Cameroon Digital Economy NOFO final.docx

FY 2023 CPIF-DEILEP NOFO

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

U.S. EMBASSY YAOUNDE, CAMEROON

Notice of Funding Opportunity

A. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Embassy of the United States in Yaounde announces an open competition for U.S. based NGOs or non-profit organizations to submit applications to implement the participation of up to 10 Cameroonian government and business leaders in a 10-day in-person International Leadership Exchange Program on the Digital Economy.

Interested U.S. based NGOs or non-profit organizations should submit proposals to grantsyaounde@state.gov by August 31, 2024.

A.1. Background New digital technologies have the potential to spur economic growth, increase consumer choice, enhance government services, and accelerate progress towards achieving Sustainable Development Goals. Cameroonian authorities and business leaders recognize the potential of technologies like mobile payments, 5G telecommunications infrastructure, satellite broadband, and the use of artificial intelligence in various sectors of the economy. But they are still developing the regulatory framework and building the infrastructure that will permit these technologies to thrive. Participants in this exchange program will meet with U.S. regulatory agencies and discuss approaches to regulating innovative technologies in the digital space. They will visit tech firms that offer technologies tailored to the needs of countries at Cameroon’s level of development. And they will exchange ideas with academics who study the intersection of human rights and technology and the place of the consumer in the evolving digital economy. The exchange trip will include stops in Washington DC and one or two other U.S. cities that provide opportunities for above exchanges (e.g. Silicon Valley, Austin, TX).

A.2. Program Objectives:

· Bring high level Cameroonian regulators, policymakers, and business executives to the United States to engage with their American counterparts on key policy issues concerning the topic of the digital economy.

· Increase understanding on U.S. efforts to promote the growth of a well-regulated digital economy that takes advantage of emerging technologies while safeguarding consumers.

· Promote the creation in Cameroon of a digital policy framework that fosters secure and interoperable networks, leads to greater competition, ensures inclusion and accessibility, safeguards against disinformation, and protects the rights and freedoms of individuals.

A.3. Grantee Responsibilities:

· Design and implement a 10-day Digital Economy Exchange Program for a maximum of 10 Cameroonian delegates selected by the Embassy.

· Organize all logistics including travel arrangements and airfares (internationally and domestically in the United States) for the Cameroonian delegates.

· Conduct needs assessment, pre- and post-evaluation to measure the impact of the program on participants.

· Provide French interpretation throughout the program as needed.

A.4. Participants:

· The Embassy will select a maximum of 10 participants.

· Participants are senior Cameroonian policymakers, regulators, and business leaders currently active in or with responsibility for Cameroon’s digital economy.

· Participants are drawn from different regions of Cameroon and their selection respects the principle of diversity and inclusion.

A.5. Ineligible activities for funding:

· Scholarships for study in the United States or to fund conference attendance or study tours to the United States

· Activities that are inherently political in nature or that contain the appearance of partisanship

· Construction activities

· Programs that support specific religious activities

· Fund-raising campaigns

· Cash prizes for participants A.6. Risk Analysis The purpose of the risk analysis is to identify the internal and external risks associated with the proposed project in the application, rate the likelihood of the risks, rate the potential impact of the risks on the project, and identify actions that could help mitigate the risks. A risk analysis should not be considered a one-time exercise or a static document. Applicants should conduct adequate risk analysis and remediation for all its operations and advise that risk analysis and remediation occur throughout the life of a project and should result in revisions to risk analysis documents and processes as necessary. The risk analysis should include gender-related risks, including, but not limited to, gender-based violence.

The safety and security of recipients and beneficiaries are of utmost importance. The recipient is required to conduct thorough risk assessments and take all actions necessary in accordance with those assessments to mitigate those risks. The Embassy will not take responsibility for the risks incurred by any recipient.

B. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION

Length of performance period: 1 year Number of awards anticipated: 1 award Award amounts: $80,000 to $100,000 Total available funding: $100,000 Type of Funding: FY2024 ESF funding Anticipated program start date: October 2024

This notice is subject to availability of funding.

Funding Instrument Type: Cooperative Agreement Cooperative agreements are different from grants in that bureau/embassy staff are more actively involved in the grant implementation.

This may include:

· The grantee will propose for Embassy input on the content of the program.

· Program timeline with key dates for pre-departure activities

· The Embassy will select the participants for the exchange program.

· The grantee can request Embassy assistance with:

· Booking visa interviews for participants

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

C. ELIGILIBITY INFORMATION

C.1. Eligible Applicants

· Registered non-profit organizations, including think tanks and civil society organizations based in the United States.

· International NGOs, U.S. NGOs based in the United States.

· Public and private educational institutions in the United States.

· Public international organizations and governmental institutions in the United States.

The Embassy will ONLY consider proposals from organizations based the United States. Priority is given to applicants with proven experience in organizing exchange programs for the State Department.

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

C.2. Cost Sharing or Matching

Cost sharing or matching is not required.

C.3. 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.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.

Organizations must have a commitment to equal opportunity employment practices and to non-discrimination practices with regard to beneficiaries, without regard to race, religion, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, or political affiliation.

D. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

D.1 Address to Request Application Package Application forms required below are available at: grantsyaounde@state.gov .

D.2 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.

D.2.1. Mandatory application forms

· SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance – organizations) [or SF-424-I (Application for Federal Assistance -- Individuals)]

· SF424A (Budget Information for Non-Construction programs)

· SF424B (Assurances for Non-Construction programs)

These forms are available here: https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms.html. They must be submitted in English.

D.2.2 Content of Application

The following requirements must be met:

· The proposal clearly addresses the goals and objectives of this funding opportunity

· All documents are in English

· All budgets are in U.S. dollars

· All pages are numbered

Summary Cover Sheet: 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.

Proposal (15 pages maximum): The proposal should contain sufficient information so that anyone not familiar with the subject of the proposed project would understand exactly what the applicant intends to do. You may use your own proposal format, but it must include all the items below.

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

· Introduction to the Organization or Individual applying: A description of past and present operations, showing ability to carry out the program, including information on previous grants from the U.S. Embassy and/or 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 should be achievable and measurable.

· Program Activities: Describe the program activities and how they will help achieve the objectives.

· Program Methods and Design: An explanation of how the program is expected to work to solve the stated problem and achieve the goal.

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

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

· 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 grants. Throughout the timeframe of the grant, how will the activities be monitored to ensure they are happening in a timely manner, and how will the program be evaluated to make sure it is meeting the goals of the grant?

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

D.2.3 Budget Justification Narrative:

After filling out the SF-424A Budget (above), use a separate sheet of paper to describe each of the budget expenses in detail. See section H. Other Information: Guidelines for Budget Submissions below for further information.

Optional Attachments:

a. 1-page CV or resumes of key personnel who are proposed for the program

b. Letters of support from partner organizations (if any) that you intend to play a key role in carrying out your proposal activities

c. If your organization has a NICRA and includes NICRA charges in the budget, your latest NICRA should be included as a PDF file

d. Official permission letters, if required for program activities

e. Annexes: Activity Timeline, Performance Monitoring Plan, Logic Model, Risk Analysis.

D.3. Required Registrations:

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 2022 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.

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.

D.4. Submission Dates and Times:

Applications are due no later than 11:59 PM Cameroon time on August 31, 2024.

Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

D.5. Other Submission Requirements:

All application materials must be submitted by email to: grantsyaounde@state.gov.

E. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

E.1. Criteria

Each application will be evaluated and rated on the basis of the evaluation criteria outlined below. The criteria listed are closely related and are considered as a whole in judging the overall quality of an application.

Organizational capacity – 15 points: The organization has expertise in its stated field and POL/ECON is confident of its ability to undertake the program. This includes a financial management system appropriate to the amount of funding being requested and a bank account.

Quality and feasibility of the program idea – 10 points: The program idea is well developed, with detail about how program activities will be carried out. The proposal includes a reasonable implementation timeline.

Goals and objectives – 5 points: Goals and objectives are clear, realistic, and measurable, and program approach is likely to provide maximum impact in achieving the proposed results.

Embassy priorities - 5 points: Applicant has clearly described how stated goals are related to and support U.S. Embassy Yaoundé’s priority program areas and/or target audiences.

Budget 5 points: 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 5 points: Applicant demonstrates ability to measure program success against key indicators and provide 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- 5 points: Program activities will continue to have positive impact after the end of the program.

E.2. Review and Selection Process and Timeline

An Embassy Grants Review Committee will evaluate all eligible applications within two weeks of the submission deadline and will contact successful applicant(s) for next steps within one week of the Review Committee meeting.

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

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.

E.4 Anticipated Announcement and Federal Award Dates No later than September 25, 2024.

F. FEDERAL AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION

F.1. Federal Award Notices The grant award 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.

F.2. Payment Method Request for Payment will be submitted through a SF-270. Payments shall be disbursed via EFT upon receipt of a signed SF-270 form and required reporting.

F.3. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

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

These include:

· 2 CFR 25 - UNIVERSAL IDENTIFIER AND SYSTEM FOR AWARD MANAGEMENT

· 2 CFR 170 - REPORTING SUBAWARD AND EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION INFORMATION

· 2 CFR 175 - AWARD TERM FOR TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS

· 2 CFR 182 - GOVERNMENTWIDE REQUIREMENTS FOR DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE (FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE)

· 2 CFR 183 - NEVER CONTRACT WITH THE ENEMY

· 2 CFR 600 – DEPARTMENT OF STATE REQUIREMENTS

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

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

· 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).

F.4. Reporting

Reporting Requirements: Recipients will, at a minimum, be required to submit quarterly Progress Reports and quarterly Financial Reports. Progress Reports will compare actual to planned performance and indicate the progress made in accomplishing each assistance award tasks/goals noted in the grant agreement and will contain analysis and summary of findings, both quantitative and qualitative, for key indicators. Financial Reports provide a means of monitoring expenditures and comparing costs incurred with progress. Failure to submit reports on time will result in payment delays.

Recipients must report immediately when a program faces unplanned delays in implementation, fails to meet program targets or milestones, or costs increase. Any changes or revisions to the approved budget require prior approval from the Grants Officer.

Foreign Assistance Data Review: As required by Congress, the Department of State must make progress in its efforts to improve tracking and reporting of foreign assistance data through the Foreign Assistance Data Review (FADR). The FADR requires tracking of foreign assistance activity data from budgeting, planning, and allocation through obligation and disbursement. Successful applicants will be required to report and draw down federal funding based on the appropriate FADR Data Elements, indicated within their award documentation. In cases of more than one FADR Data Element, typically program or sector and/or regions or country, the successful applicant will be required to maintain separate accounting records.

Applicants should be aware of the post award reporting requirements reflected in 2 CFR 200 Appendix XII—Award Term and Condition for Recipient Integrity and Performance Matters.

G. FEDERAL AWARDING AGENCY CONTACTS

If you have any questions about the grant application process, please contact: the U.S. Embassy Political and Economic Section at grantsyaounde@state.gov

H. OTHER INFORMATION

H.1. Guidelines for Budget Justification

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

Travel: Estimate the costs of travel and per diem for this program, for program staff, consultants or speakers, and participants/beneficiaries. If the program involves international travel, include a brief statement of justification for that travel.

Equipment: Describe any machinery, furniture, or other personal property that is required for the program, which has a useful life of more than one year (or a life longer than the duration of the program), and costs at least $5,000 per unit.

Supplies: List and describe all the items and materials, including any computer devices, that are needed for the program. If an item costs more than $5,000 per unit, then put it in the budget under Equipment.

Contractual: Describe goods and services that the applicant plans to acquire through a contract with a vendor. Also describe any sub-awards to non-profit partners that will help carry out the program activities.

Other Direct Costs: Describe other costs directly associated with the program, which do not fit in the other categories. For example, shipping costs for materials and equipment or applicable taxes. All “Other” or “Miscellaneous” expenses must be itemized and explained.

Indirect Costs: These are costs that cannot be linked directly to the program activities, such as overhead costs needed to help keep the organization operating. If your organization has a Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate (NICRA) and includes NICRA charges in the budget, attach a copy of your latest NICRA. Organizations that have never had a NICRA may request indirect costs of 10% of the modified total direct costs as defined in 2 CFR 200.68.

“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.

H.2. Applicant Vetting Applicants are advised that proposals will be evaluated against the potential risk that federal funds may inadvertently be passed to the wrong hands and that funds may benefit terrorists groups or their supporters. Applicants may be asked to submit information required by DS Form 4184, Risk Analysis Information (attached to this solicitation), about their company and its principal personnel. Vetting information is also required for all sub-award performance on assistance awards identified by DOS as presenting a risk of terrorist financing. When vetting information is requested by the Grants Officer, information may be submitted on the secure web portal at: https://ramportal.state.gov, via Email to RAM@state.gov, or hardcopy to the Grants Officer.

H.3. Marking Policy Applicants are advised that recipients and sub-recipients of federal assistance awards are subject to the State Department’s Marking Policy. More information on this policy can be found in Section N of the Department of State’s Standard Terms and Conditions:

https://www.state.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/U.S.-Department-of-State-Standard-Terms-and-Conditions-10-21-2020-508.pdf

H.4. Monitoring Site Visits A monitoring site visit, at least once during the lifetime of a grant, is required by Department of State grant policy. The site visit is conducted to gather additional information on the recipient’s ability to properly implement the project, manage funds, and share substantiating document for programmatic, indicator, and financial reporting. Specifically, the site visit will involve the review of the programmatic progress (progress on activities, sub-recipient/consultant work, data quality, etc.) as well as administrative and financial management and controls.

H.5. Privacy Disclosure The Department of State understands that some information contained in applications may be considered sensitive or proprietary and will make appropriate efforts to protect such information. However, applicants are advised that the Department of State cannot guarantee that such information will not be disclosed, including pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) or other similar statutes.