NOFO - Ukraine - Society Based Solutions (3).docx

United States Department of State Notice Funding Opportunity (NOFO) Number SFP0007219 Bureau of Conflict and Stabilization Operations (CSO)

FUNDING OPPORTUNITY OVERVIEW

Catalog of Federal Domestic

CSO will host a call on Tuesday 28 July 2020 at 1:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time to answer applicant questions. Call in number: 1.877.336.1839; code: 9418079#

This funding opportunity is posted on SAMS Domestic and www.grants.gov 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 Incomplete application packages will not be considered. 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 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 in SAMS Domestic or www.grants.gov in its entirety. Incomplete applications will be considered ineligible. Individual e-mailed or faxed documents will not be considered.

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

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

CSO’s mission is to anticipate, prevent, and respond to conflict that undermines U.S. national interests. The bureau implements this mission in two complementary ways: through data-driven analysis and forward deploying stabilization advisors to conflict zones. The objective is to inform U.S. strategy, policy, and programs on conflict prevention and stabilization.

CSO announces an open competition for organizations interested in submitting applications for programs addressing the following peace and security dynamics in Ukraine.

Pending availability of funds and satisfactory performance, including compliance with the award’s terms and conditions, CSO may consider adding funds to the award. CSO 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 Overview and Executive Summary, plus the following sections:

TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

BACKGROUND

In 2014, Russian forces armed with heavy weapons occupied Crimea and started an armed conflict in eastern Ukraine. Today, Russia continues to arm, train, fund, lead, and fight alongside its proxies in eastern Ukraine while falsely insisting it is not a party to the conflict. The fighting has killed more than 13,000 people since 2014. Approximately 1.4 million are internally displaced persons (IDPs).

Youth IDPs represent a portion of the population that can act as a force multiplier in stabilization as drivers of future prosperity, security, and democracy. This program will leverage these attributes by engaging youth IDP to support integration, while also taking steps to limit the vulnerability of Ukraine's IDPs to exploitation. Gaps in integration, among other factors, can present an opportunity for Moscow to continue its pattern of exploiting fractures within Ukrainian society to further fuel its aggression. Throughout Europe, Moscow has sowed disinformation on marginalized populations to foment instability throughout the wider population. In Ukraine, this disinformation has included IDPs, one of Russia's 18 most common disinformation narratives according to Ukrainian factchecking organization StopFake.

A 2018 CSO field assessment in Ukraine on veterans' reintegration concluded that neglect of marginalized populations affected by the conflict could worsen societal tensions and fuel destabilizing factors within Ukraine. IDPs continue to face challenges in integration that may increase their susceptibility to exploitation or exacerbate destabilizing factors. Over 40% of IDPs report they have not or have only partly integrated into their local community, with fewer IDPs in Eastern oblasts reporting they have successfully integrated, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM).[footnoteRef:1] IDPs face economic integration challenges, with nearly 90% of IDPs actively seeking employment reporting facing difficulties. Where recent changes reduce barriers to integration, such as legislative changes ensuring local voting rights, IDP integration may benefit from support to seeing these measures fully implemented and utilized. [1: International Organization for Migration. "National Monitoring System Report: On the Situation of Internally Displaced Persons." (September 2019). Retrieved from: https://displacement.iom.int/system/tdf/reports/nms_round_15_eng_screen.pdf?file=1&type=node&id=7830]

This program will build on and strengthen Ukraine’s recent efforts on integration based on the 2017 IDP integration strategy ending in 2020, its action plan,[footnoteRef:2] and recent IDP legislation. It should be informed by analysis of key actors in this space such as the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)[footnoteRef:3] and IOM, and should be designed to be complementary to their efforts and avoid duplication. In particular, it will complement IOM's efforts funded by the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration, which focus on humanitarian and vocational skill building, with local conflict resolution and counter malign influence components. The selection of program locations, participants, and activities will be driven by analysis of destabilization and conflict risks relating to IDPs, and resiliencies against destabilization and conflict that can be strengthened. [2: Ukraine Ministry of Reintegration of Temporarily Occupied Territories. "Government Adopted Implementation Plan of IDP Integration Strategy." (November 2018.) Retrieved from: https://mtot.gov.ua/en/government-adopted-implementation-plan-of-idp-integration-strategy ] [3: UNHCR. "Briefing Note: Ukraine Inclusion of Internally Displaced Persons." (January 2020.) Retrieved from: https://www.unhcr.org/ua/wp-content/uploads/sites/38/2020/03/Briefing-Note-on-Inclusion-of-Internally-Displaced-Persons_2020.pdf]

PROJECT GOAL

The purpose of this program is to advance Ukraine's stabilization by fostering the integration of IDPs within Ukraine in line with the IDP integration strategy and by reducing IDP vulnerability to exploitation.

Illustrative indicators:

· Reduction in conflict between communities and IDPs.

· Increased reports of confidence between IDPs and their receiving communities.

· IDPs report increased integration into communities and resilience against exploitation.

· The updated IDP integration plan provides needed benefits to IDPs.

These indicators might be measured by: implementer or third-party conducted surveys; structured content analysis of social media and news articles; and/or behavioral changes of IDPs or host communities.

PROJECT OBJECTIVES & ACTIVITIES

This program will reduce IDPs' vulnerability to exploitation, advance conflict resolution at the local level, and foster integration to prevent further fracture of Ukrainian society, which Russia could use to exacerbate social instability. It will do so by convening youth IDPs and their receiving communities in workshops that build confidence and offer capacity building in local dispute resolution skills, connecting youth IDPs with the tools and platforms to further integrate the displaced population, and engaging youth IDPs to inform a locally driven and implemented IDP integration plan. Objectives and their potential illustrative supporting activities could include:

· Objective 1: IDPs and receiving communities increasingly view one another as partners.

· Activity 1.1: Youth IDPs and receiving communities jointly identify tension and issues that hinder social cohesion and integration.

· Activity 1.2: Workshops with youth IDPs and receiving communities build confidence and develop local dispute resolution skills.

· Activity 1.3: Workshops incorporate gender-sensitive training to address the needs of women and girls in integration.

· Objective 2: Youth IDPs build networks that connect them to resources aiding integration and facilitate their articulation of a post-conflict vision for Ukraine.

· Activity 2.1: Development of centers that connect youth IDP with needed resources. These could include, for example, vocational training to support economic integration; capacity building that supports IDPs in advocating for their needs in integration; and civic resources.

· Activity 2.2: Establishing a Ukrainian youth IDP network through the centers.

· Activity 2.3: Small grants for programs addressing key grievances expressed by youth IDPs.

· Activity 2.4: Holding workshops in which youth IDPs articulate a vision for post-conflict Ukraine.

· Objective 3: Locally-driven IDP integration plans and their implementation are informed by youth IDP input; youth IDPs are connected with the resources to support existing integration efforts, including the goals of the 2017 plan related to fostering social cohesion to prevent violence and discrimination, developing young IDPs, and conducting trainings to reduce vulnerability to exploitation.

· Activity 3.1: Convening workshops between an Embassy Kyiv-approved Ukraine stakeholder and groups of youth IDPs who are geographically representative of IDPs.

· Activity 3.2: Connecting youth IDPs with civic resources, including but not limited to resources on how to exercise voting rights under the 2020 legislation.

· Activity 3.3: Assisting an Embassy Kyiv-approved Ukraine stakeholder to apply youth IDP input in its IDP integration efforts, and strategically communicate updates with IDPs and host communities in a manner that improves government relationships with and among both communities.

PROJECT CONSIDERATIONS

· Target groups – Beneficiaries should include young (approximately but not exclusively 18-30 years old) IDPs, whose diversity is representative of the IDP population displaced by Russian aggression in Ukraine, and their receiving communities. IDPs should include those displaced from Donbas, Luhansk and Crimea. Implementers should take into consideration potential language barriers and means to mitigate them.

· Geographic focus – CSO and the implementer, in cooperation with relevant Department and United States Agency for International Development (USAID) offices, will finalize the geographic target locations. Likely locations include Kharkiv and Dnipropetrovs'ka oblasts, the locations west of the Line of Contact where most IDPs have relocated (20 percent and 11 percent, respectively), and have the lowest rates of perception of integration (49 percent).

· Do no harm – The project must implement measures to minimize risks of harm, including risks:

· to implementers, participants, beneficiaries or their communities;

· to women and girls;

· of exacerbating conflict or creating new conflicts;

· that resources or skills provided might be misused, create grievances among non-recipients, or cause key actors to react in harmful ways.

· Coordination and partnerships – The implementing partner must demonstrate extensive contacts within Ukrainian civil society and throughout Ukraine, to include communities in the Russia-controlled areas of eastern Ukraine and in Crimea. Applicants should partner with local organizations as sub-grantees. The implementing partner will be expected to coordinate with USAID, and other U.S. government efforts, relevant offices in the Government of Ukraine (e.g. the Ministry of Reintegration and Temporarily Occupied Territories and the Ministry of Social Policy), and other donors (e.g. the Council of Europe). A successful applicant will detail its plan to coordinate with these stakeholders and how its project will build on the work of existing USG-funded IDP programs.

· Women, Peace, and Security – Per the U.S. Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) Strategy (2019) and WPS Act of 2017, the United States is committed to 1) advancing the meaningful participation of women in efforts to prevent and resolve conflict, and counter terrorism; and 2) promoting the protection of women and girls before, during, and after conflict, which is critical to the long-term stability of countries and regions. The Strategy also commits that U.S. government programs should improve outcomes in gender equality and the empowerment of women. This program will include women stakeholders in IDP and receiving communities. In addressing discrimination in relation to IDPs, it will take into account gender-based discrimination. This program will ensure that women’s voices play a sustained role in its stabilizing efforts.

· Security – Ukraine is experiencing an active conflict, and this program intends to engage with stakeholders throughout Ukraine. Special consideration must be given to the security environment and feasibility of access for the program to be successful.

II. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION

CSO expects to award one (1) cooperative agreement based on this NOFO and in an amount not to exceed the total ceiling amount of $1.975 million. The period of performance is 24 months with an anticipated start date of September 30, 2020. CSO may extend the award contingent on CSO priorities, good performance of the recipient, Department of State management approval, and funding availability.

The U.S. government may make award on the basis of initial applications received, without discussions or negotiations. Therefore, each initial application should contain the applicant's best terms from a cost and technical standpoint.

Cooperative Agreement: This cooperative agreement will include substantial involvement by CSO. For example, CSO will work closely with successful applicants to advise on revisions to the theory-of-change (TOC), design, indicators, and data collection instruments, working to ensure an approach that benefits the wider conflict community. Additionally, CSO seeks to ensure that qualitative and quantitative information from the program is shared with CSO in ways that can feed into the broader analysis of conflict dynamics at subnational, national, and regional levels. As a result, CSO will work with the Recipient to develop a documentation and reporting plan that meets those needs.

Due to security sensitivities in Ukraine, including ongoing conflict and considerations related to coronavirus, any decisions to change the scope or purpose of activities in the statement of work, to bring in other organizations to assist with activities and to engage with media will be made in consultation with CSO, Embassy Kyiv, EUR/ACE, and with Host Nation authorities as appropriate. CSO also expects to assist with the development of in-country partners who would be interested and capable of continuing this effort beyond the duration of the cooperative agreement.

Issuance of the solicitation does not constitute an award commitment on the part of the U.S. government. CSO reserves the right to reduce, revise, or increase application budgets in accordance with available program resources. In the event of an award, CSO reserves the right to terminate the agreement in accordance with 2 CFR 200 and the Department of State Standard Terms and Conditions. Specifically, an award may be terminated if the Recipient is not meeting the objectives of the program or if the program no longer is consistent with the national security or foreign policy interest of the United States.

All applicants should be familiar with the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circular 2 CFR Part 200.

III. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

Applicant must have acute awareness of conflict-related sensitivities in Ukraine, through prior work in Ukraine or through thematic expertise. Applicants are encouraged to partner with relevant organizations with the ability to execute such programming throughout Ukraine.

IV. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

Please refer to the Proposal Submission Instructions (PSI) for more information and complete instructions on how to apply to this NOFO, including information on proposal’s content and formatting. Please use both the PSI and the NOFO to ensure that the proposal submission is in full compliance with the requirements. Proposal submissions that do not meet all of the requirements outlined in the NOFO and PSI will NOT be considered.

FUNDING RESTRICTIONS

Per U.S. Fiscal Year 2019 Congressional Legislation, funding for this program can only be spent on programming for Ukraine and may not be reprogrammed to another country.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The Executive Summary is a succinct one-page summary containing information that the applicant believes best represents its proposed program and includes:

· the target location(s) within country;

· the program’s goal, objectives, and expected results;

· the total amount of funding requested;

· a brief description of the program’s approach and methodology, as well as how the program is innovative, sustainable, and will have a demonstrated impact; and,

· the name and contact information for the program’s main point of contact.

PROPOSAL NARRATIVE

The Proposal Narrative is a key part of the application. The Proposal Narrative (not to exceed ten pages, single-spaced, 12 point Times New Roman font in Microsoft Word, at least one-inch margins) should be organized into the following five components:

· Approach and Methodology:

· Conflict/Context Analysis: Successful applications under this funding opportunity will describe an approach based on a context and conflict analysis that leads to a concrete program change hypothesis. In this section, please provide background on the conflict/context in which the proposed program will be operating.

· Gender Analysis of Conflict: Proposals should include a gender analysis addressing how the proposed activities in the Building Society-Based Solutions in Ukraine: Youth IDP Local Conflict Resolution and Integration Programare reflective of, and will account for and/or utilize, the role [footnoteRef:4] norms play in security in Ukraine. The gender analysis should be submitted with the proposal, and address how gender norms interact with other factors to drive or mitigate conflict, the differential impact of conflict and violence on women and girls, and how masculinity/femininity could be challenged or enhanced to promote peace. Include the actual, potential, and/or perceived roles women and girls play in perpetuating or mitigating conflict and violence. Refer to the CSO Gender Analysis of Conflict guidance for sample questions to be addressed in this section. [4: CSO defines ‘gender’ as the socially constructed set of roles, rights, responsibilities, entitlements, and behaviors associated with being a woman or a man in a society.]

· Program Goal and Objectives: In this section, please fully explain the program’s goal and objectives. The overarching goal statement should be visionary in nature, and outline what the overall activities and objectives should be building towards. It is important that the program goal aligns with (CSO/Department/U.S. government) policy. The objectives of the program should describe where you expect to be by the end of your program. The objectives should be measurable, results-focused, and achievable in within the timeframe of the program.

· Activities: All activities should be clearly developed and sufficiently detailed to understand the resource and time requirements, and how they contribute to the objectives and goal. Please identify: target areas for activities; target participant groups or selection criteria for participants; how the program will engage relevant stakeholders, including women; and local partners as appropriate, among other pertinent details. If partners are included, the narrative should clearly describe the division of labor between the direct applicant and partners.

· Theory of Change: Provide a theory of change for your program that elaborates explicit causal connections between the program’s activities, key intermediate outcomes, objectives, and the long-term goal. Generally, this should involve a chain of “if…then…because…” statements, or something similar. The program theory of change should apply and contextualize any relevant general theory about how this type of intervention works, and how to avoid negative outcomes. It should specify any key assumptions about the context (including relevant gender dynamics), the program design, or companion interventions that are required for success. It should cogently establish that the activities can reasonably be expected to be sufficient in kind, amount and timing with the resources applied, in this context. In addition, briefly explain how the program theory of change interacts with the broader system of conflict interventions by the U.S. government and others. A useful resource for guidance on developing theories of change is USAID’s Theories and Indicators of Change (THINC).

· Integration of Target Groups: It is likely that you will identify groups of individuals who may require special considerations as you develop your program. Please address how you will incorporate the needs of these target groups in your planned activities. Depending on the context, these groups may include populations at-risk of marginalization or exploitation, such as women, ethnic and/or religious minorities, persons with disabilities, or youth.

· Implementation Plan

· Resources, Key Steps and Timeline for Activities (including sequential logic): Describe the proposed activities and how they will achieve the objectives and goal of this program. In doing so, this section should demonstrate how the proposed activities build upon one another and are logically sequenced to achieve the desired outcomes, based on the proposed approach and methodology. The application must identify and address gaps in current responses to the conflict (as identified in the context and conflict analysis), including any gender dynamics that currently, or have the potential to, exacerbate or mitigate conflict (as identified in the gender analysis). The applicant must submit an illustrative first year activity plan, which sets out a realistic outline of tasks and deliverables, anticipated time frames, challenges, opportunities and due dates, and persons responsible for achieving each task. This narrative description will be complemented by a Gantt chart in the Additional Attachments.

· Do No Harm: List any significant risks of harm to implementers, participants, beneficiaries or their communities, or of exacerbating conflict or creating new conflicts, which may result from this program. Based on your gender analysis, include specific risks to women and girls. Consider how resources or skills provided might be misused, create grievances among non-recipients, or cause key actors to react in harmful ways. Explain how these risks will be minimized.

· Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA): U.S. government partners are responsible for ensuring that comprehensive protection measures are in place for preventing and addressing sexual exploitation and abuse of persons of concern and that allegations of sexual exploitation and abuse by Recipient staff are reported to CSO in a timely manner. Applicants should submit any relevant code of conduct(s) and/or reporting guidelines for allegations of sexual exploitation and abuse.

· Local Engagement and Sustainability: Strong proposals will describe strategies to sustain the outcomes beyond CSO funding and contribute to building the capacity of communities to address their own concerns in the future. This might be done through sub-grants to local organizations, although that is not a requirement; capacity-building and sustainment can be achieved indirectly as well. This section must also demonstrate a clear understanding of the role that local organizations and institutions are playing or can play in conflict mitigation and IDP integration. The conflict analysis and the program design should reflect local perspectives and explain how the program will engage with local partners, including women-led organizations, throughout its lifecycle. The proposal should describe how the applicant will work with local entities to build their organizational and technical capacities, and/or relationships to mitigate conflict. Applicants may submit signed Letters of Intent from organizations that will participate in the program. Letters of Intent should address the willingness of partner organizations to participate in the effort, and the understanding all parties have as to their unique roles and responsibilities in terms of the proposed program. In cases where an applicant (i.e., non-local) was not able to partner with a local organization or institution, does not consider it feasible to do so, or does not consider it in the program’s best interest, the applicant must clearly explain the rationale.

· Institutional Capabilities and Past Performance

· Organization: Provide a description of the applicant organization – including its general purpose, goals, annual budget (including funding sources), and major past and current activities and programs undertaken.

· Relevant Programmatic and Thematic Experience: Applications should demonstrate the ability to develop and implement programs of the kind outlined in this proposal. Previous experience designing and implementing similar programs is highly desirable and should be detailed and documented in the application. Applicants should demonstrate how organizational resources, capabilities, and experience, and lessons learned from literature on this type of endeavor, will enable the applicant to achieve the grant’s stated objectives.

· Regional/Country Experience: Applicants should specify relevant experience in the country(ies) identified in the proposal, or in similar situations in other countries. Applicants should be able to legally operate in the country where they propose to work. Identify in-country partners; the successful applicant will already have in place at least one partnership with regional institutions and/or organizations. Specify the expertise that each partner brings.

· Key Personnel: Applications should highlight key staff, their positions, percentage of time devoted to this program, and management structure for the program. The resumes of key personnel should highlight relevant educational and field experience and be included as an appendix (see additional attachments below). The person(s) principally responsible for M&E design and technical oversight should be included. The resumes should be no more than two pages and should all follow a consistent format The applicant should also clarify roles for local partners and staff.

· Performance Monitoring and Evaluation Plan:

· CSO considers monitoring to be essential for responsible program management. Successful applicants will submit a draft monitoring plan within 15 days of award notification. After CSO review, a final monitoring plan must be submitted within 30 days of the award notification.

· For the purposes of the application, please submit a notional logic model/PMP (use template provided). This must include notional indicators at each of the following levels: objective, intermediate outcome, and output. Provide an explanation if data will not be disaggregated by sex. Describe how any risks of harm listed above will be monitored. In addition, use this section to describe the applicant’s approach to monitoring and evaluation and why this approach is appropriate for this program and context. This may include the type of data you may collect (qualitative and/or quantitative). If possible, include applicable State Department standard gender indicators (see attachment). Describe the timing of data collection and analysis and how this information will inform midstream program management decision-making.

· Please describe the resources needed to implement your M&E plan and address these in your budget. In most cases, CSO will fund program evaluations separately. If you want to propose including specific monitoring and evaluation activities in the program budget (outside of monitoring, which is required), please specify whether you are requesting funds for a baseline, mid-term and/or final evaluation. Additionally, please elaborate on the type of evaluation (quasi-experimental, developmental, outcome harvesting, process tracing, etc.).

ADDITIONAL ATTACHMENTS AND BUDGET COMPONENTS

Additional attachments listed below, budget components, and the SF-424s are not part of the proposal narrative and do not count as part of the 10-page limit for the proposal narrative. Applicants must use the templates provide, where applicable.

· Additional Attachments:

· Logic Model/PMP: The logic model/PMP should include theories of change; goal and objectives; activities; output and outcome indicators; data collection tools; key definitions and risks and assumptions. Please use the Logic Model/PMP template provided.

· Timeline/Schedule of Activities: The timeline of the overall proposal should include activities, evaluation efforts, and program closeout (not to exceed one [1] page). Please use the Gantt chart template provided.

· Key Personnel/Roles and Responsibilities: Please indicate the roles and responsibilities of key program personnel and provide short CVs or biographies that highlight relevant professional experience (not to exceed two [2] pages each).

· Past Performance References (minimum of 3): When past performance information is present, applicants shall furnish award numbers and other details with contact information for no more than three similar programs funded over the past three years by the State Department, or any other government entity or third party source. The details shall include the following: name of the organization or agency which funded the program(s), award number, point of contact’s name, mailing address, email address and phone number, and the overall dollar value of the program. The applicant must include information on any problems encountered, and the applicant’s corrective action(s). Applicants must not provide general information on their performance. Applicants may describe any quality awards or certificates that indicate exceptional capacity to conduct the program described in this NOFO. Please use the PPR template provided.

· Data Collection and Reporting Plan: Describe how you will collect and share both qualitative and quantitative information from various sources, through your research, activities, and or monitoring efforts.

· Include a PDF file copy of your organization’s most recent program (A-133 /2 CFR 200) audit, if applicable. If not, please include a copy of your most recent independent audit, if available.

· NICRA/Indirect Cost Rate: If your organization has a Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA), the most recently approved NICRA must be included as a .pdf file. If your proposal involves implementing partners charging indirect costs, please submit the applicable NICRA also as a .pdf file. Per 2 CFR 200.414, applicants that do not have a NICRA may elect to charge a de minimis rate of up to 10% of modified total direct costs (MTDC) which may be used indefinitely.

· NOTE: DOS retains the right to request additional documentation for items not specified in this NOFO or the PSI.

· Budget Components:

· Budget Appropriateness: Budgeted items are necessary and sufficient to the achievement of the goal, objectives, activities and program monitoring as presented in the proposal. This should consist of both an Excel budget breakdown and a budget narrative attached as an annex. The budget narrative must include clear, substantive explanations for each line-item and how the amounts were derived, as well as the source and description of all cost-share offered. Refer to the Excel Budget Template for guidance on compiling a budget and associated budget narrative. Please use the Budget template provide.

· Cost-effectiveness: The Department of State must determine that the costs paid for this award are reasonable, allowable, and allocable to the proposed program activities. This will consist of a review of the Budget to determine if the overall costs are realistic for the work to be performed, if the costs reflect the applicant’s understanding of the allowable cost principles established by Office of Management and Budget (OMB) in 2 CFR 200 (OMB Circular A-122), and if the costs are consistent with the program narrative. Programs should seek to produce innovative and cost-effective outcomes that reach more beneficiaries. As per Section C2 of 2 CFR 200, cost-share is not required, but funding contributed by the applicant and other partners shows a commitment to the success of the program. Applicants may incorporate cost-share through leveraging existing programs, partnering, and/or providing in-kind goods and services.

V. APPLICATION EVALUATION AND SCORING

The U.S. government may issue an award resulting from this NOFO to the responsible applicant whose application is the most responsive to the goals and objectives set forth in this NOFO. The U.S. government may (a) reject any or all applications, and/or (b) waive informalities and minor irregularities in applications received.

The U.S. government may make an award on the basis of initial applications received without discussion or negotiations. Therefore, applications should contain the applicant’s best terms from a cost and technical standpoint.

U.S. government also reserves the right, but is not obliged, to enter into discussions with an applicant in order to obtain clarification, additional detail, or to suggest refinements in the program’s description, budget, or other aspects of an application.

Applicants should note that the following criteria will serve as a standard against which all applications will be evaluated. Department of State 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 USG funds, and satisfactory organizational capacity. In addition, each application will be evaluated and scored on the Proposal Components using a 100-point scale by a peer review committee of Department of State.

CSO 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 representatives from other DoS bureaus, offices, and Posts. Final approval resides with the CSO relevant programming office and the Grants Officer.

The point value for each section outlined below indicates its relative importance in the application review process. Evaluation values are based on five components related to the proposal narrative and other attachments, as well as two budgetary components.

Based on eligible applications that are responsive to the requirements outlined above, the review panel will use the following criteria when rating proposals:

Quality of Program Idea Total Possible = 25 points

· Responsive to the solicitation and appropriate in the country context (7 points)

· Choice of locations, participants and activities target reflect analysis of destabilization and conflict risks and local resiliencies that can be strengthened against destabilization and conflict. (7)

· Clearly states theory of change articulating how the proposed program activities contribute to the overall program objectives and reflecting best practices for the types of activities proposed (7)

· Exhibits originality, prioritizes innovation, but is feasible (4) Program Planning / Ability to Achieve Objectives Total Possible = 30 points

· Activities are developed and detailed. Objectives are clear, specific, attainable, measurable results-focused and placed in a reasonable time frame (4)

· Addresses need for flexibility and ability to adapt (3)

· Provides a comprehensive quarterly work plan for program activities (3)

· Describes the division of labor among the direct applicant, any partners, and any potential sub-grantees; addresses how the program will engage or obtain support from relevant stakeholders; and identifies local partners where appropriate (3)

· Includes contingency plans for potential difficulties in executing the original work plan, including risks of exacerbating conflict or endangering participants (3)

· Applicant or partner demonstrates an institutional record of successful programs in the target areas of Ukraine (5)

· Applicant or partner demonstrates an institutional record of successful programs in local conflict resolution, countering malign influence, and any other types of activities proposed (5)

· Provides a thoughtful and appropriately detailed Gender Analysis of Conflict, and the identified dynamics are considered and integrated across activities and monitoring indicators (4) Cost Effectiveness Total Possible = 15 points

· Explains and justifies overhead and administration costs of the proposal, including salaries and honoraria. (5)

· All budget items and associated costs are reasonable, clearly explained, directly linked to program objectives and demonstrate efficient use of U.S. Government funds (10)

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

Program Monitoring and Evaluation Total Possible = 20 points

· The Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Plan includes:

· Explains how monitoring and evaluation will be used to inform decision making and improve program management and effectiveness midstream (5)

· Robust M&E framework includes output- and outcome-based performance indicators for each program objective with baselines and (yearly and cumulative) targets; data collection tools; data sources; types of data disaggregation, including by sex, if applicable; and frequency of monitoring and evaluation (10)

· Explains who will be responsible for monitoring and evaluation activities (2)

· M&E costs are reflected in budget (3) Multiplier Effect / Sustainability of Impact Total Possible = 10 points

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

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

VI. 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 Recipients will, at a minimum, be required to submit Quarterly Progress Reports and Quarterly Financial Reports (SF-425) describing key activities undertaken during the preceding month towards accomplishment of the stated objectives. Progress Reports include a narrative report and a monitoring report. These reports will compare actual to planned performance and indicate the progress made in accomplishing each assistance award task/goal noted in the grant agreement and will contain analysis and summary of findings, both quantitative and qualitative, for key indicators and/or milestones. Financial Reports will provide a means of monitoring expenditures and comparing costs incurred with progress. In difficult environments, CSO may require additional reporting and briefings in order to monitor program developments. Applicants should account for this in their M&E staffing plans.

NOTE: It is Department of State policy that English is the official language of all documents. If reports or any 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.

Mandatory Disclosures (2 CFR 200.113) The non-federal entity 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 the System for Award Management (SAM) (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 SAM (currently FAPIIS) (see 41 U.S.C. 2313). 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 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 system, in making a judgment about the applicant's integrity, business ethics, and record of performance.

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.

Other Information 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 of a designated 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.

VII. AGENCY CONTACTS

Any prospective applicant desiring an explanation or interpretation of this NOFO must request it in writing by the deadline for questions specified in the cover letter to allow a reply to reach all prospective applicants before the submission of their applications. Any 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, if that information is necessary in submitting applications or if the lack of it would be prejudicial to any other prospective applicants.

Any questions concerning this NOFO must be submitted in writing by email to:

U.S. Department of State Bureau of Conflict and Stabilization Operations (CSO) c/o Laura Daniels DanielsLF@state.gov

(202) 472-8707

Unclassified

UNCLASSIFIED