ASSF NOFO FY24.pdf

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

EMBASSY RABAT

Notice of Funding Opportunity

Funding Opportunity Title: American Spaces Grant Funding 2024 Funding Opportunity Number: OFOP0001346 Deadline for Applications: Friday May 17th, 2024 Assistance Listing Number: 19.441 Total Amount Available: $134,000.00 Contact Email: Rabatgrants@state.gov

A. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

We are pleased to announce that U.S. Mission Morocco is considering proposals for American Spaces Support Funding ranging from $5,000 to $30,000 USD to carry out programming at one or both of Mission Morocco’s two American Spaces.

American Spaces serve as the primary cultural and information hubs established by the U.S.

government abroad, offering free and open access to communities worldwide with an interest in gaining insights into the United States. In Morocco, there are two such spaces: Dar America, located in Casablanca, and the American Space Oujda (ASO), situated in Oujda.

Dar America and the ASO have the responsibility of providing vibrant programming that fosters stability and prosperity in Morocco, all while engaging a wide range of audiences. The programming goals from the previous year encompassed the enhancement of soft skills, entrepreneurship, and climate change training. In the fiscal year 2023, the programming extended to over 332 virtual and in-person initiatives and events, drawing in up to 15,466 attendees, both virtually and in-person, across the two spaces.

Please read this document carefully and follow all instructions. This notice is subject to the availability of funding.

B. PROGRAM OBJECTIVES:

For FY2024, American Spaces Morocco wish to continue to implement impactful programs focused on English language learning, digital transformation empowerment, soft skills development, STEAM training, countering disinformation, and environment and climate change awareness.

Key Programming descriptions:

• Enhancing English Language Learning: Implement a comprehensive English Language Learning (ELL) program designed to empower individuals from diverse communities to mailto:Rabatgrants@state.gov acquire and improve their English language learning. The aim is to create an inclusive and immersive learning environment, addressing the linguistic needs of participants while fostering cultural understanding.

• Digital Transformation Empowerment: Provide individuals and small businesses with the knowledge, skills, and tools necessary to navigate the digital landscape, fostering innovation, economic growth, and digital inclusion.

• Professional Development for Moroccan Youth: Promote professional and soft skills development, entrepreneurship and innovation through mentoring and training to promote positive community engagement and increase employability.

• Science, Technology, Engineering, arts, and Math (STEAM) Programming: Create innovative STEAM programs to engage youth at Morocco’s American Spaces while utilizing the existing Makerspaces.

• Environment and Climate Programming: Expand understanding of environmental and climate change challenges through engaging and hands-on programming.

• Countering Disinformation: Promote media literacy and other skills to help young people effectively identify online disinformation.

The primary target audience is young Moroccans, aged 18 – 30 and the principal method of engagement will be through in-person programming at the American Spaces. Virtual engagement may be a part of the overall strategy, augmenting in-person programming, when possible, and acting as the primary method of engagement, when necessary.

Preference will be given to proposals that prioritize and maximize the needs of the audience while limiting overhead, equipment, and other expenses that do not directly support program participants.

A successful proposal will develop a robust monthly calendar of activities spanning at least eight months and directly address at least one of the six key programming areas. Prospective grantees may plan programming activities at one or both American Spaces. Please see below an example of a monthly calendar.

Month Proposed

Activities:

Briefly describe the key activities planned for each month.

Participant

Recruitment:

Outline your strategy for participant recruitment, ensuring diversity and inclusivity.

American

Component:

Clearly state how an American component will be integrated into your activities.

Monitoring and evaluation plan:

Briefly state how you will measure program success to indicate progress toward goals outlined in the proposal.

Goals and Objectives:

State the specific goals and objectives for each month's activities.

Nov. Ex. Grant on

English language learning.

Conducting three workshops on theme-Based

Language workshops.

Workshops centered around specific themes (e.g., travel, business)

Ex. Targeted

Outreach: Identify diverse communities, cultural organizations, and educational institutions to recruit participants.

Utilize social media platforms to reach a wide audience

Ex. Integrate

American native speakers as facilitators for language practice sessions.

Include American cultural elements in activities, such as discussions on

American traditions, idioms, and everyday expressions

Ex. Participant

Tracking:

Maintain a comprehensive database of participants throughout the program.

Track participant demographics, language proficiency levels, and attendance at each activity.

Pre-and Post-

Assessments:

Conduct language proficiency assessments at the beginning and end of the program.

Ex. Goals: Enhance

Language Proficiency:

Participants will improve their language skills related to [specific theme] through targeted vocabulary building and practical language use.

Objectives:

Implement a language assessment at the beginning and end of the month to track participants' progress.

Dec.

Jan.

Feb.

Mar.

Apr.

Ma.

Jun.

Jul.

Activities that could be funded include, but are not limited to:

• Youth engagement, leadership, and educational programs

• Workshops, seminars, trainings, and master classes on American themes or issues of mutual interest mentioned in the above goals of the program.

• Cultural programs that target youth and underserved communities

• Programs to empower women and girls.

• Radio, television, and social media training and programming in support of the above program objectives

• Programs that focus on climate crisis education, nature conservation, or clean energy innovation

Activities that are not typically funded include, but are not limited to:

• fees and travel costs to attend conferences in the United States

• ongoing salary costs and office equipment

• paying to complete activities begun with other funds

• projects that are inherently political in nature or that contain the appearance of partisanship/support to individual or single party electoral campaigns.

• social welfare projects

• political party activities

• projects that support specific religious activities

• trade activities; fundraising campaigns; commercial projects; scientific research;

construction projects; projects whose primary aim is the institutional development of the organization itself.

Participants and Audiences:

Mission Morocco American Spaces’ primary audiences are students and young professionals, ages 18 – 30 in the Casablanca and Oujda regions.

Funding Instrument Type: Cooperative agreement or grant, depending on proposal.

The Grants Officer or the Grants Officer Representative will authorize recipient to incur costs associated with the management of this grant once the exact dates and nature of the program have been confirmed. Mission Morocco’s Public Affairs Section may choose to have a substantial involvement in the planning and implementation of the award and will:

1. Approve the programming calendar.

2. Approve event dates and themes.

3. Assist in identifying speakers.

4. Approve the location of events.

5. Assist in identifying participants, as needed, and

6. Provide assistance, as needed, throughout the lifecycle of the grant.

Program Performance Period: Proposed programs should be completed in one year 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. U.S. CONTENT

To be eligible for funding consideration, your proposal must have U.S.

content which can include: the participation of U.S. experts, the application or adaptation of U.S. models and best practices, or pedagogical materials related to American history, society, culture, government, or institutions.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA)

We are committed to fostering Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) within our program. We encourage applications from local associations that embrace and demonstrate a commitment to diversity in all its forms, including but not limited to race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, disability, socioeconomic background, and geographic location. We believe that diverse perspectives and experiences strengthen our communities and lead to more innovative solutions to shared challenges. Therefore, we actively seek to support projects and initiatives that promote equity and foster inclusion.

D. ELIGILIBITY INFORMATION

1. Eligible Applicants

The U.S. Mission encourages applications from Moroccan citizens and/or organizations, including:

• Registered public or private non-profit organizations, such as think tanks and civil society/non-governmental organizations.

• Public or private non-profit educational institutions

• Public or private non-profit cultural institutions

• Individuals

For-profit or commercial entities are not eligible to apply.

2. Other Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible to receive an award, all organizations must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) number issued via www.SAM.gov as well as a valid registration on www.SAM.gov.

Please see Section D.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.

http://www.sam.gov/

E. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

Submit all forms as PDFs in electronic format to Rabatgrants@state.gov no later than May 17, 2024, at midnight. All questions about this NOFO should be addressed to:

Rabatgrants@state.gov

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 not be reviewed.

Content of Application and Form of Application Submission

• Please ensure: The proposal clearly addresses the goals and objectives of this funding opportunity.

• All documents are in English.

• The proposal should be for no more than $30,000 or range from a minimum of

$5,000 to a maximum of $30, 000.

• All budgets are in U.S. dollars (please use $1 = 10 MAD as exchange rate)

• All pages are numbered.

• All documents are formatted to 8 ½ x 11 paper, and

• All Microsoft Word documents are single-spaced, 12-point Calibri font, with a minimum of 1-inch margins.

Upload and complete these required forms from Grants.gov and U.S. Embassy Rabat webpage through the links below. All these documents are required:

• SF424 (Application for Federal Assistance)

• SF424A (Budget Information)

• SF424B (Assurances)

• Project Narrative

• Applicant Organizational Information Form

• Budget Proposal (in USD)

• CVs for Director and key project personnel

• Final registration papers for the organization ( (وصل نهائ

1. Eligibility Requirements

All organizations applying for this grant should have the SAM.gov registration and a UEI number at the time of application. Both are free of charge. The DUNS number is no longer required for federal assistance applications.

https://ma.usembassy.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/153/SF424.2025-1.pdf https://ma.usembassy.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/153/SF424A-2025-1.pdf https://ma.usembassy.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/153/SF424B_2025-1.pdf https://ma.usembassy.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/153/Project-Narrative-Template-FY23-ASSF1.docx https://ma.usembassy.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/153/Organization-Information-Template-1.docx https://ma.usembassy.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/153/Budget-Proposal-Template-USD-5.xlsx

Step 1: Validate your organization.

UEI application: Organizations must have a Unique Entity Identifier from SAM.gov. If your organization has not yet been assigned a UEI number, you may obtain one by visiting:

https://sam.gov/content/home. Follow instructions for validating your organization; see necessary documentation that must be submitted before your UEI number can be assigned.

Step 2: Register in SAM.gov.

After receiving your UEI number, begin your registration in SAM.gov by logging onto:

https://www.sam.gov. Your SAM registration must be renewed annually.

If you encounter any error, please contact the SAM Federal Service Desk to report problem at https://www.fsd.gov/clients. There is a standard (not toll free) number that customers can use 334-206-7828.

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.

F. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

Selection Criteria

Each application will be evaluated and rated based on 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 Similar Projects: The organization has expertise in its stated field and has the internal controls in place to manage federal funds. This includes a financial management system and a bank account.

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

• 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.

• Monitoring and evaluation plan: Applicant demonstrates that they can measure program success against key indicators and provides milestones to indicate progress toward goals 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.

https://sam.gov/content/home https://www.sam.gov/ https://www.fsd.gov/clients

• Support of Equity and Underserved Communities: The U.S. Mission will look favorably on proposals that clearly demonstrate how the program will support and advance equity, and engage underserved communities in program administration, design, and implementation.

Review and Selection Process

A review committee will evaluate all eligible applications.

G. 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.

2. 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. For a grant not more than a one-year grant, at least two reports would be required: an interim report halfway through the timeframe, and a final report (programmatic and financial) at the end.

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 modified total direct costs as defined in 2 CFR 200.68.

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

Embassy. It also includes in-kind contributions such as volunteers’ time and donated venues.

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

I. FEDERAL AWARDING AGENCY CONTACTS

If you have any questions about the grant application process, please contact RabatGrants@state.gov

Note: We do not provide any pre-consultation for application-related questions. Once an application has been submitted, staff will not discuss the competition until the entire proposal review process is completed.

mailto:RabatGrants@state.gov