Kampala PVE NOFO.docx

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

U.S. EMBASSY KAMPALA

Notice of Funding Opportunity

I. AWARD INFORMATION

Announcement Type: New Announcement

Funding Opportunity Title: Mitigating Violent Extremism in Masaka Region

Funding Opportunity Number: DOS-UG-PAS-FY20-1

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 19.040

competitive

Estimated Number of Awards: 1 (One)

Cost Sharing Requirement: Not Required

Assistance Type: Cooperative agreement. Embassy staff will be actively involved in the grant implementation. The Grants Officer and Grants Officer Representative for this project will oversee the implementing partner’s monitoring and evaluation strategy, ensure accurate and timely reporting of indicators, make regular trips to the focus region to track progress and meet with programmatic stakeholders.

Funding Type: Discretionary

Closing Date for Submission of Complete proposal packages must be submitted by email to Applications: kampalagrants@state.gov by July 20, 2020 by 11:59 PM

(UTC+3)

Deadline for Receipt of Questions: June 19, 2020 5:00pm (UTC +3)

Electronic Requirement: Yes Faxed or mailed proposal packages, or individual submission documents, will NOT be considered.

Eligibility Category: U.S.-based non-profit/non-governmental organizations subject to section 501(c) (3) of the U.S. tax code; For-Profit Organizations; Overseas non-governmental non-profit organizations; Foreign Public Entities and Public International Organizations

Pursuant to 2 CFR 200.400(g) Recipients are not allowed to earn a profit under Federal assistance instruments.

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(s) will receive notification within approximately four-to-five 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.

Estimated Project Duration: 24 months

This funding opportunity is posted on www.grants.gov and https://ug.usembassy.gov/, and may be amended. Answers to questions from eligible interested organizations will be posted as attachments to this NOFO. Applicants should regularly check the www.grants.gov and https://ug.usembassy.gov/ website for the most recent information pertaining to this funding opportunity.

This NOFO consists of the following sections:

1. Award Information

1. Funding Opportunity Description

1. Application Submission

1. Application Evaluation and Scoring

1. Award Administration

1. 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.

II. FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

BACKGROUND

The U.S. Embassy, Kampala, Public Affairs Section is pleased to announce a limited competition for organizations interested in implementing a preventing violent extremism (PVE) project designed to strengthen societal resilience against violent extremism in the key urban centers and the connected areas in the greater Masaka region (to include strategic areas within Masaka District and connecting Kalungu and Mpigi Districts). The project will aim to build collaboration and trust between societal leaders, communities, citizens most vulnerable to violent extremism recruitment, and civilian government officials—including law enforcement.

PROGRAM GOALS

The goal of this project is to increase the collaboration of key societal and government counterparts to reduce extremist recruitment and radicalization in priority focus areas.

PROJECT’S DESCRIPTION AND OBJECTIVES

Applications funded under this announcement should address the following objectives:

· Objective 1: Expand the research and knowledge of the violent extremism dynamics and hyper local recruitment and radicalization processes in the targeted geographic area;

· Objective 2: Build capacity of key societal and government key influencers to promote peaceful coexistence and mitigate violent extremism in the targeted geographic area; and

· Objective 3: Enhance civilian government trust and collaboration to mitigate violent extremism in the targeted geographic area.

TARGETED PARTICIPANTS

The project will support communities as well as societal and government leaders who directly influence and/or directly interact with vulnerable populations actively being targeted by violent extremist activities. Potential societal and government leaders include: district and sub-district officials in the targeted geographic area (including but not limited to law enforcement officials); district-level religious leadership; cultural leaders; and civil society/youth leaders.

As part of the project’s Phase 1 (Research), research will seek to understand the role of men, women, boys, and girls in violent extremist dynamics and societal resiliencies in the targeted geographic area—to include a cross-section of relevant students, traders/market sellers, mothers/fathers, community leaders, government officers, and religious/cultural leaders/followers. This research should not focus on public perceptions or the region’s “vulnerable population” writ large. Research tools appropriate to facilitate this learning are encouraged. This newly acquired understanding will be integrated into the project’s strategy.

PRIORTIY REGION

The key urban centers and the connected areas in the greater Masaka region, to include strategic areas within Masaka District and as needed, the connecting Kalungu and Mpigi Districts.

ELIGILIBITY INFORMATION

1. Eligible Applicants The following organizations are eligible to apply:

· U.S.-based non-profit/non-governmental organizations subject to section 501(c) (3) of the U.S. tax code

· For-Profit Organizations

· Overseas non-governmental non-profit organizations

· Foreign Public Entities and Public International Organizations

2. Cost Sharing or Matching Cost sharing is not required.

3. Other Eligibility Requirements

· In order to be eligible to receive an award, all organizations must have a unique entity identifier (Data Universal Numbering System/DUNS number from Dun & Bradstreet), as well as a valid registration on www.SAM.gov. Please see Section D.3 for information on how to obtain these registrations.

· Organizations are required to submit with their proposals a copy of their registration status and a verifiable physical address of their organization.

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

III. APPLICATION SUBMISSION

1. The U.S. Embassy Kampala Public Affairs Section will accept proposals until July 20, 2020, 11:59PM (UTC +3). Thereafter, the review and selection process will commence. Because of time and resource constraints, we will only contact organizations whose proposals have been selected for implementation.

2. Content and Form of Application Submission

Please follow all instructions below carefully. Proposals that do not meet the requirements of this announcement or fail to comply with the stated requirements will be ineligible.

Content of Application Please ensure:

· The proposal clearly addresses the goals and objectives of this funding opportunity (pay careful attention to the priority program areas)

· All documents must be in English

· All budgets must be in U.S. dollars

· All pages must numbered

· All Microsoft Word documents must be single-spaced, 12 point Times New Roman font, with a minimum of 1-inch margins.

The following documents are required:

1. Mandatory application forms

· SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance – organizations)

· SF424A (Budget Information for Non-Construction programs)

· SF424B (Assurances for Non-Construction programs)

2. Summary Coversheet: Cover sheet stating the applicant name and organization, proposal date, program title, program period proposed start and end date, and brief purpose of the program.

3. Proposal (20 pages maximum): The proposal should contain sufficient information that anyone not familiar with it would understand exactly what the applicant wants to do. You may use your own proposal format, but it must include all the items below.

· Proposal Summary: Short narrative that outlines the proposed program, including program objectives and anticipated impact.

· Problem Statement: Clear, concise and well-supported statement of the problem to be addressed and why the proposed program is needed (Conflict/context analysis relevant to the proposed approach)

· Introduction to the Organization or Individual applying: A description of past and present operations, showing ability to carry out the program, including information on all previous grants from the U.S. Embassy and/or U.S. government agencies. Past Performance: Provide a description of the applicant organization, including a proven record of successful projects and past performance in Uganda and with preventing/countering violent extremism. Describe past performance and experience in working and building trust with relevant government actors, non-governmental local organizations, and communities. The proposal must explain how the program will engage, build trust, and secure buy-in from all relevant governmental and non-governmental stakeholders.

· Program Theory of Change, Goal, and Objectives: Provide a theory of change for your program that describes the connections between the program’s activities, key intermediate outcomes, objectives, and the long-term goal. The “goal” should describe what the program is intended to achieve. The overarching goal should outline what the overall activities and objectives should be building towards. The objectives of the program should describe where you expect to be by the end of your program. The “objectives” refer to the intermediate accomplishments on the way to the goals. These should be achievable and measurable. The objectives should be measurable, results-focused, and achievable within the timeframe of the program.

· 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 goals. Please identify: target areas for activities (within the specified geographic target region); target participant groups or selection criteria for participants (with specific language on how women will be incorporated); how the program will engage relevant stakeholders; and local partners as appropriate. Describe the program activities and how they will help achieve the objectives. Proposed activities should reflect a thorough understanding of the role of influential local leaders, including religious, traditional, and political figures, and the dynamic between state actors—particularly political and security officials—and communities in programmatic focus areas. Applicants should also explain how they will incorporate relevant state and community actors who can effectively manage conflict and the prevention of violent extremism—both those already working to do so, and those with potential to do so who are not already engaged in such activities.

· Program Methods and Design: A description of how the program is expected to work to solve the stated problem and achieve the goal. Include a logic model as appropriate. Demonstrate how the proposed activities build upon one another and are logically sequenced to achieve the desired outcomes. Include short description of 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. 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.

· Proposed Program Schedule and Timeline: The proposed timeline for the program activities. Include the dates, times, and locations of planned activities and events. The applicant must submit a plan that sets out a realistic outline of tasks and deliverables, anticipated time frames, challenges, opportunities and due dates, and persons responsible for achieving each task.

· Key Personnel: Names, titles, roles and experience/qualifications of key personnel involved in the program. What proportion of their time will be used in support of this program?

· Program Partners: List the names and type of involvement/contribution of key partner organizations, and agreements with sub-awardees, if the implementing partner plans to work with sub-awardees. If sub-awards, the proposal should explain any proposed sub-awards or partnerships which will be used to address the project’s objectives.

· Program Monitoring and Evaluation Narrative: Throughout the time-frame of the grant, how will the activities be monitored to ensure they are happening in a timely manner, and how will the program be evaluated to make sure it is meeting the goals of the grant? (The M&E Plan can be included as an attachment.)

· Sustainability and Coordination: Applicant’s plan for continuing the program beyond the grant period, or the availability of other resources, if applicable. Explain how U.S. Government funding for this project will result in long-term, sustainable change which will not require the investment of further donor resources. Explain specifically how coordination and de-confliction with existing initiatives in programmatic focus areas will be carried out. Coordination must encompass initiatives supported by the U.S. Embassy, other likeminded donor organizations (bilateral and/or multilateral), the Ugandan government, and NGO and private sector actors.

Additionally, the proposal should include the following attachments:

5. Attachments:

· 1-page CV or resume of key personnel who are proposed for the program

· Letters of support from program partners describing the roles and responsibilities of each partner

· If your organization has a NICRA and includes NICRA charges in the budget, your latest NICRA should be included as a PDF file.

· Official permission letters, if required for program activities

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

· Line-Item Budget: The budget should provide detailed, itemized estimated costs for the completion of the project. The budget should follow the OMB cost categories. Further guidance is provided in the budget template provided as Attachment 2.

· Budget Justification Narrative: After filling out the SF-424A Budget (above), use a separate sheet of paper to describe each of the budget expenses in detail. See Other Information: Guidelines for Budget Submissions below for further information.

· Performance Monitoring Plan: The Performance Monitoring Plan (PMP) should use the template provided as Attachment 3, listing by project objectives the output- and outcome-based performance indicators with baselines (if available) and quarterly and cumulative targets; data collection tools; data sources; types of data disaggregation, if applicable; and frequency of data collection.

Required Registrations:

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

All organizations applying for grants (except individuals) must obtain these registrations. All are free of charge:

· Unique entity identifier from Dun & Bradstreet (DUNS number)

· NCAGE/CAGE code

· www.SAM.gov registration

Step 1: Apply for a DUNS number and an NCAGE number (these can be completed simultaneously)

DUNS application: Organizations must have a Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number from Dun & Bradstreet. If your organization does not have one already, you may obtain one by calling 1-866-705-5711 or visiting http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform

NCAGE application: Application page here: https://eportal.nspa.nato.int/AC135Public/scage/CageList.aspx Instructions for the NCAGE application process:

https://eportal.nspa.nato.int/AC135Public/Docs/US%20Instructions%20for%20NSPA%20NCAGE.pdf For NCAGE help from within the U.S., call 1-888-227-2423 For NCAGE help from outside the U.S., call 1-269-961-7766 Email NCAGE@dlis.dla.mil for any problems in getting an NCAGE code.

Step 2: After receiving the NCAGE Code, proceed to register in SAM.gov by logging onto: https://www.sam.gov. SAM registration must be renewed annually.

Funding Restrictions:

Award funds cannot be used for the following activities.

· Programs relating to partisan political activity;

· Charitable or development activities;

· Construction programs;

· Programs that support specific religious activities;

· Fund-raising campaigns;

· Lobbying for specific legislation or programs

· Scientific research;

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

· Programs that duplicate existing programs.

· Purchase of alcohol

· Completion activities for projects begun with other funds

· Non-project related expenses

Other Submission Requirements

All application materials must be submitted in a single email to kampalagrants@state.gov before the deadline.

IV. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

1. Criteria Each application will be evaluated and rated on the basis of the evaluation criteria outlined below.

Quality and Feasibility of the Program Idea – 25 points: The program idea is well developed, with detail about how program activities will be carried out and how they will connect to desired outcomes, tying back to objectives. There is a clear theory of change. The proposal includes a reasonable implementation timeline.

Organizational Capacity and Record on Previous Grants – 30 points: The organization has expertise in its stated field and has the internal controls in place to manage federal funds. This includes a financial management system and a bank account.

Program Planning/Ability to Achieve Objectives – 15 points: Goals and objectives are clearly stated and program approach is likely to provide maximum impact in achieving the proposed results.

Budget – 10 points: The budget justification is detailed. Costs are reasonable in relation to the proposed activities and anticipated results. The budget is realistic, accounting for all necessary expenses to achieve proposed activities.

Monitoring and Evaluation Plan – 10 points: The Monitoring and Evaluation Plan includes:

· Narrative explaining how monitoring and evaluation (M&E) will be carried out and who will be responsible for M&E activities.

· Project Objectives and Indicators (template provided as Attachment 3) listing by project objectives the output- and outcome-based performance indicators with baselines (if available) and quarterly and cumulative targets; data collection tools; data sources; types of data disaggregation, if applicable; and frequency of data collection

Sustainability – 10 points: Clearly indicates how U.S. Government funding will result in long-term results. Outlines possibilities of institutionalization.

2. Review and Selection Process

A Grants Review Committee will evaluate all eligible applications and contact successful applicants for further steps.

3. Federal Awardee Performance & Integrity Information System (FAPIIS)

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

i. That the Federal awarding agency, prior to making a Federal award with a total amount of Federal share greater than the simplified acquisition threshold, is required to review and consider any information about the applicant that is in the designated integrity and performance system accessible through SAM (currently FAPIIS) (see 41 U.S.C. 2313);

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

iii. That the Federal awarding agency will consider any comments by the applicant, in addition to the other information in the designated integrity and performance system, in making a judgment about the applicant's integrity, business ethics, and record of performance under Federal awards when completing the review of risk posed by applicants as described in §200.205 Federal awarding agency review of risk posed by applicants.

V. AWARD ADMINISTRATION

1. Federal Award Notices

The grant award or cooperative agreement will be written, signed, awarded, and administered by the Grants Officer. The assistance award agreement is the authorizing document and it will be provided to the recipient for review and signature by email. The recipient may only start incurring program expenses beginning on the start date shown on the grant award document signed by the Grants Officer.

If a proposal is selected for funding, the Department of State has no obligation to provide any additional future funding. Renewal of an award to increase funding or extend the period of performance is at the discretion of the Department of State.

Issuance of this NOFO does not constitute an award commitment on the part of the U.S. government, nor does it commit the U.S. government to pay for costs incurred in the preparation and submission of proposals. Further, the U.S. government reserves the right to reject any or all proposals received.

Leahy Vetting Requirement: Leahy vetting is required when training or assistance is provided to foreign security forces, including when such assistance is provided under a grant or cooperative agreement. Leahy Vetting requirements will be fully outlined in the final award Agreement.

Military: In developing proposals, programming should not involve any military or paramilitary forces or members.

2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

Terms and Conditions: Before submitting an application, applicants should review all the terms and conditions and required certifications which will apply to this award, to ensure that they will be able to comply. These include:

2 CFR 200, 2 CFR 600, and the Department of State Standard Terms and Conditions which are available at: https://www.state.gov/about-us-office-of-the-procurement-executive/.

Note the U.S Flag branding and marking requirements in the Standard Terms and Conditions.

3. Reporting

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

VI. FEDERAL AWARDING AGENCY CONTACTS

If you have any questions about the grant application process, please send your inquiries to kampalagrants@state.gov.

OTHER INFORMATION

Guidelines for Budget Justification

· Personnel and Fringe Benefits: Describe the wages, salaries, and benefits of temporary or permanent staff who will be working directly for the applicant on the program, and the percentage of their time that will be spent on the program.

· Travel: Estimate the costs of travel and per diem for this program, for program staff, consultants or speakers, and participants/beneficiaries. If the program involves international travel, include a brief statement of justification for that travel.

· Equipment: Describe any machinery, furniture, or other personal property that is required for the program, which has a useful life of more than one year (or a life longer than the duration of the program), and costs at least $5,000 per unit.

· Supplies: List and describe all the items and materials, including any computer devices, that are needed for the program. If an item costs more than $5,000 per unit, then put it in the budget under Equipment.

· Contractual: Describe goods and services that the applicant plans to acquire through a contract with a vendor. Also describe any sub-awards to non-profit partners that will help carry out the program activities.

· Other Direct Costs: Describe other costs directly associated with the program, which do not fit in the other categories. For example, shipping costs for materials and equipment or applicable taxes. All “Other” or “Miscellaneous” expenses must be itemized and explained.

· Indirect Costs: These are costs that cannot be linked directly to the program activities, such as overhead costs needed to help keep the organization operating. If your organization has a Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate (NICRA) and includes NICRA charges in the budget, attach a copy of your latest NICRA. Organizations that have never had a NICRA may request indirect costs of 10% of the modified total direct costs as defined in 2 CFR 200.68.

· “Cost Sharing” refers to contributions from the organization or other entities other than the U.S. Embassy. It also includes in-kind contributions such as volunteers’ time and donated venues.

· Alcoholic Beverages: Please note that award funds cannot be used for alcoholic beverages.

· Monitoring and Evaluation: Estimate the costs for all monitoring and evaluation activities, this may include costs for staff time; external consultants; travel; per diem; etc.

2SBU - DELIBERATIVE PROCESS