Building Media Literacy and Combatting Disinformati OPAPDFY24002.pdf

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

Office of Palestinian Affairs Public Diplomacy Section

Notice of Funding Opportunity

Funding Opportunity Title: Building Media Literacy and Combatting Disinformation

Funding Opportunity Number: OPAPDFY24002

Deadline for Applications: 11:59 PM on Thursday, July 07, 2024 (Jerusalem time)

Assistance Listing Number: 19.021

Total Amount Available: $200,000.00

A. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The U.S. Office of Palestinian Affairs public diplomacy section (OPA-PD) announces an open competition for a grant through this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). This program will build media literacy among Palestinian youth and is designed to partner with an organization to implement activities which advance the applicant’s goals and the OPA-PD mission: to advance a comprehensive and lasting peace through a negotiated two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the development of a vibrant, representative, and responsive Palestinian civil society, private sector, and governing institutions through substantive engagement with American people, institutions, ideas and ideals in order to improve U.S.-Palestinian relations and create greater opportunities for mutually beneficial partnership and cooperation.

With this funding, OPA-PD will support innovative approaches to cultivate critical information consumers who are equipped with the background and strategies necessary to navigate today’s highly differentiated media environment. Eligible projects should address the following:

(1) media production and issues of credibility

(2) media messages and their intended effects

(3) issues of representation in media production

Through their participation in the training, project participants will be empowered to consciously assess media claims and media producer credibility, evaluate how media influences attitudes and feelings, and engage in fact-based media creation and dissemination.

The successful applicant (forthwith implementer) will target audiences, conduct outreach, recruit participants, adapt and implement session curricula (see below), and monitor and evaluate the success of the training. Training workshops will take place at American Spaces in Jerusalem, Ramallah, Hebron and at partner locations in the West Bank approved by OPA. The implementer should work with OPA media literacy program alumni where possible, as well as with established and up-and-coming journalists and include designated measurement and evaluation procedures in their project design so that OPA-PD can assess project effectiveness. There are no specific requirements for format or session structure, though implementers are very strongly encouraged to adapt existing U.S. media literacy curricula such as those published by, for example, the Media Education Lab (mediaeducationlab.com), PBS

(pbslearningmedia.org); the Newseum (newseumed.org); Facing History (facinghistory.org); and/or the Office of American Spaces, U.S. Department of State. Methodologically, implementers should utilize technology and state-of-the-art educational methods in conducting interactive and effective sessions.

The implementer should engage in these activities strategically and with a clear and concise theory of change in mind. OPA will give special consideration to implementers demonstrating a clear track record of engaging target audiences. Likewise, sustainable project designs seeking to maximize project effects beyond the period of performance are highly appreciated.

Priority Region: East Jerusalem and the West Bank

Program Objectives: Media Literacy Training

The program seeks to equip project participants with the background and strategies necessary to navigate an increasingly complex information environment.

After participating in the project, participants will be able to critically reflect and assess:

(1) credibility and intentions of a medium’s originator

(2) themes, codes, and rhetorical strategies in messages and media as well as their effects

(3) contentious issues of representation inherent in mass and social media

(4) the responsibility of their behavior in the media environment as producers or disseminators of messages

Generate Insights and Measure Success

OPA expects the project to produce actionable insights on the demographics and attitudinal profiles of participants as well as data about the project’s effectiveness.

Participants and Audiences:

Target audiences include Palestinian youth (ages 16-24) in East Jerusalem and the West Bank including but not limited to: high school students, journalism and communications students, journalists, social media practitioners, online content producers, influencers, and media specialists.

Implementer Responsibilities:

The implementer will:

(1) adapt existing U.S. media literacy curricula for the target audience (see above)

(2) identify and recruit guest speakers/trainers

(3) develop a final project for program participants

(4) recruit participants and coordinate training with OPA American Spaces venues

(5) implement and monitor training for multiple cohorts

(6) measure and evaluate project effectiveness

B. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION

Length of performance period: up to twelve (12) months

Number of awards anticipated: one (1)

Award amount: $200,000

Total available funding: $200,000

Type of Funding: FY24 “Smith Mundt”

Anticipated program start date: September 2024

This notice is subject to availability of funding.

Funding Instrument Type: Grant

Program Performance Period: proposed programs should be completed in twelve months or fewer. The U.S. 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 completion of the program, and a determination that continued funding would be in the best interest of the

U.S. Department of State.

C. ELIGILIBITY INFORMATION

Eligible Applicants

The following types of applicants are eligible to apply: U.S. or non-U.S. not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks and civil society, non-governmental organizations, not for profit media organizations, and/or not for profit public and private educational institutions.

Cost Sharing or Matching:

Cost Sharing is not required

Other Eligibility Requirements

In order 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 for more information. Individuals are not required to have a UEI or be registered in SAM.gov.

D. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

The required application forms for this Notice of Funding Opportunity are available on the U.S. Office of Palestinian Affairs webpage (Grants and Funding Opportunities - U.S. Office of

Palestinian Affairs (state.gov)). Please note the optional templates (Project Proposal template;

Detailed Budget Spreadsheet template; and Budget Narrative template) also available here http://www.sam.gov/ https://il.usembassy.gov/palestinian-affairs-unit/cultural-and-educational-programs/grants-and-funding-opportunities/notice-of-funding-opportunity-sustainable-u-s-palestinian-higher-education-partnerships/ https://palestinianaffairs.state.gov/grants-and-funding-opportunities/ https://palestinianaffairs.state.gov/grants-and-funding-opportunities/ https://il.usembassy.gov/palestinian-affairs-unit/cultural-and-educational-programs/grants-and-funding-opportunities/notice-of-funding-opportunity-sustainable-u-s-palestinian-higher-education-partnerships/

(Grants and Funding Opportunities - U.S. Office of Palestinian Affairs (state.gov)). The templates are designed to make the application process easier. Applicants may choose to use these optional templates if desired or if they do not have their own standard proposal format.

Content and Form of Application Submission

Please follow all instructions below carefully. Proposals that do not meet the requirements of this announcement or fail to comply with the stated requirements will be ineligible. Please submit all proposal documents as described below via email with “NoFO Media Literacy” in the subject line to:

JerusalemPDJapplications@state.gov

Content of Application

Please ensure:

• the proposal clearly addresses the goals and objectives of this funding opportunity and contains clear and measurable indicators of success along with a clear plan for measuring and evaluating whether those indicators have been met. (See sections A and E).

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

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

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

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

• all budgets are in U.S. dollars.

• all pages are numbered.

1. Mandatory application forms

• SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance – organizations) or SF-424-I (Application for Federal Assistance – individuals) at Grants and Funding Opportunities - U.S. Office of

Palestinian Affairs (state.gov)

• SF424A (Budget Information for Non-Construction programs) at Grants and Funding

Opportunities - U.S. Office of Palestinian Affairs (state.gov)

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

Non-Construction programs - Individual), at Grants and Funding Opportunities - U.S.

Office of Palestinian Affairs (state.gov) (note: the SF-424B is only required for individuals and for organizations not registered in SAM.gov)

Applicants may also use the optional templates (Project Proposal template; Detailed Budget Spreadsheet template; and Budget Narrative template) if desired. They are available here (Grants https://palestinianaffairs.state.gov/grants-and-funding-opportunities/ https://palestinianaffairs.state.gov/grants-and-funding-opportunities/ https://palestinianaffairs.state.gov/grants-and-funding-opportunities/ https://palestinianaffairs.state.gov/grants-and-funding-opportunities/ https://palestinianaffairs.state.gov/grants-and-funding-opportunities/ https://palestinianaffairs.state.gov/grants-and-funding-opportunities/ https://palestinianaffairs.state.gov/grants-and-funding-opportunities/ https://il.usembassy.gov/palestinian-affairs-unit/cultural-and-educational-programs/grants-and-funding-opportunities/notice-of-funding-opportunity-sustainable-u-s-palestinian-higher-education-partnerships/ and Funding Opportunities - U.S. Office of Palestinian Affairs (state.gov)). The optional templates are designed to make the application process easier but are not required.

2. Summary Page: cover sheet stating the applicant’s name and organization, proposal date, program title, program period (proposed start and end date), and brief purpose of the program.

3. Proposal: the proposal should contain sufficient information that anyone not familiar with it would understand exactly what the applicant wants to do. You may use your own proposal format or the optional template, but it must include all the items below:

Proposal Summary: short narrative that outlines the proposed program, including program objectives and anticipated effect.

Introduction to the Organization or Individual applying: a description of past and present operations, demonstrating ability to carry out the program, including information on all previous grants from any

U.S. government agencies.

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

Program Goals and Objectives: the “goals” describe what the program is intended to achieve. The

“objectives” refer to the intermediate accomplishments on the way to the goals; these objectives should be specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time-bound. (please see Section A for the goals and objectives of this funding opportunity)

Program Activities: describe the program activities you will implement to achieve the goals and objectives. Be specific and clear about what exactly you intend to do. For example, if you intend to improve the skills of participants, will you use workshops, training programs, practical exercises, lectures, information sharing, or something else? On what topics exactly? How many sessions/events? What format? For how many people? When, where, and for how long?

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

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

Key Personnel: names, titles, roles, and experience/qualifications of key personnel involved in the program. What proportion of their time will be used in support of this program?

Program Partners: list the names and type of involvement of key partner organizations and sub-awardees.

Program Monitoring and Evaluation Plan: this is an important part of successful proposals. Proposals must include a clear and specific monitoring, measurement, and evaluation plan stating specific and measurable indicators of success and the intended method for measuring achievement of each indicator.

Throughout the timeframe of the project, how will the activities be monitored to ensure they are happening in a timely manner and achieving the intended results/outcomes? What measures will be used to determine whether indicators of success have been met? How will the program be evaluated to make sure it is meeting its stated goals?

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

4. Budget Justification Narrative: After filling out the SF-424A Budget form (above), use a separate page or document to create a budget narrative describing each of the budget expenses in detail. Please find here (Grants and Funding Opportunities - U.S. Office of Palestinian Affairs

(state.gov)) two sample templates (budget and budget narrative) that may be used to assist applicants in provision of budget information. See section H. Other Information: Guidelines for Budget Submissions below for further information

5. Attachments:

(1) 1-page CV or resume of key personnel who are proposed for the program

(2) letters of support from program partners describing the roles and responsibilities of each partner

(3) if your organization has a Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA) and includes

NICRA charges in the budget, your latest NICRA should be included as a PDF file

(4) official permission letters, if required for program activities

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

Required Registrations:

All organizations, whether based in the United States or in another country, must have a Unique

Entity Identifier (UEI) and an active registration with the 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.

Note: As of April 2022, a DUNS number is no longer required for federal assistance applications.

The 2 CFR 200 requires that sub-grantees obtain a UEI number. Please note the UEI for sub-grantees is not required at the time of application but will be required before an award is processed and/or directed to a sub-grantee.

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 number 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 number prior to registering in SAM.gov.

• Please note that as of November 2022 and February 2023 respectively, 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 or CAGE code to apply for non-DoD foreign assistance funding opportunities. If an applicant organization is mid-registration and wishes to remove a CAGE or 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 a CAGE or 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.

Organizations based outside of the United States and that DO plan to do business with the

DoD in addition to Department of State should follow the below instructions:

Step 1: Apply for an NCAGE code by following the instructions on the NSPA NATO website linked below:

NCAGE Homepage:

https://eportal.nspa.nato.int/AC135Public/sc/CageList.aspx

NCAGE Code Request Tool (NCRT):

Exemptions An exemption from the UEI and sam.gov registration requirements may be permitted on a case-by-case basis if:

• An applicant’s identity must be protected due to potential endangerment of their mission, their organization’s status, their employees, or individuals being served by the applicant.

• For an applicant, if the Federal awarding agency makes a determination that there are exigent circumstances that prohibit the applicant from receiving a unique entity identifier and completing SAM registration prior to receiving a Federal award. In these instances, Federal awarding agencies must require the recipient to obtain a unique entity identifier and complete SAM registration within 30 days of the Federal award date.

https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.fsd.gov%2Fgsafsd_sp%3Fid%3Dgsafsd_kb_articles%26sys_id%3Dc81018e71b1601d0937fa64ce54bcb57&data=05%7C01%7Cfjeldkk%40state.gov%7C0cc4e2b471f44abcd32308db093ecead%7C66cf50745afe48d1a691a12b2121f44b%7C0%7C0%7C638113937577534024%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=W2ShcazZBQbanYGj0cLOTnUJwv%2BGL4xfwr83%2BycQY2E%3D&reserved=0 https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.fsd.gov%2F&data=05%7C01%7Cfjeldkk%40state.gov%7C0cc4e2b471f44abcd32308db093ecead%7C66cf50745afe48d1a691a12b2121f44b%7C0%7C0%7C638113937577534024%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=t32ANWzgpiB93pMWoq%2BFCSHz4YJY9QF1S1iQzCsS6RM%3D&reserved=0 https://eportal.nspa.nato.int/AC135Public/sc/CageList.aspx

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.

Submission Dates and Times

Applications are due no later than 11:59 PM 07 July 2024 (Jerusalem time)

Funding Restrictions

The following items and types of projects are not eligible for funding:

• projects relating to partisan political activity

• charitable or development activities

• construction projects

• projects that support specific religious activities or promote only one faith/religion

• fundraising campaigns

• lobbying for specific legislation or projects

• projects intended primarily for the growth/institutional development/maintenance of the applicant organization or its partner organizations

• funding to complete activities begun with other funds (new activities that build from lessons learned because of an earlier project, however, are acceptable)

• international travel

• exchange programs

• one-time events such as stand-alone conferences or roundtable discussions (a series of workshops within a larger programmatic concept, however, is acceptable)

• cultural or psychological research, cultural clubs, or cultural festivals

• alcoholic beverages

Other Submission Requirements

All application materials must be submitted by email with “NoFO Media Literacy” in the subject line to

JerusalemPDJapplications@state.gov including your organization’s official registration.

E. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

Criteria

Each application will be evaluated and rated on the basis of the evaluation criteria outlined below.

Quality and Feasibility of the Program Idea: the program idea is well developed, with detail about how program activities will be carried out. The proposal includes a reasonable implementation timeline.

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

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

Budget: the budget justification is detailed. Costs are reasonable in relation to the proposed activities and anticipated results. The budget is realistic, accounting for all necessary expenses to achieve proposed activities.

Measurement, Monitoring and Evaluation Plan: applicant demonstrates it can measure achievement of key indicators to evaluate program success and provides milestones to indicate progress toward goals and objectives outlined in the proposal. The program includes output and outcome indicators and shows how and when those will be measured.

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

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

Review and Selection Process

A selection committee will evaluate all eligible applications at the committee’s earliest possible meeting after receipt of each proposal. Applicants will be notified the result of the committee’s decision regarding their proposal via email message. Those applicants whose proposals were selected for funding by the committee may be asked for revisions to their initial proposal before funding amounts can be finalized and an award can be signed.

3. Responsibility/Qualification Information in SAM.gov (formerly, FAPIIS)

For any Federal award under a notice of funding opportunity, if the Federal awarding agency anticipates that the total Federal share will be greater than the simplified acquisition threshold over the period of performance (see §200.88 Simplified Acquisition Threshold), this section must also inform applicants that:

i. The Federal awarding agency, prior to making a Federal award with a total amount of Federal share greater than the simplified acquisition threshold, is required to review and consider any information about the applicant that is in the U.S. government designated integrity and performance system accessible through SAM.gov (see 41 U.S.C. 2313);

ii. An applicant, at its option, may review and comment on any information about itself that a Federal awarding agency previously entered. Currently, federal agencies create integrity records in the integrity module of the Contractor Performance Assessment and Reporting System (CPARS) and these records are visible as responsibility/qualification records in SAM.gov;

iii. The Federal awarding agency will consider any comments by the applicant, in addition to the other information in the designated integrity and performance system, in making a judgment about the applicant's integrity, business ethics, and record of performance under Federal awards when completing the review of risk posed by applicants as described in §200.206 Federal awarding agency review of risk posed by applicants.

Anticipated Announcement and Federal Award Dates

The selection committee plans to announce the results of the selection committee process in August 2022;

awards will be issued no later than September 23, 2022.

F. FEDERAL AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION

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 U.S. 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 U.S. Department of State.

Issuance of this NoFO does not constitute an award commitment on the part of the U.S. government, nor does it commit the U.S. government to pay for costs incurred in the preparation and submission of proposals. Further, the U.S. government reserves the right to reject any or all proposals received.

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

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

Administrative and National Policy Requirements

Before submitting an application, applicants should review all the terms and conditions and required certifications which will apply to this award, to ensure that they will be able to comply. These include:

2 CFR 25 - UNIVERSAL IDENTIFIER AND SYSTEM FOR AWARD MANAGEMENT

2 CFR 170 - REPORTING SUBAWARD AND EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION INFORMATION

2 CFR 175 - AWARD TERM FOR TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS

2 CFR 182 - GOVERNMENTWIDE REQUIREMENTS FOR DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE

(FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE)

2 CFR 183 - NEVER CONTRACT WITH THE ENEMY

2 CFR 600 – DEPARTMENT OF STATE REQUIREMENTS

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE STANDARD TERMS AND CONDITIONS

In accordance with the Office of Management and Budget’s guidance located at 2 CFR part 200, all applicable Federal laws, and relevant Executive guidance, the U.S. Department of State will review and https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=81a5f41de81c46a9844617d93a9db081&mc=true&node=pt2.1.25&rgn=div5 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=81a5f41de81c46a9844617d93a9db081&mc=true&node=pt2.1.170&rgn=div5 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=81a5f41de81c46a9844617d93a9db081&mc=true&node=pt2.1.175&rgn=div5 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=81a5f41de81c46a9844617d93a9db081&mc=true&node=pt2.1.182&rgn=div5 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=81a5f41de81c46a9844617d93a9db081&mc=true&node=pt2.1.182&rgn=div5 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=81a5f41de81c46a9844617d93a9db081&mc=true&node=pt2.1.183&rgn=div5 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=81a5f41de81c46a9844617d93a9db081&mc=true&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title02/2chapterVI.tpl https://www.state.gov/about-us-office-of-the-procurement-executive/ consider applications for funding, as applicable to specific programs, pursuant to this notice of funding opportunity in accordance with the following:

NOTE:

President’s September 2, 2020 memorandum, entitled Memorandum on Reviewing Funding to State and

Local Government Recipients of Federal Funds that Are Permitting Anarchy, Violence, and Destruction in American Cities;

Executive Order on Protecting American Monuments, Memorials, and Statues and Combating Recent

Criminal Violence (E.O. 13933); and

Guidance for Grants and Agreements in Title 2 of the Code of Federal Regulations (2 CFR), as updated in the Federal Register’s 85 FR 49506 on August 13, 2020, particularly on:

Selecting recipients most likely to be successful in delivering results based on the program objectives through an objective process of evaluating Federal award applications (2 CFR part 200.205), Prohibiting the purchase of certain telecommunication and video surveillance services or equipment in alignment with section 889 of the National Defense Authorization Act of 2019 (Pub. L. No. 115—232) (2

CFR part 200.216), Promoting the freedom of speech and religious liberty in alignment with Promoting Free Speech and

Religious Liberty (E.O. 13798) and Improving Free Inquiry, Transparency, and Accountability at

Colleges and Universities (E.O. 13864) (§§ 200.300, 200.303, 200.339, and 200.341), Providing a preference, to the extent permitted by law, to maximize use of goods, products, and materials produced in the United States (2 CFR part 200.322), and

Terminating agreements in whole or in part to the greatest extent authorized by law if an award no longer effectuates the program goals or agency priorities (2 CFR part 200.340).

Reporting

Reporting Requirements: recipients will be required to submit program reports. The final award document will specify how often these reports must be submitted. Generally, grantees are required to submit quarterly program progress reports throughout the project period. Quarterly and/or semi-annual interim reports should be submitted no later than 30 days after the end of each reporting period. Annual reports should be submitted no later than 120 days after the end of each reporting period. Recipients have

120 days after the project or grant period end date to submit final program reports.

G. FEDERAL AWARDING AGENCY CONTACTS

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

JerusalemPDJapplications@state.gov with “NoFO Media Literacy” in the subject line.

H. OTHER INFORMATION

Guidelines for Budget Justification

Personnel and Fringe Benefits: describe the wages, salaries, and benefits of temporary or permanent staff who will be working directly for the applicant on the program, and the percentage of their time that will be spent on the program.

https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=81a5f41de81c46a9844617d93a9db081&mc=true&node=pt2.1.200&rgn=div5

Travel: estimate the costs of local travel for program staff, consultants or speakers, and participants/beneficiaries.

Equipment: describe any technical or electronic equipment 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

$1,500 per unit. Electronic equipment may need to be returned to the PAU-PD upon completion of the project at the discretion of the Grants Officer.

Supplies: list and describe all the items and materials needed for the program. If an item costs more than

$1,500 per unit, then list it in the budget under “Equipment.”

Contractual: describe goods and services 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. Organizations that have never had a NICRA may request indirect costs of 10%—also known as de minimus—of the modified total direct costs as defined in

2 CFR 200.68. If your organization has a Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate (NICRA) and includes NICRA charges in the budget, attach a copy of your latest NICRA.

Modified total direct costs (MTDC) means all direct salaries and wages, applicable fringe benefits, materials and supplies, services, travel, and up to the first $25,000 of each subaward (regardless of the period of performance of the subawards under the award). MTDC excludes equipment, capital expenditures, rental costs, participant support costs and the portion of each subaward in excess of

$25,000. Other items may only be excluded when necessary to avoid a serious inequity in the distribution of indirect costs, and with the approval of the cognizant agency for indirect costs.

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

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