CARSI NOFO 2022 FINAL.pdf

NOFO Number: SCS-800-22-GR-001-WHA-040122 CARSI Small Grants Program

Notice of Funding Opportunity

Strengthening Government Through Civil Society Engagement

Announcement Type: New Grant

Public Opportunity Title: CARSI Small Grants Program: Strengthening Government

Through Civil Society Engagement

Catalog of Federal Domestic

Assistance (CFDA) Listing: 19.750

Funding Amount: $500,000 USD Issuance Date: April 1, 2022

Deadline for Receipt of Questions: May 1, 2022, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time (ET)

Closing for Submission of Applications: June 1, 2022, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time (ET)

Funding Activity Category: Governance

Program Type: U.S. Embassy San Jose

Grant Program: Central America Regional Security Initiative

Assistance Type: Grant

Eligibility Category: U.S. non-profit/non-governmental organizations (NGOs) having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS or non-U.S.-based

NGOs, U.S. and non U.S.-based public and private institutions of higher education. A consortium of non-profits can apply together as long as there is one lead organization submitting the proposal, and public international organizations.

Est. Project Start Date: September 30, 2022

Est. Project End Date: Variable

Fiscal Year: FY2021

Award Ceiling: $250,000

Award Floor: $100,000

Expected # of Awards Funded: 3 to 5

Cost Sharing Requirement: No

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The U.S. Embassy in San Jose, Costa Rica, announces a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to strengthen government institutions through civil society engagement. U.S. Embassy San Jose intends to issue awards in an amount not to exceed $500,000 in Economic Support Funds (ESF) , pending availability of funding. The anticipated start date for this activity is September 30, 2022, and project periods should not exceed two years. The U.S. Department of State is under no obligation to fund any of the proposals submitted under this funding opportunity.

The NOFO and submitted proposals should focus on Pillar II of the Root Causes Strategy (RCS):

Combating corruption, strengthening democratic governance, and advancing the rule of law. Within

Central America (Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and

Panama), the United States works with partner nations to strengthen institutions to counter the effects of organized crime, uphold the rule of law, and protect human rights. Institution building is coupled with both prevention projects that dissuade at-risk youth from turning to crime and gangs and community policing projects that engage local communities on citizen security issues.

U.S. Embassy San Jose invites qualified U.S. non-profit/non-governmental organizations (NGOs) having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS or non U.S.-based NGOs, and U.S. and non U.S.-based public and private institutions of higher education to submit proposals that include an implementation strategy focused on: Strong, Capable and Accountable Governments through

Governance, an objective of U.S. assistance for Central America. Proposals should be oriented toward activities by civil society organizations working with governments to improve the delivery of government services, particularly to vulnerable and/or marginalized communities and in areas outside of the Central Valley but within Costa Rica. These proposals will assist or complement central/local/municipal government efforts to increase and improve services. Proposals should facilitate citizens’ abilities to hold the government accountable for its responsibilities. Proposals cannot provide direct support to the central, regional, or municipal governments of Costa Rica.

Applicants should address the following objective:

Objective: Post is interested in projects that focus on activities by CSOs working with the government to fight corruption and increase transparency and openness, especially at the municipal level. Proposals aimed at combatting corruption could help Costa Rica in its efforts to digitalize government services and/or procurement processes to increase efficiency, delivery, and transparency. Post is also interested in projects that help governments take action to reduce the impacts of climate change, by building the capacity of local institutions and empowering them to generate solutions and manage adaption initiatives over the long term.

U.S. Embassy San Jose reserves the right to fund any or none of the applications submitted and will determine the resulting level of funding for the award. The authority for this NOFO is found in the

Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended.

Eligible organizations interested in submitting an application are encouraged to read this NOFO thoroughly to understand the type of project sought and the application submission requirements and evaluation process.

For further information, please contact:

U.S. Embassy San Jose

E-mail: SanJoseCarsiESF@state.gov

NOTICE OF FUNDING OPPORTUNITY

U.S. Embassy San Jose is seeking applications from qualified U.S. nonprofit/non-governmental organizations (NGOs) having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS or non-U.S.-based NGOs, U.S.- and non-U.S.-based public and private institutions of higher education, and public international organizations for a grant to implement a project entitled “Strengthening Government Through

Civil Society Engagement.” A consortium of non-profits can apply together as long as there is one lead organization submitting the proposal, The authority for this NOFO is found in the

Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended.

Pursuant to 2 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 200.400g, it is U.S. Department of State policy not to award for profit under assistance instruments. All reasonable, allocable, and allowable expenses, however, both direct and indirect, which are related to the agreement and are in accordance with applicable cost standards (2 CFR 200 for US and non-U.S.-based non-profit organizations, and universities; the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 31 48 CFR 31.2 for-profit organizations; and the Mandatory Standard Provision “Allowable Costs (APR 2011)” for public international organizations), may be paid under the grant agreement. NOTE: Non U.S.-based non-profit organizations are legally required to comply with the 2 CFR 200 and must be registered in the country of operation.

Subject to the availability of funds, Embassy San Jose intends to issue approximately three to five awards in an amount not to exceed $500,000. Each award will be for an amount between $100,000 and up to $250,000. The U.S. dollar amount will be funded from U.S. Embassy San Jose allocated funds, for a project period not to exceed two years per award. The anticipated start date for this activity is September 30, 2022. U.S. Embassy San Jose reserves the right to fund any or none of the applications submitted and will determine the resulting level of funding for each award.

Eligible organizations interested in submitting an application are encouraged to read this NOFO thoroughly to understand the type of project sought and the application submission requirements and technical review process.

To be eligible for award, the applicant must submit all required information in its application through Grants.gov (http://www.grants.gov), including the requirements found in any attachments to this Grants.gov opportunity. (Please contact Grants.gov Applicant

Support at 1-800-518-4726 and support@grants.gov with any submission problems.

This NOFO consists of this cover letter plus the following Sections:

1. Section I – Funding Opportunity Description

2. Section II – Award Information

3. Section III – Eligibility information

4. Section IV – Application and Submission Instructions

5. Section V – Application and Review Information

6. Section VI – Agency Contacts

This funding opportunity is posted on Grants.gov and may be amended. See Section IV for further details. Potential applicants should regularly check the website to ensure they have the latest mailto:SanJoseCarsiESF@state.gov http://www.grants.gov/ mailto:support@grants.gov information pertaining to this NOFO. Applicants will need to have available or download Adobe software to their computers in order to view and save the Adobe forms properly. If you have difficulty registering on Grants.gov or accessing the NOFO, please contact the Grants.gov helpdesk at 1-800-518-4726 or via email at support@grants.gov for technical assistance.

It is the responsibility of the recipient of this NOFO document to ensure that the submission has been received in its entirety from Grants.Gov. U.S. Embassy San Jose does not bear any responsibility for data errors resulting from transmission or conversion process associated with electronic submissions. The deadline for this NOFO is June 1, 2022, 11:59 PM Eastern Time.

Any questions concerning this NOFO should be submitted in writing to

SanJoseCarsiESF@state.gov. The deadline for submission of questions for this NOFO is

May 1, 2022 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time (ET) Responses to questions emailed to the U.S. Embassy will be made available to all potential applicants through the Embassy’s website posting of the

NOFO in: https://cr.usembassy.gov/embassy/sanjose/apply-u-s-government-funded-grant/

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 an application. In addition, final award of any resultant grant agreement cannot be made until funds have been fully appropriated, allocated, and committed through internal U.S. Embassy San Jose procedures. While it is anticipated that these procedures will be successfully completed, potential applicants are hereby notified of these requirements and conditions for award. Applications are submitted at the risk of the applicant. All preparation and submission costs are at the applicant's expense.

Sincerely, Cynthia A. Telles

Ambassador

U.S. Embassy San Jose mailto:support@grants.gov mailto:SanJoseCarsiESF@state.gov https://cr.usembassy.gov/embassy/sanjose/apply-u-s-government-funded-grant/

SECTION I – FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

BACKGROUND

Bordering the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean, Costa Rica has a total of 1,228 km of coastline

(212 km on the Caribbean coast and 1,016 km on the Pacific). Drug-trafficking organizations continue to move illicit material from South America through Central America to the United States and beyond, leaving Costa Rica’s coastal and border communities, typically the most economically disadvantaged, highly vulnerable to the influence of traffickers. Strong, capable, and accountable governments are vital to respond to this threat, and civil society organizations that work with local governments to improve delivery of government services can assist vulnerable and marginalized communities outside of the Central Valley. Functional government services are critical to provide economic opportunities in local communities as attractive alternatives for at-risk populations that may turn to crime and illicit drugs for their livelihood.

A secure and stable Central America contributes to a safer and more prosperous United

States. Through the RCS, of which the Central America Regional Security Initiative (CARSI) is a component, U.S. assistance seeks to secure U.S. borders and protect U.S. citizens by addressing the security, governance, and economic root causes of irregular migration and illicit trafficking, and to promote fair and reciprocal trade in Central America. To promote improved governance, U.S.

assistance in Central America supports anti-corruption efforts that improve the ease of doing business; strengthen the rule of law; promote strong institutions and government accountability;

reduce impunity; and improve fiscal management by promoting efficient tax collection, civil society engagement, and institutional reform. U.S. assistance enhances the capabilities of government entities and civil society organizations to build more accountable, transparent, and effective public institutions. CARSI ESF small grants, such as this opportunity, provide programming to strengthen civil society’s role in improving governance and supporting a professional, non-partisan civil service.

The RCS identifies, prioritizes, and coordinates actions to improve security, governance, human rights, and economic conditions in the region. The RCS lays out a framework to use the policy, resources, and diplomacy of the United States, and to leverage the expertise and resources of a broad group of public and private stakeholders, to build hope for citizens in the region that the life they desire can be found at home. The end goal is a democratic, prosperous, and safe Central America, where people advance economically, live, work, and learn in safety, have confidence in public institutions, and enjoy opportunities to create futures for themselves and their families at home.

The RCS is organized into five pillars. Due to congressional global earmarks for democracy and governance programming, projects must contribute to one or more of the three lines of effort under

Pillar II of the Strategy, Combating corruption, strengthening democratic governance, and advancing the rule of law:

• Strengthen democratic institutions to improve governance and rule of law. The

United States will work with countries to promote reform agendas across all branches of government, so government better serves all citizens. This will include a focus on adequately resourcing judicial and oversight institutions, ensuring their independence, and promoting reform of personnel selection and retention processes.

• Prioritize an anticorruption agenda. The United States will work regionally, bilaterally, and, if we must, unilaterally to root out corruption and enhance transparency across the region.

• Improve administration of public resources. The United States will work with governments to establish proper budgeting, management, and use of public resources at the local and national levels to enhance service delivery for all citizens, including in underserved areas and vulnerable populations.

CARSI assistance supports a safer and more secure region where criminal organizations no longer wield the power to destabilize governments or threaten national and regional security and public safety, as well as to prevent the entry and spread of illicit drugs, violence, and transnational threats to countries throughout the region and to the United States. The five pillars of CARSI are:

1. Create safe streets for the citizens of the region;

2. Disrupt the movement of criminals and contraband within and among the nations of Central

America;

3. Support the development of strong, capable and accountable Central American

Governments;

4. Re-establish effective state presence and security in communities at risk; and,

5. Foster enhanced levels of security and rule of law coordination and cooperation among the nations of the region.

Solicitations must reflect support for CARSI pillar three (strong, capable, and accountable governments), and results, particularly indicators, will be reported under the Strategy’s

Governance objective. Applicants must provide governance indicators that correlate with CARSI pillar three to track results. U.S. federal assistance seeks to promote improved governance in the following ways: supporting anti-corruption efforts; encouraging strong institutions; promoting government accountability; and improving fiscal management, thus strengthening government entities and civil society organizations in order to build more accountable, transparent, and effective public institutions. In addition, applicants should consider the implications of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) on project activities and any possible restrictions in Costa Rica. The risk template (Tab G) should include a contingency plan for the various restrictions that may occur due to COVID-19 and a review of project activities that could be completed virtually if necessary.

PROJECT GOALS

The funds supporting this NOFO will focus on: (a) Supporting the development of strong, capable, and accountable Central American governments; and (b) Central American civil society demanding government accountability without reprisal of their rights and are able to influence policy outcomes. Host nation governments uphold the values and practices of liberal democracy;

citizens hold their governments accountable for these actions.

PROJECT OBJECTIVES

As applicable, proposals should specify the expected results from projects benefitting from these funds, such as the number of participants trained; improvement in government transparency or e-government; and other improvements in basic government services that impact citizens and small business. All proposals should state clear objectives and show plans to measure project performance and contributions to meeting Objectives.

Applicants should address the following objective:

Objective: Civil society provides support to improve basic local, municipal, or central government services. Proposals should be oriented toward activities by civil society organizations working to improve, expand or complement the delivery of government services, particularly to vulnerable and/or marginalized communities and in areas outside of the Central

Valley but within Costa Rica, in an effort to help create strong, capable, and accountable governments. In addition, civil society provides support to increase the accountability of local, municipal, or central governments to its citizens and ensures that citizens hold their government accountable for its actions.

Proposals should be oriented toward activities by civil society organizations (CSOs) working with governments to improve the delivery of government services, particularly to vulnerable and/or marginalized communities in areas outside of the Greater Metropolitan Area. Post is interested in projects that focus on activities by CSOs working with the government to fight corruption and increase transparency and openness, especially at the municipal level. Proposals aimed at combatting corruption could help Costa Rica in its efforts to digitalize government services and/or procurement processes to increase efficiency, delivery, and transparency. Post is also interested in projects that help governments take action to reduce the impacts of climate change, by building the capacity of local institutions and empowering them to generate solutions and manage adaption initiatives over the long term.

DESIRED RESULTS AND REQUIRED INDICATORS

By the end of the project, grantees should demonstrate that the project has (1) improved government services, (2) made government stronger, more capable, and accountable, (3) strengthened civil society organizations to promote accountability, and/or (4) contributed to safer and more productive communities through improved government services.

Suggested output and outcome indicators for the project are provided below. The applicant should provide pertinent output and outcome indicators from this list. The applicant is expected to identify targets for these indicators based on what it can reasonably achieve within the performance period of the project and based on the expected overall project results described above.

REQUIRED - – Output Indicator for U.S. Assistance in Central

America :

Required targets:

Number of civil society organizations (CSOs) receiving USG assistance engaged in advocacy interventions.

TBD

ILLUSTRATIVE OUTPUT INDICATORS

Illustrative output indicators for funded projects are provided below. The below are examples;

there are no specific output indicators required. However, the applicant must develop and provide a list of output indicators and targets appropriate for the applicant’s application.

Example Output Indicators Illustrative targets:

Software developed to facilitate public requests for services. TBD

Number of telecom/ICT governance or cybersecurity policies, laws, or regulations drafted, proposed, adopted, improved, or implemented with

USG assistance.

TBD

Number of non-state-owned internet governance institutions strengthened or established with USG assistance.

TBD

Number of USG-assisted non-government entities that engage in advocacy or legislative proceedings to influence national telecom/ICT, internet, or digital economy policies.

REQUIRED - Outcome Indicators for Objective: Required targets:

Number of requests for government service that are addressed by beneficiary communities

TBD

Number of civil society organizations (CSOs) strengthened to promote policy dialogue, advocate for change and/or serve as watchdogs on key issues.

Illustrative output indicators for funded projects are provided below. The below are examples;

there are no specific output indicators required. However, the applicant must develop and provide a list of output indicators and targets appropriate for the applicant’s application.

The recipient will be required to collect baseline data for all the performance management plan indicators during the first year of the project. In addition, certain terms included in the outcomes and indicators will need to be defined at the very beginning of the project so that it is possible to measure the change during and at the end of the project. Examples of such are “capacity,” “spread effect,” etc. Baseline information will be critical for both monitoring and evaluation of project progress and results.

[END OF SECTION I]

SECTION II – AWARD INFORMATION

U.S. Embassy San Jose expects to award approximately three to five grant agreements based on this NOFO. The anticipated total U.S. Federal funding amount is $500,000 The period of performance for each award is up to two years with an anticipated start date of September 30, 2021.

The U.S. government may issue one or more awards resulting from this NOFO to the responsible applicant(s) whose application(s) conforming to this NOFO are the most responsive to the objectives set forth in this NOFO. The U.S. government may (a) reject any or all applications, (b) accept other than the lowest cost application, (c) accept more than one application, (d) accept alternate/revised applications, and (e) waive informalities and minor irregularities in applications received.

After a merit review panel, the U.S. government may make an award on the basis of initial applications received, without discussions or negotiations. Therefore, each initial application should contain the applicant's best terms from a cost and technical standpoint. The

U.S. government reserves the right (but is not under obligation to do so), however, to enter into discussions with one or more applicants in order to obtain clarifications, additional detail, or to suggest refinements in the project description, budget, or other aspects of an application.

[END OF SECTION II]

SECTION III – ELIGIBLITY INFORMATION

(1) Eligible Entities: Applicants that are eligible to apply are U.S. non-profit/non-governmental organizations (NGOs) having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS or non-U.S.-based NGOs, and U.S.

and non U.S.-based public and private institutions of higher education that are able to respond to the NOFO and be able to mobilize in a short period of time. A consortium of non-profits can apply together as long as there is one lead organization submitting the proposal, and public international organizations. Must be registered in the country of operation.

To be eligible for a grant award, in addition to other conditions of this NOFO, organizations must have a commitment to non‐discrimination with respect to beneficiaries and adherence to equal opportunity employment practices. Non‐discrimination includes equal treatment without regard to race, religion, ethnicity, gender, and political affiliation.

Applicants are reminded that U.S. Executive Orders and U.S. law prohibits transactions with, and the provision of resources and support to, individuals and organizations associated with terrorism. It is the legal responsibility of the recipient to ensure compliance with these Executive

Orders and laws. This provision must be included in any sub‐awards issued under this grant award.

(2) U.S. Embassy San Jose encourages applications from potential new partners.

[END OF SECTION III]

NOFO Number: SCS-800-20-GR-001-WHA-XXXX Strengthening Government through Civil Society Engagement

SECTION IV – APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS

U.S. Embassy San Jose urges prospective applicants to immediately confirm their organizations have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) number issued via www.SAM.gov as well as a valid registration on www.SAM.gov.

In order to be eligible to receive an award, all organizations must have a UEI number issued and a valid registration on www.SAM.gov.

Applicant organizations can obtain assistance for SAM.gov registration by using the following link: https://www.sam.gov or calling 1-866-606-8220 (U.S. calls)/or 1-324-206-7828

(international calls).

Note: As of April 2022, a DUNS number is no longer required.

Required Registrations:

All organizations applying for grants (except individuals) must obtain these registrations. All are free of charge:

• www.SAM.gov registration which will generate a UEI

• NCAGE/CAGE code

Any applicant with an exclusion in the System for Award Management (SAM) is not eligible to apply for an assistance award in accordance with the OMB guidelines at 2 CFR 180 that implement Executive Orders 12549 (3 CFR, 1986 Comp., p. 189) and 12689 (3 CFR, 1989

Comp., p. 235), “Debarment and Suspension.”

The Unique Entity Identifier (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. SAM.gov is the Federal government's primary database for complying with FFATA reporting requirements. OMB designated SAM.gov as the central repository to facilitate applicant and recipient use of a single public website that consolidates data on all federal financial assistance. Under the law, it is mandatory to register in SAM.gov.

Starting April 2022, the UEI will be assigned when an organization registers or renews it’s registration in SAM.gov at www.SAM.gov. To access SAM.gov an organization is required to have a Login.gov account. Organization can create an account at https://login.gov/. As a reminder, organizations need to renew its sam.gov registration annually.

US-based organizations: A CAGE code will be automatically assigned when the U.S.

organizations registers in www.sam.gov. CAGE must be renewed every 5 years. Site for

CAGE: https://cage.dla.mil/Home/UsageAgree. Grantees may be asked for more information to finalized and must comply.

http://www.sam.gov/ https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sam.gov%2F&data=04%7C01%7Cfjeldkk%40state.gov%7C8a179f425ec644553b0a08da0c446ace%7C66cf50745afe48d1a691a12b2121f44b%7C0%7C0%7C637835785239027166%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000&sdata=1O%2BquRWkk5TWZ9R%2FzeWA%2BjVqSPwgts5FKs5lUXBCVGU%3D&reserved=0 https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sam.gov%2F&data=04%7C01%7Cfjeldkk%40state.gov%7C8a179f425ec644553b0a08da0c446ace%7C66cf50745afe48d1a691a12b2121f44b%7C0%7C0%7C637835785239027166%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000&sdata=1O%2BquRWkk5TWZ9R%2FzeWA%2BjVqSPwgts5FKs5lUXBCVGU%3D&reserved=0 https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flogin.gov%2F&data=04%7C01%7Cfjeldkk%40state.gov%7C8a179f425ec644553b0a08da0c446ace%7C66cf50745afe48d1a691a12b2121f44b%7C0%7C0%7C637835785239027166%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000&sdata=tZgLWndOJE4QfgsenOHTZxlAyGwD1%2FcsHk9zT0XqO9g%3D&reserved=0 https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sam.gov%2F&data=04%7C01%7Cfjeldkk%40state.gov%7C8a179f425ec644553b0a08da0c446ace%7C66cf50745afe48d1a691a12b2121f44b%7C0%7C0%7C637835785239027166%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000&sdata=1O%2BquRWkk5TWZ9R%2FzeWA%2BjVqSPwgts5FKs5lUXBCVGU%3D&reserved=0 https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcage.dla.mil%2FHome%2FUsageAgree&data=04%7C01%7Cfjeldkk%40state.gov%7C8a179f425ec644553b0a08da0c446ace%7C66cf50745afe48d1a691a12b2121f44b%7C0%7C0%7C637835785239027166%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000&sdata=bFd%2Bl85kI4M5naGwjUh%2FT%2BhzzO9oM99ycJhXxaj8E0M%3D&reserved=0#_blank

Foreign-based organizations: Must apply for a NCAGE code before registering in SAM.gov.

Go to: https://eportal.nspa.nato.int/AC135Public/CageTool/home to apply for a NCAGE code. NCAGE codes must be renewed every 5 years.

It is in the organization’s best interest to check if their CAGE/or NCAGE codes are active. Organizations are required to register/or renew their CAGE or NCAGE codes prior to registering or renewing www.sam.gov . Both registration and renewals for both CAGE and

NCAGE can take up to 10 days. Organization’s legal address in NCAGE/CAGE must mirror www. sam.gov.

www.sam.gov requires all entities to renew their registration once a year in order to maintain an active registration status in SAM.gov. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure it has an active registration in SAM.gov.

If an organization plans to issue a sub-contract or sub-award, those sub-awardees must also have a unique entity identifier (UEI number). Those entities can register for a UEI only at

SAM.gov.

If an organization does not have an active registration in SAM.gov prior to submitting an application, the application will be deemed ineligible. All organizations applying for grants

(except individuals) must obtain these registrations, the latter are free of charge.

TECHNICAL FORMAT REQUIREMENTS

For all application documents, please ensure:

A) All pages are numbered, including budgets and attachments, B) All documents are formatted to 8 ½ x 11 paper, and

C) All Microsoft Word documents are single-spaced, 12-point Times New Roman font, with a minimum of 1-inch margins.

Complete applications must include the following for proposal submissions:

1. Completed Cover Sheet that includes a project title, name of the solicitation organization, and Unique Entity Identifier (UEI). (See Tab F)

2. Completed and signed SF-424, SF-424a [and SF424b,] submitted to Grants.gov, as well as, if applicable, your organization’s most recent audit.

3. Table of Contents (not to exceed one [1] page in Microsoft Word) that includes a page-numbered contents page, including any attachments.

4. Executive Summary (not to exceed two [2] pages in Microsoft Word) that includes:

a) The target country,

b) Name and contact information for the project’s main point of contact,

c) A statement of work or synopsis of the project, including a concise breakdown of the project’s objectives, activities, and expected results,

d) The total amount of funding requested and project length, and

e) A brief statement on how the project is innovative, sustainable, and will have a demonstrated impact.

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5. Proposal Narrative (not to exceed ten [10] pages in Microsoft Word). Please note the ten-page limit does not include the Table of Contents, Executive Summary, Attachments, Detailed

Budget, Budget Narrative, or NICRA. Applicants are encouraged to submit multiple documents in a single Microsoft Word, (i.e., Table of Contents, Executive Summary, Proposal Narrative, and

Budget Narrative in one file).

6. Budget Narrative (preferably in Microsoft Word) that includes an explanation and justification for each line item in the detailed budget spreadsheet, as well as the source and a description of all cost share offered. For ease of review, U.S. Embassy San Jose recommends applicants order the budget narrative as presented in the detailed budget. Project management and/or personnel costs should include a clarification of the roles and responsibilities of key staff and percentage of time devoted to the project. The budget narrative should communicate to U.S. Embassy San Jose any information that might not be readily apparent in the budget, not simply repeat with words what is stated numerically in the budget.

7. Detailed Line-Item Budget (preferably in Microsoft Excel) that includes three [3] columns including the request to U.S. Embassy San Jose, any cost-sharing contribution (not required), and total budget (see below for more information on budget format). A summary budget should also be included using the OMB-approved budget categories (see SF-424 as a sample).

Costs must be in U.S. dollars.

8. Attachments (not to exceed nine [9] pages total, preferably in Microsoft Word) that include the following in order:

a) Page 1-2: Project Monitoring Plan (see below for more information on this section).

b) Page 3: Roles and responsibilities of key project personnel with short bios that highlight relevant professional experience. This relates to the organization’s capacity. Given the limited space, CVs are not recommended for submission.

c) Page 4: Timeline of the overall proposal. Components should include activities, and project closeout.

d) Page 5-7: Additional optional attachments. Attachments may include further timeline information, letters of support, memoranda of understanding (MOU)/agreement, etc.

For applicants with a large number of letters/MOUs, it may be useful to provide a list of the organizations or government agencies that support the project rather than the actual documentation.

9. Applicants with a negotiated indirect cost rate agreement (NICRA) must include the latest

NICRA as a .pdf file if including NICRA charges in the budget. This document will not be reviewed by the panelists, but rather used by U.S Embassy San Jose project and grant staff if the submission is recommended for funding and therefore does not count against the submission page limitations, as described above. If the applicant’s proposal involves sub-grants to organizations charging indirect costs, please submit the applicable NICRA also as a

.pdf file (see below for more information on indirect cost rates). Applicants must specify if their organization instead elects to charge the de minimis rate of 10% of the modified total direct costs.

Note: U.S. Embassy San Jose retains the right to request additional documentation for those items not included on this form.

INFORMATION ON STANDARD FORMS

Please see Tab D for instructions for completion of Standard Forms 424, 424A, and 424B.

OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET (OMB) 2 CFR 200

Organizations should be familiar with 2 CFR 200 on cost accounting principles. For a copy of the 2 CFR 200, please contact Government Publications or download from http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title02/2cfr200_main_02.tpl. Non U.S.-based nonprofit organizations are legally required to comply with 2 CFR 200.

AUDITS

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

1. Complies with the requirements of 2 CFR 200 Subpart F “Audit Requirements;”

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;"

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;

4. A non-Federal entity that expends $750,000 or more during the non-Federal entity's fiscal year in Federal awards must have a single or program-specific audit conducted for that year in accordance with the provisions of 2 CFR 200 subpart F.

The audit costs shall be identified by 2 CFR 200.425.

INDIRECT COST-RATE

An organization with a negotiated indirect cost rate agreement (NICRA) negotiated with a cognizant Federal government agency other than the U.S. Department of State must 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. Per 2 CFR 200.414, any non-Federal entity that has never received a negotiated indirect cost rate, except for those non-Federal entities described in Appendix VII to Part 200—States and Local Government and Indian Tribe

Indirect Cost Proposals, paragraph D.1.b, may elect to charge a de minimis rate of 10% of modified total direct costs (MTDC), which may be used indefinitely. As described in 2 CFR

200.403, factors affecting allowability of costs, costs must be consistently charged as either indirect or direct costs, but may not be double charged or inconsistently charged as both. If chosen, this methodology once elected must be used consistently for all Federal awards until such time as a non-Federal entity chooses to negotiate for a rate, which the non-Federal entity may apply to do at any time.

http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title02/2cfr200_main_02.tpl

TAB A: PROPOSAL GUIDELINES

Proposals should include the following components:

• Introduction and Problem Statement

• Planned Activities

• Indicators

Problem Statement and Rationale: Describe the problem and how the project will achieve or contribute to achieving a sustainable solution and a measurable outcome. The applicant should explain the extent of existing assistance within the particular geographic area, and how the proposed intervention may complement (or differ from) other similar interventions. The applicant should also explain, as necessary, the particular experience and qualifications it brings to the project. The rationale should also reflect an understanding of the priorities and policies of U.S. Embassy San Jose or project with which this proposal is associated.

Planned Activities and Indicators: Describe the planned activities, and relevant stakeholders for implementation. The applicant should highlight key stakeholders and their expected roles in the project, along with any contingencies. The applicant should list assumptions that are dependent upon the ultimate success of the project. This could include elements like geographic location, coordination efforts with other international organizations, or political will from host governments, private sector, and NGOs. As appropriate, limited contingency possibilities should be included in the proposal, in case the initial planning assumptions are not met. Example of a planned activity and contingency:

Sample Planned Activity Contingency

Government services workshops in collaboration with the central Government of Costa Rica, focused on improving knowledge of protocols for delivery of a government service. (Example: the equitable provision of public services.)

If the appropriate agency of the Government of Costa

Rica does not engage at the expected level, project team will look to municipal or local governments to assist in convening key stakeholders.

In the proposal, there should be a clearly defined link between each of the following elements as delineated:

Problem Statement → Planned Activities/Inputs → Process Indicators Output Indicators →

Outcome Indicators → Impact

Output Indicators, otherwise known as deliverables associated with the agreement, should be included. Unlike process indicators, outputs are what is produced, and are often tangible. At this level, it is the measurement of ability, knowledge, skills, or access. All indicators must include targets. Example of an output indicator involving the same participants:

Output Indicator 80 percent of participants demonstrate at least 75 percent cognizance of standards to effectively provide government services.

Output Indicator 50 government workers trained in protocols or standards for providing a particular government service

Outcome Indicators measure the change in system, behavior, or practice. Expected outcomes are the results that come from a series of activities that are necessary to achieve impact. All indicators must include targets. Example of an outcome indicator:

Outcome Indicator 30 percent of government services offered by the targeted agency(ies) begin to implement new protocols as a result of participants’ participation.

All indicators must include measurable, numerical targets, which should serve as the foundation for monitoring and evaluation efforts. Ultimately, proposed activities and achievement of indicator targets will lead to impact.

TAB B: PROJECT MONITORING PLAN (PMP)

U.S. Embassy San Jose will work with recipient organizations to implement the appropriate monitoring plan that meets both the needs of U.S. Embassy San Jose and the implementing partner. Incorporating a well-designed monitoring component into a project is one of the most efficient methods of documenting the progress and potential success of a project.

Proposals should include a methodology to survey beneficiaries before and after activities occur to measure quantitative and qualitative progress. Successful monitoring depends on the following:

• Setting objectives that are specific, measurable, attainable, results-focused, and placed in a reasonable time frame (SMART);

• Linking project activities to stated objectives;

• Developing key performance indicators that measure realistic progress towards the objectives.

U.S. Embassy San Jose expects implementing organizations will track participants or partners as appropriate and be able to respond to key evaluation questions, including satisfaction with the project/training, information learned as a result of the project/training, changes in attitude and behavior as a result of the project, and effects of the project on institutions with which participants work or partner. Applicants should include the monitoring and evaluation process in their timeline.

Recipients will be required to provide reports with an analysis and summary of their findings, both quantitative and qualitative, in regular progress reports to U.S. Embassy San Jose.

The Project Monitoring Plan (PMP) should include, at a minimum, the following elements:

• A results “Logic Model” planning document (see sample)

• Indicators, as described in Tab A, as well as details on how each indicator will be measured, frequency of the measurements, units of measure, etc. Provide indicators at the output and outcome levels. The PMP should include a chart component that clearly delineates indicators and targets. All indicators must include measurable, numerical targets.

• Establish, where possible, performance baseline data and expected performance targets for each indicator/outcome. In some cases, the baseline may be zero.

• Describe monitoring and evaluation tools, such as rapid assessment surveys, site visits, key stakeholder interviews, etc., that will be used.

• Plans should describe how the project’s impact and effectiveness will be monitored and evaluated throughout the project.

Sample Evaluation Plan

Activity: Training Course

Indicator

Type Indicator Name Source

Target

FY18 Q1

Results

FY18 Q1

Target

FY18 Q2

Results

FY18 Q2

Output

# of government workers trained

Training records 10 20

Outcome

Improved level of support provided as a result of participants’ direct or indirect participation in training

Project reporting -+0

Activity: Government Roundtable

Indicator

Type Indicator Name Source

Target

FY18 Q1

Results

FY18 Q1

Target

FY18 Q2

Results

FY18 Q2

Output xxx

Outcome yyy

Sample “Logic Model” Planning Tool

Note: Outcomes, outputs, and activities should include numerical, measurable targets. A Logic

Model is a useful tool for planning and utilized when designing monitoring and evaluation methodology and frameworks.

Impact: Improved Efficiency of Identified Government Services for 50,000 households in

Costa Rica

Outcome 1

Improved productivity of government workers in targeted agency(ies).

Outcome 2

Increased adoption of efficiency standards by

75% of targeted government workers

Output 1.1

Productivity

Targets

Established

Output 1.2

Improved access to government services by citizens

Output 2.1

Efficiency Manual

Established

Output 2.2

Improved knowledge of efficiency principles and practices

Activities

Conduct productivity training

Identify government services providers for training

Develop and distribute productivity training materials

Conduct training for access to government services utilizing new phone application.

Develop a phone application for

Organize and hold workshops for affected citizens.

Train government workers on efficiency techniques for providing services

Distribute materials to designated government workers

Develop materials for training on efficiency

Train government workers on the principles of efficiency

Develop efficiency principles materials to use with government workers.

TAB C: BUDGET GUIDELINES

Complete budgets will provide a detailed line-item budget outlining specific cost requirements for proposed activities. A minimum of three columns should be used to delineate the Embassy funding request, cost share by applicant, and total project funding. Complete applications will include a budget narrative to clarify and justify individual line items (i.e. calculations of how the costs were derived per month or year, their necessity, and overall contribution to the project’s cost-effectiveness).

The three-column proposal line-item budget should include the following components, in the suggested format below:

Proposal

Request Cost Share Total

A. PERSONNEL

B. FRINGE BENEFITS

C. TRAVEL

D. EQUIPMENT (single items $5,000 and above)

E. SUPPLIES (single items below $5,000)

F. CONTRACTUAL (sub-grants or consultant fees)

H. OTHER DIRECT COSTS

I. TOTAL DIRECT CHARGES

(Sum of A-H Subtotals)

J. INDIRECT CHARGES (NICRA or 10% de minimis)

K. TOTAL COSTS (Sum I-J)

Note: This budget is designed to serve as an example of the format for complete budget submissions and is NOT exhaustive. Please utilize the attached template or download from Grants.gov. Individual line items included in each applicant’s budget should reflect specific project activities. (pax = participants)

LINE-ITEM BUDGET – (applicants are instructed to utilize the following Excel budget template, which includes an instruction sheet):

Budget Template with instruction sheet.xlsx

Before grants are awarded, U.S. Embassy San Jose reserves the right to reduce, revise, or increase proposal budgets in accordance with the needs of U.S. Embassy San Jose’s project and availability of funds.

As mentioned above, the detailed budget should also include an accompanying budget notes document that explains and justifies each line item, in the suggested format below:

A. Personnel: Identify staffing requirements by each position title and brief description of duties. For clarity, please list the annual 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.).

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

3) Domestic travel in Country X., 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.policyworks.gov/. 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.

5) Staff refers to grantee staff only, and not sub-grantee staff or contractors.

D. Equipment: Please provide justification for any equipment purchase/rental, defined as tangible personal property having a useful life of more than one year and an acquisition cost of

$5000 or more.

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

(e.g., Telephone: $50/month x 50% = $25/month x 12 months).

F. Contractual:

a) Sub-grants. For each sub-grant/contract, please provide a detailed line-item budget breakdown explaining specific services. Please provide a sub-grant budget using the approved

OMB budget with the above budget format. (See Tab C: Budget Guidelines, above.)

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

G. Other: These will vary depending on the nature of the project. The inclusion of each should be justified in the budget narrative.