Alumni Opportunity Grant NOFO FY21.pdf

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

U.S. PALESTINIAN AFFAIRS UNIT

PUBLIC DIPLOMACY SECTION

Notice of Funding Opportunity

Funding Opportunity Title: Alumni Opportunity Grants

Funding Opportunity Number: PAUPDFY21001

Deadline for Applications: Rolling until June 15, 2021 or exhaustion of available funds Assistance Listing Number: 19.021 Total Amount Available: $50,000 to be divided between all awards issued.

A. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Public Diplomacy Section of the Palestinian Affairs Unit (PAU-

PD) announces a limited competition for a grant through this Notice of Funding Opportunity

(NOFO). The Palestinian Alumni of U.S. Government (USG) Exchange and Public Diplomacy

Programs from Jerusalem, the West Bank and Gaza are invited to submit proposals that encourage alumni networking, professional development, and civic involvement and build on the strong links between the people of the United States and Palestinian people and institutions.

Through this program, the U.S. government seeks to support USG exchange and program alumni-led initiatives which support the PAU-PD mission: to advance a comprehensive, lasting, negotiated peace between Israelis and Palestinians and the development of a prosperous, stable, and transparent Palestinian society, economy and system of governance through substantive engagement with American people, institutions, ideas and ideals in order to improve

American-Palestinian relations and create greater opportunities for mutually beneficial partnership and cooperation.

Priority Region: Jerusalem, West Bank, and Gaza. Projects that focus on one or more of these regions will be considered.

Program Objectives:

All proposed projects must aim to advance the PAU-PD mission goals stated above, contain a substantive American element, and achieve at least one of the following specific objectives:

• Promote community leadership and volunteerism.

• Develop a culture of mentorship in Palestinian social, educational, and professional life.

• Encourage collaboration and understanding through projects that promote tolerance, pluralism, and shared values between diverse groups.

• Promote inclusive economic and educational opportunities to reach marginalized communities, including youth, women and girls, and people with disabilities.

• Foster entrepreneurship, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills amongst youth.

• Develop soft skills (leadership, teambuilding, problem solving, communication) for young professionals.

• Develop locally designed solutions to environmental, economic, or social problems.

• Support gender advocacy, inclusivity, and empowerment through training and awareness campaigns aimed at achieving gender equality throughout society.

• Encourage cooperation, sharing, mutual recognition and/or celebration by Americans and

Palestinians of social and cultural values and traditions, holidays, and thematic months and days (including but not limited to Gender Based Violence 16-day campaign, Black History

Month, Women’s History Month, Earth Day, etc.).

PAU-PD will give special consideration to proposals that incorporate the following elements as techniques or tools to support the objectives identified above:

• Use PAU-PD American Spaces as the venue for some, if not all, of the program activities or

• Include exchange of expertise or experience with American experts/organization(s), or institution(s) in the relevant field.

Participants and Audiences:

Eligible primary applicants for grant funding must be Palestinian alumni (individuals) of USG programs or Palestinian not-for-profit organizations (NGOs) submitting projects with significant alumni involvement as described below.

Individual eligibility: Palestinian alumni are defined as individuals residing in Jerusalem, the

West Bank, or Gaza who have participated in a U.S. Government-sponsored exchange program, including (but not limited to) the following: Fulbright Program, International Visitor and

Leadership Program (IVLP), Global Undergraduate Exchange Program (UGRAD), Studies of the U.S. Institute (SUSI), TechWomen and TechGirls, Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and

Study (YES), Sports Visitor Program, the English Access Micro-scholarships program, and the

U.S.-Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI).

Organization eligibility: Palestinian NGOs based in Jerusalem, the West Bank, or Gaza submitting proposals in which an alumni individual or alumni team will have a significant and leading role in the planning and implementation of the project to be supported with Alumni

Small Grant Program funds.

B. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION

Length of performance period: up to 12 months

Number of awards anticipated: to be determined based on the number and amount of awards funded under this NOFO.

Award amounts: awards may range from a minimum of $1000 to a maximum of $20,000.

(Awards to individuals may not exceed $5000)

Total available funding: $50,000

Type of Funding: FY21 Smith Mundt Public Diplomacy Funds.

Anticipated program start date: Funded projects could start no earlier than July 30, 2021.

This notice is subject to availability of funding.

Funding Instrument Type: Grant, fixed amount award

Program Performance Period: Proposed programs should be completed in 12 months or less.

The Department of State will entertain applications for continuation grants funded under these awards beyond the initial budget period on a non-competitive basis subject to availability of funds, satisfactory progress of the program, and a determination that continued funding would be in the best interest of the U.S. Department of State.

C. ELIGILIBITY INFORMATION

1. Eligible Applicants

Eligible primary applicants for grant funding must be Palestinian alumni (individuals) of USG programs or Palestinian not-for-profit organizations (NGOs) based in Jerusalem, the West Bank, or Gaza, submitting projects with significant alumni involvement in which an alumni individual or alumni team will have a significant and leading role in the planning and implementation of the project to be supported with Alumni Small Grant Program funds.

2. 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. Individuals are not required to have a unique entity identifier or be registered in SAM.gov.

D. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

1. Address to Request Application Package

The required application forms for this Notice of Funding Opportunity are available on the

U.S. Embassy Jerusalem Palestinian Affairs Unit website and on grants.gov. Please note the optional templates (Project Proposal template; Detailed Budget Spreadsheet template; and

Budget Narrative template) also available here. The templates are designed to make the application process easier. Applicants may choose to use these optional templates if desired or if they do not have their own standard proposal format.

For proposals to be considered, applicants are required to complete all applications forms and budget templates listed in the Content of Application section below.

2. Content and Form of Application Submission https://il.usembassy.gov/palestinian-affairs-unit/cultural-and-educational-programs/grants-and-funding-opportunities/ https://www.grants.gov/ https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.grants.gov%2Fforms%2Fsf-424-family.html&data=04%7C01%7CZeitMF%40state.gov%7C9f7b010062274b5add6108d8cdba8e43%7C66cf50745afe48d1a691a12b2121f44b%7C0%7C0%7C637485548416195480%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=PQs2utisFCx%2BSlG%2B4Hblimtrw8XQjfYQOf%2BkhYx%2BTqA%3D&reserved=0

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. Please submit all proposal documents as described below via email with “Alumni Opportunity Grant Program” in the subject line to palestinianalumni@state.gov.

Content of Application

Please ensure:

• The proposal clearly addresses the goals and objectives of this funding opportunity and contains clear and measurable indicators of success along with a clear plan for measuring and evaluating whether or not those indicators have been met. (See sections A and E).

• Anyone reading the proposal can clearly understand the specific activities proposed and how those activities will achieve the stated goals and objectives

• The proposal contains a clear budget and budget narrative detailing how the budget proposal supports the proposed activities and goals/objectives of the project.

• The proposal includes a substantive American component which facilitates the exchange of information, ideas and/or experience between Americans and Palestinians.

• All documents are in English; proposals submitted in Arabic or other languages will not be considered.

• All budgets are in U.S. dollars

• All pages are numbered

The following documents are required and are available at this link:

1. Mandatory application forms

• SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance – organizations) or SF-424-I (Application for Federal Assistance – individuals) at grants.gov

• SF424A (Budget Information for Non-Construction programs) at grants.gov

• SF424B (Assurances for Non-Construction programs) or SF424B (Assurances for

Non-Construction programs - Individual) at grants.gov

Applicants may also use the optional template (Project Proposal template; Detailed Budget

Spreadsheet template; and Budget Narrative template) if desired. They are also available at grants.gov. The optional templates are designed to make the application process easier but are not required. Alumni interested in applying should submit proposals via email. Jerusalem and the West Bank to palestinianalumni@state.gov with “Alumni

Opportunity Grant Program” in the subject line.

2. Summary Page: 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: 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 or the optional template, but it must include all the items below.

mailto:palestinianalumni@state.gov file:///C:/Users/ZeitMF/AppData/Local/Microsoft/Windows/INetCache/Content.Outlook/QAEF95H3/link%20(https:/il.usembassy.gov/palestinian-affairs-unit/cultural-and-educational-programs/grants-and-funding-opportunities/:

https://il.usembassy.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/33/Alumni-Grant-Proposal-Template-Optional-FINAL.docx https://il.usembassy.gov/palestinian-affairs-unit/cultural-and-educational-programs/grants-and-funding-opportunities/ mailto:palestinianalumni@state.gov

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

• Introduction to the Organization or Individual applying: A description of past and present operations, demonstrating ability to carry out the program, including information on all previous grants from any U.S. government agencies.

• Problem Statement: Clear, concise and well-supported statement of the problem to be addressed and why the proposed program is needed

• Program Goals and Objectives: The “goals” describe what the program is intended to achieve. The “objectives” refer to the intermediate accomplishments on the way to the goals. Objectives should be achievable and measurable. (Also see section A for the goals and objectives of this funding opportunity)

• Program Activities: Describe the program activities you will implement to achieve the goals and objectives. Be specific and clear about what exactly you intend to do. For example: if you intend to improve the skills of participants, will you use workshops, training programs, practical exercises, information sharing, something else? On what topics exactly?

How many sessions/events? What format? For how many people? When and where?

• Program Methods and Design: A description of how the program and each of its specific activities are expected to work to solve the stated problem and achieve the goals and objectives. Include a logic model if appropriate. Remember to explain how your program design and/or proposed activities provide a substantive American component to your program, facilitating the exchange of information, ideas, and/or experience between

Americans and Palestinians.

• Proposed Program Schedule and Timeline: The proposed timeline for the program activities. Include approximate dates, times, and locations of planned activities and events.

• 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 of key partner organizations and sub-awardees.

• Program Monitoring and Evaluation Plan: This is an important part of successful proposals. Proposals must include a clear and specific monitoring, measurement, and evaluation plan stating specific and measurable indicators of success and the intended method for measuring achievement of each indicator. Throughout the timeframe of the project, how will the activities be monitored to ensure they are happening in a timely manner and achieving the intended results/outcomes? What measures will be used to determine whether indicators of success have been met? And how will the program be evaluated to make sure it is meeting its stated goals?

• Future Funding or Sustainability Applicant’s plan for continuing the program beyond the grant period, or the availability of other resources, if applicable.

4. Budget Justification Narrative: After filling out the SF-424A Budget form (above), use a separate page or document to create a budget narrative describing each of the budget expenses in detail. Please find here two sample templates (budget and budget narrative) that may be used to assist applicants in provision of budget information. See section H. Other Information:

Guidelines for Budget Submissions below for further information.

https://il.usembassy.gov/palestinian-affairs-unit/cultural-and-educational-programs/grants-and-funding-opportunities/

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 Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (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

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

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%20NCA

GE.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.

https://sam.gov/ https://sam.gov/ http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform https://eportal.nspa.nato.int/AC135Public/scage/CageList.aspx https://eportal.nspa.nato.int/AC135Public/Docs/US%20Instructions%20for%20NSPA%20NCAGE.pdf https://eportal.nspa.nato.int/AC135Public/Docs/US%20Instructions%20for%20NSPA%20NCAGE.pdf https://www.sam.gov/

2. Submission Dates and Times

Applications are due no later than June 15, 2021

Applications will be accepted on rolling basis until June15, 2021. The committee will meet once in fiscal year 2021 to consider proposals: approximately mid-June. Applicants will be notified of the result of the committee’s decision regarding their proposal within one week of the committee’s meeting. Those applicants whose proposals were selected for funding by the committee may be asked for revisions to their initial proposal before funding amounts can be finalized and an award can be signed.

3. Funding Restrictions

The following types of projects are not eligible for funding:

o Projects relating to partisan political activity o Charitable or development activities o Construction projects o Projects that support specific religious activities or promote only one faith/religion o Fund-raising campaigns o Lobbying for specific legislation or projects o Projects intended primarily for the growth/institutional development/maintenance of the applicant organization or its partner organizations.

4. Other Submission Requirements

All application materials must be submitted by email with “Alumni Opportunity Grants” in the subject line to palestinianalumni@state.gov including your organization’s official registration.

E. 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: The program idea is well developed, with detail about how program activities will be carried out. The proposal includes a reasonable implementation timeline.

Organizational Capacity and Record on Previous Grants: The organization has expertise in its stated field and has the internal controls in place to manage the grant funds and complexity of the proposed project.

Program Planning/Ability to Achieve Objectives: Goals and objectives are clearly stated and program approach is likely to provide maximum impact in achieving the proposed results. As stated above, the goals and objectives of the project must include the PAU-PD mission goals and at least one the specific objectives outlined in Section A of this notice. This includes a substantive American component which facilitates the exchange of information, ideas and/or experience between Americans and Palestinians.

Budget: 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.

Measurement, monitoring and evaluation plan: Applicant demonstrates it is able to measure achievement of key indicators to evaluate program success and provides milestones to indicate progress toward goals and objectives outlined in the proposal. The program includes output and outcome indicators, and shows how and when those will be measured.

Sustainability: Program activities will continue to have positive impact after the end of the program.

Note: Preference will be given to organizations not already funded under this NOFO.

2. Review and Selection Process

Applications will be accepted on rolling basis until June15, 2021. The committee will meet once in fiscal year 2021 to consider proposals: approximately mid-June. Applicants will be notified of the result of the committee’s decision regarding their proposal within one week of each committee meeting. Those applicants whose proposals were selected for funding by the committee may be asked for revisions to their initial proposal before funding amounts can be finalized and an award can be signed.

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 §200.206 Federal awarding agency review of risk posed by applicants.

4. Anticipated Announcement and Federal Award Dates: no later than September 30, 2021.

F. FEDERAL AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION

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.

Payment Method: Payment will be made by electronic funds transfer. Payment schedules will be determined by the Grants Officer and specified in the award document.

It is strongly preferred that successful applicants have a bank account in U.S. currency to avoid potential loss due to exchange rate fluctuations.

2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

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 25 - UNIVERSAL IDENTIFIER AND SYSTEM FOR AWARD

MANAGEMENT

• 2 CFR 170 - REPORTING SUBAWARD AND EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

INFORMATION

• 2 CFR 175 - AWARD TERM FOR TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS

• 2 CFR 182 - GOVERNMENTWIDE REQUIREMENTS FOR DRUG-FREE

WORKPLACE (FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE)

• 2 CFR 183 - NEVER CONTRACT WITH THE ENEMY

• 2 CFR 600 – DEPARTMENT OF STATE REQUIREMENTS

• U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE STANDARD TERMS AND CONDITIONS

In accordance with the Office of Management and Budget’s guidance located at 2 CFR part 200, all applicable Federal laws, and relevant Executive guidance, the Department of State will review and consider applications for funding, as applicable to specific programs, pursuant to this notice of funding opportunity in accordance with the following: NOTE:

• President’s September 2, 2020 memorandum, entitled Memorandum on Reviewing

Funding to State and Local Government Recipients of Federal Funds that Are Permitting

Anarchy, Violence, and Destruction in American Cities;

• Executive Order on Protecting American Monuments, Memorials, and Statues and

Combating Recent Criminal Violence (E.O. 13933); and

• Guidance for Grants and Agreements in Title 2 of the Code of Federal Regulations (2

CFR), as updated in the Federal Register’s 85 FR 49506 on August 13, 2020, particularly on:

o Selecting recipients most likely to be successful in delivering results based on the program objectives through an objective process of evaluating Federal award applications (2 CFR part 200.205), o Prohibiting the purchase of certain telecommunication and video surveillance services or equipment in alignment with section 889 of the National Defense

Authorization Act of 2019 (Pub. L. No. 115—232) (2 CFR part 200.216), o Promoting the freedom of speech and religious liberty in alignment with Promoting Free Speech and Religious Liberty (E.O. 13798) and Improving Free

Inquiry, Transparency, and Accountability at Colleges and Universities (E.O. 13864)

(§§ 200.300, 200.303, 200.339, and 200.341), o Providing a preference, to the extent permitted by law, to maximize use of goods, products, and materials produced in the United States (2 CFR part 200.322), and o Terminating agreements in whole or in part to the greatest extent authorized by law, if an award no longer effectuates the program goals or agency priorities (2 CFR part 200.340).

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. Quarterly and semi-annual interim reports should be submitted no later than 30 days after the end of each reporting period. Annual reports should be submitted no later than 120 days after the end of each reporting period. Recipients should be given 120 days after the project or grant period end date to submit final program and financial reports.

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G. FEDERAL AWARDING AGENCY CONTACTS

If you have any questions about the grant application process, please contact: palestinianalumni@state.gov with “Alumni Opportunity Grant” in the subject line.

H. 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.

Modified total direct costs (MTDC) means all direct salaries and wages, applicable fringe benefits, materials and supplies, services, travel, and up to the first $25,000 of each subaward

(regardless of the period of performance of the subawards under the award). MTDC excludes equipment, capital expenditures, charges for patient care, rental costs, tuition remission, scholarships and fellowships, participant support costs and the portion of each subaward in excess of $25,000. Other items may only be excluded when necessary to avoid a serious inequity in the distribution of indirect costs, and with the approval of the cognizant agency for indirect costs.

“Cost Sharing” refers to contributions from the organization or other entities other than the U.S.

Department of State. 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.