25.07.03 NOFO_FINAL_CLEANCOPY_Paraguay_Advancing Secure Digital Connectivity.docx

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs Office of Policy Planning Coordination (WHA/PPC) Notice of Funding Opportunity

Deadline for Receipt of Questions: JULY 18, 2025 5:00 P.M. EST 11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (Washington, D.C.)

Deadline for Submission

Pursuant to 2 CFR 200.400, it is the U.S. Department of State policy not to award profit (program income generation) under federal assistance instruments.

Executive Summary

The U.S. Department of State (DoS) announces an Open Competition Notification of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to promote secure digital connectivity in Paraguay with up to $6,000,000 in Fiscal Year 2024 Economic Support Funds (ESF) for a project period up to 54 months. The anticipated start date for this activity is September 30, 2025. Subject to the availability of funds, the Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs Office of Policy Planning and Coordination (WHA/PPC) at DoS intends to issue an award for $6,000,000 in FY2024 (ESF). Contingent upon the availability of funds and quality of proposals, 1 award may be granted based on this NOFO. Applications are due on or before August 4, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (Washington, D.C.)

This project seeks to 1) expand Paraguay’s rural internet connectivity, 2) build institutional capacity to deliver secure access to information and communications technologies (ICTs), and 3) strengthen digital literacy. Through this $6 million initiative, the Department of State will fund an organization to, in consultation with the Government of Paraguay and U.S. Embassy Asuncion, procure, deliver, install, and service secure, trusted vendor internet access points at up to 3,600 sites across Paraguay. Internet supplies and equipment must be purchased in accordance with its own procurement regulations and property standards, which must conform to 2 CFR § 200, as applicable to the organization. Specifically, the awardee shall consult with authorities from the Ministry of Information and Communications Technology (MITIC) and the National Telecommunications Commission (CONATEL).

The project will also advance digital literacy in rural communities, support the safe and effective use of digital tools, and promote understanding of data privacy risks and protections. Activities should/shall emphasize long-term system strengthening, public engagement, and fair access.

Note: This award will be a cooperative agreement. As such, the selected implementing partner is required to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) or cooperation agreement with the Government of Paraguay to formalize technical cooperation with MITIC and CONATEL, in consultation with U.S. Embassy Asuncion. The implementing partner will be required to seek prior approval from U.S. Embassy Asuncion for any significant changes to the project scope, budget reallocations, or key personnel changes, in addition to prior approval from the designated Grants Officer and Grants Officer Representative. Requests for permission must be submitted in writing and include a detailed justification for any proposed changes.

Specific objectives and performance indicators should be included in the proposals that allow the organization to measure and demonstrate progress. Funding awarded under this NOFO cannot be used for law enforcement, military forces, or training for police or military.

WHA/PPC invites qualified U.S. non-profit/NGOs having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS or an equivalent/similar status under Paraguayan law or regulation or under another jurisdiction but with a presence in Paraguay, such as NGOs and institutions of higher education, and public international organizations (PIOs). NGOs based in Paraguay are strongly encouraged to apply. Applicants may submit individually or as a consortium.

The applicant must read and follow the requirements in this NOFO and attachments, submit all required information through the NOFO’s posting on http://www.grants.gov. Potential applicants should regularly check the website to ensure they have the latest information pertaining to this NOFO. If organizations have difficulty registering on http://www.grants.gov or accessing the NOFO, please contact the Grants.gov Helpdesk at 1-800-518-4726 or via email at support@grants.gov for technical assistance. Please also contact AsuncionEmbassyGrants@state.gov to notify of issues accessing the NOFO or submitting required information. The Department reserves the right to fund any or none of the applications submitted and will determine the resulting level of funding for each award.

Eligible organizations interested in applying are encouraged to read this NOFO thoroughly to understand the scope of eligible projects, the application submission requirements, and the review process.

Section A. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Department of State Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs Office of Policy, Planning, and Coordination (WHA/PPC) announces an open competition for organizations to submit applications to (1) procure and deploy internet access points at up to 3,600 sites across Paraguay; (2) develop an institutionalization plan with MITIC to take on monitoring, management, and maintenance of the internet access points post-award; and (3) advance digital literacy in rural communities, support the safe and effective use of digital tools, and promote understanding of data privacy risks and protections through the delivery of training and technical assistance.

Please follow all instructions below to apply.

A.1 Background

In alignment with Paraguay’s recently launched national 5G spectrum tender and in support of the Government of Paraguay’s digital integration agenda, this cooperative agreement will fund efforts to install and support internet infrastructure, procurement, technical assistance, and training for local communities. The Paraguayan government’s plans to expand internet access throughout the country will require technical assistance benefitting communities receiving the internet access. As such, the project will build capacity to ensure digital literacy in rural communities of varying demographics and support these populations to use digital tools safely and effectively and understand data privacy risks and protections.

A2. Program Goal and Objectives

Priority Region: Paraguay

Program Goal:

The goal of the program is to expand rural internet connectivity, strengthen institutional capacity to deliver secure access to information and communications technologies (ICTs), and promote digital literacy in Paraguay.

Program Objectives:

As applicable, proposals should specify the expected results from projects benefitting from these funds, such as the number of participants trained; improvement in government transparency or e-government; and other improvements in basic government services that impact citizens and small business. All proposals should state clear objectives and show plans and develop indicators to measure and demonstrate project performance and contributions to meeting those objectives.

Proposals should highlight how they are making America safer, stronger and more prosperous by bolstering an open and secure digital infrastructure system in Paraguay that meets international standards and best practices.

Proposals should highlight how they will provide procurement, technical assistance, installation, and development support to expand Paraguay’s secure access to telecommunications technologies. Specifically, proposals should note how they would work with MITIC, CONATEL, and other relevant Paraguayan institutions to provide technical guidance on trusted and secure equipment selection. Proposals should note how they will work with the Paraguayan government to prioritize and select internet access point locations and which type of internet (satellite, fiber optic, fixed wireless access) to be used. Once trusted vendor equipment is selected, proposals should note how they would purchase internet equipment and ensure appropriate allocation in coordination with MITIC and CONATEL. After equipment selection and purchase with project funds, recipient must budget for installation and servicing costs for up to 3,600 sites within the project duration with an option up to 5 years of internet service coverage, prioritizing deployment and initial year of service. Proposals should note how they will advance an institutionalization plan with MITIC to take on monitoring of the internet access points.

Proposals should also note how they will provide training in rural communities of varying demographics on digital literacy. The Paraguayan government’s plans to expand internet access throughout the country will require technical assistance among communities hosting internet access points. Support to train local communities, including through digital literacy campaigns, should prepare rural populations to use digital tools safely and effectively and understand their data privacy risks and protection.

Ideal projects will focus on one or more of the following objectives:

Objective 1: Enhance infrastructure planning and deployment. Support the expansion of rural internet access in centers with a lower population density through procurement and installation of secure equipment and servicing of reliable connectivity solutions, in line with international standards, and in support of the Government of Paraguay’s 5G development efforts.

Objective 2: Strengthen institutional systems and public-private coordination. Work in partnership with the Government of Paraguay and local stakeholders to implement a sustainable model of safe connectivity and training, such as promoting a public-private cybersecurity task force, identifying opportunities for capacity-strengthening programs for government officials, supporting digital literacy initiatives, and cybersecurity training centers.

Objective 3: Promote safe and secure digital connectivity. Develop and expand digital literacy and safe internet usage training programs, such as cybersecurity awareness, data privacy and protection, and secure online transactions for rural populations of varied demographics.

A3. Expected Results By the end of the project, grantees should demonstrate that the project has expanded the number of rural internet access points to the required number, strengthened Paraguayan institutions, and increased digital literacy among internet users through the following:

Objective 1: Enhanced Infrastructure Support

· Develop and conclude a workplan with MITIC and CONATEL to prioritize and select locations of internet access point sites, which may include sites such as family health units (Unidad de Salud Familiar, ‘USF’) and public spaces (Internet Gratuito en Espacios Públicos, ‘IGEP’).

· The workplan would also determine technology types (e.g., satellite, fiber optic), equipment needs, subscription services, operating spectrums, and other technical details, as applicable, and confirm alignment with national connectivity plans, in consultation with U.S. Embassy Asuncion.

· Prioritize internet supplies and equipment purchases in accordance with its own procurement regulations and property standards, which must conform to 2 CFR § 200, as applicable to the organization and deployment of internet access points through licensed operators at up to 3,600 sites across Paraguay by September 2026, in alignment with Paraguayan government priorities.

· Within the project duration provide an option up to 5 years of internet service coverage, prioritizing deployment and initial year of service.

Objective 2: Institutional Systems Strengthened

· Design and deliver training and technical assistance for public institutions on how to manage and sustain digital connectivity efforts post-award. Develop an institutionalization plan with MITIC to take on monitoring, management, and maintenance of the internet access points post-award, including a plan to source spare parts and sustainment services over the determined period of years within the workplan established with MITIC and CONATEL.

· Strengthen systems for sustainability by supporting planning, monitoring, and public accountability mechanisms of public institutions in charge of monitoring, managing, and maintaining the internet access points post-award.

Objective 3: Increased Digital Literacy

· Develop and deliver training programs focused on basic digital skills, internet safety, and the use of digital tools. Identify the criteria for choosing the local communities and local stakeholders to receive this training. Deliver the trainings to at least 50 rural communities by June 2027. Utilize local educators to conduct training sessions.

· 200 community-based training of trainers (ToT) for scalable outreach. Leverage existing educational institutions and resources to conduct the training.

· At least 100,000 individuals reached through public campaigns on digital skills, cybersecurity awareness, and digital rights by September 2027. Use various media (radio, social media, community events) to promote the importance of digital literacy. Collaborate with local media and community leaders to disseminate information.

· Provide training and resources to communities receiving internet access points to ensure the internet is accessible to them.

A4. Desired Results and Required Outcome Indicators:

The applicant will develop a project-level Performance Monitoring Plan (PMP) (see Tab B) with annual and end-of-project targets and results anticipated for key performance indicators, upon which the recipient will be responsible for collecting baseline data, monitoring, and reporting during and after the project. Baseline information will be critical for both monitoring and evaluation of project progress and results. In addition, WHA/PPC will regularly monitor each project’s performance to assess whether project activities are on track and targets are being achieved.

By the end of the project, applicants must demonstrate that the project contributed to at least one of the following America First foreign policy priorities:

How did this project make America safer?

How did this project make America stronger?

How did this project make America more prosperous?

These America First foreign policy priorities must also be considered during project planning and implementation to ensure at least one of the priorities are met by the end of the project.

Project feasibility, potential impact, and performance will be assessed based on potential outcomes and outputs. Outcomes are changes that take place because of your organization’s work – the differences that will have been made by delivering your objectives and achieving your outputs. For example, an outcome could be increased rates of citizens successfully accessing government services, improved productivity of government workers in targeted agencies, or new policies/procedures instituted within a government agency. Outputs are the results of what your organization does. For example, the number of participants who successfully complete a job-training course or received job placement.

Required outcome and output indicators for the project are provided below. The applicants are expected to identify targets for these indicators based on what can be reasonably achieved within the performance period of the project and based on the expected overall project results described above. The applicant should provide additional outcome and output indicators for their proposed project.

Certain terms included in the outcome and output indicators will need to be defined at the very beginning of the project so that it is possible to measure the change during and at the end of the project. Examples of such are “capacity,” “spread effect,” etc.

Participants and Audiences:

The participants and target audience for project activities are as follows:

Objective 1 (Enhanced Infrastructure Support): MITIC, CONATEL, and other relevant government authorities.

Objective 2 (Institutional Systems Strengthened): MITIC, CONATEL, and other relevant government personnel.

Objective 3 (Increased Digital Literacy): Local communities and local stakeholders, leveraging existing educational institutions and resources to conduct the training.

Substantial Involvement

This award will be a cooperative agreement. As such, the selected implementing partner is required to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) or cooperation agreement with the Government of Paraguay to formalize technical cooperation with MITIC and CONATEL, in consultation with U.S. Embassy Asuncion. The implementing partner will be required to seek prior approval from U.S. Embassy Asuncion for any significant changes to the project scope, budget reallocations, or key personnel changes, in addition to prior approval from the designated Grants Officer and Grants Officer Representative. Requests for permission must be submitted in writing and include a detailed justification for any proposed changes.

Section B. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION

B1. Available Funding This notice is subject to availability of funding. The authority for this NOFO and overall grant making authority for this program is contained in the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 as amended, (Economic Support Funds) and several funding restrictions apply, to include country-applicant restrictions. Issuance of this NOFO does not constitute an award commitment on the part of the U.S. Government (USG), nor does it commit the USG to pay for costs incurred in the preparation and submission of an application.

The DoS reserves the right to fund any or none of the proposals submitted and reserves the right to reduce, revise, or increase the budget in accordance with the needs of the project and the availability of funds.

The DoS may consider continuing the program funded under this award beyond the initial period of performance 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 DoS and USG.

Pursuant to 2 CFR 200.400(g), the recipient may not earn or keep any profit resulting federal assistance instruments. However, all reasonable, allocable, and allowable expenses, both direct and indirect, which are related to the agreement project and are in accordance with applicable cost standards (2 CFR 200 for U.S. and overseas-based non-profit organizations and universities; and the Mandatory Standard Provision “Allowable Costs (2 CFR 200.403)” for public international organizations), may be paid under the grant agreement.

Note: Non-U.S.-based nonprofit organizations are legally required to comply with the 2 CFR 200.

B2. Award Management The successful applicant will need to routinely collaborate with WHA/PPC 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 D5 below for funding restrictions.

Section C. ELIGILIBITY INFORMATION

C1. Eligible Applicants

Eligible Entities: Applicants who are eligible to apply are U.S. non-profit/ NGOs having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, overseas-based NGOs, or an equivalent/similar status under Paraguayan law or regulation or under another jurisdiction but with a presence in Paraguay, such as NGOs institutions of higher education, and public international organizations (PIOs) and other qualified organizations that are able to respond to the NOFO and be able to mobilize in a short period of time; NGOs based in Paraguay are strongly encouraged to apply.

Applicants are reminded that U.S. Executive Orders and U.S. law prohibits transactions with, and the provision of resources and support to, individuals and organizations associated with terrorism. It is the legal responsibility of the recipient to ensure compliance with these Executive Orders and laws. This provision must be included in any sub‐awards issued under this grant award.

The DoS will issue an award to the Applicant whose application represents the best value to the USG based on technical merit, efficient use of USG funds, and satisfactory organizational capacity. The DoS reserves the right to make an award based on the initial application received with or without discussion or negotiations.

The DoS encourages applications from potential new partners.

C2. 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.

Cost-sharing is not required. Providing cost-sharing, matching, or cost participation is not an eligibility requirement for this funding opportunity and will not be factored in during the merit review of proposals.

Note: If cost-share is included in the budget, the applicant must maintain written records to support all allowable costs that are claimed as its contribution to cost-share, as well as costs to be paid by the Federal government. Such records are subject to audit. In the event the applicant does not meet the minimum amount of cost-sharing as stipulated in the applicant’s budget, DoS contribution.

C3. Other Eligibility Requirements All organizations must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) issued via SAM.gov as well as a valid registration in SAM.gov. Please see Section D.3 for more information. Applicants that do not have a valid UEI and completed www.sam.gov registration will NOT be eligible for consideration. Implementing partners/sub-recipient organizations are required to have a valid UEI number.

Applicants listed on the Excluded Parties List System (EPLS) in the System for Award Management (SAM) are not eligible to apply for an assistance award in accordance with the OMB guidelines at 2 CFR 180 that implement Executive Orders 12549 (3 CFR, 1986 Comp., p. 189) and 12689 (3 CFR, 1989 Comp., p. 235), “Debarment and Suspension.” Additionally, no entity listed on the EPLS can participate in any activities under an award.

Organizations may only submit one application per organization. If more than one application is submitted by an organization, only the first application received will be reviewed for eligibility and funding.

Section D. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

D1. Address to Request Application Package

Applicants can find application forms on www.grants.gov under the announcement title and funding opportunity number provided above. Once the NOFO deadline has passed, DoS may not discuss this competition with any applicant until the proposal review process has been completed.

D2. Content and Form of Application Submission

Please follow both, the Proposal Submission Instructions (PSI) and the NOFO, to ensure that the proposal package submission is in full compliance with the requirements. Please follow the guidelines in the attached PSI for additional application submission instructions, including information on required documents and format. Proposal submissions that do not meet all the requirements outlined in this NOFO and the associated PSI will not be considered.

Any prospective applicant who has questions concerning the contents of this NOFO should submit them by email to the contacts listed in Section G. Please refer to the funding opportunity number and title. Any updates about this NOFO will also be posted on www.grants.gov.

D3. Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM.gov)

All organizations, whether based in the United States or in another country, must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and an active registration in 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. An applicant must maintain an active registration while it has a proposal under review by the Department and must continue to keep the registration active for the entire duration of the period of performance of any Federal award that results from this NOFO.

The 2 CFR 200 requires subrecipients to obtain a UEI. Please note the UEI for subrecipients is not required at the time of application but will be required before an award is processed and/or directed to a subrecipient.

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 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 prior to registering in SAM.gov.

· 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 to apply for non-DoD foreign assistance funding opportunities. If an applicant organization is mid-registration and wishes to remove an 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 an 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 DoS 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):

NCAGE Code Request Tool (nato.int)

Exemptions An exemption from the UEI and sam.gov registration requirements may be permitted on a case-by-case basis. See 2 CFR 25.110 for a full list of exemptions.

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.

D4. Submission Dates and Times

Applications are due no later than AUGUST 4, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time.

D5. Funding Restrictions

i. Funding Restrictions for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA)

None of the funds awarded resulting from this Notice of Funding Opportunity may be made available for subawards, direct financial support, or otherwise used to provide any payment or transfer to United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA).

ii. Prohibition on Funding Activities that Encourage Mass-Migration Caravans towards the United States Southwest Border (only include for projects with a principal place of performance located within the Western Hemisphere):

None of the funds awarded under this grant may be made available to encourage, mobilize, publicize, or manage mass-migration caravans towards the United States southwest border. Funds may not be made available for legal counseling on the United States asylum process; and/or for referrals to legal representation in the United States.

Funds may only be used for cash cards for use in the country in which they are provided or to facilitate assisted voluntary returns and other purposes that do not encourage, mobilize, publicize, or manage mass migration caravans towards the United States southwest border. The provision of humanitarian assistance is permitted.

iii. Certification Regarding Compliance with applicable Federal anti-discrimination laws

If the place of performance or delivery of any award made under this NOFO will be within the United States, applicants are advised that they will be required to certify the following at the time of award:

1) Its compliance in all respects with all applicable Federal anti-discrimination laws is material to the government’s payment decisions for purposes of section 3729(b)(4) of title 31, United States Code and;

2) It does not operate any programs promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion that violate any applicable Federal anti-discrimination laws. A program promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion means a program whose purpose is to promote preferences based on race, color religion, sex, or national origins, such as in training or hiring.

iv. Certification Regarding Compliance with 20 U.S.C. 1011f and any other applicable foreign funding disclosure requirements (only include in NOFOs and solicitations in which Institutes of Higher Education (IHEs) are an eligible applicant type)

Applicants are advised that IHEs must certify the following at the time of award, and that this certification requirement must be included in any subaward agreements to IHEs:

1) Its compliance in all respects with section 1011f of title 20, United States Code, and any other applicable foreign funding disclosure requirements is material for purposes of section 3729 of title 31, United States Code, and for receipt of appropriate Federal grant funds.

v. 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.

vi. 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.”

Note: For the purposes of Section 7073, it is the DoS’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 USG.

D6. Other Submission Requirements

It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that it has an active registration in Grants.gov and that an application has been received by the system in its entirety. DoS bears no responsibility for disqualification that results from applicants not being registered before the due date or for data errors resulting from transmission or conversion processes.

All application materials must be submitted electronically through www.Grants.gov or MyGrants.

Technical Format Requirements

For all application documents, please ensure:

· All pages are numbered, including budgets and attachments,

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

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

Complete applications must include the following for proposal submissions:

1. Completed and signed SF-424, SF-424a [and SF424b,] submitted to Grants.gov, as well as, if applicable, your organization’s most recent audit.

· F-424 (Application for Federal Assistance – organizations) or SF-424-I (Application for Federal Assistance --individuals).

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

· SF-424B (Assurances for Non-Construction programs). (note: the SF-424B is only required for individuals, organizations exempt from registration, and for organizations not required to fully register in SAM.gov)

2. Table of Contents (not to exceed one [1] page in Microsoft Word) that includes a page-numbered contents page, including any attachments.

3. Executive Summary (not to exceed two [2] pages in Microsoft Word) that includes:

a) The target country,

b) Name and contact information for the project’s main point of contact,

c) A statement of work or synopsis of the project, including a concise breakdown of the project’s objectives, activities, and expected results,

d) The total amount of funding requested and project length, and

e) A brief statement on how the project is innovative, sustainable, and will have a demonstrated impact.

4. Proposal Narrative (not to exceed ten [10] pages in Microsoft Word). Please note the ten-page limit does not include the Table of Contents, Executive Summary, Attachments, Detailed Budget, Budget Narrative, or NICRA. Applicants are encouraged to submit multiple documents in a single Microsoft Word, (i.e., Table of Contents, Executive Summary, Proposal Narrative, and Budget Narrative in one file).

5. Budget Narrative (preferably in Microsoft Word) that includes an explanation and justification for each line item in the detailed budget spreadsheet, as well as the source and a description of all cost share offered. For ease of review, WHA/PPC recommends applicants order the budget narrative as presented in the detailed budget. Project management and/or personnel costs should include a clarification of the roles and responsibilities of key staff and percentage of time devoted to the project. The budget narrative should communicate to WHA/PPC any information that might not be readily apparent in the budget, not simply repeat with words what is stated numerically in the budget.

6. Detailed Line-Item Budget (using the template included in the NOFO package) that includes three [3] columns including the request to WHA/PPC, any cost-sharing contribution (not required), and total budget (see below for more information on budget format). A summary budget should also be included using the OMB-approved budget categories (see SF-424 as a sample). Costs must be in U.S. dollars.

7. Attachments (not to exceed nine [9] pages total, preferably in Microsoft Word) that include the following in order:

a) Page 1-2: Project Monitoring Plan (see below for more information on this section).

b) Page 3: Roles and responsibilities of key project personnel with short bios that highlight relevant professional experience. This relates to the organization’s capacity. Given the limited space, CVs are not recommended for submission.

c) Page 4: Timeline of the overall proposal. Components should include activities, and project closeout.

d) Page 5-8: Additional optional attachments. Attachments may include further timeline information, letters of support, memoranda of understanding (MOU)/agreement, etc. For applicants with a large number of letters/MOUs, it may be useful to provide a list of the organizations or government agencies that support the project rather than the actual documentation.

8. Applicants with a negotiated indirect cost rate agreement (NICRA) must include the latest NICRA as a .pdf file if including NICRA charges in the budget. This document will not be reviewed by the panelists but rather used by WHA/PPC project and grant staff if the submission is recommended for funding and therefore does not count against the submission page limitations, as described above. If the applicant’s proposal involves sub-grants to organizations charging indirect costs, please submit the applicable NICRA also as a .pdf file (see below for more information on indirect cost rates). Applicants must specify if their organization instead elects to charge the de minimis rate of 10% of the modified total direct costs.

Note: WHA/PPC retains the right to request additional documentation for those items not included on this form.

Information on Standard Forms

Please see Tab D for instructions for completion of Standard Forms 424, 424A, and 424B.

Office of Management and Budget (OMB) 2 CFR 200 Organizations should be familiar with 2 CFR 200 on cost accounting principles. For a copy of the 2 CFR 200, please contact Government Publications or download from http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title02/2cfr200_main_02.tpl. Non U.S.-based nonprofit organizations are legally required to comply with 2 CFR 200.

Audits

The recipient’s proposal should include the cost of an audit that:

1. Complies with the requirements of 2 CFR 200 Subpart F “Audit Requirements;”

2. Complies with the requirements of American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) Statement of Position (SOP) No. 92-9, "Audits of Not-for-Profit Organizations Receiving Federal Awards;"

3. Complies with AICPA Codification of Statements on Auditing Standards AU Section 551, "Reporting on Information Accompanying the Basic Financial Statements in Auditor-Submitted Documents," where applicable. When the DoS is the largest direct source of Federal financial assistance (i.e., the cognizant Federal Agency) and indirect costs are charged to Federal grants, a supplemental schedule of indirect cost computation is required;

4. A non-Federal entity that expends $750,000 or more during the non-Federal entity's fiscal year in Federal awards must have a single or program-specific audit conducted for that year in accordance with the provisions of 2 CFR 200 subpart F.

The audit costs shall be identified by 2 CFR 200.425.

Indirect Cost Rate

An organization with a negotiated indirect cost rate agreement (NICRA) negotiated with a cognizant Federal government agency other than the DoS must include a copy of the cost-rate agreement. Applicants should indicate in the proposal budget how the rate is applied and if any of the rate will be cost-shared. Per 2 CFR 200.414, any non-Federal entity that has never received a negotiated indirect cost rate, except for those non-Federal entities described in Appendix VII to Part 200—States and Local Government and Indian Tribe Indirect Cost Proposals, paragraph D.1.b, may elect to charge a de minimis rate of 15% of modified total direct costs (MTDC), which may be used indefinitely. As described in 2 CFR 200.403, factors affecting allowability of costs, costs must be consistently charged as either indirect or direct costs but may not be double charged or inconsistently charged as both. If chosen, this methodology once elected must be used consistently for all Federal awards until such time as a non-Federal entity chooses to negotiate for a rate, which the non-Federal entity may apply to do at any time.

All application materials must be submitted through www.Grants.gov or SAMS Domestic.

Section E. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

E1. Criteria

The DoS will issue an award to the applicant whose proposal represents the best value to the USG based on technical merit, efficient use of USG funds, and satisfactory organizational capacity. In addition, the organization must demonstrate adequate financial management capability to be measured by a responsibility determination. 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 DoS approval.

Cost Review: Costs will be reviewed for reasonableness, allowability, allocability, and cost-effectiveness of the use of USG funds. The review of cost-effectiveness will include an examination of the application’s budget detail to ensure it is a realistic financial expression of the proposed project and does not contain estimated costs that are not allocable, reasonable, or allowable.

Applications that maximize direct activity costs and minimize administrative costs are encouraged. Other considerations are the completeness of the application, adequacy of budget detail, and consistency with elements of the technical application. In addition, the organization must demonstrate adequate financial management capability to be measured by a responsibility determination. Final approval of the budget resides with the Grants Officer.

Eligible applications will be evaluated by an independent review panel consisting of subject matter experts from other DoS bureaus/or offices, U.S. Embassies, and/or other USG agencies. Final approval resides with the DoS Grants Officer. The decision for the final eligibility and award determination rests with the Grants Officer.

The following criteria will serve as a standard, which all eligible applications will be evaluated against. Each eligible application will be evaluated and scored on the review criteria using a 100-point scale.

The review panel will apply the following criteria when rating proposals:

1. Quality and Feasibility of Project Idea (20 points)

· Responsive to the solicitation (4 points)

· Appropriate in the country/regional context (4)

· Exhibits originality, substance, and precision (4)

· Prioritizes innovation, but is feasible (4)

· In countries where similar activities are already taking place, provides an explanation as to how new activities will not duplicate or merely add to existing activities (4)

2. Organizational Capacity and Record of Performance (10 points):

· The proposal demonstrates an institutional record of successful programs in the proposed country, the content area (e.g., media, access to justice), or other (describe) (4)

· Personnel and institutional resources are adequate and appropriate to achieve the project's objectives (2)

· Roles, responsibilities, and brief bios/resumes are included for primary staff, and demonstrate relevant professional experience (2)

· Applicant is a current/past Embassy grantee where performance: (2)

· Was/is on target

· Showed/shows responsible fiscal management

OR

· The proposal is from a NEW APPLICANT and proposal: (2)

· Demonstrates capacity for responsible fiscal management

· Illustrates success in similar sized projects

3. Program Planning and Ability to Achieve Objectives (25 points)

· Includes a clear articulation of the proposed program activities’ expected contributions to the overall program objectives (3)

· Each activity is clearly developed and detailed (3)

· Provides a comprehensive quarterly work plan for project activities that demonstrates substantive undertakings within the logistical capacity of the organization (3)

· Objectives are clear, specific, attainable, measurable, results-focused, and placed in a reasonable time frame (3)

· Addresses how the program will engage or obtain support from relevant stakeholders and identifies local partners where appropriate (3)

· Describes the division of labor among the direct applicant, any partners and any potential sub-grantees (2)

· Proposal clearly articulates understanding of the security situation/operating environment and plans for ensuring safety of participants (2)

· Includes contingency plans for potential difficulties in executing the original work plan (6)

4. Financial Capacity and Cost Effectiveness (15 points):

· The overhead and administration of the proposal, including salaries and honoraria, are explained and justified for the work involved (5)

· All budget items are necessary, appropriate and linked to project objectives (5)

· Personnel costs are reasonable for the work involved (5)

· NOTE: Cost share is not required. Applicants may offer cost share, however, cost share will not be considered or factored in when proposals are reviewed.

5. Performance Monitoring, Evaluating, and Learning (MEL) (20 points):

· The Project Monitoring Plan includes:

· Narrative explaining how monitoring and evaluation will be carried out and who will be responsible for monitoring and evaluation activities (7)

· Table listing by project objectives the output- and outcome-based performance indicators with baselines and (yearly and cumulative) targets; data collection tools; data sources; types of data disaggregation, if applicable; and frequency of monitoring and evaluation (9)

· Logic model that includes outcomes, outputs, and activities that specify measurable numerical targets (4)

6. Sustainability of Impact/Multiplier Effect (10 points)

· Clearly delineates how elements of the project will have a multiplier effect (5)

· Clearly delineates how impact will be sustainable beyond the life of the grant (5)

Risk factors Under the merit review as required by 2 CFR 200.206, prior to making a Federal Award the Department will review and consider the following risk factors:

i. Financial stability

ii. Management systems and…