CG Karachi-Building Capacity for Non-Formal Education NOFO FINAL 02.26.19.pdf

Department of State – Embassy of the United States, Islamabad, Pakistan

Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)

Program Office: Public Affairs Section, U.S. Consulate General of Karachi

Funding Opportunity Title: Building Capacity for Non-Formal Education

Announcement Type: Grant

Funding Opportunity Number: SCAISB-19-AW-005-02262019

Deadline for Applications: April 28, 2019 (11:59 p.m. U.S. Eastern time)

CFDA Number: 19.501 - Public Diplomacy Programs for Afghanistan and

Pakistan

CONTACT INFORMATION

A) For questions relating to Grants.gov, please call the Grants.gov Contact Center at 1-800-

518-4726.

B) For assistance with the requirements of this solicitation, contact Ellen Delage, Program

Specialist, Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs, Office of Press and Public

Diplomacy at email: DelageEM@state.gov.

CONTACT INFORMATION

A) For questions relating to Grants.gov, please call the Grants.gov Contact Center at 1-800-

518-4726.

B) For assistance with the requirements of this solicitation, contact Ellen Delage, Program

Specialist, Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs, Office of Press and Public

Diplomacy at email: DelageEM@state.gov.

IMPORTANT NOTE

All application materials must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov. Applications materials submitted via other means such as email will not be accepted.

Authorization to submit proposals through www.Grants.gov is a multi-step process that requires prior successful registration with four separate sites including DUNS, NCAGE, SAM, and www.Grants.gov. Please begin the registration process with each one immediately to ensure that the process is completed well in advance of the deadline for applications. The entire registration process can require up to six weeks for the registration to be validated and confirmed. See Section D: Submission Requirements for further details.

Due to the volume of applicants and inquiries, Public Affairs Section (PAS) does not accept letters of intent, concept papers, or requests for meetings or phone calls prior to application.

mailto:DelageEM@state.gov mailto:DelageEM@state.gov http://www.grants.gov/

CONTENTS

A. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Executive Summary

Project Objectives

B. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION

C. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

D. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

Technical Requirements

Content and Form of Application Submission

Application Deadline

Submission Requirements

E. REVIEW AND SELECTION PROCESS

F. FEDERAL AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION

G. FEDERAL AWARDING AGENCY CONTACTS

H. OTHER INFORMATION

A. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Executive Summary

The Public Affairs Sections of the U.S. Consulate General Karachi (PAS Karachi), (hereinafter known as PAS Karachi), is pleased to announce an open competition for assistance award through this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), contingent on funding availability, through the Public Diplomacy Grants Program. The project set forth in this NOFO supports individual and institutional capacity-building in the non-formal education sector, informally known as

“street schools”.

Public Diplomacy Goals:

PAS Karachi programs are a key component of U.S. Government Public Diplomacy efforts in

Pakistan, creating valuable opportunities for the Mission to engage key audiences, as well as lasting professional, educational, and personal opportunities for Pakistani program participants. Proposal funded under this award will further the following U.S. Mission to

Pakistan’s public diplomacy goals:

1. Strengthen people-to-people ties between the United States and Pakistan through shared information, experiences, exchanges, and/or expertise.

2. Strengthen civil society and local organizations to build long-term, self-sustaining relationships and linkages between U.S. and Pakistani organizations, including capacity building support for Pakistani organizations.

3. Promote community cohesion through positive messages and inclusive perspectives that increase social tolerance and counter extremist narratives.

More information about the Public Affairs Section can be found at:

https://pk.usembassy.gov/education-culture/

Project Goals and Objectives

Goal: Expand access to education and life skills for underprivileged youth by partnering with

Lincoln Corners and educators.

Objective 1: Students gain knowledge and skills in basic computer literacy.

Objective 2: Students are exposed to and gain knowledge of American culture.

Project Activities Various informal education sector entities known as “street schools” have recently opened in

Pakistan to fill a niche that public schools are unable to fill. These schools target the poorest subsector of youth who beg for money instead of studying. Street schools currently pay youth to attend school to make up for the money they lose when they are not begging. Although these youth are getting access to minimal education, these schools do not provide much more to the students other than books and notebooks. This program aims to work with a minimum of five (5) street schools and bring at least thirty (30) students per school between 13 to 18 years old to

Lincoln Corners at least once (1) per week for two to three hours sessions with facilitators – recruited and hired by the grantee – who will teach them to use computers and other technologies available at Lincoln Corners to add a skill development component to their extracurricular activities that would otherwise be unavailable to them. Applicants should plan to conduct all https://pk.usembassy.gov/education-culture/ activities in the relevant regional languages. The successful grantee is responsible for transporting students to and from the Lincoln Corners and their respective street schools, and to conduct any additional administrative tasks related to grant implementation. The resources provided in the Lincoln Corners, and the facilitated educational sessions provided by the grantee will focus on basic computer literacy, exposure to American culture, soft skills and critical thinking development. The result of this supplemental educational program will provide life and employment skills that will enable the students to eventually join the workforce.

Monitoring and Evaluation Applicants shall include a Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) workbook in their proposal, which should address the following:

1. Follow the instructions outlined in NOFO Part D, section 2 and complete the suggested, auto-populated workbook in Attachment 3 for “Building Capacity for Non-Formal

Education”. Completing this workbook will constitute a complete M&E submission for the purposes of the NOFO.

2. The Data Collection Methods listed below:

a. Demographics: The grantee will collect demographic information on all participants to include: gender, age range, home district, level of formal education, profession, etc.

b. Learner Progress: Using pre-testing, midterm exams, and post-testing before, during and after the course.

c. Grantee Interviews: The grantee will include plans to conduct interviews with a representative sample of participants. The purpose of the interviews is to determine the most significant change beneficiaries experienced, in their opinion, from participation in the project. Interviewers must explain the purpose of the interview and protect the confidentiality of any beneficiaries who agree to be interviewed. The grantee will translate summaries of key interviews into English to be used as success stories.

Participants and Audiences:

For purposes of this grant, “participants” are defined as citizens of Pakistan. For specific participants and audiences, please refer objective that are listed above. Applicants who set forth strategic, underserved audiences such as women, youth, and vulnerable/marginalized communities in rural and impoverished areas will be given stronger consideration. The target audience are street school students, both male and female, at the secondary level in the Karachi area, between the ages of 13-18.

All proposals should:

Address how the project will contribute to one or more of the objectives listed above;

Enumerate specific outputs and outcomes to be achieved by the end of the grant period, using a Grantee M&E workbook, preferably the template provided on www.grants.gov

(Attachment 3);

Describe involvement of American participants, expert/s, organization/s, or institution/s;

Clearly specify the audiences to be reached and the geographic locations of program activities. Programs proposed in multiple locations should explain how that will be accomplished. The grantee must demonstrate capacity to implement activities in locations and with audiences proposed;

Provide surveys of participants, and information on when results will be reported to the

Public Affairs Section;

Describe how elements of the project will have a multiplier effect or be sustainable beyond the life of the grant;

Include a traditional and/or social media plan for marketing or advertising program activities and outcomes;

Demonstrate competency to manage all financial and oversight aspects of the project, including participant costs and transparent arrangements of sub-grant relationships with partner organizations, if applicable.

The Public Affairs Section will not support the following activities or expenses under this funding opportunity:

• The purchase of space or buildings in support of program activities;

• Development projects;

• Construction projects;

• Individual travel to conferences;

• Scholarships to support educational opportunities or study for individuals*;

• Completion of activities begun with other funds;

• Fundraising or fund development projects;

• Projects that are inherently political in nature or that contain the appearance of partisanship/support to an individual or single party in electoral campaigns;

• Political party or lobbying activities in support of political parties;

• Projects that support specific religious activities;

• Cash prizes for competitions.

*Individuals interested in educational exchange or study opportunities in the United States should visit the United States Educational Foundation in Pakistan website at:

http://www.usefpakistan.org/ for more information on available programs.

B. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION

Anticipated Award Amount: The award floor is $20,000; the award ceiling is $35,000.

Duration of Award: All proposals should propose one (1) year only of activities.

The Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Consulate General Karachi reserves the right to award less or more than the amount of funds described in the absence of worthy applications or under such other circumstances as they may deem to be in the best interest of the U.S. government.

Project and Budget Periods: Projects generally must be completed within the specified duration. The Public Affairs Section will consider applications for continuation awards funded under these awards on a noncompetitive basis, subject to availability of funds, satisfactory progress of the program, and a determination that continued funding would be in the best interest of the U.S. Department of State.

http://www.usefpakistan.org/

C. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

Eligible Applicants

Submissions are encouraged from U.S. and Pakistani registered not-for-profit, civil society / non-governmental organizations, and educational institutions. At least two (2) years of programming experience is preferred. Applicants are expected to document prior programming experience if selected under this NOFO, and a copy of the organization’s registration must accompany the proposal. U.S.-based non-profit organizations must provide a copy of their IRS determination letter. Pakistan-based non-profit organizations must submit a copy of their certificate of registration from the appropriate government organization.

Cost Sharing:

Cost sharing or matching is not required for this funding opportunity.

Other Eligibility Requirements

Applicants are allowed to submit only one proposal per organization. If more than one proposal is submitted from an organization, all proposals from that institution will be considered ineligible for funding.

In order to be eligible to receive an award, all organizations must have a Data Universal

Numbering System (DUNS) number from Dun & Bradstreet. Applicants must also have a valid registration on www.SAM.gov. Please see Section D for information on how to obtain these registrations.

Previous federal award recipients who are not/were not in compliance with the terms of their financial and program reporting requirements are ineligible to apply. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure they are in compliance with all applicable terms, conditions, and Office of Management and Budget guidance and requirements. Those organizations found to be in non-compliance may be found ineligible for funding or designated high risk if selected for funding.

D. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

Technical Requirements

Please follow all instructions below carefully. Proposals that do not meet the requirements of this announcement or fail to comply with the stated requirements will be ineligible.

Content and Form of Application Submission

Please ensure:

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

2. All documents are in English

3. All budgets are in U.S. dollars

4. All pages are numbered

5. All documents are formatted to 8 ½ x 11 paper; and

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

7. All applicant authorized signatures are provided where indicated on the various, required forms

When submitting a proposal, applicants are required to include the following documents and information, as applicable:

Section 1– Organization Information

A. Application Summary Coversheet: Applicants must complete and submit the form provided (Attachment 1).

B. Applicant Organizational Information Sheet: Applicants must complete and submit the form provided (Attachment 2). An authorized signature by the applicant must be provided on this form.

C. A copy of the organization’s registration should be provided with the proposal application. U.S.-based organizations should submit a copy of their IRS determination letter.

Pakistan-based organizations should submit a copy of their certificate of registration from the appropriate government organization.

Section 2 – Technical Proposal: Applicants must submit a complete narrative proposal in a format of your choice. The proposal shall not exceed twelve (12) pages. Refer to the evaluation criteria in Section E below for further detail about what makes a strong proposal. All proposals must address the following areas:

Organizational Description and Capacity

Project Justification, Sustainability, and Impact

Project Goals, Objectives and Activities

Implementation Timeline

Security (see note below)

Monitoring and Evaluation

Security

The safety and security of all participants and activities under this project are the sole responsibility of the award recipient. Due to the security climate in Pakistan, we require all proposals to include a security package to accompany appropriate programmatic elements within their proposal. The security package must include, but is not limited to, secure transportation, lodging, and emergency accountability and evacuation for any non-Pakistani personnel living or working in Pakistan, as well as a copy of your organization’s security operational procedures for high-risk environments. Reasonable costs for necessary security are allowable expenses and should be included in the proposed budget. If a security company is engaged and funded under the award, it must be registered by the Government of Pakistan to operate in Pakistan. We also require award recipients to notify the Public Affairs Section in advance when U.S. citizens are traveling to Pakistan.

U.S. citizens who travel to Pakistan are encouraged to enroll in the Department of State's Smart

Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) available at: https://step.state.gov/step/. Enrollment enables citizens to receive security-related messages from the Embassy and makes it easier for us to locate you in an emergency. The Embassy also recommends that all travelers review the State https://step.state.gov/step/

Department's travel website at travel.state.gov for the Worldwide Caution, Travel

Warnings, Travel Alerts, and Pakistan Country Specific Information.

Monitoring & Evaluation Workbook:

Proposals must include a Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) workbook. Attachment 3 of this funding opportunity contains a preferred template that may be used to fulfill this requirement.

The M&E workbook describes how applicants intend to measure and demonstrate progress towards the project’s objectives and goals.

An M&E workbook should include the following components:

1. Monitoring and Evaluation Narrative: Applicants should describes how they intend to monitor and evaluate the activities of their award and collect data that tracks award performance.

For more information, please see the example in Attachment 3.1.

2. Monitoring and Evaluation Outline At minimum, the applicant must include their proposed activities and their expected outputs and outcomes as well as the goals and objectives as written in the NOFO (please see Attachment 3). The outline’s purpose is to explicitly illustrate how a project’s activities lead to tangible results (such as increased beneficiary skills, knowledge, or attitudes) that ultimately address a PAS objective. For more information, please see the example in Attachment 3.1 and a list of definitions in Attachment 3.2.

The selected applicant(s) will be required to submit a Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) plan before an award is signed. An M&E plan will require qualitative and/or quantitative indicators that measure the outputs, outcomes, and objectives the applicant expects to achieve. The proposed M&E plan is subject to PAS review and approval prior to finalizing the award. The selected applicant will be required to work with PAS Monitoring and Evaluation Specialists to ensure the M&E plan meets PAS objectives.

Section 3 – Budget

A. Budget and Budget Detail: Applicants must submit a detailed budget and budget narrative justification utilizing the template provided with the funding opportunity

(Attachment 4). Line item expenditures should be listed in the greatest possible detail.

Personnel salaries should include the level of effort and the rate of pay, which should cover the percentage of time each staff member will dedicate to grant-based activities.

Budgets that are not in the provided format will not be considered. Budgets shall be submitted in U.S. dollars and final grant agreements will be conducted in U.S. dollars.

B. Audit Requirements: Please note the audit requirements for Department of State awards in the Standard Terms and Conditions https://www.state.gov/m/a/ope/index.htm and 2CFR200, Subpart F – Audit Requirements. The cost of the required audits may be charged either as an allowable direct cost to the award OR included in the organization’s established indirect costs in the award’s detailed budget.

C. Visa Fees: Include all visa application and related fees in your budget as applicable.

Please note DS-2019s for post-funded programs must be submitted directly by the award recipient. If you anticipate your program will include the DS-2019 visa processing, your organization must be a registered Designated Sponsoring Organization. For more information go to: https://j1visa.state.gov/sponsors/become-a-sponsor/ http://travel.state.gov/ http://travel.state.gov/ https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/alertswarnings/worldwide-caution.html https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/alertswarnings.html https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/alertswarnings.html https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/alertswarnings.html https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/country/pakistan.html https://www.state.gov/m/a/ope/index.htm%20and%202CFR200 https://www.state.gov/m/a/ope/index.htm%20and%202CFR200 https://j1visa.state.gov/sponsors/become-a-sponsor/

Section 4 – Key Personnel and Project Partners

A. Key Personnel – A résumé, not to exceed 1 page in length, must be included for the proposed key staff persons, such as the Project Director and Finance Officer, as well as any speakers or trainers (if applicable). If an individual for this type of position has not been identified, the applicant may submit a 1-page position description, identifying the qualifications and skills required for that position, in lieu of a résumé.

B. Project Partners – letters of support should be included for sub-recipients or other partners. The letters must identify the type of relationship to be entered into (formal or informal), the roles and responsibilities of each partner in relation to the proposed project activities, and the expected result of the partnership. The individual letters cannot exceed

1 page in length.

Section 5 – Standard Forms 424 – (SF-424 Family) Application for Federal Assistance, 424A Budget Information – Non-Construction (both are located in Attachment 5), which are available, along with guidance for completing these forms, at:

http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms.html under the heading, “SF-424 Family”. An authorized signature by the applicant must be provided on this form.

Please note:

1. Other items NOT required/requested for submission, but which may be requested if your application is approved for funding include:

a. Copies of an organization or program audit within the last two (2) years

b. Copies of relevant human resources, financial, or procurement policies

c. Copies of other relevant organizational policies or documentation that would help the Department determine your organization’s capacity to manage a federal grant award overseas.

2. The Embassy reserves the right to request any additional programmatic and/or financial information regarding the proposal.

Applications are accepted in English only, and final grant agreements will be concluded in

English.

Application Deadline

Applications may be submitted for consideration at any time before the closing date of this opportunity, however, all submission must be received by April 28, 2019 at 11:59 p.m. U.S.

Eastern Daylight Time. For the purposes of determining if an award is submitted on time, officials will utilize the time-stamp provided by Grants.gov.

This deadline is firm. If organizations fail to meet the deadline noted above, their application will not be considered for funding and will be considered ineligible.

Submission Requirements

Applicants must submit all application materials electronically through Grants.gov.

Authorization to submit proposals through www.Grants.gov is a multi-step process that requires prior successful registration with DUNS, NCAGE, SAM, and www.Grants.gov. Please begin the http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms.html registration process immediately to ensure that the process is completed well in advance of the deadline for applications. The entire registration process can require up to six weeks for the registration to be validated and confirmed.

Thorough instructions on the application process are available at https://eportal.nspa.nato.int/AC135Public/Docs/US%20Instructions%20for%20NSPA%2

0NCAGE.pdf for the DUNS number application, NCAGE number application, and registration with SAM and at http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration.html for registration with www.grants.gov as an Authorized Organization Representative

(AOR). For questions relating to Grants.gov, please call the Grants.gov Contact Center at 1-800-518-4726.

Please note: Only www.grants.gov, DUNS, NCAGE, and SAM can assist with technical questions or problems applicants may experience during the registration process. Please refer to the contact information for these organizations listed in Section G of this NOFO and on the organization registration page of www.grants.gov.

Organizations must obtain the following:

UEI (DUNS)

NCAGE code

SAM registration, and

AOR (Authorized Organization Representative) registration on www.Grants.gov

Step 1:

Apply for an UEI (DUNS) and an NCAGE number (these can be completed simultaneously)

Step 1a:

UEI (DUNS) application: Organizations must have a Data Universal Numbering System

(DUNS) number from Dun & Bradstreet, if your organization does not have one already, you may obtain one by calling 1-866-705-5711 or visiting http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform/displayHomePage.do;jsessionid=81407B1F03F2BDB123D

D47D19158B75F.

http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform

Step 1b:

NCAGE application: Application page here (but need to click magnifying glass and then scroll down to click new registration) https://eportal.nspa.nato.int/AC135Public/scage/CageList.aspx

Instructions for the NCAGE application process:

https://eportal.nspa.nato.int/AC135Public/Docs/US%20Instructions%20for%20NSPA%20N

CAGE.pdf

For help from within the U.S., call 1-888-227-2423

For help from outside the U.S., call 1-269-961-7766 https://eportal.nspa.nato.int/AC135Public/Docs/US%20Instructions%20for%20NSPA%20NCAGE.pdf http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration.html http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/ http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform/displayHomePage.do;jsessionid=81407B1F03F2BDB123DD47D19158B75F http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform/displayHomePage.do;jsessionid=81407B1F03F2BDB123DD47D19158B75F http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform https://eportal.nspa.nato.int/AC135Public/scage/CageList.aspx

Email NCAGE@dlis.dla.mil for any problems in getting an NCAGE code. After receiving the NCAGE Code, proceed to register in SAM by logging onto: https://www.sam.gov/

Step 2:

Once DUNS and NCAGE are obtained, continue to SAM registration. www.SAM.gov

Step 3:

Once SAM registration is confirmed, continue to Grants.gov organization registration http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration.html organizations must maintain an active SAM registration (www.SAM.gov) with current information at all times during which they have an active Federal award or an application under consideration by a

Federal awarding agency. SAM registration must be renewed annually.

How to Submit an Application via Grants.gov Grants.gov applicants can apply online using Workspace. Workspace is a shared, online environment where members of a grant team may simultaneously access and edit different webforms within an application. For each funding opportunity announcement (FOA), you can create individual instances of a workspace.

For access to complete instructions on how to apply for opportunities, refer to https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/apply-for-grants.html

NOTE: Visit the Adobe Software Compatibility page on Grants.gov to download the appropriate version of the software at: https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/adobe-software-compatibility.html

Special Characters in Submissions

Grants.gov does not accept all UTF-8 special characters in file attachment names. Applicants are able to enter all special characters from the UTF-8 character set when submitting applications and information to Grants.gov. However, if the grantor's system is not yet compatible with these special characters, the grantor system may produce garbled or missing text in the application. As a result, the application may be rejected.

Review the application instructions provided by the award-making agency for their attachment restrictions. You should also review the instructions on the form you are completing.

If there are no special restrictions for file names identified by the agency or in the form, then the file name restrictions are as follows:

Please limit file names to 50 or fewer characters

Do not attach any documents with the same name. All attachments should have a unique name.

Please use only the following UTF-8 characters when naming your attachments: A-Z, a-z, 0-

9, underscore, hyphen, space, period, parenthesis, curly braces, square brackets, ampersand, tilde, exclamation point, comma, semi colon, apostrophe, at sign, number sign, dollar sign, percent sign, plus sign, and equal sign. Attachments that do not follow this rule may cause the entire application to be rejected or cause issues during processing.

mailto:NCAGE@dlis.dla.mil https://www.sam.gov/ http://www.sam.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration.html http://www.sam.gov/ https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/apply-for-grants.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/adobe-software-compatibility.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/adobe-software-compatibility.html

Risk Analysis Management

To qualify for final consideration, certain applicants must undertake the Risk Analysis

Management (RAM) vetting process by providing Risk Analysis Information (RAI) about their

“key individuals” (i.e., individuals with the ability to control applicant organizations’ funds), including “key individuals” from selected sub-recipients. Please note: these individuals could be different from the key personnel listed in the section 4 of required documents. The purpose of vetting potential contractors and grantees is to reduce the risk that foreign assistance funding is provided to terrorists or their supporters. Potential grantees will be notified separately if RAI is required. Applicants submit key individuals’ RAI by completing the Risk

Analysis Information Form, DS-4184, through the secure web portal at https://ramportal.state.gov. The DS-4184 requests the following RAI for each key individual:

Full Name; Aliases; Gender; Birth Place; Birthdate; Home/Work Addresses; Phone Numbers;

Employer; Professional Title; Email Addresses; Skype ID (if included, email address is also required); Numbers from All Official IDs (e.g., passports, ID cards, etc.); Nationalities; and

Social Security Number (if U.S. person). Questions about the DS-4184 form may be emailed to

RAM@state.gov. Failure to submit information when requested, or failure to pass vetting, may be grounds for rejecting your proposal.

Given the volume of applications, review may take up to 90 days, and we are unable to individually confirm receipt of proposals.

Address to Request Application Package

This funding opportunity and any amendments can be found at www.Grants.gov (search by

Opportunity Number). If you require special accommodation to access any information contained in this announcement, please contact Ellen Delage at DelageEM@state.gov.

E. REVIEW AND SELECTION PROCESS

Each technically eligible application submitted under this announcement will be evaluated and rated on the basis of the criteria detailed below. The criteria are designed to assess the quality of the proposed project, and to determine the likelihood of its success. The criteria are closely related and are considered as a whole in judging the overall quality of an application.

Applications will be reviewed on the basis of their fullness, coherence, clarity, and attention to detail.

Past performance on grants awarded by the U.S. Department of State, other United States government, or international donor agencies may also be considered. The proposal submitted by your organization should comply with the requirements of 2 CFR 200 relevant to your organization and the activities of your proposal.

PAS reviews all proposals for eligibility. Eligible proposals will be subject to compliance of

Federal and Public Diplomacy regulations and guidelines and may also be reviewed by the

Office of the Legal Adviser or by other Department elements. Final technical authority for assistance awards resides with the Department’s Grants Division A/OPE.

mailto:DelageEM@state.gov

All submissions are screened for technical eligibility. If a submission is missing any required forms/documents listed in section D, it will be considered ineligible and will not be reviewed by the grants review committee.

Proposals will be approved based on an evaluation of how the proposal meets the solicitation review criteria, U.S. foreign policy objectives, the priority needs of the Public Affairs Section, and availability of funding. A Grants Review Committee will evaluate all technically eligible proposals. Review criteria will include:

1. Project Justification, Sustainability, and Impact on U.S. Public Diplomacy Goals (30 points) – The project is likely to provide maximum impact in furthering the broader U.S. Public

Diplomacy policy goals. The proposal contains a compelling justification that demonstrates an in-depth understanding of the environment in Pakistan and cites specific factors creating/influencing the need for the proposed project. The proposal has a sound theory of change to address the stated need. Elements of the project will have a multiplier effect and be sustainable beyond the life of the grant. A good multiplier effect may include but is not limited to, plans to build lasting networks for direct and indirect beneficiaries, follow-on training and mentoring, and continued use of project deliverables. Sustainability may include demonstrating capacity-building results, a plan to generate revenue, or interest and support from the private sector.

2. Planning and Feasibility (20 points) – The project plan is well developed, with sufficient detail about how activities will be carried out. The proposal specifies target audiences, participant recruitment, and geographic areas of implementation. The proposal outlines clear, achievable objectives. The proposal includes a reasonable implementation timeline. The project scope is appropriate and clearly defined.

3. Organization’s Record and Capacity (15 points) – The organization has expertise in the subject area and demonstrates the ability to perform the proposed activities. The organization demonstrates capacity for successful planning and responsible fiscal management. Applicants who have received grant funds previously have been compliant with applicable rules and regulations. Where partners are described, the applicant details each partner’s respective role and provides curriculum vitae (CVs) for persons responsible for the project and financial administration. Proposed personnel, institutional resources, and partners are adequate and appropriate.

4. Cost-Effectiveness (20 points) – The budget and narrative justification are sufficiently detailed. Costs are reasonable in relation to the proposed activities and anticipated results. The budget is realistic, accounting for all necessary expenses to achieve proposed activities. The results and proposed outcomes justify the total cost of the project. Budget items are reasonable, allowable, and allocable.

5. Monitoring and Evaluation (15 points) – The use of an Grantee M&E workbook (such as

Attachment 3) is required to receive points in this category. Projects should demonstrate the capacity for engaging in performance management. Expenses directly associated with monitoring and evaluation are considered allowable.

F. FEDERAL AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION

Federal Award Notices

The successful applicant will be notified via email that its proposal has been selected to move forward in the review process; this email IS NOT an authorization to begin performance. The notice of Federal award signed by the grants officer (or equivalent) is the authorizing document.

It shall be written, signed, awarded, and administered by the Grants Officer. The Grants Officer is the Government Official delegated the authority by the U.S. Department of State Procurement

Executive to write, award, and administer grants and cooperative agreements. The assistance award agreement is the authorizing document and it will be provided to the Recipient through email transmission. The recipient may only incur obligations against the award beginning on the start date outlined in the DS-1909 award document that has been signed by the Grants Officer.

Organizations whose applications will not be funded will also be notified via email.

Issuance of this NOFO does not constitute an award commitment on the part of the U.S.

government, nor does it commit the U.S. government to pay for costs incurred in the preparation and submission of proposals. Further, the U.S. government reserves the right to reject any or all proposals received. The U.S. government also reserves the right to make an award in excess of the award ceiling.

Terms and Conditions

Recipients will be held to the applicable terms and conditions found at https://www.statebuy.state.gov/fa/Pages/TermsandConditions.aspx. It is the Recipient’s responsibility to ensure they are in compliance with all applicable terms, conditions, and OMB guidance and requirements. Those organizations found to be in non-compliance may be found ineligible for funding or designated high risk.

2 CFR 200 Uniform Administrative Requirements, Costs Principles, and Audit

Requirements for Federal Awards: All applicants must adhere to the regulations found in 2

CFR 200 Uniform Administrative Requirements, Costs Principles, and Audit Requirements for

Federal Awards.

Branding Requirements: As a condition of receipt of a grant award, all materials produced pursuant to the award, including training materials, materials for recipients or materials to communicate or promote with foreign audiences a program, event, project, or some other activity under an agreement, including but not limited to invitations to events, press materials, and backdrops, podium signs, etc. must be marked appropriately with the standard, rectangular U.S.

flag in a size and prominence equal to (or greater than) any other logo or identity. Note:

Exceptions to the branding requirement are allowable under certain conditions. If an applicant is notified that their award has been chosen for funding, the Grants Officer will determine, in consultation with the applicant, if an exception is applicable.

Evaluation: In line with the Department of State’s Evaluation Policy, the U.S. Embassy Islamabad

Public Affairs Section may include this award in its program evaluation efforts. When applicable and feasible, the Recipient shall cooperate with the Grants Officer (GO), Grants Officer https://www.statebuy.state.gov/fa/Pages/TermsandConditions.aspx 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 http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title02/2cfr200_main_02.tpl

Representative (GOR), and Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Specialists (MEL) requests to contribute data on specific performance measures and indicators; consider GO and GOR input on design and methodology of Recipient-led evaluation efforts; provide any evaluation reports produced under the award to the GO and GOR for review; incorporate the project into any third-party evaluations that PAS may initiate.

Reporting Requirements: Recipients are required to submit quarterly (calendar year) program progress and financial reports throughout the project period. Progress and financial reports are due 30 days after the reporting period. Final certified programmatic and financial reports are due

90 days after the close of the project period.

First Quarter (January 1 – March 31): Report due by April 30

Second Quarter (April 1 – June 30): Report due by July 30

Third Quarter (July 1 – September 30): Report due by October 30

Fourth Quarter (October 1 – December 31): Report due by January 30

All reports are to be submitted electronically.

Awardees that are deemed to be high risk may be required to submit more extensive and frequent reports until their high risk designation has been removed.

The Awardee must also provide the Embassy on an annual basis an inventory of all the U.S.

government provided equipment using the SF428 form.

G. FEDERAL AWARDING AGENCY CONTACTS

Questions regarding the administrative and programmatic aspects of this funding opportunity may be directed to Ellen Delage at DelageEM@state.gov. For questions relating to Grants.gov, please call the Grants.gov Contact Center at 1-800-518-4726. To inquire about the process for obtaining a Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA) contact Donald Hunter at

HunterDS@state.gov.

H. OTHER INFORMATION

Disclaimers

The Federal government is not obligated to make any Federal award as a result of the announcement. Issuance of this NOFO does not constitute an award commitment on the part of the U.S. government, nor does it commit the U.S. government to pay for costs incurred in the preparation and submission of proposals. Further, the U.S. government reserves the right to reject any or all proposals received. The U.S. government also reserves the right to make an award in excess of the award ceiling.

If a proposal is funded, the Department of State has no obligation to provide any additional future funding in connection with the award. Renewal of an award to increase funding or extend the period of performance is at the total discretion of the Department of State.

mailto:DelageEM@state.gov mailto:HunterDS@state.gov

This NOFO is subject to funds availability. Awards may be granted only if appropriated funds are allocated to the United States Embassy in Islamabad by Department of State central budget authorities.

Copyrights and Proprietary Information

If any of the information contained in your application is proprietary, please note in the footer of the appropriate pages that the information is Confidential – Proprietary. Applicants should also note what parts of the application, program, concept, etc. are covered by copyright(s), trademark(s), or any other intellectual property rights and provide copies of the relevant documentation to support these copyrights.