Cameroon 2020 TSCTP NOFO.Final.docx

U.S. Department of State U.S. Embassy Yaoundé, Cameroon Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)

AWARD INFORMATION

Announcement Type: Cooperative Agreement

Funding Opportunity Title: Trans-Sahara Counterterrorism Partnership Program-POL/ECON, U.S. Embassy Yaoundé

3. Notification of project approval and award signing expected by September 2020.

Eligibility Category: U.S. Non-profit/non-governmental organizations (NGOs) having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, or overseas-based non-profit/non-governmental organizations, U.S. or overseas private/state institutions of higher education, or Public International Organizations (PIOs). Applicants with a prior history of poor performance of U.S. government grants are ineligible for funding.

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 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.

Summary of Award Information

This funding opportunity is posted on www.grants.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 website for the most recent information pertaining to this Cooperative Agreement 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 OPPORTUNITYDESCRIPTION

BACKGROUND

A key driver of radicalization and recruitment in Cameroon’s Far North Region is the perception by certain elements of the population that the government is corrupt and abusive. This perception is fueled, in part, by a misunderstanding of the goals and methods of law enforcement and in part by police actions that are heavy-handed and a criminal justice system that is not always accessible to the public. The population in the Far North is familiar with examples of abusive practices by the security forces and lack of respect for ordinary citizens. In the same vein, the criminal justice system is sometimes perceived as disregarding the rights of the population and treating civilian participants in an arrogant or dismissive manner. These behaviors make citizens feel less trusting of law enforcement and more inclined toward radicalization.

PROGRAM GOALS

The goal of this program is to increase trust of the public in local governance, particularly law enforcement and the criminal justice system, in Cameroon’s Far North Region.

PROJECT’S DESCRIPTIONAND OBJECTIVES

Applications funded under this announcement should address the following objectives:

· Objective 1: Improve the understanding of citizens who are vulnerable to radicalization in the Far North Region of the mission and priorities of law enforcement, including the importance of providing information and participating in the criminal justice system.

· Objective 2: Open lines of communication between local communities and officers of the police and gendarmerie so that they communicate with citizens in a more professional manner and better understand their concerns.

· Objective 3: Increase understanding between the justice system and the population and improve access and participation for the public, particularly in terrorism cases.

EXPECTED RESULTS

· Linkages that had been broken between security forces and the criminal justice officials during crisis are re-established

· Increased patrols, trust between the communities and the law enforcement officials.

· Increased and improved reporting of suspicious activities to the authorities.

The proposal narrative should be organized into the following components:

1) Introduction

2) Conflict/Context Analysis Successful applicants under this funding opportunity will describe an approach based on a context and conflict analysis. Please provide background on the conflict/context in which the proposed program will be operating.

3) Theory of Change 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.

4) Planned Activities/Implementation Plan

Applicant should address the following points:

a. Program Goal and Objectives: Fully explain the program’s goal and objectives. The overarching goal should outline what the overall activities and objectives should be building towards. The objectives of the program should describe the expected results by the end of your program. The objectives should be measurable, results-focused, and achievable within the timeframe of the program.

b. 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; target participant groups or selection criteria for participants; how the program will engage relevant stakeholders; and local partners as appropriate.

c. Identified Partners or Sub-Recipients: The proposal should explain any proposed sub-awards or partnerships which will be used to address the project’s objectives.

d. Resources and Timeline for Activities: Demonstrate how the proposed activities build upon one another and are logically sequenced to achieve the desired outcomes. 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. This should be a narrative description.

e. 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.

5) Sustainability 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.

6) Cost Share There is no minimum or maximum percentage required for this competition.

Cost-sharing or matching is not an evaluation criteria of this NOFO.

When cost sharing is offered, it is understood and agreed that the applicant must provide the amount of cost sharing as stipulated in its proposal and later included in an approved agreement. Cost sharing may be in the form of allowable direct or indirect costs. For accountability, recipients must maintain written records to support all costs that are claimed as their contribution, as well as costs to be paid by the Federal government. Such records are subject to audit. The basis for determining the value of cash and in-kind contributions must be in accordance with OMB 2 CFR 200.306 - Cost Sharing and Matching.

7) Past Performance Provide a description of the applicant organization, including a proven record of successful projects and past performance in Cameroon, and in the Far-North Region if applicable. Describe past performance and experience in working with host governments, local organizations, and communities. The roles and responsibilities of primary staff under this program should be defined, and the proposal should demonstrate how the program will engage or obtain support from relevant stakeholders.

Additionally, the proposal should include the following attachments:

1) 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.

2) Performance Monitoring Plan The Performance Monitoring Plan (PMP) should include the following:

· 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.

3) Risk Analysis The purpose of the risk analysis is to identify the internal and external risks associated with the proposed project in the application, rate the likelihood of the risks, rate the potential impact of the risks on the project, and identify actions that could help mitigate the risks. A risk analysis should not be considered a one-time exercise or a static document. Applicants should conduct adequate risk analysis and remediation for all of its operations and advises that risk analysis and remediation occur throughout the life of a project and should result in revisions to risk analysis documents and processes as necessary.

The safety and security of recipients and beneficiaries are of utmost importance. The recipient is required to conduct thorough risk assessments and take all actions necessary in accordance with those assessments to mitigate those risks. The Embassy will not take responsibility for the risks incurred by any recipient. A suggested format for a risk analysis is provided in attachment 4.

III.APPLICATION SUBMISSION

It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the application package has been received by www.grants.gov in its entirety. Incomplete applications will be considered ineligible. Applicants are urged to begin the application process well before the submission deadline. No exceptions will be made for organizations that have not completed the necessary steps.

Please refer to the Proposal Submission Instructions (PSI) (Attachment 1) 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.

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.

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.

Submission Dates and Times

Applications are due no later than 11:59PM EDT on July 17, 2020.

In accordance with applicable Federal awarding agency’s policy, applicants must disclose in writing any potential conflict of interest to the Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity.

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.

IV. APPLICATION EVALUATION

The 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 U.S. Government 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 applicants’ best terms from both cost and technical standpoints. The implementing partners (sub-recipients) of the primary recipient will be subject to Department of State approval.

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 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 of Program Idea– 20 Points

· The proposal is responsive to the programmatic objectives defined by the NOFO;

· The proposal clearly states a theory of change;

· The proposal outlines a vision for a “whole of society” approach – meaning the key sectors and actors (e.g. law enforcement and criminal justice officials, and civilians including women and youth) who will be the program’s key beneficiaries and protagonists;

· The proposal directly connects proposed activities with the desired outcomes, tying back to the project objectives.

2. Project Planning/Ability to Achieve Objectives – 20 Points

· 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 demonstrates a willingness to be flexible and the ability to adapt based on feedback over the course of the program;

· The proposal articulates activities that are placed in a reasonable timeframe, relevant to the program, and attainable.

3. Organizational Capability and Record of Performance –20 Points

· The proposal demonstrates a proven record of successful projects and past performance in the proposed subject matter;

· The proposal articulates past performance and experience in working with host governments, local organizations, and communities;

· The proposal clearly defines the roles and responsibilities of primary staff under this program;

· The proposal addresses how the project will engage or obtain support from relevant stakeholders.

4. Cost Effectiveness – 10 Points

· All budget items are allocable, reasonable and allowable (necessary for project and permitted), and linked to program objectives and demonstrate efficient use of U.S. Government funds.

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

5. Project Monitoring and Evaluation – 20 Points

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

· Narrative explaining how M&E will be carried out and who will be responsible for M&E activities;

· Logical Framework 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.

6. Sustainability of Impact – 10 Points

· Clearly indicates how U.S. Government funding will result in long-term change which does not require ongoing donor funding.

· Outlines possibilities for institutionalization of the capacity building functions with a local organization, university, etc.

V. AWARD ISSUANCE AND ADMINISTRATION:

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.

The U.S. Embassy 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.

Pursuant to 2 CFR 200.400(g), Recipients are prohibited from earning a profit under Federal assistance instruments.

The decision for the award determination rests with the Grants Officer. The Grants Officer is a USG official delegated the authority by the DOS Procurement Executive to award and administer the award. The award Agreement is the only authorizing document and will be issued electronically through the State Assistance Management System (SAMS Overseas).

This award is intended to be a Cooperative Agreement (CA) with substantial involvement from U.S. Embassy Yaoundé, Cameroon, in the implementation of this project. Successful applicant will be expected to coordinate closely with Embassy Yaoundé. Areas of substantial involvement will be outlined in the award’s terms and conditions but could include:

· Reviewing and approving the recipient’s implementation work plan to achieve the expected results as described;

· Participating in the selection process of key stakeholders to be trained;

· Providing guidance related to the recipient’s implementation plan for trainings and meetings with government officials and other key stakeholders.

Applicant Vetting

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. However, as noted below, training or assistance to foreign security forces is not permitted under this award.

Applicants are advised that proposals will be evaluated against the potential risk that federal funds may inadvertently be passed to the wrong hands and that funds may benefit terrorists groups or their supporters. Applicants may be asked to submit information required by DS Form 4184, Risk Analysis Information (attached to this solicitation), about their company and its principal personnel. Vetting information is also required for all sub-award performance on assistance awards identified by DOS as presenting a risk of terrorist financing. When vetting information is requested by the Grants Officer, information may be submitted on the secure web portal at: https://ramportal.state.gov, via Email to RAM@state.gov, or hardcopy to the Grants Officer. Failure to submit information when requested, or failure to pass vetting may be grounds for rejecting your proposal.

Pending availability of funds and satisfactory performance, including compliance with the DOS’ and subject award’s terms and conditions, the Embassy may consider extending the period of performance and increasing funding to the subject award.

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 non-compliance are reported on the SF-SAC.

Reporting Requirements:

Recipient will be required to submit Quarterly Progress and Quarterly Financial Reports (SF-425).Progress Reports will compare actual to planned performance and indicates the progress made in accomplishing each assistance award tasks/goals noted in the grant agreement and will contain analysis and summary of findings, both quantitative and qualitative, for key indicators. Financial Reports provide a means of monitoring expenditures and comparing costs incurred with progress.

Recipients must report immediately when a program faces unplanned delays in implementation, fails to meet program targets or milestones, or costs increase. Any changes or revisions to the approved budget require prior approval from the Embassy Grants Officer.

Progress Reporting

At minimum, it is expected that progress reports include:

· Significant activities of the period and how activities reflect progress toward achieving goals;

· Evaluation of progress on goals/objectives with quantitative and qualitative data, as appropriate;

· Any problems/challenges in implementing the project and a corrective action plan;

· Evaluation of accomplishments with quantifiable information on goals and objectives to date as available, including reporting on agreed-upon indicators;

· An update on expenditures during the reporting period; and

· Supporting documentation or products related to project activities (such as surveys, travel, etc.).

· Performance indicator results and supporting documentation;

· As applicable, Project Spotlight highlighting a significant area of progress under the grant as well as photos of implementation.

Final Report

The final report will be due no later than 90 days after the end date of the award or termination of all project activities.

Additional guidance may be provided prior to the award end date.

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.

Payment Method:

Request for Payment via SF 270. Payments shall be disbursed via EFT upon receipt of a signed SF-270 form and required reporting.

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.govand 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.

Marking Policy

Applicants are advised that recipients and sub-recipients of Federal assistance awards are subject to the State Department’s Marking Policy. More information on this policy can be found on:

http://r.state.sbu/visiblyamerican/default.aspx

Evaluation Policy

Applicants are advised that recipients and sub-recipients of Federal assistance awards are subject to the Department of State Evaluation Policy. More information on this policy can be found here: http://www.state.gov/s/d/rm/rls/evaluation/2015/236970.htm

Monitoring Site Visits

A monitoring site visit, at least once during the lifetime of a grant, is required by Department of State grant policy. The site visit is conducted to gather additional information on the recipient’s ability to properly implement the project, manage funds, and share substantiating document for programmatic, indicator, and financial reporting. Specifically, the site visit will involve the review of the programmatic progress (progress on activities, sub-recipient/consultant work, data quality, etc.) as well as administrative and financial management and controls.

VI. 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 1 (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 (grantsyaounde@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.

Attachments:

Attachment 1: Proposal Submission Instructions Attachment 2: Budget Template Attachment 3: Project Monitoring Plan Template Attachment 4: Risk Analysis