2024 NOFO DFOP0014021 Enhancing Climate Resilience in the IOR.pdf

United States Department of State

Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs

Office of Security and Transnational Affairs

Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO): Enhancing Climate Resilience in the Indian Ocean Region’s (IOR) Small Island Developing States (SIDS)

Funding Opportunity Number: DFOP0014021

Assistance Listing Number: 19.108 Solicitation Type: Open Competition Award Type: Cooperative Agreement Funding Floor (if applicable): $986,500 Funding Ceiling: $986,500 Funding Authority: Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended (FAA) Cost Sharing: Not Required Number of Awards: 1 award(s) Period of Performance: 24 months Application Deadline: 11:59 PM EST on Friday, July 19, 2024 Question Submission Deadline: 11:59 PM EST by Monday, July 8, 2024 Notification of Recommendation for Funding: Recommended for funding applicant will be notified within 4-5 weeks from date of application submission deadline.

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; foreign-based non-profit organizations/non-government organizations (NGO); U.S.-based private, public, or state institutions of higher education; foreign-based institutions of higher education.

Number of Applications: 1 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 applicable) 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)16 D.3.1 Exemptions D.4. Submission Dates and Times D.5. Funding Limitations, Restrictions, and Other Considerations Section E: Application Review Information E1. 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 Section G: Federal Awarding Agency Contact G.1. Contacts G.2. Question Submission Deadline Section H: Other information H.1. Conflict of Interest H.2. Freedom of Information Act

H.5. Monitoring Site Visits H.6. Privacy Disclosure H.8. Background Information on SCA/STA

SECTION A: FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

A.1. Background

The U.S. Department of State, Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs’ Office of Security and Transnational Affairs (SCA/STA) announces an open competition for an organization (see eligibility information on page 1) interested in submitting an application to implement a project to build the capacity of the four small island developing states (SIDS) in the Indian Ocean to address the impacts of climate change. In particular, the funding will be used to increase resilience to climate-driven disasters among the SIDS.

Priority Region: This program is expected to focus on the four Indian Ocean SIDS including Maldives, Comoros, Mauritius, and Seychelles. This program will also engage the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), including as a resource and observer.

See the Program Design and Performance Management Toolkit Overview on the Office of Foreign Assistance’s website:

https://usdos.sharepoint.com/sites/MFR/SitePages/Managing_Program-Design-and-Performance-Management-Toolkit.aspx

A.2. Problem Statement

The IOR is home to 2.7 billion people—a little over a third of the world’s population—and connects people and economies across diverse countries and topographies. Societies and economies across the IOR are particularly vulnerable to a triple environmental crisis: rapid ocean warming, marine pollution (especially plastics), and biodiversity losses. Climate-related displacement due to rising sea levels, coastal erosion, flooding, and extreme weather events will become even more acute in this region. IOR SIDS are exceptionally impacted by these changes with sea levels rising faster on average in the Indian Ocean as compared to the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. SIDS are also economically vulnerable and possess limited technical capacity to fight climate change.

https://usdos.sharepoint.com/sites/MFR/SitePages/Managing_Program-Design-and-Performance-Management-Toolkit.aspx https://usdos.sharepoint.com/sites/MFR/SitePages/Managing_Program-Design-and-Performance-Management-Toolkit.aspx

Established in 1997, IORA is a leading intergovernmental organization and the premier diplomatic, ministerial level forum in the IOR. As a Dialogue Partner in IORA since 2012, the United States remains committed to working with IORA on shared goals in the region including climate resilience, ocean health, maritime security, and the blue economy. IORA provides a much-needed regional platform uniting SIDS and other IOR partners to address climate resilience and adaptation.

This program will support stakeholders of post-disaster recovery and resilience in the target beneficiary countries. Programmatic activity may be designed and implemented in consultation with IORA leadership and relevant working groups, as applicable. IORA Secretariat representatives may participate in observer roles as appropriate.

A.3. Project Goal

To build the capacity of the four SIDS in the Indian Ocean to address the impacts of climate change and increase resilience to climate-driven disasters.

A.4. Objectives

• Enhance understanding of needs and risks of climate-related disasters affecting IOR SIDS.

o Activity must include but is not limited to:

A Climate Resilience Needs and Gaps Table-Top Exercise for the four beneficiary Indian Ocean SIDS countries

• Enhance capacity building programming for stakeholders of post-disaster recovery and resilience in target countries.

o Activity must include but is not limited to:

A study tour in the United States for disaster management professionals and climate specialists to include visits to disaster and emergency management agencies, such as the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and emergency operation centers.

o Activity can include but is not limited to:

Webinars enhancing adaptive strategies of the four IOR SIDS including financial, technical, and institutional.

Support for exercises and/or workshops that review disaster risk reduction and build options for monitoring and mitigating Illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing and other economically destructive activities in the wake of a prospective climate driven disaster.

• Enhance information sharing and best practices among beneficiary countries.

o Activity can include but is not limited to:

Development of a toolkit or guide and workshops on enhancing technical capacity for managing long-term

A.5. Expected Outcomes

An enhanced level of understanding and coordination amongst climate-change and disaster-response related stakeholders in the IOR.

A.6. Performance Indicators

Project indicators can include, but are not limited to:

EG.11 EG.11-1 Number of people trained in climate change adaptation supported by USG assistance

EG.11 EG.11-5 Number of people supported by the USG to adapt to the effects of climate change

EG.11 EG.11-6

Number of people using climate information or implementing risk-reducing actions to improve resilience to climate change as supported by USG assistance

A.7. Key Considerations

• The Climate Resilience Needs and Gaps Table-Top Exercise should engage the IORA Secretariat and/or IORA Leadership Troika, to include participation as observers in the activity.

A.8. Substantial Involvement

SCA/STA 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. SCA/STA will undertake reasonable and programmatically necessary substantial involvement. Under this cooperative agreement, the implementer will further work with and seek approval from the Program Manager, GOR, and GO on the following:

• The development of, and any changes to, an agreed-upon action plan for training, equipping and mentoring activities, changes and selection of personnel;

• Coordination between USG and non-USG implementers;

• Official media output

• Active participation and collaboration with the recipient in the implementation of the award.

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 as 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 SCA/STA 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 SCA/STA 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

Please see eligibility on Page 1.

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 but 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.

Any applicant with an exclusion in the Exclusions section of the System for Award Management (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 in the Exclusions section of SAM.gov can participate in any activities under an award. All applicants are strongly encouraged to review the Exclusions section in Sam.gov to ensure that no ineligible entity or person is included in their application.

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 under the announcement title “Enhancing Climate Resilience in the Indian Ocean Region’s (IOR) Small Island Developing States (SIDS),” funding https://sam.gov/ https://sam.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/ opportunity number “DFOP0014021.” Please contact the SCA/STA 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

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. 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, 14-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.

Complete applications must include the following, where applicable:

1) Completed and signed SF-424, SF-424A, and SF-424B forms. (OPTIONAL but strongly encouraged for FPEs/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 (not to exceed one (1) page, preferably as a Word document) that includes a table with the organization name, project title, target country/countries, 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.

4) Proposal Narrative (not to exceed thirteen (13) pages, preferably as a Word document). Please note the thirteen-page limit does not include the Cover Page/Executive Summary, Detailed Budget, Budget Narrative, Key Personnel, Timeline 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 into 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 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.

• Project 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 describes the broader, long-range outcome or concept intended. Goals do not include timelines or methods for achievement. Rather, goals are general statements of a desired result.

Programs generally have one goal that is only one sentence.

• Program Objective(s): Objectives unlike goals, are brief, clear statements that describe what will be done within a specific timeframe to help achieve or advance a goal. Objectives are applicant focused, and 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 given 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 and Schedule: Describe how the activities or actions under objective(s) will be carried out. Should be clearly developed and sufficiently explain the resources and time requirements identified (inputs) and things done or produced (outputs). Where appropriate, identify target areas, or where actions are happening, participant groups or selection criteria for participants;

how relevant stakeholders will be engaged; actions taken by consultants, sub-recipients or vendors as appropriate/relevant.

Demonstrate how the activity will support and advance equity and engage underserved communities in program administration, design, and implementation.

• Outcomes: The results or effects of the objective(s). What are the detailed, measurable statements that outline the end results?

Outcomes are target-audience focused. What will the benefitting individuals, countries or audiences have learned, accomplished or be able to do after the project has been completed? Collectively, outcomes advance or further the program goal.

• 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 – Applicants’ 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 Documents: This is a two (2) component submission requirement.

o (1) Detailed Line-Item Budget: Entities and organizations not recognized as FPEs or PIOs are required to submit detailed budget information according to the OMB cost categories (see SF-424A as an example). Budget expenses should be submitted preferably as one Excel workbook and include three (3) columns describing the request to SCA/STA, any required or voluntary cost sharing, and the total budget. Costs must be in whole U.S. dollars. The attached “Budget Guidance Template for Multi-Year Awards (FY24)” is the preferred format for submission. Detailed line-item budgets for sub-grantees should be included as additional tabs within the Excel workbook (if available at the time of submission). Note: Applicants are welcome to delete columns associated with multiple years if submitting a proposal that will only extend to one year. Alternatively, applicants are welcome to add columns for additional years.

o (2) Budget Narrative: Entities and organizations not recognized as FPEs or PIOs are required to submit narrative information, preferably as a Word document, that explain the methodology considerations for each specific line identified in the Excel document. The budget narrative should support the activities described in the proposal and provide additional information that might not be readily apparent in the detailed line-item budget. Do not simply repeat what is represented numerically in the budget, i.e. salaries are for salaries or travel is for travel. If the detailed budget includes sub-awards, please include a separate budget narrative for each sub-award budget.

Provide details on the purpose of costs, reasonability of costs, cost price analysis, allocation methodology, explain any yearly variances in unit prices, and tie expenses to program activities and/or objectives where appropriate. Information should describe prices used when costs have been averaged for the purposes of the calculation; when or if there is a reduction in a typical cost due to leveraging other resources; when costs are inflated due to specific considerations; or when untypical costs are included due to special circumstances.

Provide information on considerations such as translations, multi-media approaches as also described in the proposal narrative, procurement by local vendors or the need to import due to unavailability, specific needs of different audiences, costs related to country limitations, etc.

o Budget Documents for Foreign Public Entities/Public International Organizations: Entities and organizations recognized as FPEs or PIOs are not required to submit detailed budget information according to the OMB cost categories. (1) A detailed budget, preferably as an excel document broken down by activity may be provided with information identifying lines associated with labor (inclusive of contractual or consultancy staff), participant support costs, travel, and other activity related expenses as appropriate for each activity identified. While 2 CFR 200, Subpart E—Costs Principles does not apply to FPEs and PIOs, it should be used as a guide to assist in determining reasonableness.

Costs must be in U.S. dollars. (2) A budget narrative, preferably as a Word document, should explain the methodology considerations for each activity and other cost considerations or special circumstances that are helpful in determining reasonableness.

6) Program Monitoring and Evaluation Narrative and Plan/Tracker: This is a submission requirement.

o (1) Monitoring and Evaluation Narrative: Preferably a one-page Word document, the narrative outlines how a project’s M&E system will be https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200#subpart-E https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200#subpart-E carried out and by whom. It details how you will track your project’s performance toward its objectives over time and provides 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.

7) Note: If recommended for funding, the panel and/or bureau may negotiatadditionassist the bureau in tying projects to larger bureau program objectives for Department’s Managing for Results framework. More information on this policy framework and access to the foreign assistance master indicator list is on the Foreign Assistance Resource Library. After award issuance, the M&E plan will accompany performance reports to document progress on indicators.

8) Key Personnel (not to exceed two (2) pages, preferably as a Word document): Represents staff within your organization or outside of your organization (subgrantee, consultants, contractors), carrying out administrative and/or technical responsibilities, who are integral to the success of the program. Includes 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, inserting CVs are not recommended but may be submitted in as an attachment. Generally limited to 3-5 individuals.

https://www.state.gov/foreign-assistance-resource-library/ https://www.state.gov/foreign-assistance-resource-library/

9) 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, as applicable. Please see “Sample Timeline” included as an attachment to the NOFO.

10) Gender Analysis: (2 pages maximum) Proposal must include a gender analysis that is contextualized by the geographic area where the applicant proposes to program; demonstrates how the proposed program accounts for the different ways in which it might impact and be impacted by different genders; and identifies challenges and opportunities for narrowing gender inequalities. This should be a standalone document rather than a section of the proposal narrative.

11) Attachments (if applicable):

• CVs or resumes

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. SCA/STA 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.

http://www.sam.gov/ http://www.sam.gov/

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 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 and UEI number is required and 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 , 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 (if 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. 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/CAGE Code, proceed to SAM.gov to obtain a UEI an 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 use that determination will be used as a basis for making an award to another applicant.

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

Department of State. This guidance and instruction 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.

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 Standard Time (EST), on Friday, July 19, 2024 on grants.gov under the announcement title “Enhancing Climate Resilience in the Indian Ocean Region’s (IOR) Small Island Developing States (SIDS),” funding opportunity number “DFOP0014021.”

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 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 , 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 SCA/STA receiving their application.

SCA/STA 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

SCA/STA will not consider applications that reflect any type of support for any member, affiliate, or representative of a designated terrorist organization. Please refer to 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, https://www.grants.gov/ https://www.state.gov/foreign-terrorist-organizations/ 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 must put in place appropriate risk mitigation measures to mitigate such risk. In accordance with 14 FAM 247, and consistent with 2 FAM 050, Counterterrorism (CT) name-check vetting may be performed in countries and programs designated by the Department.

Project activities whose direct beneficiaries are foreign militaries or paramilitary groups or individuals will not be considered for SCA/STA funding given purpose limitations on funding.

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

• Construction or renovations 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 the restrictions above when developing project proposals. Funding restrictions require appropriate due diligence of program beneficiaries and collaboration with SCA/STA to ensure compliance.

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

Since MyGrants interface with sam.gov, it is required that applicants obtain a UEI and complete the registration process in sam.gov before proceeding with the application process. The sam.gov registration process can take 4-8 weeks. START

EARLY.

Applicants are encouraged 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 SCA/STA 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.

MyGrants Applications: N/A to this funding opportunity. This funding opportunity requires applications solely through www.grants.gov.

Applicants using MyGrants for the first time will need their “New Organization Registration.” To register with MyGrants, navigate to https://MyGrants.servicenowservices.com and click “Create an Account” under “New User?” On the pop-up select “Create a MyGrants Applicant/Grantee Account” and complete all required fields. Once completed, an email will be sent to verify the account creation followed by an Okta Account set-up which will require the use of a smartphone for multi-factor authentication (MFA). If an applicant does not have accessibility to a smartphone during the time of account creation, please contact the helpdesk.

MyGrants Help Desk:

For assistance with MyGrants 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 ILMS Self Service Portal. Customer support is available 24/7.

Grants.gov Applications:

This funding opportunity requires applications solely through www.grants.gov.

http://www.grants.gov/ https://mygrants.service-now.com/ https://afsitsm.servicenowservices.com/ilms/home http://www.grants.gov/

The individual registered in sam.gov as the EBiz POC must be the individual to create the grants.gov account using the same email address as used in sam.gov and add a profile with grants.gov using the UEI. The EBiz POC can then delegate administrative roles to other users. Read the Help article, Manage Roles for Applicant, for instructions.

More information can be found at Applicant Registration, which includes workspace overview, how to apply for grants, track my application and applicant training.

Note: Grants.gov recommends using Adobe Acrobat Reader for Windows or MAC OS. Adobe Reader version 9.x is no longer compatible for use with grants.gov workspace PDF forms.

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. Applicants are strongly encouraged to take a screenshot of the checklist showing submission of all documents in case any document fails to upload successfully and as proof for the helpdesk.

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.

SECTION E: APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

E1. Proposal Review Criteria

SCA/STA review panel will evaluate each application individually against the criteria listed below, in order of importance, and not against competing https://apply07.grants.gov/help/html/help/index.htm?callingApp=custom#callingApp=custom&t=Applicants%2FManagement%2FManageRolesForApplicant.htm https://apply07.grants.gov/help/html/help/index.htm?callingApp=custom#callingApp=custom&t=Applicants%2FManagement%2FManageRolesForApplicant.htm https://www.grants.gov/applicants/applicant-registration mailto:support@grants.gov https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/federal-holidays/ 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 (15 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; its’ causes; stakeholders; and existing research/data;

the approach taken to solve the problem; realistic milestones to indicate progress.

Organizational Capacity and Record of Performance (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.

Financial Capacity and Cost Effectiveness (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.

Applications that maximize direct activity costs and minimize administrative costs are encouraged. Final approval of the budget resides with the Grants Officer.

Monitoring & Evaluation and Sustainability (25 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. SCA/STA 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 will determine scores based on the strengths and weaknesses of the aforementioned 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.

SCA/STA 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 SCA/STA’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 entered and is currently in the designated integrity and performance system accessible through 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 §200.206 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 organizations 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

SCA/STA will provide a separate notification to applicants on the result of their applications.