AWLI - SGWI-INL RFA 11-28-14.docx

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

The Secretary Office of Global Women’s Issues (S/GWI)

PLEASE NOTE: Only organizations with an active DUNS number, CAGE/NCAGE code, SAM.gov individual user account, and GrantSolutions.gov account will be able to submit proposals for this competition. For specific instructions, please see Section VI on “Proposal Submission and Deadline.”

I. Funding Opportunity:

The purpose of this announcement is to inform selected parties about funding opportunities through grants.

Organizations that submit applications in response to this announcement acknowledge and accept all of the requirements contained herein. This announcement serves as public notice to select interested parties to have equal opportunity to submit project proposals for funding consideration. All submissions in response to this announcement are voluntary and do not obligate the Department of State to fund any proposal or proposal preparation costs.

II. Background Information:

The advancement of women’s rights is critical to political, social, and economic progress everywhere around the world. In December 2011, President Obama released the first-ever U.S. National Action Plan on Women, Peace, and Security and signed Executive Order 13595 mandating the Plan’s implementation. The goal of the National Action Plan is to promote peace and security for all by empowering women as equal partners in preventing conflict and building peace in countries affected by crisis, conflict, and transition. Together, the Executive Order and National Action Plan chart a roadmap for how the United States will accelerate and institutionalize efforts across the government to advance women’s inclusion in peace negotiations, peacebuilding activities, conflict prevention, and decision-making institutions; to protect women from gender-based violence; and to ensure equal access to relief and recovery assistance, in areas of conflict and insecurity. Additionally, in 2012 the Administration released the first U.S. Strategy to Prevent and Respond to Gender-based Violence Globally, accompanied with Presidential Executive Order 13623. The strategy marshals U.S. expertise and capacity to prevent and respond to all forms of violence against women.

Both strategies are particularly relevant to the Afghanistan context, where women’s human rights have been ignored, attacked, and eroded over decades, especially under Taliban rule. As Secretary Kerry stated at the November 2013 Georgetown University symposium on Advancing Afghan Women, “Societies where women are safe, where women are empowered to exercise their rights and to move their communities forward – these societies are more prosperous and more stable – not occasionally, but always. And nowhere is the pursuit of this vision more important, and in many ways more compelling and immediate and possible than in Afghanistan.”[footnoteRef:1] [1: Remarks at the Georgetown University Symposium "Advancing Afghan Women" http://www.state.gov/secretary/remarks/2013/11/217626.htm]

Since 2001, there have been significant social, political, and economic achievements made by Afghan women and girls. Today more girls than ever are enrolled in school and women are opening businesses, running for office, and living longer and healthier lives – to the benefit of their families, communities and country. However, many challenges remain, such as continued and endemic gender-based violence, including domestic violence and early or forced marriages, among others. In a 2013 report on cases of violence against women registered with the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission (AIHRC), the AIHRC indicated a 25 percent increase in reported human rights violations against women over the same period the previous year. Similarly, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) reported a 28% increase in cases registered by police and prosecutors between October 2012 and September 2013 compared to the same period the previous year. According to AIHRC’s research, the increase in reported cases not only indicates widespread violence against women, but also demonstrates a greater awareness of women’s rights leading to more reported cases.

Improvements have been made in other areas of women’s rights in Afghanistan, such as education, maternal mortality, employment, and the role of women in public life and governance, but violence against women and girls continues to be one area where it is remains difficult to see change. Discriminatory laws remain on the books, and implementation of other laws, such as the Law on Elimination of Violence Against Women (EVAW), remains limited. Indeed, while evidence suggests that increased awareness of women’s rights has resulted in an ever increasing number of reported cases of violence against women, only a small percentage of these cases result in prosecutions or convictions.

The U.S. government has supported a range of programs to strengthen efforts to prevent and protect Afghan women and girls from all forms of gender-based violence. In particular, the U.S. government has focused on rule of law and justice sector initiatives, including training and awareness raising on women’s rights; support to units in the Attorney General’s Office that specialize in prosecuting cases of violence against women; training through NGOs to local imams on human rights and women’s rights; and support for women’s protection centers (or “shelters”) and family guidance centers that provide family counseling and legal aid for survivors or those at risk of experience of gender-based violence and their children.

Key U.S. and Afghan strategy documents and development plans, such as the U.S. Embassy Kabul Gender Strategy and the National Action Plan for Women in Afghanistan (NAPWA) recognize the critical role shelters play in supporting women’s access to justice. The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan’s (UNAMA) December 2013 report on implementation of the Elimination of Violence Against Women (EVAW) law stated that shelters provide an opportunity for Afghan women to obtain protections under the EVAW law, and, more broadly, noted that shelters play a “life-saving role by offering temporary safe refuge to women victims of violence.”

The first women’s shelter opened in Afghanistan in 2002. Today there are an estimated 29 shelters in 21 provinces throughout the country, which are operated by Afghan civil society organizations. Twenty-three of these are “short-term” shelters, or those designed to provide safe haven, medical and legal services, family and psycho-social counseling, and basic education training to survivors of gender-based violence and other human rights abuses. Five are “long-term” shelters, or those designed to support women transitioning out of a short-term shelters or prison, and provide more robust training on educational, vocational, and life skills. According to a 2011 regulation endorsed by President Hamid Karzai, the Ministry of Women’s Affairs is responsible for monitoring the activities of shelters operated by non-governmental organizations.

Currently, women’s shelters in Afghanistan are not sustainable without donor or other non-governmental funding. Some shelters have made progress toward diversifying their funding sources, but there is a critical need for more training and capacity-building for staff members. Separately, shelters often face challenges in reintegrating shelter beneficiaries into Afghan society when they are not able to safely return to their families. In some cases, shelter beneficiaries have no alternative option to staying at the shelter for an indefinite duration due to lack of vocational and life skills needed in order to fully and safely reintegrate into Afghan society. As a result, there is a significant need to support shelters to explore options for developing the economic independence of these women.

III. Program Objectives:

The U.S. Department of State seeks proposals from a consortium of qualified organizations for sustainable pilot projects that focus on all of the following key objectives:

· Increase Sustainability of Women’s Protection Centers: Strengthen efforts to prevent and protect Afghan women and girls from gender-based violence by partnering with women’s shelters to develop and pilot market-driven initiatives to generate income for and increase the sustainability of shelter operations. (Particular attention should be paid to ensuring the confidentiality and safety of shelter beneficiaries in the development of these initiatives.)

· Build Leadership Skills: Improve the ability of women and girls in shelters to successfully navigate and reintegrate into Afghan society through mentoring, educational opportunities (commensurate with education levels), and training focused on fostering self-confidence, including financial literacy.

· Increase Economic Independence of Shelter Beneficiaries: Increase and improve opportunities for income generation or employment for shelter beneficiaries, including but not limited to the service sector, by providing on-the-job training, vocational skills, internships, mentoring, and practical career-building skills that enable them to engage in economic activity with competitive and practical skills, reflecting cultural and market conditions.

Special consideration will also be given to programs that: 1) align with Afghanistan’s policies to prevent and respond to gender-based violence; and 2) develop partnerships between local organizations currently operating women’s shelters and relevant stakeholders through the public and private sector that could provide apprenticeships or job opportunities commensurate with vocational skills training.

IV. Eligibility:

This announcement is being distributed in coordination with the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) to international and/or local non-governmental organizations engaged on Afghan issues.

Organizations submitting proposals must meet the following criteria:

· Organizations should have existing, or the capacity to develop, active partnerships with in-country entities and relevant stakeholders including the public sector, private sector, and civil society, as relevant to the proposed program objectives.

· Organizations must work with existing shelters operated by Afghan civil society and registered or eligible to register with the Ministry of Women Affairs in accordance with Article 5(2) of the Regulation on Women’s Protection Centers in Herat, Mazar-e-Sherif, and/or Kabul.

· Organizations are strongly encouraged to form consortia and submit one combined proposal focused on each objective to strengthen the sustainability of shelter operations and long-term economic support for the beneficiaries. However, one organization should be designated as the lead applicant. Also, at least one organization must have a demonstrated background in conducting market research and/or economic development. Experience in both areas is preferred.

· Organizations can submit more than one proposal, and each application will be reviewed independently. Please be aware, however, that it is unlikely that multiple awards would be made to a single organization.

· S/GWI reserves the right to request additional background information on applicants that do not have previous experience administering federal grant awards, and these applicants may be subject to limited funding on a pilot basis.

· Please note: the Department of State prohibits profit under its assistance awards to for-profit or commercial organizations. No funds will be paid as profit to any recipient. Profit is defined as any amount in excess of allowable direct and indirect costs. The allowability of costs incurred by commercial organizations is determined in accordance with the provisions of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) at 48 CFR Part 31, Cost Accounting Standards, and Part 31 Contract Cost Principles and Procedures. Program income earned by the recipient must be deducted from the total project or program allowable cost in determining the net allowable costs on which the federal share of costs is based.

· Please note: no entity listed on the Excluded Parties List System in the System for Award Management (SAM) is eligible for any assistance or can participate in any activities under an award in accordance with the OMB guidelines at 2 CFR 180 that implement Executive Orders 12549 (3 CFR Part 1986 Comp., p. 189) and 12689 (3 CFR Part 1989 Comp., p. 235), “Debarment and Suspension.” All applicants are strongly encouraged to review the Excluded Parties List System in SAM to ensure that no ineligible entity is included.

V. Award Information:

Funding Instrument Type: Grants Estimated Funding per Grant: Up to $800,000 Subject to the availability of funds, the Department of State expects to fund projects in the above-mentioned country. The Department also reserves the right to award more or less funding as deemed in the best interest of the U.S. Government. The performance period for funded projects will be for two years.

Recipients of funding under this announcement will be subject to the Department of State terms and conditions found at http://fa.statebuy.state.gov and the terms set forth in this announcement. Additional terms and conditions may apply as warranted. Quarterly technical and financial reports are required during the term of the project, as well as a final assessment at the end of the project.

Award recipients must comply with Executive Order 13224, Blocking Property and Prohibiting Transactions with Persons who Commit, Threaten to Commit, or Support Terrorism. Information about this Executive Order can be found at http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2001-09-25/pdf/01-24205.pdf.

Adherence to Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circulars:

For Federal awards starting before December 26, 2014, organizations should be familiar with OMB Circulars A-110 (Revised) 22 CFR 145 (Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and Agreements with Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals and Other Nonprofit Organizations), A-122/A-21 (Cost Principles for Nonprofit Organizations; Indirect Costs), and A-133/A-128 (Audits of Institutions of Higher Education and Other Nonprofit Organizations) on cost accounting principles. For a copy of the OMB circulars cited, please contact Government Publications or download from http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/circulars_default.

Starting from December 26, 2014, OMB Uniform Guidance: Cost Principles, Audit, and Administrative Requirements for Federal Awards (2 CFR Chapter I, Chapter II, Part 200, et al.) will take effect. All applicants should be familiar with the Uniform Guidance and be aware that all awards made on or after December 26, 2014 will be made with terms and conditions subject to the Uniform Guidance. Applications that are submitted before December 26, 2014 for Federal awards to be made on or after December 26, 2014 should be developed in accordance with the Uniform Guidance. For a copy of the Uniform Guidance, please contact Government Publications or download from http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2013-12-26/pdf/2013-30465.pdf.

VI. Proposal Submission and Deadline:

Applicants are requested to submit a completed proposal package that includes a project narrative and all mandatory appendices, per the solicitation instructions below. Note: Applicants must provide a statement of explanation for any mandatory appendices that are not submitted with their application. Unsolicited appendices will not be read and should not be submitted for this award.

Key Registrations:

The U.S. Department of State requires that all applicants have complete and up to date registrations with the following:

· Register for a Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number at http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform.

· Obtain necessary codes: for non-U.S. organizations, an NCAGE code at https://eportal.nspa.nato.int/AC135Public/scage/CageList.aspx.

· Register for an individual account for your organization with SAM: https://www.sam.gov/portal/public/SAM/. Please note: SAM requires all entities to renew their registration once a year in order to maintain an active registration status in SAM. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure it has an active registration in SAM and to also maintain its active registration in SAM during the lifetime of a grant, if awarded.

· Register for an account on www.GrantSolutions.gov. Once this final step is completed, you will be able to submit your application per the instructions below.

Please be advised that completing all the necessary steps to post applications on GrantSolutions.gov can take two full weeks. Once registered, the amount of time it can take to upload an application varies depending on a number of factors, including the size of the application and the speed of your internet connection. Applicants failing to successfully register for accounts in the above mentioned systems will not be considered for funding.

The GrantSolutions.gov website includes extensive information on all phases/aspects of the GrantSolutions.gov process, including extensive sections on user guides and recommendations, as well as grantee training videos, located under the “Help/Support” section. S/GWI strongly recommends that all potential applicants review the website thoroughly.

For assistance with GrantSolutions.gov, please contact the GrantSolutions.gov Help Desk:

Phone: (202) 401-5282 or (866) 577-0771 Email: help@grantsolutions.gov

To meet the announcement deadline, complete proposals with attachments must be submitted via GrantSolutions.gov on or before 11:59 PM EST March 3rd, 2014. Applications submitted after 11:59 PM EST will not be accepted.

Once completed applications have been submitted via GrantSolutions.gov, applicants will receive a submission receipt. S/GWI will not notify applicants upon receipt of electronic applications.

It is the responsibility of all applicants to ensure that proposals have been submitted in their entirety to www.GrantSolutions.gov. S/GWI bears no responsibility for data errors resulting from transmission or conversion processes.

VII. Proposal Requirements:

A complete proposal package will contain (1) a proposal narrative that does not exceed seven (7) pages, and (2) all mandatory appendices as listed below. This section outlines requirements for the proposal package and also includes detailed instructions on budget, budget narrative, and monitoring and evaluation plan submission. All materials must be written in English and submitted in 12 point font double-spaced.

Each proposal submission should clearly demonstrate the relationship to the Afghan Women’s Leadership Initiative and address one of the program objectives described in this announcement.

1) Instructions for Proposal Narrative:

Applicants are encouraged to use the AWLI Proposal template and must include the following in their submission:

i. A project background section, not to exceed 1 page, explaining the challenges associated with reintegrating shelter beneficiaries into society, as well as long-term sustainment of the operating costs of women’s protective centers in Afghanistan and the problem or opportunity that the proposed project will address.

ii. A project description, not to exceed 6 pages, that describes:

a. the project goal(s), objectives, and activities;

b. target population

c. the applicant’s organizational capability and experience;

d. a sustainability plan.

· Project Background This section should contextualize the proposed activities and present the need for the project in Afghanistan, corroborated by qualitative and quantitative evidence such as recent research studies and baseline statistics relevant to the proposed project.

· Project Description To the extent possible, this section should describe how the proposed project complements existing efforts in the country, fills a programmatic gap in the area, leverages existing platforms, and does not duplicate other programs, including those currently funded by the U.S. government. Organizations are highly encouraged to explain how the proposed program will strengthen community, government, and donor efforts. In addition, applications should note whether the proposed activities seek to scale up or expand on proven interventions, or to introduce and evaluate new interventions.

Project Goals, Objectives, and Activities:

Applications should describe, in detail, an effective project proposal in Afghanistan that addresses each of the AWLI program objectives.

Applicants should specify appropriate project objectives and activities to address the identified problem or opportunity. These objectives and activities should be logically linked to the overall goal of the program.

Applications from a consortium should clearly delineate the respective roles and responsibilities of each member of the consortium in the implementation of the project.

Target Population:

Projects should also identify target audiences, specific demographics, and the region(s) in which the project will be implemented. It is particularly important to specify the approximate number of beneficiaries to be directly impacted by project activities.

Organizational Capability and Experience:

Applicants must demonstrate how their resources, capabilities, and experience will enable them to achieve the stated project objectives. Applications should include a clear description of the applicant's previous programming experience and include, as appropriate, program experience supporting women in Afghanistan. In this section, applicants should identify any local and/or international partners (if applicable) involved in the project (including letters of commitment as an appendix), and provide a brief description of their experience and capacity. At least one of the partners must have a demonstrated background in conducting market research and/or economic development. Applicants must provide concrete examples of the partner(s)’s prior experience in these areas.

Sustainability:

The project statement should also include a description of how the results of the projects will be sustained. This section should include a discussion of how the project might be expanded or scaled up at the local and/or national level.

2) Instructions for Mandatory Appendices Mandatory Appendices (to be found on GrantSolutions.gov) must include:

· SF-424 package (SF-424, SF-424A, SF-424B;

· Project Budget (more detail below);

· Project Budget Narrative (more detail below);

· Most recent organizational financial statement and/or most recent A-133 audit;

· Project monitoring and evaluation plan (more detail below);

· Implementation timeline outlining the proposed schedule for implementing the proposed project;

· Resumes or CVs of key personnel who will be working on this proposed project;

· If you have any partner organizations/entities that will be working with you on this project, please provide a statement explaining that partnership and include letter(s) of commitment.

If applicable, the following appendices are also mandatory. If these requirements do not apply to your organization, please provide a statement indicating why these documents have not been included.

· Most recent Annual Report;

· A list of previous U.S. Government awards (grants or contracts) showing the name of the awarding agency and a point of contact within the agency for the last five years;

· If applicable, a copy of the applicant’s Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA) with the U.S. Government should be included. (Note: if an organization is requesting indirect costs, they must present an approved NICRA). If your organization has and includes NICRA charges in the budget, your latest NICRA should be included as a .pdf file. This document will not be reviewed by the panelists, but rather used by program and grant staff if the submission is recommended for funding and therefore does not count against the submission page limitations. If your proposal involves subgrants to organizations charging indirect costs, please submit the applicable NICRA also as a .pdf file (see below for more information on indirect cost rates);

· Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (SF-LLL);

· Organizations who have not been previous recipients of U.S. government funds should provide their Articles of Incorporation and bylaws.

Detailed Instructions on Budget and Budget Narrative Submission

As an appendix and in addition to the proposal, applicants must submit (1) a line-item budget or cost schedule and (2) a budget narrative. Recommended templates are included. Both of these components must specify the total amount of funding requested in U.S. dollars.

1) Line-Item Budget The line-item budget can be submitted in MS Excel format and should show the organization’s technical and labor cost categories as it relates to the proposed project. The line-item budget must be submitted in US dollars (USD) and include three [3] columns outlining the request to S/GWI, any cost sharing contribution, and total budget. It should include detailed information on personnel and consultants with proposed salary and salary history. In the case of a consortium, applicants must clearly indicate by which partner organization each staff member or consultant is employed. In the case of sub-grantee partner organizations, a detailed line-item budget for each sub-grantee should also be included. Costs should be identified in each of the budget categories listed below, and should detail estimation methods, quantities, unit costs, and other similar points.

A. Personnel – In general, employees receiving benefits from the applicant organization are considered staff. Consultants hired to assist with the program who do not receive benefits should be included under Contractual. Identify staffing requirements by each position title and brief description of duties. Each staff member’s salary calculation should include the annual/base salary of each position, percentage of time and number of months devoted to the project. (e.g., Administrative Director: $30,000/year x 25% x 8.5 months; calculation: $30,000/12 = $2,500 x 25% x 8.5 months = $5,312.). This can be in the budget narrative if the organization prefers.

B. Fringe Benefits - State benefit costs separately from salary costs and explain how benefits are computed for each category of employee (specify type and rate).

C. Travel - Staff and any participant travel:

1) International airfare

2) In-country travel overseas

3) Domestic travel in the United States, if any

4) Per diem/maintenance: includes lodging, meals and incidentals for both participant and staff travel. Rates of maximum allowances for U.S. and foreign travel are available from the following website: http://www.gsa.gov/portal/category/21287 and http://aoprals.state.gov/content.asp?content_id=184&menu_id=78. Per diem rates may not exceed the published U.S. government allowance rates; however, institutions may use per diem rates lower than official government rates.

Please explain differences in fares among travelers on the same routes (e.g., project staff member traveling for three weeks whose fare is higher than that of staff member traveling for four months). Please note that all travel, where applicable, must be in compliance with the Fly America Act. For more information see http://www.gsa.gov/portal/content/103191.

D. Equipment – Equipment is defined as having a per unit cost of $5,000 and a service life of more than one year. If the item meets these criteria than all federal procurement policies and procedures must be followed. If an item does not meet these criteria it is considered a supply. Please provide justification for any equipment purchase/rental.

E. Supplies - List items separately using unit costs (and the percentage of each unit cost being charged to the grant) for photocopying, postage, telephone/fax, printing, and office supplies (for example, Telephone: $50/month x 50% = $25/month x 12 months).

F. Contractual –

a) Subgrants – For each subgrant/contract please provide a detailed line item breakdown explaining specific services. In the subgrant budgets, provide the same level of detail for personnel, travel, supplies, equipment, direct costs, and fringe benefits required of the direct applicant. If indirect is charged on a subgrant please include a NICRA. Please note that a subgrantee who receives equal to or more than $25,000 is required to have a DUNS number. Please visit www.fsrs.gov for more information.

Please Note: it is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that proposed sub-awardees are eligible for U.S. government funding.

b) Consultant Fees – For example lecture fees, honoraria, travel, and per diem for outside speakers or external evaluators: list number of people and rates per day (for example, 2 x $150/day x 2 days).

G. Construction – Due to the nature of S/GWI programs, construction costs are generally not allowable or applicable.

H. Other Direct Costs – these will vary depending on the nature of the project. The inclusion of each should be justified in the budget narrative. A-133 audit costs can be included if they are not part of the indirect pool and only the portion of the cost associated with this program.

J. Indirect Charges – An organization with a Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA) from a cognizant federal government agency other than the U.S. Department of State should include a copy of the cost-rate agreement. Applicants should indicate in the proposal budget how the rate is applied and if any of the rate will be cost-shared. S/GWI generally does not pay indirect costs against participant expenses, but each case may vary. Organizations claiming indirect costs should have an established NICRA. If subgrantees are claiming indirect costs, they should have an established NICRA that is also submitted with the proposal package.

If your organization does not have a NICRA, the proposal budget should not have a line item for indirect cost charges. Rather, any costs that may be considered as indirect costs should be included in specific budget line items as direct costs.

Cost Share - Explanation of contributions should be included, whether cash or in-kind. Assign a monetary value in U.S. dollars to each in-kind contribution. If the proposed project is a component of a larger program, identify other funding sources for the proposal and indicate the specific funding amount to be provided by those sources. In addition, it is recommended that the budget narrative address the overall cost-effectiveness of the proposal, including leveraging of institutional or other resources.

Please note: S/GWI programs do not require cost share, but if it is included than the recipient must maintain written records to support all allowable costs that are claimed as its contribution to cost-share, as well as costs to be paid by the Federal government. Such records are subject to audit. In the event the recipient does not meet the minimum amount of cost-sharing as stipulated in the recipient’s budget, the Bureau’s contribution may be reduced in proportion to the recipient’s contribution.

2) Budget Narrative The budget narrative should provide additional information that might not be readily apparent in the detailed-line item budget, not simply repeat what is represented numerically in the budget, i.e. salaries are for salaries or travel is for travel. The budget narrative should briefly explain each line item to sufficiently justify each identified cost. It should include a justification for how the cost in each category is derived.

· Personnel - Identify staffing requirements by each position title with a brief description of duties, including work locations, and other justifications for these costs as they relate to the project.

· Fringe Benefits - Provide an explanation of fringe costs and how they are calculated.

· Travel - Provide a description of travel costs, including the purpose of the travel and how the travel relates to the project.

· Equipment - Provide justification for any equipment purchase/rental, including computers and related hardware, and their planned use for the project.

· Supplies - Specifically describe general categories of supplies and their direct use for the project.

· Contractual - Describe each contractual or consultant cost, and outline the necessity of each for the project.

· Other Direct Costs - Provide a narrative description and a justification for each cost under this category and describe how the costs specifically relate to this project.

· Indirect Costs - Provide approved NICRA for any indirect costs requested for the project.

The Department of State must determine that the costs paid for this award are reasonable, allowable, and allocable to the proposed project activities. This will consist of a review of the line-item and narrative budgets to determine if the overall costs are realistic for the work to be performed. Costs shall be evaluated for realism, control practices, and efficiency. Emphasis will be placed on the cost-effectiveness of the proposal. The overhead and administrative components of the proposal, including salaries and fringe benefits, should be kept as low as possible. All other items should be necessary and appropriate. Cost-sharing is strongly encouraged, but not required. Please see Section IX for information on funding restrictions. Applicants must also disclose any funding they are receiving or planning to receive from other entities [or] [including] other agencies of the U.S government or other Department of State offices.

Applicants may be subject to a pre-award financial and capacity survey by the Department of State.

Before grants are awarded, S/GWI reserves the right to reduce, revise, or increase proposal budgets in accordance with the needs the initiative and availability of funds.

Detailed Instructions on M&E Plan Submission

Applications must contain a monitoring and evaluation (M&E) plan that provides sufficient detail as to how project objectives will be achieved and how the project will further the Afghanistan Women Leadership Initiative goals. This document should clearly identify the project goal(s), objective(s), and activities, as well as the output and outcome indicators that will be used to measure progress towards planned results. Baselines and targets for indicators should also be specified, along with a plan to complete a baseline assessment at project inception that measures the current status of conditions that the project seeks to affect as well as prior to completion of the project to assess impact of the project since inception.

Output indicators should measure the products and services delivered directly by the program activities described. Outcome or result indicators should measure transformation and higher-level results of each activity. A recommended S/GWI monitoring and evaluation plan template is included.

Risk Analysis

Risks are unavoidable – all programs inherently contain both internal and external risks. However, with proper identification and management, risks can be prepared for, minimized or mitigated. The purpose of a risk analysis is to identify the internal and external risks associated with the proposed program in the application, rate the likelihood of the risks, rate the potential impact of the risks on the program, and identify actions that could help mitigate the risks. A risk analysis should not be considered a one-time exercise or a static document. S/GWI defers to organizations to conduct adequate risk analysis and remediation for all of its operations and advises that risk analysis and remediation occur throughout the life of a program and should result in revisions to risk analysis documents and processes as necessary. Applicants should include all assumptions and external factors identified in the logic model in the risk analysis. Applicants should rate the likelihood of a risk and potential impact of the risk as “High,” “Medium,” or “Low.” A recommended S/GWI format for a risk analysis is included.

Audits

The recipient's proposal should include the cost of an audit that:

1) Complies with the requirements of OMB Circular No. A-133, “Audits for Institutions of Higher Education and Other Nonprofit Institutions” if the program will start before December 26, 2014, or complies with the requirements of OMB’s Uniform Guidance for programs starting on or after December 26, 2014;

2) Complies with the requirements of American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) Statement of Position (SOP) No. 92-9, “Audits of Not-for-Profit Organizations Receiving Federal Awards”, or complies with the requirements of OMB’s Uniform Guidance for programs starting on or after December 26, 2014;

3) Complies with AICPA Codification of Statements on Auditing Standards AU Section 551, “Reporting on Information Accompanying the Basic Financial Statements in Auditor-Submitted Documents,” where applicable. When the U.S. Department of State is the largest direct source of Federal financial assistance (i.e., the cognizant Federal Agency) and indirect costs are charged to Federal grants, a supplemental schedule of indirect cost computation is required; and,

4) If prior to December 26, 2015, organizations that expend more than $500,000 per year in U.S. government funds are required to have an A-133 audit. If on or after December 26, 2015, organizations that expend more than $750,000 per year in U.S. government funds are required to have an audit as required by OMB’s Uniform Guidance.

The audit costs shall be identified for: the audit of the basic financial statements, and supplemental reports and schedules required by A-133 or OMB’s Uniform Guidance.

VIII. Evaluation Criteria:

Proposal submissions in response to this announcement should include information addressing each of the evaluation criteria below. Each proposal will be evaluated and rated based on the criteria, which are designed to assess the organizational capacity of the applicant and the merits of the proposed project. The criteria are closely related and evaluators will consider the criteria as a whole in judging the application. Panelists review each application individually against the evaluation criteria, not against competing proposals.

In most cases, the Department of State Review Panel includes representatives from S/GWI, the appropriate Department of State regional bureau, and USAID Washington. S/GWI requests feedback on applications from the appropriate U.S. embassies and USAID missions for the panelists’ consideration. In some cases, additional panelists may participate, including from other Department of State bureaus or offices, U.S. government departments, agencies, or boards, representatives from partner governments, or representatives from entities that are in a public-private partnership with S/GWI. At the end of discussion on an application, the panel votes on recommending the application for approval.

Department of State Review Panels may provide conditions and recommendations on applications to enhance the proposed program, which must be addressed by the applicant before further consideration of the award. To ensure effective use of limited S/GWI funds, conditions or recommendations may include requests to increase, decrease, clarify, and/or justify costs and program activities.

With the exception of technical submission questions, during the solicitation period U.S. Department of State staff in Washington and overseas shall not discuss competing applications with applicants until the review process has been completed and rejection and approval letters have been transmitted.

1) Organization Profiles The organization has sufficient depth of experience, capacity, and talent to implement the proposed program as described in this announcement. Individual organizations staff are well qualified. The organization will collaborate with other local entities to the maximum extent possible. At least one of the organizations in the partnership must have demonstrated background in conducting market research and/or economic development. At least one of the organizations in the partnership should have a demonstrated background working with Afghan civil society, particularly those organizations to advance women’s rights. Preference will be given to those organizations partnering with an existing women’s protection center (“shelter”) operated by Afghan civil society and registered or eligible to register as such with the Ministry of Women’s Affairs. In all cases, the applicant describes joint planning consultation efforts undertaken. Where collaborators are proposed, the applicant (a) describes the rationale for the collaboration; (b) each partner's respective role; and (c) how the partnership will enhance the accomplishment of the project goals. (15 points)

2) Project Design, Linkages, and Budget The applicant must demonstrate that the project strategy and design are likely to achieve the proposed results and that proposed activities and timeframes are reasonable and feasible. Applicants will be judged on the following criteria:

(i) The proposal describes in detail how project activities will be accomplished and reasonably outlines the potential for the project to have positive impacts through the program objectives and elements as described in Sections III and VII. (15 points)

(ii) The proposal describes how the proposed activity complements existing efforts to support Afghan women and girls, including that supported by the U.S. government in the country, fills a programmatic gap in the area, leverages existing platforms, and does not duplicate other programs. The proposed project promotes linkages across sectors and platforms, for example, connecting actors and mechanisms in the private, education, economic, or political sectors. (15 points)

(iii) The proposed project mobilizes public and private institutions in Afghanistan as partners in reintegrating shelter beneficiaries into Afghan society as well as increasing the sustainability of women’s protection centers. (5 points)

(iv) Project budget and budget narrative are aligned with the proposed activities and explains the line items and criteria as directed. Costs are reasonable, allowable, and allocable to the proposed project activities. (10 points)

3) Anticipated Results and Monitoring and Evaluation Plan The applicant clearly describes the results and benefits to be achieved. The applicant identifies how program results will be measured by specifying key indicators and providing program milestones indicating progress. Proposed outcomes are tangible and achievable within the grant project period. (20 points)

4) Ownership and Sustainability Applications will be evaluated on the likelihood of local sustainable results that will endure beyond the term of the project and the effectiveness of project inputs. The application clearly describes through a work plan or other relevant documentation substantive undertakings through measurable and achievable goals and activities. Proposals will be evaluated on applicant’s strategy for local institutionalization, sustainability, scalability, and reasonableness by demonstrating ownership of local organizations, and presenting proof of multiplier effect. (20 points)

IX. Funding Restrictions:

These grants will be funded from money appropriated under the “Economic Support Fund” (ESF) heading in the Department of State and Foreign Operations Appropriations Act, 2012 (Div. I, P.L. 112-74) (SFOAA). ESF is available for foreign assistance supporting economic or political stability. Under Section 531(e) of the Foreign Assistance Act, as amended (FAA), ESF may not be used for military or paramilitary purposes. Given restrictions under Section 660 of the FAA, assistance may be provided to police and law enforcement forces only under certain circumstances. Note that activities focused on security sector training will be subject to vetting to ensure compliance with Section 620M of the FAA (“Leahy Vetting“).

The Recipient is reminded that funds provided under this agreement must be used in a manner fully consistent with U.S. law. The recipient agrees that none of the funds provided by this award shall be used to lobby for or against abortion. The recipient agrees that none of the funds provided by this award shall be used to pay for the performance of abortion as a method of family planning or to motivate or coerce any person to practice abortions.

Per 22 CFR 145.25 (b) please note the following guidance concerning use of Program Income:

· Program income earned during the project period shall be retained by the recipient and, in accordance with the terms and conditions of the award, shall be used in one or more of the ways listed in the following:

1) Added to funds committed to the project by the Department and recipient and used to further eligible project or program objectives.

2) Used to finance the non-Federal share of the project or program.

3) Deducted from the total project or program allowable cost in determining the net allowable costs on which the Federal share of costs is based.

· It is emphasized, however, that the above three alternatives are applicable only when the grantee is a non-profit entity. Any grant to a commercial firm must state that the first of the alternatives is not available for program income earned by the grantee. As explained by (GAO noted in its Principles of Federal Appropriations Law at 10-57, that “This approach [option (1)] increases program size. Both OMB and GAO have expressed preference for the deduction method [option (3)] since it results in savings to the federal government and to grantees.”)

The following cost elements will not be reimbursed and are not allowable in this program:

· Program Staff Training.

· Construction projects.

· Direct support or the appearance of direct support for individual or single party electoral campaigns.

· Direct support or the appearance of direct support for any religious organization, to include repair or building of structures used for religious purposes.

· Military assistance of any kind, including weapons buy back or rewards programs.

· Purchase of firearms, ammunition, or removal of unexploded ordnances.

· Para-police (i.e., militias, neighborhood watch, security guards) and prison-related projects. This restriction includes no funding of any secondary need in a law-enforcement organization.

· Payments for any partner government, military or civilian government employee salary or pension.

· Duplication of services immediately available through municipal, provincial, or national government.

· Vehicle purchases to include motorcycles. (However, farm equipment, such as small tractors, and transportation costs will be considered.)

· Medical and psychological research or clinical studies.

· Funds for market research, advertising (unless public service related to grant program) or other promotional expenses.

· Entertainment, social activities, alcohol, ceremonials, hospitality and activities relating hereto. Meal costs associated with an overall project are allowable (i.e., working meal). Food or refreshment expenses are limited to 10% of the total budget.

· Expenses listed as miscellaneous.

· Expenses made prior to the approval of a proposal or unreasonable expenditures will not be reimbursed.