2024 USEmbassyGirlsinSTEAMNOFO PAO.docx

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

U.S. EMBASSY SAN JOSE PUBLIC DIPLOMACY SECTION

Notice of Funding Opportunity

Funding Opportunity Title: U.S. Embassy San Jose Public Diplomacy Section Girls in STEAM Project Funding Opportunity Number: PD-001-FY2024 Deadlines for Applications: Applications will be considered first through a statement of interest that must be submitted by February 16, 2024 (11:59 p.m. CST). Applicants with competitive statements of interest will subsequently be notified and invited to submit full grant applications by March 15, 2024 (11:59 p.m. CST).

CFDA Number: 19.040 – Public Diplomacy Programs Total Amount Available: $50,000 Award amounts: Minimum of $40,000 to maximum of $50,000

I. FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

The U.S. Embassy San Jose Public Diplomacy (PD) Section of the U.S. Department of State announces an open competition for organizations to submit proposals (statements of interest) for a well-conceived program that promotes increased understanding of the United States’ values, culture, foreign policy priorities, and/or people among the Costa Rican public through building the academic, soft skill, and leadership capacity of high-school aged girls in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM) fields. The goal of this project is to empower young women in Costa Rica to pursue STEAM careers, to bridge academic and professional gender gaps in STEAM fields, and to develop, cultivate, and hone science and technology skills. Applicants should submit a Statement of Interest (SOI) to implement a program that includes but is not limited to the following elements:

· A one-week (or longer) “tech camp” that may include skills building, hands-on innovation and competition, and exposure and practice with activities centered on science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics.

· Promotion of the participation of women in STEAM fields of study and careers.

· Build leadership skills and confidence among young women to empower them to pursue career and academic pathways in STEAM fields.

Competitive proposals will incorporate a connection with an American expert(s), organization(s), institution(s), higher education institutions, private businesses, or another element that promotes increased understanding of U.S. policy, perspectives, and/or people. Applicants are encouraged to submit proposals that include virtual or in-person participation of U.S. experts, speakers, teachers, and/or volunteers where possible.

Please carefully read and follow all instructions.

The submission of the Statement of Interest (SOI) is the first of a two-step process for successful proposals. Applicants must submit a concise one to two-page Statement of Interest that clearly communicates program ideas, objectives, target audiences, and a general budget overview. Applicants should not submit a detailed, full proposal at this stage. The purpose of the SOI process is to allow applicants to submit program ideas for evaluation prior to requiring the submission of a full proposal application. Upon a merit review of eligible SOIs, selected applicants will be invited to expand on their program idea(s) by submitting a full proposal application. Full proposals will go through a second merit review before a final funding decision is made.

· Target Audiences in Costa Rica:

· Adolescent Costa Rican girls/women (ages 13-17) who are interested in but may not have had the opportunity or resources to pursue their interest in STEAM.

Activities that may be funded include, but are not limited to:

· One-week tech camp promoting activities based on STEAM education

· Public-facing programs that include U.S. subject matter experts conducting speaking tours/public talks, roundtable discussions, workshops, etc. on STEAM;

· Academic and professional lectures and seminars;

· School and business visits to expose career options;

· Skills building and education programs that help young people learn technology-based job skills

· Professional and academic exchanges and programs

· Artistic and cultural workshops, joint performances, and exhibitions

The following types of programs are not eligible for funding:

· Programs relating to partisan political activity;

· Charitable, humanitarian, social welfare, or development activities;

· Construction programs;

· Programs that support specific religious activities;

· Fund-raising campaigns;

· Lobbying for specific legislation or programs

· Scientific research;

· Programs intended primarily for the growth or institutional development of the organization;

· Programs that duplicate existing programs;

· International travel, unless specifically justified within the proposal

· II. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION

Length of performance period: 12 months or less Number of awards anticipated: 1 award Award Amounts: Award Floor: $40,000; Award Ceiling: $50,000 Total available funding: $50,000 Type of Funding: Fiscal Year 2024 Public Diplomacy Funding, U.S. Embassy San Jose Cost share: Not required.

Anticipated program start date: After June 30, 2024

This notice is subject to availability of funding.

Authorizing legislation, type and year of funding:

Funding authority rests in the Smith-Mundt Act. The source of funding is FY 2024 Public Diplomacy Funding.

Funding Instrument Type: Grant , or Cooperative agreement. Cooperative agreements require that PD Staff are more actively involved in the grant implementation.

Program Performance Period: 12 months or less.

Since federal assistance awards are contingent on the availability of funds from the U.S. Department of State, applicants are encouraged to submit proposals with flexible start dates. PD will consider applications for continuation grants funded under these awards beyond the initial budget period on a non-competitive basis subject to availability of funds, satisfactory progress of the program, and a determination that continued funding would be in the best interest of the U.S. Department of State.

ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION: The Public Diplomacy Section will consider applications from the following organizations or individuals in the United States and Costa Rica:

· Registered not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks and civil society/non- governmental organizations with programming experience

· Individuals

· Non-profit or educational institutions

For-profit or commercial entities are not eligible to apply.

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

Other Eligibility Requirements necessary after a Statement of Interest has been selected for the next step:

Before applying, applicants should review all the terms and conditions and required certifications that will apply to this award to ensure that they will be able to comply. These include: , and the .

To be eligible for an award after SOI selection, the applicant will then submit all required information for the full grant package application through Grants.gov (http://www.grants.gov), including the requirements found in any attachments to this Grants.gov opportunity. Please contact Grants.gov Applicant Support at 1-800-518-4726 and support@grants.gov with any submission problems.

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. Note this is not required to submit a SOI. Individuals are not required to have a UEI or be registered in SAM.gov. Please see below for information on how to obtain these registrations.

To register (only required when submitting the full grant package if invited to do so after submitted your Statement of Interest):

Step 1: Create an account on www.grants.gov if you do not yet have one. Applications will only be received through this website. Email submissions will not be accepted.

Step 2: Apply for a UEI number and an number (these can be completed simultaneously) A. On April 4, 2022, the federal government stopped using DUNS numbers. The DUNS Number was replaced by a new, non-proprietary identifier that is provided by the System for Award Management (SAM.gov). This new identifier is called the Unique Entity Identifier (UEI), or the Entity ID.

To find or request a Unique Entity Identifier (SAM), please visit www.sam.gov.

To register in SAM please log in : https://www.sam.gov. SAM registration must be renewed annually.

III. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

Instructions: Please follow all instructions below carefully. Failure to furnish all information or comply with stated requirements may lead to the application’s disqualification for consideration. Applicants must set forth accurate and complete information as required by this Notice of Funding Opportunity.

IMPORTANT: Proposals will be accepted only as Adobe Acrobat (.pdf) or Microsoft Word files in English, Times New Roman 12 font, double-spaced with numbered pages. Please do not send links to documents for download. All budgets must be in U.S. dollars.

Statement of Interest (SOI) - Initial Proposal The first step is to submit a 1-2 page Statement of Interest (SOI). Applications will be reviewed and responded to approximately 7 business days after the Statement of Interest deadline.

Statement of Interest Deadline: February 16, 2024 by 11:59 pm CST.

Initial proposals of Statement of Interest should be sent to .

1.SOI Criteria:

These 1-2 page proposals must be completed in English, and include:

· At the top of the SOI, must include: Name of the organization and/or signing authority,, telephone number, e-mail, title of proposal, and requested amount of funding.

· Name and contact information (email address and telephone number(s)) of person submitting the proposal on behalf of the organization.

· Brief description of the proposed program, including: name of the project, length of the project; problem statement and solution; objectives, outputs and outcomes.

· A brief, clear statement of the applicant’s organizational capacity to carry out the proposed activity and manage U.S. Government funds.

· The anticipated total budget amount in U.S. dollars.

· A spreadsheet with the estimated total amount in U.S. dollars for each budget category (see budget guidelines at the end on #H. Other information).

Please note that post’s funds available for these projects are not intended to cover the organization's fixed costs or full salaries of its permanent staff. Overhead costs and personnel wages and benefits should not exceed 10% (each category) of the full amount of the award.

Organizations may submit only one statement of interest.

2.SOI Review and Selection Process:

PDS San Jose will review and analyze the quality and feasibility of the project and whether it aligns with the Embassy's priorities, and will select eligible and qualified applications based on the following criteria:

· Program areas addressed are aligned with stated priorities

· Objectives and expected outcomes are clear

· Target Audience

· Proposed budget and timeline

· Proposal is viable, reasonable and executable

· Compliance with required information and documents

3. Any successful SOI applicants will be contacted by February 28 and instructed to submit a full application package. The Embassy may provide conditions and/or recommendations on SOIs to enhance the proposed program that must be addressed in the full application. Selected SOIs will then need to submit the full grant package uploaded to www.grants.gov by March 15, 2024.

A full grant application will then include:

· Summary Cover Sheet (maximum 1 page): Cover sheet stating the applicant name and organization, proposal date, program title, program period proposed start and end date, and brief purpose of the program

· Proposal (5 pages maximum): The proposal should contain sufficient information so that anyone not familiar with it would understand exactly what the applicant wants to do. 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. What aspect of the relationship between the United States and Costa Rica will be improved? The “objectives” refer to the intermediate accomplishments on the way to the goals. These should be achievable and measurable.

· 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.

· Proposed Program Schedule: 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. If you as the prime recipient intend to partner with another organization and provide them with funding, you must also provide a dually-signed Sub-Award Agreement between the two (or more) parties.

· Program Monitoring and Evaluation Plan: This is an important part of successful grants. Throughout the time-frame 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? Applicants should indicate desired outputs and outcomes of the project.

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

· Budget Justification Narrative: After filling out the SF-424A Budget (above), use a separate sheet of paper to describe each of the budget expenses in detail. Please also indicate how the budget would shift to account for changes in activities as presented in your COVID contingency plan. See section H. Other Information: Guidelines for Budget Submissions below for further information.

· 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 and any pertinent sub-award agreements

· Official permission letters, if required for program activities

· Mandatory application forms: Completed SF-424 Grant Application Forms. Please use the most up to date versions of required forms available for download at Grants.gov (https://www.grants.gov/)

· Organizations/Institutions must include: Forms SF-424, SF-424A, and SF-424B (SF-424B not needed if the organization was registered or updated in SAM as of February 2, 2019

· Individual applicants must include: Forms SF424i, SF-424A, and SF-424B

Evidence of required Registrations: Applications must include evidence of valid registrations for UEI, and SAM.gov to be considered eligible. Evidence could include copies of confirmation messages or a letter from the organization including the appropriate registration numbers with validity dates. All organizations applying for federal awards must obtain these registrations. These registrations are not required for individuals applying. See registration instructions under eligibility requirements.

5. Final Selection Process: Once full applications are received by selected applicants following the SOI process, projects will go through a second merit review. Each proposal is evaluated by an internal embassy committee to determine the project’s potential to advance U.S. policy priorities.

You must submit your application package by uploading all the documents to your account in www.grants.gov after your initial Statement of Interest was accepted.

SUBMISSION DATES AND TIMES

The Public Diplomacy Section will accept Statement of Interests until February 16, 2024. If they are accepted, applicants will be notified within 10 business days if they are to submit a full grant package. Full grant packages from qualifying applicants are due on March 15, 2024.

E. FULL APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

Review Process for Full Applications:

1. Acknowledgement of receipt: Applicants will receive acknowledgment of receipt of their proposal.

2. Statement of Interest Review: All Statements of Interest received by the due date will receive an email with a confirmation of receipt. Within ten business days, they will be notified if they are being requested to then move to the next step of applying through a full grants application package to then be submitted via www.grants.gov.

3. Technical Review: Applications will first be reviewed to ensure all required documents have been submitted, including (a) relevant SF-424 forms and (b) evidence of required UEI, and SAM registrations for organizations. Incomplete applications will not be further reviewed. Applications that do not clearly address the Priority Program Areas stated will not be considered.

4. U.S. Embassy Grants Committee Review: Complete applications that address the Priority Program Areas stated in this document will be evaluated by the U.S. Embassy Grants Committee based on the criteria below, which are designed to assess the quality of the proposed project and to determine the likelihood of its success.

5. Follow-up notification. Applicants will generally be notified within 60 days after the submission deadline regarding the results of the review panel.

Evaluation Criteria

· Organizational capacity and record on previous grants: The organization has expertise in its stated field and PD is confident of its ability to undertake the program. This includes a financial management system and a bank account.

· Quality and Feasibility of the Program Idea – The program idea is well developed, with detail about how program activities will be carried out. The proposal includes a reasonable implementation timeline.

· Goals and objectives: Goals and objectives are clearly stated and the program approach is likely to provide maximum impact in achieving the proposed results.

· Embassy priorities: Applicant has clearly described how stated goals are related to and support U.S. Embassy San Jose’s priority areas or target audiences. The program includes an U.S. cultural element, or connection with American expert/s, organization/s, or institution/s in a specific field that will promote increased understanding of U.S. policy and perspectives.

· Budget: 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.

· Monitoring and evaluation plan: Applicant demonstrates it is able to measure program success against key indicators and provide 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: Program activities will continue to have a positive impact after the end of the program.

FAPIIS

For any Federal award under a notice of funding opportunity, if the Federal awarding agency anticipates that the total Federal share will be greater than the simplified acquisition threshold on any Federal award under a notice of funding opportunity may include, over the period of performance (see §200.88 Simplified Acquisition Threshold), this section must also inform applicants:

i. That 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 designated integrity and performance system accessible through SAM (currently FAPIIS) (see 41 U.S.C. 2313);

ii. That an applicant, at its option, may review information in the designated integrity and performance systems accessible through SAM and comment on any information about itself that a Federal awarding agency previously entered and is currently in the designated integrity and performance system accessible through SAM;

iii. That 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 §200.205 Federal awarding agency review of risk posed by applicants.

F. FEDERAL AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION

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 after 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.

Payment Method: Payments will be made in at least two installments, as needed to carry out the program activities. Organizations whose applications will not be funded will also be notified via email.

Terms and Conditions: 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 200, 2 CFR 600, Certifications and Assurances, and the Department of State Standard Terms and Conditions, all of which are available at: https://www.state.gov/about-us-office-of-the-procurement-executive/. Note the U.S Flag branding and marking requirements in the Standard Terms and Conditions.

Reporting Requirements: Recipients will be required to submit financial reports and program reports. The award document will specify how often these reports must be submitted.

FEDERAL AWARDING AGENCY CONTACTS

Questions about the program can be addressed to PAgrantapplications@state.gov. No inquiries will be accepted by phone, social media, or any other method.

Note: PDS is not authorized to provide pre-consultation for application-related questions that are addressed in this Notice of Funding Opportunity. Once an application has been submitted, State Department officials and staff — both in the Department and at embassies overseas — may not discuss this competition with applicants until the entire proposal review process is completed.

H. OTHER INFORMATION

Guidelines for Budget Justification

· Personnel: 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. 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 the 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.

Tips for Successful Proposals:

· Engage U.S. experts virtually or in-person when conditions allow;

· Clearly define goals and outcomes, as well as specific, realistic plans for follow-up activities and amplification to a wider audience;

· Include program components that enhance the U.S.-Costa Rican partnership by building relationships and networks;

· Specify how the project benefits a wide group of people and how results will be amplified among the public through digital or other means;

· Specify how the project may reach traditionally underserved populations;

· Include a plan to recognize support from the U.S. Embassy in program materials and advertising.

Application Checklist (please submit in this order, including the title headings below):

SF-424*

X

Evidence of UEI, and SAM.gov required registrations

X

*All required forms are available for download at Grants.gov.

**SF-424B not required for organizations who registered or renewed their SAM registration after February 2, 2019.