ASSF NOFO Final version.pdf

Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)

Freedom250 in Côte d’Ivoire American

Spaces

Embassy Abidjan, Department of State

Opportunity number: PDS-ABIDJAN-FY26-0001-ASSF

Application deadline: June 15, 2026

Table of Contents

A. BASIC INFORMATION

B. ELIGIBILITY

C. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

D. APPLICATION CONTENTS AND FORMAT

E. SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS AND DEADLINES

F. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

G. AWARD NOTICES

H. POST-AWARD REQUIREMENTS AND ADMINISTRATION

I. OTHER INFORMATION

U.S Department of State U.S. Embassy Abidjan, Public Diplomacy Section

Notice of Funding Opportunity

A. BASIC INFORMATION

1. Overview

Funding Opportunity Title Freedom250 in Côte d’Ivoire American Spaces

Funding Opportunity Number PDS-Abidjan-FY26-0001-ASSF

Announcement Type Initial announcement

Deadline for Applications 05/31/2026 midnight GMT

Assistance Listing Number 19.441

Length of performance period 12 to 18 months

Number of awards anticipated 2 awards

Award amounts awards may range from a minimum of $10,000 to a maximum of $19,000

Total available funding $25,000 pending availability of funds

Type of Funding FY26 ECE funding for American Spaces

Anticipated project start date 09/15/2026

Funding Instrument Type: Fixed amount award (FAA)

Project Performance Period: Proposed projects should be completed in 18 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.

This notice is subject to availability of funding. The Public Diplomacy Section reserves the right to award less or more than the funds described under circumstances deemed to be in the best interest of the U.S. government, pending the availability of funds and approval of the designated grants officer.

2. Executive Summary

U.S. Embassy Abidjan’s Public Diplomacy Section is seeking proposals to implement a workforce development and skills-building program through its network of American Spaces.

This program aims to build a pipeline of skilled, English-capable Ivoirian youth who can support

U.S. trade, investment, and innovation partnerships while expanding economic opportunity and stability in Côte d’Ivoire.

The project will target university students, educators, and early-career professionals (ages 17–40) in key cities including Abidjan, Yamoussoukro, Bouaké, and Korhogo. Activities will focus on strengthening employability skills, expanding English proficiency, and developing practical technology skills in areas such as artificial intelligence, coding, and entrepreneurship. The program will also increase engagement with U.S. institutions, experts, and private sector partners.

Aligned with U.S. foreign policy priorities, including the Freedom 250 yearlong celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States, this program will incorporate activities that showcase

American leadership, innovation, and commitment to freedom. By equipping participants with market-relevant skills and connecting them to U.S. networks, the program will expand opportunities for American businesses, strengthen commercial ties, and contribute to long-term stability by addressing drivers of irregular migration while inspiring the next generation to partner with the United States.

B. ELIGIBILITY

1. Eligible Applicants

The following organizations are eligible to apply:

• U.S. or foreign not-for-profit organizations

• U.S. or foreign public and private educational institutions

• U.S. or foreign individuals

For-profit entities, even those that may fall into the categories listed above, are not eligible to apply for this NOFO. Organizations may sub-contract with other entities, but only one, non-profit, non-governmental entity can be the prime recipient of the award. When sub-contracting with other entities, the responsibilities of each entity must be clearly defined in the proposal. For more information on the difference between sub-contract and sub-recipient, please refer to 2

CFR 200.331.

2. Cost Sharing or Matching

Cost sharing or matching is encouraged, but not required for this funding opportunity.

3. Other Eligibility Requirements

All organizations must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) issued via SAM.gov as well as a valid registration in SAM.gov. Please see Section E.3 for more information. Individuals are not required to have a UEI or be registered in SAM.gov.

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 under this funding opportunity.

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-200.331 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-200.331 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-200.331

4. This opportunity will not support:

• Projects relating to partisan political activity;

• Charitable or development activities; including direct social services such as medical, psychological, and/or humanitarian support

• Construction projects;

• Projects that support specific religious activities;

• Fund-raising campaigns;

• Lobbying for specific legislation or programs

• Scientific research or surveys;

• Commercial projects;

• Projects intended primarily for the growth or institutional development of the organization;

• Projects that duplicate existing projects;

• Illegal activities

C. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

1. Project Background, Goals, and Objectives

Côte d’Ivoire’s rapidly growing youth population presents a strategic opportunity to advance

U.S. economic and foreign policy interests in West Africa. However, persistent gaps in workforce readiness—including limited English proficiency, insufficient digital and technical skills, and a lack of practical professional experience—constrain the ability of Ivoirian youth to participate in sectors where American companies are investing and seeking partners. These constraints limit the availability of a skilled local workforce capable of supporting U.S. trade and investment, reduce economic opportunity, and contribute to broader challenges such as irregular migration.

Limited access to high-quality, practical training and direct engagement with U.S. institutions further reduces the ability of Ivoirian youth to connect with American businesses, innovation ecosystems, and professional networks—creating space for alternative actors to shape long-term partnerships in ways that may not align with U.S. interests.

In this context, Embassy Abidjan will leverage the 250th anniversary of the United States under the Freedom 250 brand to showcase the United States at its best—courageous, innovative, and free—while strengthening partnerships that advance shared prosperity, stability, and opportunity.

Programming under this NOFO will address workforce gaps while promoting greater understanding of U.S. leadership, values, and contributions to global peace and economic growth.

Embassy Abidjan has supported workforce development, entrepreneurship, and English-language programming through its network of American Spaces with measurable success.

Participants have secured employment with international organizations and private sector firms, including those linked to U.S. investment, and have increased participation in U.S.-connected educational and professional opportunities.

Experience shows that integrated approaches—combining English instruction, employability skills, and hands-on training—deliver the strongest outcomes. Programs that engage private sector partners, particularly American-affiliated companies, and create direct pathways to employment or entrepreneurship have proven most effective. Activities that incorporate exchanges with U.S. experts and exposure to American innovation ecosystems also strengthen participants’ understanding of U.S. leadership and opportunity. In contrast, standalone or purely theoretical training models have shown more limited impact, underscoring the importance of market-driven, results-oriented programming.

These efforts confirm that American Spaces are uniquely positioned as trusted platforms to deliver high-impact programming and U.S. strategic engagement.

Through this Notice of Funding Opportunity, the Public Diplomacy Section at U.S. Embassy

Abidjan seeks to strengthen a pipeline of skilled, English-capable, and job-ready Ivoirian youth who can contribute to sectors that support U.S. trade, investment, and economic engagement in

Côte d’Ivoire.

Aligned with Freedom 250, this program will integrate workforce development with programming that highlights U.S. values, innovation, and leadership. Six American Spaces will serve as hubs for:

• delivering integrated training in workforce readiness, digital and technology skills, and

English proficiency aligned with private sector needs;

• promoting understanding of U.S. founding principles, especially freedom, entrepreneurship, and innovation; and

• expanding opportunities for participants to engage with U.S. institutions, innovation ecosystems, and professional networks

By equipping participants with market-relevant skills and access to opportunity, this program aims to inspire the next generation of Ivoirian leaders and entrepreneurs to partner with the

United States in shaping a more stable and prosperous future.

Success will be measured by clear, results-oriented outcomes, including:

• Increased employment and internship placements in sectors linked to U.S. business and investment;

• Stronger partnerships between American Spaces and U.S. private sector actors;

• Expanded participation in U.S.-connected educational, professional, and exchange opportunities;

• Improved English proficiency and workforce readiness among participants;

• Demonstrated pathways to entrepreneurship and income generation within Côte d’Ivoire.

In line with the global Freedom 250 celebrations, success will also include high-visibility programming that celebrates the United States’ 250-year legacy of freedom, innovation, and leadership while inspiring future collaboration. By advancing these outcomes, the program will expand opportunities for American businesses, strengthen commercial ties, and reinforce U.S.

strategic engagement in Côte d’Ivoire. It will also contribute to long-term stability by increasing economic opportunity and reducing incentives for irregular migration, while positioning

American Spaces as key platforms for advancing U.S. priorities in the region.

Project Audience(s):

Primary beneficiaries of this project will be university students and young professionals aged 17 to 40 years with interest in technology and English language improvement. Audience geographic location covers some main region capitals especially Abidjan, Yamoussoukro, Bouaké and

Korhogo.

Project Goal: Build a pipeline of skilled, English-capable Ivoirian youth who can support U.S.

trade, investment, and innovation partnerships, while advancing economic opportunity and stability in Côte d’Ivoire.

Project Objectives:

• Objective 1: Strengthen Workforce Readiness to Support U.S. Trade and Investment

Equip at least 1,200 young people (ages 18 - 35) with practical, market-relevant skills, resulting in 80% successful participation and a 50% increase in securing internships, job placement, or income-generating activities

Key outcomes:

▫ Participants demonstrate improved communication, leadership, and teamwork skills

▫ Increased ability to prepare CVs, perform in interviews, and navigate job markets connected to U.S. companies and partners

▫ Enhanced understanding of workplace ethics, professionalism, and expectations in globally competitive environments.

▫ Strengthened linkages between participants and U.S.-affiliated employers or industry networks

• Objective 2: Advance Innovation and Technology Skills Aligned with U.S. Leadership

Build the capacity of 60 educators and 600 youth aged 17 to 25 to develop practical skills in high-demand technology sectors—including AI, coding, robotics, and immersive technologies—through hands-on, market-oriented training. At least 80% of participants will demonstrate the ability to complete a basic technology project or prototype with real-world application.

Key outcomes:

▫ Participants gain foundational digital, scientific, or technical skills aligned with global industry standards

▫ Increased interest in entrepreneurship and innovation-driven careers connected to U.S.

technology ecosystems

▫ Development of community-based or tech-enabled solutions

▫ Strengthened exposure to U.S. innovation, entrepreneurship models, and emerging technology

• Objective 3: Expand English Proficiency to Enable Engagement with U.S.

Opportunities

Improve English Language Proficiency for 1,000 students and early-career professionals (17 to 40 years old) to support participation in U.S.-connected academic, professional, and commercial opportunities, with at least 75% advancing from elementary to upper intermediate level.

Key outcomes:

▫ Improved speaking, listening, and professional communication skills for workplace and business contexts

▫ Increased confidence in using English in professional settings

▫ Expanded participation in U.S.-connected exchanges, trainings, and professional opportunities

▫ Enhanced ability to operate in English-speaking work environments tied to international trade and investment

2. Substantial Involvement

This award will be a FAA with the substantial involvement of Embassy Abidjan’s Public

Diplomacy Section. The U.S. Embassy will maintain substantial involvement in the implementation of this program through technical guidance, coordination, and oversight. Public

Diplomacy Section staff will collaborate closely with the Recipient to ensure that program objectives are met, activities align with U.S. policy priorities, and reporting requirements are fulfilled.

U.S. Embassy Roles and Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and technical guidance related to America First Policy (Safer, Stronger, More Prosperous; and showcase America’s Excellence and Leadership)

• Review and approve key program activities, materials, and timelines

• Monitor implementation and evaluate progress toward objectives

• Support visibility and outreach (communications, branding, events)

• Facilitate connections with relevant partners, U.S.G. alumni network, speakers, and/or experts

• Ensure compliance with U.S. regulations and reporting requirements

Recipient Roles and Responsibilities

• Design and implement all program activities

• Manage overall operations and logistics

• Recruit and coordinate participants, trainers, or facilitators

• Ensure timely execution of activities according to the approved work plan

• Manage the budget and ensure proper use of funds

• Submit required reports (financial and programmatic)

• Monitor outcomes and provide data for evaluation

D. APPLICATION CONTENTS AND FORMAT

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

• All documents are in English

• All budgets are in U.S. dollars

• All applicant authorized signatures are provided where indicated on the various, required forms.

The following documents are required:

1. Mandatory application forms

• SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance – organizations) or SF-424-I (Application for

Federal Assistance --individuals) at grants.gov or https://ci.usembassy.gov/

• SF-424A (Budget Information for Non-Construction programs) at grants.gov or https://ci.usembassy.gov/.

• SF-424B (Assurances for Non-Construction programs) at grants.gov or https://ci.usembassy.gov/. (note: the SF-424B is only required for individuals, organizations exempt from registration, and for organizations not required to fully register in SAM.gov)

2. Proposal (2 pages maximum)

Applicants must submit a complete narrative proposal in a format of their choice. The proposal should contain sufficient information that anyone not familiar with it would understand exactly what the applicant wants to do. The proposal must include all the items below:

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

• 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 State Department and/or U.S. government agencies as well as experience with and expertise in areas related to those described in the NOFO. Applicants are encouraged, but not required, to use the attached Applicant Organization Information

Survey form to provide this information. If the applicant chooses not to use the attached form, all of the requested information from the form will still need to be addressed in the application package.

https://www.grants.gov/forms/forms-repository/sf-424-family https://www.grants.gov/forms/forms-repository/sf-424-family https://www.grants.gov/forms/forms-repository/sf-424-family

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

• Program Methods, Design, Activities, and Deliverables: The “goals” describe what the program is intended to achieve. The “objectives” refer to the intermediate accomplishments on the way to the goals. These should be achievable and measurable.

Describe the program activities and how they will help achieve the objectives.

• Proposed Project Schedule and Timeline: The proposed timeline for the program activities. Include the 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?

• Project Partners: List the names and type of involvement of key partner organizations and sub-awardees (if applicable).

• Monitoring & Evaluation Plan: Proposals must include a Monitoring and Evaluation

(M&E) Performance Monitoring Plan (PMP) that explains how the applicant plans to track project performance and measure progress toward the project’s goals and objectives. The PMP should include “If-Then” statements to illustrate how the project activities will lead to the intended results, along with a short datasheet outlining proposed project activities and the indicators that will be used to measure success.

3. Budget Justification Narrative

• Detailed Budget - Applicants must submit a detailed line-item budget. Applicants are encouraged to utilize the template provided with the funding opportunity but are not required to do so. Line-item expenditures should be listed in the greatest possible detail.

The budget must identify the total amount of funding requested, with a breakdown of amounts to be spent in the following budget categories: personnel; fringe benefits; travel;

equipment; supplies; consultants/contracts; other direct costs; and indirect costs. See

Annex Section I for a description of the types of costs that should be included in each category. Personnel salaries should include the level of effort and the rate of pay, which should cover the percentage of time each staff member will dedicate to grant-based activities. If an organization is charging an indirect cost rate without a NICRA, it must apply it to the modified total budget costs (MTDC), refer to 2CFR§200.1. Budgets shall be submitted in U.S. dollars and final grant agreements will be conducted in U.S. dollars.

• Budget Justification Narrative – Applicants must submit a budget justification narrative to accompany the detailed line-item budget. The purpose of the budget justification narrative is to supplement the information provided in the detailed budget spreadsheet by justifying how the budget cost elements are necessary to implement project objectives and accomplish the project goals. The budget justification narrative is a tool to help Embassy staff fully understand the budgetary needs of the applicant and is an opportunity to provide descriptive information about the requested costs beyond the constraints of the budget template. Together, the detailed budget spreadsheet, the budget justification narrative, and the SF-424A should provide a complete financial and qualitative description that supports https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-200/section-200.1#p-200.1(Modified%20Total%20Direct%20Cost%20(MTDC)) https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-200/section-200.1#p-200.1(Modified%20Total%20Direct%20Cost%20(MTDC)) https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-200/section-200.1#p-200.1(Modified%20Total%20Direct%20Cost%20(MTDC)) the proposed project plan and should be directly relatable to the specific project components described in the applicant’s proposal.

Additional Budget Notes:

• Awards to Individuals: Please note the following budget guidelines for the Individual

Award:

o Salary/Honoraria: Only the award recipient may receive salary/honoraria from this funding mechanism. The Recipient must be the primary point of contact and manage all programmatic activities.

o Contractual Costs: Additional individuals working on the award are only permissible through contracted services, as long as the services are not related to the core programmatic activities. Expenses for services such as accounting, legal support, social media management, website designer, etc., are allowable.

o Other Direct Costs: Expenses related to securing venues, managing logistics, catering, etc. are allowable.

• Audit Requirements: Please note the audit requirements for Department of State awards in the Standard Terms and Conditions https://www.state.gov/m/a/ope/index.htm and

2CFR200, Subpart F – Audit Requirements. The cost of the required audits may be charged either as an allowable direct cost to the award OR included in the organization’s established indirect costs in the award’s detailed budget.

• Visa Fees: Include all visa application and related fees in your budget as applicable.

Please note DS-2019s for post-funded programs must be submitted directly by the award recipient. If you anticipate your program will include the DS-2019 visa processing, your organization must be a registered Designated Sponsoring Organization. For more information go to: https://j1visa.state.gov/sponsors/become-a-sponsor/

4. Attachments

• Key Personnel Resumes: A résumé, not to exceed one page in length, must be included for the proposed key staff persons, such as the Project Director and Finance Officer, as well as any speakers or trainers (if applicable). If an individual for this type of position has not been identified, the applicant may submit a 1-page position description, identifying the qualifications and skills required for that position, in lieu of a résumé.

• Letters of support from program partners: Letters of support should be included for sub-recipients or other partners. The letters must identify the type of relationship to be entered into (formal or informal), the roles and responsibilities of each partner in relation to the proposed project activities, and the expected result of the partnership. The individual letters cannot exceed 1 page in length.

• Indirect Costs: If your organization has a Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement

(NICRA) and includes NICRA charges in the budget, your latest NICRA should be included in the application submission.

https://www.state.gov/m/a/ope/index.htm%20and%202CFR200 https://www.state.gov/m/a/ope/index.htm%20and%202CFR200 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx

• Proof of Non-profit Status: Documentation to demonstrate the applicant’s non-profit status (e.g., U.S.-based organizations should submit a copy of their 501(c)(3) Internal

Revenue Service determination letter, and non-U.S. organizations should provide evidence of non-profit status issued by a government entity).

• Proof of Registration: A copy of the organization’s registration should be provided with the proposal application. U.S.-based organizations should submit a copy of their IRS determination letter. Cote d’Ivoire-based organizations should submit a copy of their certificate of registration from the appropriate government organization.

Other items NOT required/requested with the application submission, but which may be requested if your application is approved to move forward in the review process include:

a. Copies of an organization or program audit within the last two (2) years

b. Copies of relevant human resources, financial, or procurement policies

c. Copies of other relevant organizational policies or documentation that would help the

Department determine your organization’s capacity to manage a federal grant award overseas

d. Documentation that demonstrates the recipients’ plan and/or policy to safeguard PII of participants and beneficiaries. It is the responsibility of the recipient to ensure protection of personally identifiable information (PII) and safeguard PII when collecting, maintaining, using and disseminating such information

e. Information to determine what financial controls and standard operating procedures an organization uses to procure goods and services, hire staff and track time and attendance, pay for grant-related travel, and identify other financial transactions that may be necessary to undertake the project activities

f. The Embassy reserves the right to request any additional programmatic and/or financial information regarding the proposal.

E. SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS AND DEADLINES

1. Address to Request Application Package

Application forms required above are available at https://ci.usembassy.gov/

2. Department of State Contacts

If you have any questions about the grant application process, please contact:

usembgrants@state.gov

3. Unique entity identifier and System for Award Management (SAM.gov)

Required Registration: All organizations, whether based in the United States or in another country, must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and an active registration in SAM.gov. A

UEI is one of the data elements mandated by Public Law 109-282, the Federal Funding

Accountability and Transparency Act (FFATA), for all Federal awards.

An applicant must maintain an active registration while it has a proposal under review by the

Department and must continue to keep the registration active for the entire duration of the period of performance of any Federal award that results from this NOFO.

The 2 CFR 200 also requires subrecipients to obtain a UEI. Please note the UEI for subrecipients is not required at the time of application but will be required before an award is processed and/or directed to a subrecipient.

Note: The process of obtaining or renewing a SAM.gov registration may take anywhere from

4-8 weeks. Please begin your registration as early as possible.

• Organizations based in the United States or that pay employees within the United States will need an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the Internal Revenue Service

(IRS) and a UEI prior to registering in SAM.gov.

• Organizations based outside of the United States and that do not pay employees within the United States do not need an EIN from the IRS but do need a UEI prior to registering in SAM.gov.

• Organizations based outside of the United States that do not intend to apply for U.S.

Department of Defense (DoD) awards are no longer required to have a NATO

Commercial and Government Entity (NCAGE) code to apply for non-DoD foreign assistance funding opportunities. If an applicant organization is mid-registration and wishes to remove an NCAGE code from their SAM.gov registration, the applicant should submit a help desk ticket (“incident”) with the Federal Service Desk (FSD) online at www.fsd.gov using the following language: “I do not intend to seek financial assistance from the Department of Defense. I do not wish to obtain an NCAGE code. I understand that I will need to submit my registration after this incident is resolved in order to have my registration activated.”

Organizations based outside of the United States and that DO NOT plan to do business with the

DoD should follow the below instructions:

• Step 1: Proceed to SAM.gov to obtain a UEI and complete the SAM.gov registration process. SAM.gov registration must be renewed annually.

Exemptions

An exemption from the UEI and sam.gov registration requirements may be permitted on a case-by-case basis. See 2 CFR 25.110 for a full list of exemptions.

Organizations requesting exemption from UEI or SAM.gov requirements must email the point of contact listed in the NOFO at least two weeks prior to the deadline in the NOFO providing a justification of their request. Approval for a SAM.gov exemption must come from the warranted

Grants Officer before the application can be deemed eligible for review.

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Please note: Any applicant with an exclusion 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.”

4. Submission Dates and Times

Submission Deadline: All applications must be received by June 15, 2026, at midnight GMT.

For the purposes of determining if an award is submitted on time, PDS will utilize the timestamp provided by Grants.gov. This deadline is firm and is not a rolling deadline. If organizations fail to meet the deadline noted above their application will be considered ineligible and will not be considered for funding.

Submission Method A: Submitting all application materials directly to the following email address: usembgrants@state.gov. Applicants opting to submit applications via email to usembgrants@state.gov must include the Funding Opportunity Title and Funding Opportunity

Number in the subject line of the email.

5. Funding Restrictions

i. Funding Restrictions for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA): None of the funds awarded resulting from this Notice of Funding Opportunity may be made available for subawards, direct financial support, or otherwise used to provide any payment or transfer to United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA).

ii. Certification Regarding Compliance with Applicable Federal Anti-Discrimination Laws

If the place of performance or delivery of any award made under this NOFO will be within the United States, applicants are advised that they will be required to certify the following at the time of award:

a. Its compliance in all respects with all applicable Federal anti-discrimination laws is material to the government’s payment decisions for purposes of section

3729(b)(4) of title 31, United States Code and;

b. It does not operate any programs promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion that violate any applicable Federal anti-discrimination laws. A program promoting

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion means a program whose purpose is to promote preferences based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origins, such as in training or hiring.

iii. Certification Regarding Compliance with 20 U.S.C. 1011f and any other applicable foreign funding disclosure requirements: Applicants are advised that IHEs must certify the following at the time of award, and that this certification requirement must be included in any subaward agreements to IHEs:

a. Its compliance in all respects with section 1011f of title 20, United States Code, and any other applicable foreign funding disclosure requirements is material for purposes of section 3729 of title 31, United States Code, and for receipt of appropriate Federal grant funds.

b. Applicants seeking clarification on the reporting requirement are encouraged to review the Frequently Asked Questions resource developed by the U.S.

Department of Education.

iv. Certification of Trafficking in Persons Compliance and Compliance Plan: Applicants are advised that they will be required to certify the following at the time of award for awards where the estimated value of services to be performed outside the United States exceeds

$500,000:

a. To the best of the Recipient’s knowledge, neither the Recipient, nor any subrecipient, contractor, or subcontractor of the Recipient or any agent of the recipient or of such a subrecipient, contractor, or subcontractor, is engaged in any of the activities described in 2 CFR 175.105(a);

b. The recipient has implemented a Trafficking in Persons compliance plan to prevent activities described in 2 CFR 175(a) and is compliant with this plan; and the compliance plan must follow the minimum requirements described in 2 CFR

175(b)(5).

c. That the Recipient has and will implement procedures to prevent activities described in 2 CFR 175.105(a) and to monitor, detect, and terminate any subrecipient, contractor, subcontractor, or employee of the recipient engaging in these activities.

i. Recipients do not need to submit a copy of the plan. However, they must provide it to the Grants Officer upon request, and as appropriate, must post the useful and relevant contents of the plan or related materials on its website and at the workplace.

Recipients must re-certify on an annual basis for the entire award period of performance.

v. Prohibition on Unmanned Aircraft Systems Manufactured or Assembled by American

Security Drone Act-Covered Foreign Entities

a. (a) Definitions.

i. American Security Drone Act-covered foreign entity means an entity included on a list developed and maintained by the

Federal Acquisition Security Council (FASC) and published in the System for Award Management (SAM) at https://www.sam.gov

ii. FASC-prohibited unmanned aircraft system means an unmanned aircraft system manufactured or assembled by an American Security Drone Act-covered foreign entity.

iii. Unmanned aircraft means an aircraft that is operated without the possibility of direct human intervention from within or on the aircraft.

iv. Unmanned aircraft system means an unmanned aircraft and associated elements (including communication links and the components that control https://fsapartners.ed.gov/knowledge-center/topics/section-117-foreign-gift-and-contract-reporting/resources/frequently-asked-questions https://www.sam.gov/ the unmanned aircraft) that are required for the operator to operate safely and efficiently in the national airspace system.

b. (b) Prohibition. Recipients of funding under this Notice of Funding Opportunity

(including subawards and subcontracts issued by the recipient) will be prohibited from:

i. delivering any FASC-prohibited unmanned aircraft system, which includes unmanned aircraft (i.e., drones) and associated elements

ii. Operating a FASC-prohibited unmanned aircraft system in the performance of the award; and

iii. Using Federal funds for the purchase or operation of a FASC-prohibited unmanned aircraft system.

c. c) Exemptions, exceptions, and waivers. The prohibitions described above will not apply if the agency determines that an exemption, exception, or waiver applies and the award indicates that such a determination has been made. [See sections

1823 through 1825 and 1832 of Public Law 118-31 ( 41 U.S.C. 3901 note prec.)

for statutory requirements pertaining to exemptions, exceptions, and waivers.].

vi. Pre-Award Costs: Pre-award costs are generally not allowable under this NOFO unless approved in advance by the Grants Officer and justified in the proposal.

vii. Construction: Any award made as a result of this NOFO will not allow for construction activities or costs.

viii. Direct Social Services: Costs that cover and provide direct social services, such as welfare, charity, health or economic relief, are unallowable. Medical assistance, such as costs to include medical professionals, including but not limited to doctors, nurses, and psychiatrists to participate in the project activities are not allowed.

6. Other Submission Requirements: Copyrights and Proprietary Information

If any of the information contained in your application is proprietary, please note in the footer of the appropriate pages that the information is Confidential – Proprietary. Applicants should also note what parts of the application, program, concept, etc. are covered by copyright(s), trademark(s), or any other intellectual property rights and provide copies of the relevant documentation to support these copyrights.

Applicants must acquire all required registrations and rights in the United States and Cote d’Ivoire. All intellectual property considerations and rights must be fully met in the United

States and Cote d’Ivoire.

Any sub-recipient organization must also meet all the U.S. and Cote d’Ivoire requirements described above.

F. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fuscode.house.gov%2Fview.xhtml%3Freq%3Dgranuleid%3AUSC-prelim-title41-section3901%26num%3D0%26edition%3Dprelim&data=05%7C02%7CCarbullidoCC%40state.gov%7C237266465ee34b736eaf08de3442d869%7C66cf50745afe48d1a691a12b2121f44b%7C0%7C0%7C639005658853841398%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=vOOQC%2FqEnM0FmwOBiz0sKQU2rkL0QZZz6YPZDhMeP3o%3D&reserved=0

1. Review Criteria

Criteria: Each application submitted under this announcement will be evaluated and rated on the basis of the criteria enumerated below. The criteria are designed to assess the quality of the proposed project, and to determine the likelihood of its success.

• Quality and Feasibility of the Program Idea – 35 points: The program idea should be innovative and well developed, with sufficient detail about how project activities will be carried out. The proposals should demonstrate originality and outline clear, achievable objectives that align directly with the priorities and requirements of the NOFO. The proposal includes a reasonable implementation timeline, and the project scope is appropriate and clearly defined. Finally, the proposal aligns with the following:

o The project clearly demonstrates a direct contribution to current U.S. foreign policy priorities.

o The project will positively impact America’s reputation among foreign government partners.

o The project will positively impact American’s reputation among foreign publics.

o The proposal does not include any activities contrary to the following Executive

Orders:

▪ Executive Order 14173: "Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring

Merit-Based Opportunity

▪ Executive Order 14287: “Protecting American Communities from

Criminal Aliens”

▪ Executive Order 14168: Defending Women from Gender Ideology

Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government

• Organizational Capacity and Record on Previous Grants – 30 points:

o The project proposal demonstrates that the organization has sufficient expertise, skills, and human resources to implement the project, including internal controls in place to manage federal funds. If sub-awards are proposed, applicant demonstrates experience managing subawards.

o The organization demonstrates that it has a clear understanding of the underlying issue that the project will address.

o The organization demonstrates capacity for successful planning and responsible fiscal management. This includes a financial management system, a bank account, and if applicable, satisfactory audit findings.

o Applicants who have received grant funds previously have been compliant with applicable rules and regulations, including the Award Provisions and Standard

Terms and Conditions.

o Where partners are described, the applicant details each partner’s respective role and provides curriculum vitae (CVs) for persons responsible for the project and financial administration. Proposed personnel, institutional resources, and partners are adequate and appropriate.

• Project Planning/Ability to Achieve Objectives – 15 points: The project plan is well developed, with sufficient detail about how activities will be carried out. The proposal specifies target audiences, participant recruitment, and geographic areas of https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/ending-illegal-discrimination-and-restoring-merit-based-opportunity/ https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/ending-illegal-discrimination-and-restoring-merit-based-opportunity/ https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/04/protecting-american-communities-from-criminal-aliens/ https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/04/protecting-american-communities-from-criminal-aliens/ https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/defending-women-from-gender-ideology-extremism-and-restoring-biological-truth-to-the-federal-government/ https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/defending-women-from-gender-ideology-extremism-and-restoring-biological-truth-to-the-federal-government/ implementation. The proposal outlines clear, achievable objectives. The proposal includes a reasonable implementation timeline. The project scope is appropriate and clearly defined.

• Budget – 10 points: The budget and narrative justification are sufficiently detailed. The budget demonstrates that the organization has devoted time to accurately determine expenses associated with the project instead of providing rough estimates. Costs are reasonable in relation to the proposed activities and anticipated results. The results and proposed outcomes justify the total cost of the project. Budget items are reasonable, allowable, and allocable.

• Monitoring and Evaluation - 10 points: The project proposal includes an M&E plan.

The applicant demonstrates it is able to measure program success against key indicators and provides milestones to indicate progress toward goals and objectives outlined in the proposal. The proposal includes output and outcome indicators and shows how and when those will be measured. Funded projects will have their plans finalized during the negotiation phase, and monitoring plans may be subject to periodic updates throughout the life of the project.

2. Indirect Costs

If two or more applications receive equivalent scores based on the evaluation criteria outlined in this NOFO, preference will be given to the applicant with the lower indirect cost rate, as consistent with Executive Order 14332, Section 4(b)(iii). This preference will only be applied as a tie-breaking mechanism and does not supersede the primary evaluation criteria.

3. Review and Selection Process

a. Acknowledgement of receipt. Applicants will receive acknowledgment of receipt of their proposal.

b. Review. All submissions are screened for technical eligibility. If a submission is missing any required forms/documents listed above in Section D. Application

Contents and Format, it will be considered ineligible and will not be reviewed by the grants review committee. A technical review panel will review eligible proposals based upon the criteria noted in this NOFO.

c. Follow up notification. Applicants will generally be notified within 120 days after the

NOFO deadline regarding the results of the review panel.

2. Risk Review

i. Under the merit review as required by 2 CFR 200.206, prior to making a Federal Award the Department will review and consider the following risk factors:

a. Financial stability

b. Management systems and standards

c. History of performance

d. Audit reports and findings

e. Ability to effectively implement project requirements

ii. High Risk Designation

Awardees that are deemed to be high risk based on the above risk factors will be held to special award conditions. At a minimum, the recipient and/or project designated as High

Risk will be required to submit monthly narrative reports and/or quarterly detailed financial reports. Recipients may also be required, upon request of the Grants Officer or Grants

Officer Representative, to provide electronic copies of receipts or other supporting documentation (e.g., timesheets, travel documents) for costs incurred. The Grants Officer may withhold 10% of the award amount until final reports have been reviewed and approved by the GO. The recipient may be required to pay all salaries supported by the grant via electronic funds transfer. Other special award conditions may also be included if deemed appropriate by the Grants Officer.

iv. Risk Analysis Management

To qualify for final consideration, certain applicants may be required to undertake the Risk

Analysis Management (RAM) vetting process by providing Risk Analysis Information (RAI) about their “key individuals” (i.e., individuals with the ability to control applicant organizations’ funds), including “key individuals” from selected sub-recipients. Please note: these individuals could be different from the key personnel listed in the section 4 of required documents. The purpose of vetting potential contractors and grantees is to reduce the risk that federal assistance funding is provided to terrorists or their supporters. Potential grantees will be notified separately if RAI is required. Applicants submit key individuals’ RAI by completing the Risk

Analysis Information Form, DS-4184, through the secure web portal at https://ramportal.state.gov. The DS-4184 requests the following RAI for each key individual:

Full Name; Aliases; Gender; Birth Place; Birthdate; Home/Work Addresses; Phone Numbers;

Employer; Professional Title; Email Addresses; Skype ID (if included, email address is also required); Numbers from All Official IDs (e.g., passports, ID cards, etc.); Nationalities; and

Social Security Number (if U.S. person). Questions about the DS-4184 form may be emailed to

RAM@state.gov. Failure to submit information when requested, or failure to pass vetting, may be grounds for rejecting your proposal

G. AWARD NOTICES

The award or cooperative agreement will be written, signed, awarded, and administered by the

Grants Officer. The award agreement is the authorizing document, and it will be provided to the recipient for review and counter-signature. The recipient may only start incurring project expenses beginning on the start date shown on the award document signed by the Grants Officer.

https://ramportal.state.gov/ mailto:RAM@state.gov

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:

Recipients may not draw down funds without the affirmative authorization of the Department of

State. In addition, recipients must submit, with each SF-270 payment request, a detailed explanation justifying the request.

H. POST-AWARD REQUIREMENTS AND ADMINISTRATION

1. 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:

In accordance with the Office of Management and Budget’s guidance located at 2 CFR part

200, all applicable Federal laws, and…