2024 Climate NOFO.docx

FY 2024 CLIMATE NOFO

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

U.S. EMBASSY Yaoundé, Cameroon Notice of Funding Opportunity

Funding Opportunity Title: Climate Grants Program, POL/ECON, U.S. Embassy Yaounde Funding Opportunity Number: AFYDE-CLIMG-GR-POLECON-2024 Deadline for Applications: July 21, 2024 Assistance Listing Number: 19.989 Total Amount Available: $50,000

A. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Political and Economic Section of the U.S. Embassy in Yaoundé, Cameroon, announces an open competition for experienced Cameroon-based Civil Society Organizations that are working in the areas of Environment to submit applications under the FY 2023 Climate Grants Program to advance sustainable landscapes.

Please follow all instructions below.

Priority Region: Littoral Region.

A.1. Background The Climate Grants Program supports grants to local, action-oriented organizations that advance climate action while bolstering U.S. credibility and in-country networks that lead to transformational change. This initiative seeks to engage a broad group of stakeholders, including government officials, civil society, and private sector actors, on the urgent need to accelerate climate action in line with the crucial goal of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. The program will primarily focus on enhancing local capacity to mitigate and respond to the impacts of climate change, especially within sustainable landscapes.

Sustainable Landscapes programs reduce greenhouse gas emissions from land by promoting sustainable land use practices that reduce emissions or increase carbon sequestration. These programs support the implementation of natural climate solutions (NCS) and other activities, which reduce net greenhouse gas emissions through the conservation, management, and restoration of forests, mangroves, and other ecosystems, as well as low emissions practices in agriculture and other production systems, while supporting economic growth, resilience, and other co-benefits. Sustainable Landscapes programs help countries enhance and achieve their international climate commitments such as Nationally Determined Contributions, Long-term Strategies, and national Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+) strategies.

Cameroon mangrove sequestration potential is estimated at up to 7 tons/hectare/year. Current studies suggest that mangroves and coastal wetlands annually sequester carbon at a rate ten times greater than mature tropical forests. They also store three to five times more carbon per equivalent area than tropical forests. About 20% (40,000 ha) of Cameroon mangroves are found in the Douala-Edea landscape. Although this ecosystem rich in biodiversity functions as shoreline protection, breeding grounds for many fish and crustaceans, local populations have caused the loss of an average of 1% of this ecosystem per year.

A.2. Program Objectives The overall goal is to contribute to the restoration and preservation of the mangrove ecosystems in Cameroon, as a means of enhancing local resilience to climate change and promoting sustainable economic growth.

Proposals should address the objectives below:

Objective 1: By September 2025, at least 70 % of target population would have carried actions to enhance the coastline’s resilience against storm surges and sea-level rise while preserving the landscape's ability to sequester carbon, thus maintaining the functionality of the landscape.

Objective 2: By September 2025, 50% of target population would have reduced their dependence and the pressure on mangroves through alternative economic practices and sources of fuel.

A.3. Theory of Change If the people of the coastal areas are educated and more involved in climate adaption measures and decision-making processes, if they have alternative sources of fuel, and if they (especially women and youth) are trained in alternative income generating techniques and empowered with adapted equipment, then mangrove degraded areas will be restored/conserved, the people will have sustainable livelihoods, and the negative effects of climate change due to the rapid destruction of the mangrove will be mitigated.

A.4. Expected Results Specific results could include, but are not limited to, the following:

· Degraded mangroves are conserved.

· Enhanced community resilience to climate change impacts such as erosion and flooding.

· Adoption of sustainable livelihood practices that reduce dependence on mangrove resources.

· Increased participation of women in decision-making processes related to climate adaptation and resource management.

N.B: In line with the U.S. National Strategy on Gender Equity and Equality, which seeks to promote gender equity in mitigating and responding to climate change, the project under this program should mainstream gender-responsive and socially inclusive climate approaches.

A.5. Possible Activities To achieve the goals and expected results, project activities could include, but are not limited to, the following:

· Restore degraded mangrove lands with mangrove trees.

· Organize workshops/trainings to enlighten the population on sustainable livelihoods practices and the need to diversify.

· Provide climate related and other trainings for the women.

A.6. Performance Indicators and Monitoring Plan The project should monitor and report on performance indicators that are specific, measurable, achievable, reasonable, and timebound. 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 be gender sensitive. They should be disaggregated by sex, age, ability and, if possible, gender. Indicators should reflect key project outputs or outcomes that reflect on the primary goals or objectives of the project and that the implementer can collect with high quality data.

All applicable indicators should be included in the proposal and subsequently to the award, routine, periodic reporting of all indicators will be required. 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.

The following indicators, as relevant to the project’s specific objectives, are required. Applicants are welcome to propose other indicators relevant to the primary objectives and expected results of the project. These should be reflected in the Performance Monitoring Plan as described below.

· Number of people trained in sustainable landscapes supported by USG assistance.

· Number of people receiving livelihood co-benefits (monetary or non-monetary) associated with the implementation of USG sustainable landscapes activities.

· Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, estimated in metric tons of CO2 equivalent, reduced, sequestered, or avoided through sustainable landscapes activities supported by USG assistance.

· Number of hectares under improved management expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions as a result of USG assistance.

The State Department takes into consideration the quality of data reported by recipients as part of the award activities, therefore applicants should be aware that recipients will be subject to data quality assessments.

The Performance Monitoring Plan (PMP) should include the following:

· Narrative explaining how monitoring and evaluation (M&E) will be carried out and who will be responsible for M&E activities.

· Project Objectives and Indicators (template provided as Attachment 3) listing by project objectives the output- and outcome-based performance indicators with baselines (if available) and quarterly and cumulative targets; data collection tools; data sources; types of data disaggregation, if applicable; and frequency of data collection.

A.7. Risk Analysis The purpose of the risk analysis is to identify the internal and external risks associated with the proposed project in the application, 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. A risk analysis should not be considered a one-time exercise or a static document. Applicants should conduct adequate risk analysis and remediation for all its operations and advise that risk analysis and remediation occur throughout the life of a project and should result in revisions to risk analysis documents and processes as necessary. The risk analysis should include gender-related risks, including, but not limited to, gender-based violence.

The safety and security of recipients and beneficiaries are of utmost importance. The recipient is required to conduct thorough risk assessments and take all actions necessary in accordance with those assessments to mitigate those risks. The Embassy will not take responsibility for the risks incurred by any recipient. A suggested format for a risk analysis is provided in attachment 5.

A.8. Participants and Audiences:

The intended target audiences should be CSOs active in the field of Environment, with specific focus on climate; administrative authorities; local leaders; local populations, including women and the youth.

B. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION

Length of performance period: 12 months Number of awards anticipated: One award.

Award amounts: $50,000 Total available funding: $50,000 Type of Funding: FY 2023 Economic Support Funds (ESF) under the Foreign Assistance Act Anticipated program start date: September 2024.

N.B: This notice is subject to availability of funding.

Funding Instrument Type: Grant

Program Performance Period: Proposed programs should be completed in 12 months (September 2024 – September 2025) or less.

C. ELIGILIBITY INFORMATION

C.1 Eligible Applicants The Climate Grants Program is limited to Cameroonian local registered Community Based Organizations (CBOs), Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) with at least two years of experience working in Environment. Organizations and entities with a prior history of poor performance of U.S. government grants are ineligible for this funding.

C.2 Cost Sharing or Matching Providing cost sharing, matching, or cost participation is not an eligibility requirement for this NOFO.

C.3 Other Eligibility Requirements In order to be eligible to receive an award, all organizations must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) number issued via www.SAM.gov as well as a valid registration on www.SAM.gov. Please see Section D.3 for more information. Individuals are not required to have a UEI or be registered in SAM.gov.

Applicants are only allowed to submit one proposal per organization. If more than one proposal is submitted from an organization, all proposals from that institution will be considered ineligible for funding.

Organizations must have a commitment to equal opportunity employment practices and to non-discrimination practices with regard to beneficiaries, without regard to race, religion, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, or political affiliation.

D. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

D.1 Address to Request Application Package Application forms required below are available at: grantsyaounde@state.gov.

D.2 Content and Form of Application Submission Please follow all instructions below carefully. Proposals that do not meet the requirements of this announcement or fail to comply with the stated requirements will be ineligible.

Content of Application Please ensure:

· The proposal clearly addresses the goals and objectives of this funding opportunity.

· All documents are in English.

· All budgets are in U.S. dollars.

· All pages are numbered.

· All documents are formatted to A4 paper, and

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

The following documents are required:

D.2.1. Mandatory application forms

· SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance – organizations)

· SF-424A (Budget Information for Non-Construction programs)

· SF-424B (Assurances for Non-Construction programs) (note: the SF-424B is only required for individuals and for organizations not registered in SAM.gov)

D.2.2. Summary Page Cover sheet stating the applicant’s name and organization, proposal date, program title, program period proposed start and end date, and brief purpose of the program.

D.2.3. Proposal (20 pages maximum) The proposal should contain sufficient information so that anyone can understand exactly what the applicant wants to do. You may use the CLIMG optional application form. You may use your own proposal format, but it must include all the items below.

· Proposal Summary: Short narrative that outlines the proposed program, including program objectives and anticipated impact.

· Introduction to the Organization or Individual applying: A description of past and present operations, showing ability to carry out the program, including information on all previous grants from the U.S. Embassy and/or U.S. government agencies.

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

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

· Program expected outcomes and impact: The outcome describes the short to medium effects to have or the ‘step changes’, which need to occur in order to achieve your long term or ultimate goal. The impact describes how the program will affect target populations in the long term.

· Program Activities: Describe the program activities and how they will help achieve the objectives.

· Program Methods and Design: A description of how the program is expected to work to solve the stated problem and achieve the goal. Include a logic model as appropriate.

· Proposed Program Schedule and Timeline: The proposed timeline for the program activities. Include the dates, times, and locations of planned activities and events.

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

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

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

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

D.2.4. Budget Justification Narrative After filling out the SF-424A Budget (above), use a separate file to describe each of the budget expenses in detail. See section H. Other Information: Guidelines for Budget Submissions below for further information.

D.2.5. Attachments

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

· Letters of support from program partners describing the roles and responsibilities of each partner (if possible).

· If your organization has a Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA) and includes NICRA charges in the budget, your latest NICRA should be included as a PDF file.

· Official permission letters, if required for program activities (if applicable).

· Annexes: Budget, Activity Timeline, Performance Monitoring Plan, Logic Model, Risk Analysis.

D.3. Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM.gov) (NOTE: This section is required and not optional).

Required Registrations:

All organizations, whether based in the United States or in another country, must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and an active registration with the SAM.gov. 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.

Note: As of April 2022, a DUNS number is no longer required for federal assistance applications.

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 an award is processed and/or directed to a sub-grantee.

Note: The process of obtaining or renewing 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) and a UEI number prior to registering in SAM.gov.

· Organizations based outside of the United States and that 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 Commercial and Government Entity (NCAGE) code or CAGE code to apply for non-DoD foreign assistance funding opportunities. 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.”

Organizations based outside of the United States and that DO NOT plan to do business with the DoD should follow the below instructions:

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

Organizations based outside of the United States and that DO plan to do business with the DoD in addition to Department of State should follow the below instructions:

Step 1: Apply for an NCAGE code by following the instructions on the NSPA NATO website linked below:

NCAGE Homepage:

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

Exemptions An exemption from the UEI and sam.gov registration requirements may be permitted on a case-by-case basis if:

· An applicant’s identity must be protected due to potential endangerment of their mission, their organization’s status, their employees, or individuals being served by the applicant.

· 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 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 Cameroon time on July 21, 2024.

Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

D.5. Funding Restrictions The following activities and costs are not covered under this announcement:

· Construction is not an allowable activity under this award.

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

· Direct support or the appearance of direct support for any religious organization, to include repair or building of structures used for religious purposes.

· Military assistance of any kind, including weapons buy-back or rewards programs.

· Purchase of firearms, ammunition, or removal of unexploded ordnances.

· Para-police (i.e., militias, neighborhood watch, security guards) and prison-related projects. This restriction includes no funding of any secondary need in a law-enforcement organization.

· Payments for any partner government, military, or civilian government employee salary or pension.

· Duplication of services immediately available through municipal, provincial, or national government.

· Funds for market research, advertising (unless public service related to grant program), or other promotional expenses.

· Expenses made prior to the approval of a proposal, or unreasonable expenditures will not be reimbursed.

· Charitable or development activities.

· Fund-raising campaigns.

· Lobbying for specific legislation or projects.

· Scientific research.

· Projects intended primarily for the growth or institutional development of the organization.

· Projects seeking funds for personal use.

· Projects that require a participation fee.

D.6. Other Submission Requirements All application materials must be submitted by email to grantsyaounde@state.gov .

Faxed or couriered document will not be accepted.

E. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

E.1. Criteria Each application will be evaluated and rated on the basis of the evaluation criteria outlined below.

Project justification, goals and benefits – 20 points: The proposal addresses a specific problem that affects the community and proposes a project that will contribute to mitigate and respond to the impacts of climate change, advance sustainable landscapes, with focus on mangrove restoration/conservation.

Budget and budget justification – 5 points: The budget justification is detailed. Costs are reasonable in relation to the proposed activities and anticipated results. The budget is realistic, accounting for all necessary expenses to achieve proposed activities.

Organizational Capacity and Record on Previous Grants – 5 points: The organization must show capacity to implement the scope and scale of the proposed work and the ability to successfully complete the project within the proposed budget and timeline. The organization must have internal controls in place to manage federal funds. Organizations that have previously carried out similar or other human rights projects may be ranked higher during the evaluation process.

Monitoring and evaluation plan – 5 points: Applicant demonstrates it is able to measure program success against key indicators and provides milestones to indicate progress toward goals outlined in the proposal. The program includes output and outcome indicators and shows how and when those will be measured.

Sustainability – 5 points: Program activities will continue to have positive impact after the end of the program.

Timeline – 5 points: Project timeline should be feasible within 12 months, appropriate and connected to project goals and budget.

Support of Equity and Underserved Communities – 5 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 A review committee will evaluate all eligible applications.

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

i. The federal awarding agency, prior to making a federal award with a total amount of federal share greater than the simplified acquisition threshold, is required to review and consider any information about the applicant that is in the U.S. government designated integrity and performance system accessible through SAM.gov (see 41 U.S.C. 2313).

ii. An applicant, at its option, may review and comment on any information about itself that a federal awarding agency previously entered. 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.

iii. The federal awarding agency will consider any comments by the applicant, in addition to the other information in the designated integrity and performance system, in making a judgment about the applicant's integrity, business ethics, and record of performance under federal awards when completing the review of risk posed by applicants as described in §200.206 Federal awarding agency review of risk posed by applicants.

E.4 Anticipated Announcement and Federal Award Dates No later than September 25, 2024.

F. FEDERAL AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION

F.1. Federal Award Notices The grant award or cooperative agreement will be written, signed, awarded, and administered by the Grants Officer. The assistance award agreement is the authorizing document, and it will be provided to the recipient for review and signature by email. The recipient may only start incurring program expenses beginning on the start date shown on the grant award document signed by the Grants Officer.

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

Issuance of this NOFO does not constitute an award commitment on the part of the U.S. government, nor does it commit the U.S. government to pay for costs incurred in the preparation and submission of proposals. Further, the U.S. government reserves the right to reject any or all proposals received.

F.2. Payment Method Request for Payment will be submitted through a SF-270. Payments shall be disbursed via EFT upon receipt of a signed SF-270 form and required reporting.

F.3. Administrative and National Policy Requirements Before submitting an application, applicants should review all the terms and conditions and required certifications which will apply to this award, to ensure that they will be able to comply.

These include:

· 2 CFR 25 - UNIVERSAL IDENTIFIER AND SYSTEM FOR AWARD MANAGEMENT

· 2 CFR 170 - REPORTING SUBAWARD AND EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION INFORMATION

· 2 CFR 175 - AWARD TERM FOR TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS

· 2 CFR 182 - GOVERNMENTWIDE REQUIREMENTS FOR DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE (FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE)

· 2 CFR 183 - NEVER CONTRACT WITH THE ENEMY

· 2 CFR 600 – DEPARTMENT OF STATE REQUIREMENTS

· U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE STANDARD TERMS AND CONDITIONS

In accordance with the Office of Management and Budget’s guidance located at 2 CFR part 200, all applicable federal laws, and relevant executive guidance, the Department of State will review and consider applications for funding, as applicable to specific programs, pursuant to this notice of funding opportunity in accordance with the following: NOTE:

· Guidance for Grants and Agreements in Title 2 of the Code of Federal Regulations (2 CFR), as updated in the Federal Register’s 85 FR 49506 on August 13, 2020, particularly on:

· Selecting recipients most likely to be successful in delivering results based on the program objectives through an objective process of evaluating federal award applications (2 CFR part 200.205),

· Prohibiting the purchase of certain telecommunication and video surveillance services or equipment in alignment with section 889 of the National Defense Authorization Act of 2019 (Pub. L. No. 115—232) (2 CFR part 200.216),

· Promoting the freedom of speech and religious liberty in alignment with Promoting Free Speech and Religious Liberty (E.O. 13798) and Improving Free Inquiry, Transparency, and Accountability at Colleges and Universities (E.O. 13864) (§§ 200.300, 200.303, 200.339, and 200.341),

· Providing a preference, to the extent permitted by law, to maximize use of goods, products, and materials produced in the United States (2 CFR part 200.322), and Terminating agreements in whole or in part to the greatest extent authorized by law, if an award no longer effectuates the program goals or agency priorities (2 CFR part 200.340).

· 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.

F.4. Reporting Reporting Requirements: Recipients will, at a minimum, be required to submit quarterly Progress Reports and quarterly Financial Reports. Progress Reports will compare actual to planned performance and indicate the progress made in accomplishing each assistance award tasks/goals noted in the grant agreement and will contain analysis and summary of findings, both quantitative and qualitative, for key indicators. Financial Reports provide a means of monitoring expenditures and comparing costs incurred with progress. Failure to submit reports on time will result in payment delays.

Recipients must report immediately when a program faces unplanned delays in implementation, fails to meet program targets or milestones, or costs increase. Any changes or revisions to the approved budget require prior approval from the Grants Officer.

Foreign Assistance Data Review: As required by Congress, the Department of State must make progress in its efforts to improve tracking and reporting of foreign assistance data through the Foreign Assistance Data Review (FADR). The FADR requires tracking of foreign assistance activity data from budgeting, planning, and allocation through obligation and disbursement. Successful applicants will be required to report and draw down federal funding based on the appropriate FADR Data Elements, indicated within their award documentation. In cases of more than one FADR Data Element, typically program or sector and/or regions or country, the successful applicant will be required to maintain separate accounting records.

Applicants should be aware of the post award reporting requirements reflected in 2 CFR 200 Appendix XII—Award Term and Condition for Recipient Integrity and Performance Matters.

G. FEDERAL AWARDING AGENCY CONTACTS

If you have any questions about the grant application process, please contact Lucresse Ngum at NgumLR@state.gov .

H. OTHER INFORMATION

H.1. Guidelines for Budget Justification

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

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

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

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

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

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

· Indirect Costs: These are costs that cannot be linked directly to the program activities, such as overhead costs needed to help keep the organization operating. If your organization has a Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate (NICRA) and includes NICRA charges in the budget, attach a copy of your latest NICRA. Organizations that have never had a NICRA may request indirect costs of 10% of modified total direct costs as defined in 2 CFR 200.68.

· “Cost Sharing” refers to contributions from the organization or other entities other than the U.S. Embassy. It also includes in-kind contributions such as volunteers’ time and donated venues.

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

H.2. Applicant Vetting Applicants are advised that proposals will be evaluated against the potential risk that federal funds may inadvertently be passed to the wrong hands and that funds may benefit terrorist groups or their supporters. Applicants may be asked to submit information required by DS Form 4184, Risk Analysis Information (attached to this solicitation), about their company and its principal personnel. Vetting information is also required for all sub-award performance on assistance awards identified by DOS as presenting a risk of terrorist financing. When vetting information is requested by the Grants Officer, information may be submitted on the secure web portal at: https://ramportal.state.gov, via Email to RAM@state.gov, or hardcopy to the Grants Officer.

H.3. Marking Policy Applicants are advised that recipients and sub-recipients of federal assistance awards are subject to the State Department’s Marking Policy. More information on this policy can be found in Section N of the Department of State’s Standard Terms and Conditions:

https://www.state.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/U.S.-Department-of-State-Standard-Terms-and-Conditions-10-21-2020-508.pdf

H.4. Monitoring Site Visits A monitoring site visit, at least once during the lifetime of a grant, is required by Department of State grant policy. The site visit is conducted to gather additional information on the recipient’s ability to properly implement the project, manage funds, and share substantiating document for programmatic, indicator, and financial reporting. Specifically, the site visit will involve the review of the programmatic progress (progress on activities, sub-recipient/consultant work, data quality, etc.) as well as administrative and financial management and controls.

H.5. Privacy Disclosure The Department of State understands that some information contained in applications may be considered sensitive or proprietary and will make appropriate efforts to protect such information. However, applicants are advised that the Department of State cannot guarantee that such information will not be disclosed, including pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) or other similar statutes.

H.6. Attachments:

Attachment 1: Budget Guidance and Template for New Awards Attachment 2: Budget Narrative Template – Sample Format Attachment 3: Project Monitoring Plan Template Attachment 4: Logic Model Attachment 5: Risk Analysis