas-proxyweb.mcas.ms/certificate-checker?login=false&originalUrl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.grants.gov.mcas.ms%2F%3FMcasTsid%3D20892&McasCSRF=d2f6518b0e32f057da8ef30afcf172e0893d8eac18884a8bd67f7bc5660990bf https://mcas-proxyweb.mcas.ms/certificate-checker?login=false&originalUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fmygrants.service-now.com.mcas.ms%2Fgrants%2Fportal_login.do%22%20%5Ct%20%22_blank%3FMcasTsid%3D20892&McasCSRF=d2f6518b0e32f057da8ef30afcf172e0893d8eac18884a8bd67f7bc5660990bf

7. Key Personnel

8. Timeline

9. Racial Equity and Underserved Communities Analysis

10. Attachments, (if applicable):

• Letters of support from program partners describing the roles and responsibilities of each partner

• Official permission letters, if required for project activities

D.3. Unique entity identifier (UEI) and System for Award Management (sam.gov)

The Unique Entity Identifier (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 federal government's primary database for complying with FFATA reporting requirements is www.sam.gov. OMB designated www.sam.gov as the central repository to facilitate applicant and recipient use of a single public website that consolidates data on all federal financial assistance.

Under the law, it is mandatory to obtain a UEI number and register in sam.gov before submitting an application. The Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs may not review applications from or make awards to applicants that have not completed all applicable UEI and SAM.gov requirements.

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.

UEI is assigned by sam.gov assigned to organizations that have to register/or renew their sam.gov registration.

Note: The process of obtaining a sam.gov registration may take anywhere from 4-8 weeks. Please begin your registration as early as possible. Numerous errors require correction, such as an address mismatch, and can delay final https://mcas-proxyweb.mcas.ms/certificate-checker?login=false&originalUrl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sam.gov.mcas.ms%2F%3FMcasTsid%3D20892&McasCSRF=d2f6518b0e32f057da8ef30afcf172e0893d8eac18884a8bd67f7bc5660990bf https://mcas-proxyweb.mcas.ms/certificate-checker?login=false&originalUrl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sam.gov.mcas.ms%3FMcasTsid%3D20892&McasCSRF=d2f6518b0e32f057da8ef30afcf172e0893d8eac18884a8bd67f7bc5660990bf https://mcas-proxyweb.mcas.ms/certificate-checker?login=false&originalUrl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sam.gov.mcas.ms%2F%3FMcasTsid%3D20892&McasCSRF=d2f6518b0e32f057da8ef30afcf172e0893d8eac18884a8bd67f7bc5660990bf https://mcas-proxyweb.mcas.ms/certificate-checker?login=false&originalUrl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sam.gov.mcas.ms%2F%3FMcasTsid%3D20892&McasCSRF=d2f6518b0e32f057da8ef30afcf172e0893d8eac18884a8bd67f7bc5660990bf https://mcas-proxyweb.mcas.ms/certificate-checker?login=false&originalUrl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sam.gov.mcas.ms%2F%3FMcasTsid%3D20892&McasCSRF=d2f6518b0e32f057da8ef30afcf172e0893d8eac18884a8bd67f7bc5660990bf https://mcas-proxyweb.mcas.ms/certificate-checker?login=false&originalUrl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sam.gov.mcas.ms%2F%3FMcasTsid%3D20892&McasCSRF=d2f6518b0e32f057da8ef30afcf172e0893d8eac18884a8bd67f7bc5660990bf registration. If the application is not corrected within 90 calendar days of original registration/or renewal submission, it will be automatically deleted, and the organization will need to re-start the process.

• 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). Also, a Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) code is needed and issued through SAM.gov as is the UEI number. 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 2023 respectively, newly registering 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).

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

• NCAGE/CAGE code (as applicable)

• www.sam.gov UEI and registration

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.

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://mcas-proxyweb.mcas.ms/certificate-checker?login=false&originalUrl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sam.gov.mcas.ms%2F%3FMcasTsid%3D20892&McasCSRF=d2f6518b0e32f057da8ef30afcf172e0893d8eac18884a8bd67f7bc5660990bf http://www.sam.gov/ https://mcas-proxyweb.mcas.ms/certificate-checker?login=false&originalUrl=https%3A%2F%2Feportal.nspa.nato.int.mcas.ms%2FAC135Public%2Fscage%2FCageList.aspx%3FMcasTsid%3D20892&McasCSRF=d2f6518b0e32f057da8ef30afcf172e0893d8eac18884a8bd67f7bc5660990bf 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 and complete registration.

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.gov. 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 that determination will be used as a basis for making an award to another applicant.

Note: SAM.gov is not the same as MyGrants. 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: 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 013124” is a resource provided by the grants policy office. Any content shown from SAM.gov is not owned by the Department of State. The guidance and instruction provided are to the best of our knowledge at the time of posting this solicitation. Where guidance in this attachment 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.

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D.3.1 Exemptions

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

• For any applicant or recipient, if the Federal awarding agency determines that it must protect information about the entity from disclosure if it is in the national security or foreign policy interests of the United States, or to avoid jeopardizing the personal safety of the applicant or recipient's staff or clients.

• For a foreign organization or foreign public entity applying for or receiving a Federal award or subaward for a project or program performed outside the United States valued at less than $25,000, if the Federal awarding agency deems it to be impractical for the entity to comply with the requirement(s).

This exemption must be determined by the Federal awarding agency on a case-by-case basis while utilizing a risk-based approach and does not apply if subawards are anticipated.

• For an applicant, if the Federal awarding agency makes a determination that there are exigent circumstances that prohibit the applicant from receiving a unique entity identifier and completing SAM registration prior to receiving a Federal award. In these instances, Federal awarding agencies must require the recipient to obtain a unique entity identifier and complete SAM registration within 30 days of the Federal award date.

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 and provide 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 Daylight Time (EDT), on 24, July, 2024 on grants.gov or MyGrants under the announcement title “Supporting the Adoption of Mercury-Free Processing in Africa’s Sahel” funding opportunity number “DFOP0016638.”

https://mcas-proxyweb.mcas.ms/certificate-checker?login=false&originalUrl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sam.gov.mcas.ms%2F%3FMcasTsid%3D20892&McasCSRF=d2f6518b0e32f057da8ef30afcf172e0893d8eac18884a8bd67f7bc5660990bf https://mcas-proxyweb.mcas.ms/certificate-checker?login=false&originalUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.grants.gov.mcas.ms%2F%3FMcasTsid%3D20892&McasCSRF=d2f6518b0e32f057da8ef30afcf172e0893d8eac18884a8bd67f7bc5660990bf https://mygrants.servicenowservices.com/

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.

It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that it has an active registration in grants.gov or MyGrants and that an application has been received by the system in its entirety. Application submissions are automatically logged by date and time when made in Grants.gov and MyGrants, 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. Applicants should not expect a notification upon the Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs (OES) receiving their application. grants.gov and MyGrants 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. Applicants should not expect a notification upon the Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs (OES) receiving their application.

The Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs (OES) bears no responsibility for disqualification that results from applicants not being registered before the due date, for registration errors in either system, or other errors in the application process.

D.5. Funding Limitations, Restrictions, and Other Considerations

The Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs (OES) 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/. Consistent with Department guidance on State Funding and the Risks of Terrorist Financing, for all State Department funded programs and requirements, Department bureaus must assess the likelihood that the funds or Department funded activities, goods, services, training, expert advice or assistance, or other benefits to be provided, could inadvertently or incidentally benefit terrorist organizations or their members or supporters, and put in place appropriate risk mitigation measures to mitigate such risk. In accordance with 14 FAM 247, and consistent https://mcas-proxyweb.mcas.ms/certificate-checker?login=false&originalUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.grants.gov.mcas.ms%2F%3FMcasTsid%3D20892&McasCSRF=d2f6518b0e32f057da8ef30afcf172e0893d8eac18884a8bd67f7bc5660990bf https://mygrants.servicenowservices.com/ https://mcas-proxyweb.mcas.ms/certificate-checker?login=false&originalUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.grants.gov.mcas.ms%2F%3FMcasTsid%3D20892&McasCSRF=d2f6518b0e32f057da8ef30afcf172e0893d8eac18884a8bd67f7bc5660990bf https://mygrants.servicenowservices.com/ https://mcas-proxyweb.mcas.ms/certificate-checker?login=false&originalUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.state.gov.mcas.ms%2Fforeign-terrorist-organizations%2F%3FMcasTsid%3D20892&McasCSRF=d2f6518b0e32f057da8ef30afcf172e0893d8eac18884a8bd67f7bc5660990bf with the 2 FAM 050, Counterterrorism (CT) name-check vetting may be performed in countries and programs designated by the Department.

The following activities and costs are not covered under this announcement (this list is NOT exhaustive):

• Construction or renovation is not an allowable activity under this award;

• Projects intended primarily for the growth or institutional development of the applicant organization;

• Projects seeking funds for personal use;

• Administration of a project that will make a profit;

• Expenses incurred before or after the specified dates of award period of performance (unless prior written approval is received);

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

• Alcoholic beverages;

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

Representation by Organization Regarding a Delinquent Tax Liability or a Felony Criminal Conviction: In accordance with section 7073 of Division K of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2014 (Public Law 113-76) none of the funds made available by that Act may be used to enter into an assistance award with any organization that –

(1) Was “convicted of a felony criminal violation under any Federal law within the preceding 24 months, where the awarding agency has direct knowledge of the conviction, unless the agency has considered, in accordance with its procedures, that this further action is not necessary to protect the interests of the Government”; or

(2) Has any “unpaid Federal tax liability that has been assessed for which all judicial and administrative remedies have been exhausted or have lapsed, and that is not being paid in a timely manner pursuant to an agreement with the authority responsible for collecting the tax liability, unless the Federal agency has considered, in accordance with its procedures, that this further action is not necessary to protect the interests of the Government.”

For the purposes of Section 7073, it is the Department of State’s policy that no award may be made to any organization covered by (1) or (2) above, unless the Procurement Executive has made a written determination that suspension or debarment is not necessary to protect the interests of the U.S. Government.

Organizations should be cognizant of these restrictions when developing project proposals. Funding restrictions will require appropriate due diligence of program beneficiaries and collaboration with OES 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.

Section E: Application Review Information E.1. Proposal Review Criteria

The Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs (OES)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

Applications should contain the applicant’s best terms from both cost and technical standpoints. The implementing partners (sub-recipients) of the primary recipient will be subject to Department of State approval.

Quality and Feasibility of Project Idea (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 and Record of Performance (15 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.

Financial Capacity and Cost Effectiveness (15 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. Applications that maximize direct activity costs and minimize administrative costs are encouraged. Final approval of the budget resides with the Grants Officer.

Monitoring & Evaluating and 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.

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 move forward 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. The Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs (OES) reserves the right to request the assistance of non-US government Subject Matter Experts (SMEs), if appropriate to the solicitation. Panel Reviewers will determine scores based on the strengths and weaknesses of the afore-mentioned categories and for consistency with the program goals and objectives outlined in this NOFO. 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. To ensure effective use of US Government funds, conditions or recommendations may include requests to increase, decrease, clarify, and/or justify costs and project activities.

The Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs (OES) reserves the right to make an award based on the initial application received with or without discussion or negotiations. Therefore, applications should contain the Applicants’ best terms from both cost and technical standpoints.

Final selection authority resides with the Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs (OES) 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 entered and is currently in the designated integrity and performance system accessible through www.sam.gov. Currently, federal agencies create integrity records in the integrity module of the Contractor Performance Assessment and Reporting System (CPARS) and these records are visible as responsibility/qualification records in SAM.gov.

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

Applicants are reminded that U.S. Executive Orders and U.S. law prohibits transactions with or support to individuals or organizations associated with terrorism.

• Proposals that reflect any type of support for any member, affiliate, or representative or a designate to terrorist organization or narcotics trafficker, including elected members of government, will NOT be considered. This provision must be included in any sub-awards/sub-contracts issued under this award.

• U.S. Applicant organizations must demonstrate adherence to equal opportunity employment practices and commitment to non-discrimination with respect to beneficiaries. Non-discrimination includes equal treatment without regard to race, religion, ethnicity, gender, and political affiliation.

• Applicants under DOS-funded projects are responsible for complying with all applicable tax treaties and federal, state, and local laws on tax withholding and reporting for project participants.

Section F: Federal Award Administration Information F.1. Federal Award Notices

The Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs (OES) will provide a separate notification to applicants on the result of their applications. Successful applicants will receive a letter electronically via email requesting that the applicant respond to review panel conditions and recommendations. This notification is not an authorization to begin activities and does not constitute formal approval or a funding commitment.

Final approval is contingent on the applicant successfully responding to the review panel’s conditions and recommendations, Congressional Notification requirements, registration in required systems; and completing and providing any additional documentation requested by the Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs (OES) or the Department’s warranted Grants Officer.

The Grants Officer is the U.S. Government official delegated the authority by the U.S. Department of State, Procurement Executive to write, award, and administer grants and cooperative agreements. The notice of Federal award signed by the Grants Officers is the sole authorizing document. The recipient may only start incurring program expenses beginning on the start date shown on the grant award document signed by the Grants Officer. If awarded, the notice of Federal award will be provided to the applicant’s designated Authorizing Official via MyGrants to be electronically counter-signed in the system.

Additional information that successful applicants may be required to submit after notification of intent to make a Federal award, but prior to issuance of a Federal award, may include:

• Written responses and any revised application documents addressing any conditions or recommendations from the Review Panel and awarding bureau;

• Completion of the Department’s Financial Management Survey, if receiving funding for the first time or requested by the Grants Officer;

• If applicable, submission of required documents to register in the Payment Management System (PMS) managed by the Department of Health and Human Services if receiving funding for the first time. PMS registration is bureau-specific;

• Other requested information or documents included in this funding opportunity or subsequent communications with the recommended applicant prior to issuance of a federal award.

Pursuant to 2 CFR 200.400(g), it is U.S. Department of State’s policy not to award profit under assistance instruments.

Payments under this award will be made through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Payment Management System (PMS) or by completing form SF-270—Request for Advance or Reimbursement and submitting the form.

Final determination will be made in conjunction with the Grants Officer. Unless otherwise stipulated, the Recipient may request payments on a reimbursement or advance basis. Instructions for requesting payments via PMS are available at:

https://pms.psc.gov/. Instructions for requesting payments via SF-270 are available at: https://www.grants.gov/forms/forms-repository/post-award-reporting-forms.

Advance payments must be limited to the minimum amounts needed and be timed to be in accordance with the actual, immediate cash requirements of the recipient in carrying out the purpose of this award. The timing and amount of advance payments must be as close as is administratively feasible to the actual disbursements by the Recipient for direct program or project costs and the proportionate share of any allowable indirect costs.

2 CFR §200.501 requires domestic/US non-federal entities that expend $750,000, or more, in federal assistance during organization’s fiscal year to have a single or program-specific audit conducted for that year. In addition, the entity must report the collected audit data elements on the form SF-SAC and submit it to the FAC. Any findings such as material weaknesses, significant deficiencies, or material noncompliance are reported on the SF-SAC.

F.2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

The Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs (OES) requires all recipients of foreign assistance funding to comply with all applicable Department and Federal laws and regulations, including but not limited to the following:

The Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards set forth in 2 CFR Chapter 200 (Sub-Chapters A through F) shall apply to all non-Federal entities, except for assistance awards to Individuals and Foreign Public Entities. Sub-Chapters A through E shall apply to all foreign organizations, and Sub-Chapters A through D shall apply to all U.S. and foreign for-profit entities. The applicant/recipient of the award and any sub-recipient under the award must comply with all applicable terms and conditions, in addition to the assurances and certifications made part of the Notice of Award.

The Department’s Standard Terms and Conditions can be viewed at https://www.state.gov/about-us-office-of-the-procurement-executive/.

https://mcas-proxyweb.mcas.ms/certificate-checker?login=false&originalUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fpms.psc.gov.mcas.ms%2F%3FMcasTsid%3D20892&McasCSRF=d2f6518b0e32f057da8ef30afcf172e0893d8eac18884a8bd67f7bc5660990bf https://mcas-proxyweb.mcas.ms/certificate-checker?login=false&originalUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.grants.gov.mcas.ms%2Fforms%2Fforms-repository%2Fpost-award-reporting-forms%3FMcasTsid%3D20892&McasCSRF=d2f6518b0e32f057da8ef30afcf172e0893d8eac18884a8bd67f7bc5660990bf https://mcas-proxyweb.mcas.ms/certificate-checker?login=false&originalUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.grants.gov.mcas.ms%2Fforms%2Fforms-repository%2Fpost-award-reporting-forms%3FMcasTsid%3D20892&McasCSRF=d2f6518b0e32f057da8ef30afcf172e0893d8eac18884a8bd67f7bc5660990bf https://mcas-proxyweb.mcas.ms/certificate-checker?login=false&originalUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.state.gov.mcas.ms%2Fabout-us-office-of-the-procurement-executive%2F%3FMcasTsid%3D20892&McasCSRF=d2f6518b0e32f057da8ef30afcf172e0893d8eac18884a8bd67f7bc5660990bf

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