CARSI NOFO_FY22_Panama_FINAL.pdf

Notice of Funding Opportunity

Strengthening Governance, Transparency, and Accountability in Panama

Announcement Type: New Grant Public Opportunity Title: Strengthening Governance, Transparency, and

Accountability in Panama Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Listing: 19.750 Funding Amount: $1,000,000 U.S. Dollars

Issuance Date: March 10, 2023

Deadline for Receipt April 10, 2023 of Questions:

Deadline for Submission May 10, 2023 of Applications:

Funding Activity Category: Governance Program Type: U.S. Embassy Panama City 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 overseas-based NGOs, institutions of higher education, and public international organizations (PIOs); Panama NGOs are strongly encouraged to apply.

Est. Project Start Date: September 30, 2023 Est. Project End Date: Variable Fiscal Year: FY 2022 Award Ceiling: $500,000 Award Floor: $250,000 Expected # of Awards Funded: 2 to 4 Cost Sharing Requirement: No

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The U.S. Embassy in Panama City announces a Notification of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to promote democratic institutions, accountability, and good governance in Panama with up to $1,000,000 in Fiscal Year 2022 Economic Support Funds (ESF) for a project period between 18-24 months. The anticipated start date for this activity is September 30, 2023. The U.S. Embassy Panama anticipates funding a minimum of two awards and a maximum of four awards based on this NOFO.

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.

Successful proposals will develop projects aimed at: 1) promoting transparency and anti-corruption; 2) strengthening democratic institutions to improve governance and the rule of law;

and 3) supporting efficient management of government resources. Funding awarded under this NOFO cannot be used for law enforcement, to train members of law enforcement, or to provide social services. Projects may focus on one or more of the objectives and must fulfill at least one sub-objective of the corresponding objectives outlined in Section I, Project Description, herein.

U.S. Embassy Panama City 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 with interest in applying 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:

John Moriarty- Grants Officer PanamaGrants@state.gov mailto:PanamaGrants@state.gov

NOTICE OF FUNDING OPPORTUNITY

The U.S. Department of State at U.S. Embassy Panama City is seeking applications from Non- Governmental Organizations (NGOs), Public International Organizations (PIOs), Educational Institutions, and other qualified organizations for a grant to implement a program entitled “Strengthening Governance, Transparency, and Accountability in Panama.” The authority for this NOFO is found in the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended.

Pursuant to 2 CFR 200.400g, it is U.S. Department of State policy not to award profit under assistance instruments. All reasonable, allocable, and allowable expenses, however, both direct and indirect, which are related to the agreement project and are in accordance with applicable cost standards (2 CFR 200 for U.S. and overseas-based non-profit organizations and universities;

and the Mandatory Standard Provision “Allowable Costs (2 CFR 200.403)” for public international organizations), may be paid under the grant agreement.

Note: Non-U.S.-based nonprofit organizations are legally required to comply with the 2 CFR 200.

Subject to the availability of funds, U.S. Embassy Panama City intends to issue at least two and no more than four awards in an amount not to exceed $1,000,000.00 in total funding. The U.S. dollar amount will be funded from U.S. Embassy Panama allocated funds, for a project period of between 18-24 months per award. The anticipated start date for this activity is September 30, 2023. Contingent upon the availability of funds and quality of proposals, as many as four awards may be granted based on this NOFO. U.S. Embassy Panama City reserves the right to fund any or none of the applications submitted and will determine the resulting level of funding for each award.

To be eligible for an award, the applicant must submit all required information in its application through http://www.grants.gov, including the requirements found in any attachments to this opportunity. This NOFO consists of this cover letter plus the following sections:

1. Section I – Program Description and Funding Opportunity

2. Section II – Federal Award Information

3. Section III – Eligibility Information

4. Section IV – Application and Submission Information

5. Section V – Application Review Information

6. Section VI – Federal Award Administration Information

7. Section VII – Federal Awarding Agency Contact

This funding opportunity is posted on http://www.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 information pertaining to this NOFO. Applicants will need to have available or download the Adobe software program to their computers in order to view and save the Adobe forms properly.

If organizations have difficulty registering on http://www.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 it has been received from http://www.grants.gov in its entirety. U.S. Embassy Panama City bears no responsibility for data errors resulting from transmission or conversion processes associated with electronic submissions. The deadline to submit applications is May 10, 2023.

Please submit any questions concerning this NOFO in writing to PanamaGrants@state.gov. The deadline for submission of questions about this NOFO is April 10, 2023. Responses to questions will be made available to all potential applicants through an amendment to this NOFO that will be posted on http://www.grants.gov.

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 Panama City 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, Mari Carmen Aponte U.S. Ambassador to Panama http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/ mailto:support@grants.gov http://www.grants.gov/ mailto:PanamaGrants@state.gov http://www.grants.gov/

SECTION I – PROGRAM DESCRIPTION AND FUNDING OPPORTUNITY

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 and governmental drivers of illegal immigration and illicit trafficking. To promote improved governance, U.S. assistance 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. CARSI 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 support 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 that 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. It also supports initiatives 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

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

Solicitations must primarily reflect support for CARSI pillar three (strong, capable, and accountable governments), and the results, particularly indicators, will be reported under the Strategy’s Governance objective. Applicants must provide governance indicators to track results that correlate with CARSI pillar three and RCS pillar two. 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 upcoming electoral process on project activities. The risk template (TAB F) should include a contingency plan for changes in government administration.

PROJECT OBJECTIVES

Successful grant proposals will focus on programs that contribute to making Panama’s democratic institutions strong, transparent, and inclusive. Proposals should be oriented towards activities by civil society organizations (CSOs) to assist or complement central/local/municipal government efforts to improve the delivery of government services – particularly to vulnerable and/or marginalized communities – and increase the government’s ability to hold corrupt actors accountable and reduce the level of impunity. The proposals should foster collaboration among CSOs and government institutions – through technology solutions, capacity building, or other means as necessary – to advocate for change and/or improve government transparency and accountability across all levels.

Applicants should address one or more of the following project objectives:

Objective 1: Panama’s democratic institutions implement meaningful reforms to hold corrupt actors accountable and decrease impunity.

Impunity undermines the integrity of democratic governments and enables corruption.

Strengthening the rule of law is necessary to increase accountability, ensure stability, and safeguard the public interest. Potential projects could include assistance with the accusatory penal justice system and the Panamanian state’s timely delivery of justice, strengthening policies and mechanisms to ensure separation of powers, whistleblower protections, press freedoms/access, public access to government data, and projects to ensure informed, transparent, and fair elections that include the participation of vulnerable and/or marginalized communities.

Objective 2: Panama manages public revenues transparently and is accountable for investing public resources responsibly.

Ensuring public revenue data, services, and processes are easily accessible to citizens promotes efficiency and accountability within the government while mitigating the risk of corruption. Potential projects could include developing tools to increase responsible management of public resources, building government capacity to publish data that is easily accessible to citizens, and/or supporting the use of public data for projects that promote transparency, anti-corruption, and responsibility. Illustrative examples of projects may include but are not limited to: helping the Government of Panama establish proper processes for budgeting, management, and the use of public resources at the local and national levels to enhance service delivery for all citizens, including in underserved areas and among vulnerable populations; and/or helping the Government of Panama strengthen environmental governance.

Objective 3: Panamanian civil society demands government accountability and can influence policy outcomes. The government of Panama upholds the values and practices of liberal democracy; citizens hold their government accountable for these actions.

A healthy democracy needs well established civil society organizations that represent diverse groups of stakeholders, as well as formal avenues through which those organizations can provide input on government policies and processes. Projects should empower Panamanian civil society and independent media to hold their government accountable through increased technical capacity and cross-sectoral cooperation; support civic engagement at all levels during the electoral process, advocacy skills training, and/or mentorship of civil society organizations that serve vulnerable and/or marginalized communities (i.e. indigenous, women, Afro-Panamanians, LGBTQ+, and at-risk youth); and/or strengthen the capacity of civil society, media, and other oversight and accountability actors to conduct research and analysis on corruption trends, advocate for preventative measures, investigate and uncover corruption, and inform and support government accountability and reform efforts.

Illustrative examples of projects include but are not limited to: 1) supporting the development or strengthening of civil society and government engagement/dialogue mechanisms; building the capacity of marginalized groups to interact with local government or relevant institutions to affect government policies/practices that impact their communities; voter education campaigns focused on underserved and/or marginalized populations; and/or campaigns that foster informed, free, and transparent elections.

Proposals should foster collaboration among CSOs and government institutions to enhance

Panama’s anti-corruption regime; advocate for change and/or improve government transparency across all levels; and/or protect anonymous sources.

Objective 4: Panama’s government adequately resources judicial and oversight institutions, ensuring their independence, and promotes reform of personnel selection and retention processes to create a competent civil service that provides nonpartisan continuity and services to all residents of Panama.

Strong, professional, and well-resourced oversight institutions and civil service are vital for the effective functioning of a democracy. This workforce allows the government to provide continuity of services and processes, while preserving institutional knowledge and technical expertise. Illustrative examples of projects include but are not limited to strengthening government institutions to promote transparency and accountability through technology solutions and capacity building, helping the Panamanian government develop a robust and modern system for records management, building the capacity of the civil servant workforce, and/or supporting efforts to make meaningful structural reforms to strengthen the role of the civil service within the government.

DESIRED RESULTS AND OUTCOME INDICATORS

The applicant will develop a project-level Performance Monitoring Plan (PMP) with annual and end-of-project targets and results anticipated for key performance indicators. The following tables show examples of indicators that will be measured, as well as illustrative targets, upon which the recipient will be responsible for monitoring and reporting during and after the project.

In addition, U.S. Embassy Panama City will regularly monitor each project’s performance to assess whether project activities are on track and targets are being achieved.

By the end of the project, applicants must demonstrate that the project has contributed to: 1) strengthened policies/procedures to improve government services; 2) making government stronger, more capable, and more accountable; and 3) enhanced engagement between government and civil society that will be sustained beyond the project timeframe.

Project feasibility, potential impact, and performance will be assessed based on potential outcomes. Outcomes are changes that take place because of your organization’s work – the differences that will have been made by delivering your objectives and achieving your outputs.

For example, an outcome could be increased rates of a vulnerable population successfully accessing government services, improved productivity of government workers in targeted agencies, or new policies/procedures instituted within your partner government agency.

Required and illustrative outcome indicators for the projects are provided below. The applicants are expected to identify targets for these indicators based on what can be reasonably achieved within the performance period of the project and based on the expected overall project results described above.

Required Outcome Indicators:

REQUIRED Outcome Indicators Required targets:

Number of civil society organizations (CSOs) receiving USG assistance engaged in advocacy and/or policy interventions that affect their communities.

Determined by applicants

OR

REQUIRED Outcome Indicators Required targets:

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

AND

REQUIRED Outcome Indicator: Required targets:

Number of Panamanian government institutions implementing meaningful reforms to decrease impunity, strengthen rule of law, improve management of public resources, promote transparency and accountability, and/or develop a robust and independent civil service.

Example/ Illustrative Outcome Indicators:

Objective 1

Panama’s democratic institutions implement meaningful reforms to hold corrupt actors accountable and decrease impunity.

Example/Illustrative Output Indicators Illustrative target:

Members of the executive and judicial branches participating in a virtual conference to gain better understanding of whistleblower protection policies and best practices.

30 members participated in the virtual conference

Example/Illustrative Outcome Indicators Illustrative target:

Whistleblower protection policies enacted within the government. 4 whistleblower policies enacted

Objective 2

Panama manages public revenues transparently and is accountable for investing public resources responsibly.

Government agencies receiving four weeks of training on how to provide public services virtually.

7 agencies received the training

Government agencies providing virtual services effectively and efficiently.

5 agencies provided virtual services

Objective 3

Panamanian civil society demands government accountability without reprisal of their rights and can influence policy outcomes. The government of Panama upholds the values and practices of liberal democracy; citizens hold their government accountable for these actions.

Media leaders receiving six weeks of training on corruption research and analysis.

20 leaders received training and mentorship

Media leaders investigate and uncover corrupt practices government agencies within six months of completing the training/mentorship program.

12 leaders engaged in corruption reporting

Objective 4

Panama’s government adequately resources judicial and oversight institutions, ensuring their independence, and promotes reform of personnel selection and retention processes to create a competent civil service that provides nonpartisan continuity and services to all residents of Panama.

Civil service staff receiving training on digital records management.

100 civil service staff trained

Government agencies or sub-agencies digitizing their records managements systems.

4 agencies or sub- agencies digitized record systems

The applicant should provide output and outcome indicators in addition to the required indicators listed above. Any data collection focused on individuals should be reported by gender and age (minor or adult) if possible.

The grantee will be required to collect baseline data for all the Performance Monitoring Plan indicators during the first year of the project. In addition, applicants should define certain terms included in the outcomes and indicators 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. Such baseline information will be critical for both monitoring and evaluation of project progress and results.

[END OF SECTION I]

SECTION II – FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION

U.S. Embassy Panama expects to award up to four grant agreements based on this NOFO.

The anticipated total federal funding amount is $1,000,000.00. The period of performance for each award is between 18-24 months with an anticipated start date of September 30, 2023.

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.

The U.S. government may make awards based on 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 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 – ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

(1) Eligible Entities: Applicants who are eligible to apply are U.S. and overseas-based Non- Governmental Organizations (NGOs), Public International Organizations (PIOs), Educational Institutions, and other qualified organizations that can respond to the NOFO and be able to mobilize in a short period of time. A consortium of organizations can apply together if there is one lead organization submitting the proposal. U.S. and overseas-based Non-Governmental Organizations, and International Organizations are strongly encouraged to apply with a Panamanian NGO sub-grantee.

Locally based projects involving community interaction with local civic and government leadership historically have had the best chances of success. Proposals that include the utilization of local resources and expertise are highly encouraged. Partnerships between civil society organizations also can increase the likelihood of sustainable impacts.

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 Panama encourages applications from potential new partners.

(3) 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 IV for more information. Individuals are not required to have a UEI or be registered in SAM.gov.

[END OF SECTION III]

http://www.sam.gov/

SECTION IV – APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

U.S. Embassy Panama City 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. If an organization does not have an active registration in SAM.gov prior to applying, the application will be deemed ineligible.

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.

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

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.”

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.

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

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.

C) All Microsoft Word documents are single-spaced, 14-point Calibri font, with a minimum of 1-inch margins.

The following items are required in your proposal:

____ Cover Sheet (See Tab E) http://www.sam.gov/ http://www.sam.gov/ https://login.gov/

____ Completed and signed SF-424, SF-424a and SF424b, submitted to grants.gov ____ Table of Contents ____ Executive Summary ____ Proposal Narrative ____ Budget Narrative ____ Detailed Line-Item Budget ____ Additional attachments: Organizational Capability; PMP;

Resumes of Key Persons; Proof of Organization’s Legal Status; Letter of Support from

Government agency(ies) that has agreed to be a project partner

Complete applications must include the following for proposal submissions:

1. Completed Cover Sheet that includes a project title, name of the solicitation organization, and the Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) from SAM.gov (see TAB E)

2. Completed and signed SF-424, SF-424a [and SF424b] submitted to www.grants.gov, as well as, if applicable, the organization’s most recent audit. The SF-424B is required only for those applicants who have not registered in SAM.gov or recertified their registration in SAM.gov since February 2, 2019 and completed the online representations and certifications.

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

4. Executive Summary (not to exceed two [2] pages) 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

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

5. Proposal Narrative (includes points a to k below and should not exceed ten [10] pages in Microsoft Word). Please note that 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 document, (i.e., Table of Contents, Executive Summary, Proposal Narrative, and Budget Narrative in one file).

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

b) Introduction to the Organization or Individual applying: A description of past and present operations, showing ability to carry out the program, including information on all previous grants from the U.S. Embassy and/or U.S. government agencies.

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

http://www.grants.gov/

d) 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.

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

f) Program Methods and Design: A description of how the program is expected to work to solve the stated problem and achieve the goal. Include a logic model as appropriate.

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

h) 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?

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

j) 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?

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

6. Detailed Line-Item Budget (preferably in Microsoft Excel) that includes three [3] columns including the request to U.S. Embassy Panama, any cost-sharing contribution 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.

7. 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 Panama recommends applicants order the budget narrative as presented in the detailed budget.

Program 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 Panama any information that might not be readily apparent in the budget, not simply repeat with words what is stated numerically in the budget. (see TAB C).

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

a) Page 1-2: Project Monitoring Plan (PMP) (see TAB B).

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, evaluation efforts, and project closeout.

d) Page 5-7: Supporting Documentation of Government Partnership. Attachments may include letters of support, memoranda of understanding (MOU)/agreement, etc.

9. Indirect Cost Agreement If the organization has a negotiated indirect cost rate agreement

(NICRA) and will include NICRA charges in the budget, the latest NICRA must be included as a .pdf file. This document will not be reviewed by the panelists, but rather used by U.S.

Embassy Panama City’s grants staff if the submission is recommended for funding and therefore does not count against the submission page limitations, as described above. If the 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). If the organization does not have a NICRA, the organization should specify if it instead elects to charge the de minimis rate of 10% of the modified total direct costs (MTDC). More information on Indirect Costs can be found below in TAB C: Budget Guidelines.

Note: U.S. Embassy Panama 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.

ADMINISTRATIVE REQUIREMENTS, COST PRINCIPLES AND AUDIT REQUIREMENTS FOR FEDERAL

AWARDS

Organizations should be familiar with 2 CFR 200 on cost accounting principles. For a copy of the Code of Federal Regulations, go to 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. Public international organizations retain their privileges and immunities as such but are encouraged to address requirements in outlined in 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.

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

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 project-specific audit conducted for that year in accordance with the provisions of 2 CFR 200 subpart F.

Note: 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 under “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. More information on Indirect Costs can be found below in Tab C: Budget Guidelines.

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 geographic area, and how the proposed intervention may complement (or differ from) other similar interventions. The applicant should also explain, as necessary, the experience and qualifications it brings to the project. The rationale should also reflect an understanding of the priorities and policies of the post or program 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 role in the project, along with any contingencies. The applicant should list assumptions that are dependent on 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:

Planned Activity Contingency

Open data workshops, in collaboration with the Government of Panama, focused on raising awareness about public procurement contracts.

If the Government of Panama does not engage at the expected level, the project team will look to other regional stakeholders, such as the OAS, 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

Process Indicators measure the activity that has been completed. Please delineate the specific activities to be conducted, such as workshops, roundtables, trainings, forums, exchanges, policy dialogues, etc. All indicators must include targets. Example of a process indicator:

Process Indicator 200 Afro-Panamanian women educated on the importance of civic engagement.

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 Afro-Panamanian women received X weeks of advocacy skills training.

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 60 percent of Afro-Panamanian women lobbied decision makers in their communities within six months of completing training.

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: PROGRAM MONITORING PLAN (PMP)

U.S. Embassy Panama will work with recipient organizations to implement the appropriate monitoring plan that meets both the needs of U.S. Embassy Panama 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. 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 Panama 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 their regular progress reports to U.S. Embassy Panama.

The monitoring plan should include, at a minimum, the following elements:

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

• Indicators, as described in the NOFO and 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. Monitoring plans 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 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 would be monitored throughout the project.

Sample Evaluation Plan

Activity: Advocacy Training

Indicator Type Indicator Name

Source Target

FY23Q1

Results

FY23Q1

Target

FY23Q2

Results

FY23Q2

Output

# of Afro-Panamanian women receiving advocacy training training records 120

Outcome

% of Afro-Panamanian women lobbying decision makers

Post-training survey 60 36

Activity: XXXXX

Indicator Type Indicator Name Source Target

FY23Q1

Results

FY23Q1

Target

FY23Q2

Results

FY23Q2

Output

Outcome

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 Food Security for 50,000 households in Country X

Outcome 1 Improved production and productivity of female and male producers

Outcome 2 Increased adoption of appropriate nutrition practices, by female and male beneficiaries

Output 1.1

Farmer Field Schools

Established

Output 1.2 Improved access to input supply systems/services

Output 2.1

Home Gardens Established

Output 2.2

Improved knowledge of nutrition practices

Activities Train producers on FFS methodology

Conduct agro-forestry training

Develop and translate materials

Conduct meetings with suppliers

Distribute new seed varietals

Organize and hold supply fairs

Train producers on how to develop home gardens

Distribute new seeds

Develop and translate materials

Train producers in food conservation and preparation

Develop and translate materials

Please note that when the expected outcome or impact is “improved XXX,” it is critical to set a baseline and expected improvement. For example, in the chart above, Outcome 1 “Improved production and productivity of female and male producers” would need to define the production and productivity at the start of the project (or use some other baseline data), then define a percent increase desired.

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 bureau funding request, cost share by applicant, and total project funding. Complete applications will include a budget narrative to explain, clarify, and justify each 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

a) Primarily Headquarters-Based Personnel

-H.Q.-based project -dedicated staff salary (X months) X% of $X/yr -H.Q.-based administrative staff salary (X months) X% of $X/yr

b) Primarily Field-Based Personnel

-Field-based Country Director salary (x months or year) X% of $X/yr -Field-based Project Assistant salary (x months or year) X% of $X/yr

Subtotal Personnel

B. FRINGE BENEFITS

a) Primarily H.Q.-Based Fringe Benefits fringe=X% salary

-H.Q.-based project -dedicated staff fringe (X months) X% fringe -H.Q.-based administrative staff fringe (X months) X% fringe

b) Primarily Field-Based Fringe Benefits fringe=X% salary

-Field-based Country Director fringe (x months or year) X% fringe -Field-based Project Assistant fringe (x months or year) X% fringe

Subtotal Fringe Benefits

C. TRAVEL

a) Monitoring Travel

-Monitoring Trip: H.Q. to field (X) $X/RT flight -Per diem (X days) $X/day

b) Field Travel

Activity 1: Workshop

-Staff Travel (# staff) $X/RT flight/# staff

-Staff Per Diem (X days) $X/day/# day/# staff

-Participant Travel (# participants) $X/trip/# pax

-Participant Per Diem (X days) $X/day/# day/# pax

Activity 2: Town Hall Meeting

-Staff Travel (# staff) $X/RT flight/# staff

-Staff Per Diem (X days) $X/day/# day/# staff

-Participant Travel (# participants) $X/trip/# pax

-Participant Per Diem (X days) $X/day/# day/# pax

Subtotal Travel

D. EQUIPMENT

a) Primarily H.Q.-Based Equipment (if applicable)

-H.Q.-equipment (if applicable) $X/unit

b) Primarily Field-Based Equipment

-Field-equipment $X/unit

Subtotal Equipment

E. SUPPLIES

a) Primarily H.Q.-Based Supplies (if applicable)

-Printing and Photocopying (X months) X% of $X/yr

b) Primarily Field-Based Supplies

-Markers and dry erase board $X/set -Telephone (X months) X% of $X/yr -Office Supplies (X months) X% of $X/yr

Subtotal Supplies

F. CONTRACTUAL

a) Subgrants

-Local Subgrantees (X subgrants) $X/unit

b) Consultant Fees

-Media Specialist/Honoraria (X days/hours) $X/consult -Independent M & E specialist $X/unit

-Translation Fees (X pages) $X/page Subtotal Contractual

G. CONSTRUCTION N/A

H. OTHER

a) Other Direct Costs

-Field Office Rent (X months) X% of $X/mo

Subtotal Other

I. TOTAL DIRECT CHARGES

(Sum of A-H Subtotals)

J. INDIRECT CHARGES

a) Indirect Costs/NICRA (X% of costs)

Subtotal Indirect Charges

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. Individual line items included in each applicant’s budget should reflect specific project activities. (pax = participants)

Before grants are awarded, the Embassy reserves the right to reduce, revise, or increase proposal…