NOFO Intensive Media Training for Investigative Journalists.pdf

NOTICE OF FUNDING OPPORTUNITY (NOFO)

Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs

U.S. Department of State

Announcement Type: New Announcement

Funding Opportunity Title: Intensive Media Training for Investigative Journalists

Catalog of Federal Domestic

Assistance (CFDA) Number: 19.700

Funding Amount: $1,975,000

Number of Awards: One (1)

Cost Sharing Requirement: Not Required

Assistance Type: Grant

Funding Type: Discretionary

Authority: Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 as amended

Source of Funding Economic Support Fund (ESF)

Funding Activity Category: Democracy, Human Rights, and Governance

NOFO Issuance Date: May 19, 2020

Closing Date for Submission of Complete proposal packages must be submitted through

Applications: www.grants.gov by July 2, 2020, 11:59 pm EST

Electronic Requirement: Yes

E-mailed, faxed or mailed proposal packages, or individual documents, that failed to transmit during application submission will NOT be considered.

Deadline for Receipt of Questions: June 5, 2020, 5:00 pm, EST

Eligibility Category: U.S. - based non-profit/non-governmental organizations having a 501(c) (3) status with the IRS; public and private educational institutions; overseas non-governmental non-profit organizations; Foreign Public Entities (FPEs) and

Public International Organizations (PIOs).

For-profit commercial firms are not eligible to apply in response to this NOFO. No exceptions.

http://www.grants.gov/

Type of Applicant: Organizations. Individuals are not eligible to apply.

Number of Applications: One (1) per applicant organization

Note: Organizations may form consortia and submit a combined proposal. However, only one organization may be designated as the lead applicant. The lead applicant must meet the eligibility criteria listed in this NOFO.

Anticipated Award Date: The successful applicant will receive notification within approximately nine to twelve weeks of the closing of this announcement. The U.S. Department of State is under no obligation to fund any of the proposals submitted under this funding opportunity.

Est. Project Start Date: September 2020

Est. Project End Date: September 2022

Project Duration: 24 months

This funding opportunity is posted on www.grants.gov and SAMS Domestic and may be amended. Answers to questions from potential applicants will be posted as an attachment to this

NOFO. Applicants should regularly check the websites for the most recent information pertaining to this NOFO. Department of State bears no responsibility for data errors resulting from transmission or conversion processes associated with electronic submissions via www.grants.gov. Incomplete application packages will not be considered. Missing e-mailed, faxed or mailed documents will NOT be considered.

Applicants must provide a Unique Entity Identifier, or Data Universal Numbering System

(DUNS), when submitting application on www.grants.gov in response to this NOFO.

SAM.gov registration (www.sam.gov) is required. Applicants that do not have a valid DUNS number and completed www.sam.gov registration will NOT be eligible for consideration.

It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the application package has been received by SAMS Domestic or Grants.gov in its entirety. Incomplete applications will be considered ineligible. Individual e-mailed or faxed documents that failed to transmit during application submission will not be considered.

The decision for the final eligibility and award determination rests with the Grants Officer.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The United States Department of State’s Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs (SCA) announces a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for a regional project that focuses on http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.sam.gov/ investigative journalism training in South Asia.

Pending availability of funds and satisfactory performance, including compliance with the award’s terms and conditions, SCA may consider adding funds to the award. SCA intends to support one (1) award as a result of this NOFO.

Department of State 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 Federal award signed by the State Department Grants Officer is the only authorizing document.

This NOFO consists of the following sections:

I. Funding Opportunity Description

II. Award Information and Application Evaluation and Scoring

III. Eligibility Information

IV. Agency Contacts

Eligible organizations interested in submitting an application are encouraged to review this

NOFO thoroughly to understand the type of project sought and the application submission requirements and review process as outlined in this NOFO.

I. FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

BACKGROUND

Public awareness of national decisions is a key aspect to a functioning democracy. This awareness depends on well-trained journalists and their ability to accurately report on government and corporate actions. More specifically, journalists must be equipped to “follow the money” and produce credible reporting that includes fact checking. This ensures credible and accurate stories are produced and enables citizens to be engaged in national, regional, and global discourses.

PROJECT’S GOALS

SCA seeks to fund a project that will build the capacity of journalists in South Asia. The project should provide journalists with the skills to conduct investigations, identify reliable sources, and fact-check information. These skills should be taught with an understanding of national, regional and global issues, including the ways in which they overlap. This program should also cover best practices on establishing accuracy and credibility.

Successful trainings through this program should be innovative and strengthen each participant’s ability to report on national and regional topics, such as: external labor displacements through foreign workers, environmental issues, corruption, and other pressing concerns. This program should also help establish regional connections and create a sustainable network of journalists who can continue to learn from each other after the project concludes.

PROJECT’S DESCRIPTION AND OBJECTIVES

The ‘Intensive Media Training for Investigative Journalists’ project has 2 key objectives:

Journalists throughout South Asia improve their adherence to international journalism ethics and standards while developing their investigative journalism skills through a series of regional trainings, , networking/mentoring experiences, regional reporting tours, and residency programs with U.S. media outlets/newsrooms.

A sustainable, journalist-led regional hub is established to provide continued support to, and shared content between alumni, which can be relied upon by participants after the project concludes.

II. AWARD INFORMATION AND APPLICATION EVALUATION AND

SCORING

Department of State/SCA will issue an award to the applicant whose proposal represents the best value to the U.S. Government on the basis of technical merit, efficient use of U.S.

Government funds, and satisfactory organizational capacity.

The Department of State reserves the right to make an award on the basis of initial application received with or without discussion or negotiations. Therefore, applications should contain the applicants’ best terms from both cost and technical standpoints.

It is Department of State policy that English is the official language and U.S. dollar is the controlling currency. Proposal and related supporting documents must be English and accompanying budget in U.S. dollars.

Eligible applications will be evaluated by an independent review panel consisting of subject matter experts from other DOS bureaus/or offices or other USG agencies.

SCA will conduct a merit review of all eligible applications as outlined in this NOFO.

Applications will be reviewed by an independent review panel consisting of qualified subject matter experts from other DOS bureaus and offices, U.S. Embassies, or other USG agencies. Final approval resides with the DOS Grants Office.

The independent review panel will evaluate each application individually against the following criteria, listed below in order of importance.

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

1. Quality of Project Idea

The proposal responds to the NOFO and demonstrates current understanding of regional context, differences and similarities among local media markets and information consumption habits in South Asia, as well as broader trends globally;

The proposal exhibits originality but is feasible and provides for sustainable and measurable media development;

The proposal directly connects proposed activities with the desired outcomes (goals and objectives).

2. Project Planning/Ability to Achieve Objectives

The proposal provides a detailed work plan of proposed project activities and includes a clear articulation of how these activities will contribute to the overall project’s goals and objectives;

The proposal-articulated the project activities are specific, measurable, attainable, and placed in a reasonable time frame (SMART) and project activities address the range of challenges preventing independent investigative journalism to flourish in South Asia, including access to technology, safety and security of journalists and newsrooms, and financial sustainability of media that support investigative journalism.

3. Organizational Capability and Record of Performance

The proposal demonstrates an institutional record of previous successfully-implemented projects in target regions outlined in this NOFO;

The proposal articulates past performance and experience in working with relevant host governments, local organizations, and communities. The proposal clearly defines the roles and responsibilities of primary staff under this project;

The proposal describes the division of labor among the Recipient organization and potential implementing partner organization(s) and identifies local partner organization(s) that would assist with implementation, where appropriate;

Proposal addresses how the project will engage or obtain support from relevant stakeholders.

4. Cost Effectiveness

The administration of the proposal budget, including salaries and honoraria, are explained and justified for the work involved;

Proposed costs are reasonable and necessary and linked to program objectives and demonstrate efficient use of U.S. Government funds.

NOTE: This NOFO does not require cost-share. Applicants may voluntarily offer cost share; however, cost share will not be factored in during proposal review.

5. Project Monitoring and Evaluation

M&E points will be considered based on two subsets of criteria: (1) Technical M&E; and

(2) Use of key M&E components (Program Design, Learning) in the narrative.

Specifically, scoring will be based on the following:

Technical M&E: The grantee completed a draft of the M&E PMP

(Attachments 3 & 3.1). This document is only intended to be in draft form as it will be finalized during negotiation and updated throughout the program. In addition, this document is a tool to help grantees formulate their programs in line with a theory of change.

Program Design: Does the proposed program address a problem, identify a target audience, and is there a clear theory of change on how the program will address that problem, stating in some form “If these activities are completed, then these outcomes will result in…”

Learning: If the proposal is from a prior grantee, the proposal should discuss how the grantee has adapted, improved or otherwise modified previous iterations of the program based on learning from previous experience/past performance. If this is a new grantee or new project, the proposal should demonstrate that the applicant used research, community feedback, prior experience or other evidence to direct program design.

Projects should demonstrate the capacity for engaging in performance management. Expenses directly associated with monitoring and evaluation are considered allowable.

Proposals must include a Draft Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Performance

Management Plan (PMP). Attachment 3 of this funding opportunity contains a template that should be used to fulfill this requirement. The M&E PMP shows how applicants intend to measure and demonstrate progress towards the project’s objectives and goals.

The selected applicant(s) will be required to submit an approved M&E PMP before an award is signed. The selected applicant will be required to work with PAS Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist to ensure the M&E PMP achieves an expected level of expertise and meets PAS objectives.

The key components to the PMP are as follows:

1. Monitoring and Evaluation Narrative: Applicants should describe how they intend to monitor and evaluate the activities of their award and collect data that tracks award performance. In addition, the applicant should describe any M&E processes, including key personnel, management structure (where M&E fits into the overall program’s staff structure), technology, and as well provide a brief budget narrative explaining any line item expenditures for M&E listed in the program’s budget.

2. Monitoring and Evaluation Datasheet: The applicant must include their proposed activities and their expected outputs and outcomes as well as the goals and objectives as written in the NOFO. The datasheet’s purpose is to explicitly illustrate how a project’s activities lead to tangible results (such as increased beneficiary skills, knowledge, or attitudes) that ultimately address a PAS objective. For more information, please see

Attachment 3.1: Instructions.

6. Sustainability of Impact

Clearly delineates how impact will be sustainable beyond the life of the grant.

APPLICATION SUBMISSION INFORMATION:

Please refer to the Proposal Submission Instructions (PSI) for additional application submission instructions, including information on required documents and format.

Please follow both, the PSI and the NOFO, to ensure that the proposal package submission is in full compliance with the requirements. Proposal submissions that do not meet all of the requirements outlined in this NOFO and PSI will not be considered.

FEDERAL AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION:

Issuance of this NOFO does not constitute a commitment on the part of the Department of State to issue an award nor does it commit the U.S. Government to pay for costs incurred in the preparation and submission of an application. Furthermore, award cannot be issued until funds have been fully appropriated, allocated, and committed through internal DOS procedures. While it is anticipated that these procedures will be successfully completed, potential applicants are hereby notified of these requirements. All preparation and submission costs are at the applicant’s expense.

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

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

The Federal award signed by the Grants Officer is the only authorizing document.

REPORTING REQUIREMENTS:

Recipient will be required to submit Quarterly Progress and Quarterly Financial Reports

(SF-425), unless special conditions apply, describing key activities undertaken during the reporting period towards accomplishment of the stated objectives. Financial Reports provide a means of monitoring expenditures.

NOTE: It is Department’s of State policy that English is the official language of all award documents. If reports or any other supporting documents are provided in both English and a foreign language, it must be stated in each version that the English language version is the controlling version. U.S. dollar is the controlling currency. Financial reports must be submitted in U.S. dollars.

OTHER INFORMATION:

Mandatory disclosures (2 CFR 200.113)

Non-federal entity, recipient or applicant for a federal award must disclose, in a timely manner, in writing to the federal awarding agency or pass-through entity all violations of federal criminal law involving fraud, bribery, or gratuity violations potentially affecting the federal award. Non-federal entities that have received a Federal award including the term and condition outlined in

Appendix XII of the 2 CFR 200—Award Terms and Conditions for Recipient Integrity and

Performance Matters -- are required to report certain civil, criminal, or administrative proceedings to www.sam.gov.

Failure to make required disclosures can result in any of the remedies described in §200.338

Remedies for Noncompliance, including suspension or debarment.

Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System (FAPIIS)

A federal awarding agency, prior to making a federal award, will review and consider any information about the applicant that is in the designated integrity and performance system accessible through www.sam.gov (currently FAPIIS) (see 41 U.S.C. 2313). Applicant, at its option, may review information in the designated integrity and performance systems accessible through www.sam.gov 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 www.sam.gov. Federal awarding agency will consider any comments by the applicant, in addition to the other information in the designated integrity and performance

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

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

III. ELIGIBLITY INFORMATION

See the cover page, Eligibility Category.

Applicants should demonstrate in-depth understanding of South Asian cultural contexts, governance structures, including laws and regulatory statutes the impact media and the publication of investigative journalism reporting, as well as broader information and media consumption habits among local communities through South Asia.

Previous experience working in South Asia is preferred.

IV. AGENCY CONTACTS

Any prospective applicant desiring an explanation or interpretation of this NOFO must request it in writing by the deadline for questions specified on page one (cover page). Information given to a prospective applicant concerning this NOFO will be furnished promptly to all other prospective applicants as a ‘Questions and Answers’ attachment to this NOFO.

Any questions concerning this NOFO should be submitted in writing, by email, to Charles

Pritchard (PritchardCH@state.gov) and Gaia Self (SelfGS@state.gov) along with the project’s title as outlined in the NOFO; the funding opportunity number; and applicant’s legal name and organizational status.

mailto:PritchardCH@state.gov mailto:SelfGS@state.gov