Combined version NOFO Final 2.docx

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

U.S. EMBASSY Yaoundé, Cameroon Notice of Funding Opportunity

Funding Opportunity Title: PEPFAR Cameroon Youth Catalytic Innovation Fund Secretariat Funding Opportunity Number: AFYDE-YCIF-GR-PEPFAR-2024 Deadline for Applications: October 02, 2024 Assistance Listing Number: 19.029 Total Amount Available: up to $115,000 Period of performance: 20 months

*This solicitation is subject to funding availability and the U.S. Department of State can choose to make no award at all.

A. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The U.S. Embassy in Yaoundé-Cameroon, U.S. President Emergency Plan for Aids Relief of the U.S. Department of State announces an open competition for organizations to submit applications under the FY 2025 PEPFAR Cameroon Youth Catalytic Innovation Fund. Please follow all instructions below.

A.1. Context and Justification The fight against HIV is not meeting the needs of adolescents and young people (aged 15-24), who face a high number of new infections and have lower coverage of HIV testing, prevention and care services compared to adults. In Cameroon, youth accounted for 26% of all new infections and 8% of the total number of AIDS-related deaths in 2023. Among youth, the rate of new infections among adolescent girls and young women is more than triple their male counterparts. Even with youth-centered HIV services delivered by PEPFAR and other partners, a persistent gap in the uptake of HIV services for youth remains.

Adolescents and young people (AYP), including those living with HIV, are not only participants of HIV programs, but they are also important stakeholders and real agents of change. Leadership and collaboration of AYP is fundamental in the development, implementation and evaluation of programs that affect them, and this can also pave the way for better decisions and policies. In this way, programs’ effectiveness is improved, and higher rates of service utilization and better outcomes are ultimately achieved. Mindful of this, PEPFAR Cameroon is launching the Youth Catalytic Innovation Fund, the “Youth Fund” to support adolescent- and youth-led organizations, with a view to strengthening their leadership and closing existing gaps in service provision for AYP in all their diversities.

A.2. Description of the Youth Catalytic Innovation Fund The Youth Catalytic Innovation Fundin Cameroon seeks to empower youth to lead the design and implementation of HIV-related prevention, care, and treatment efforts that will accelerate the achievement of the UNAIDS 95-95-95 outcomes among youth in Cameroon. At the same time, the Youth Fund will prioritize the organizational and technical capacity of youth-led organizations nationally to catalyze their impactful engagement in the national HIV response against the backdrop of “nothing for the youth without the youth.”

Specific objectives of the Youth Catalytic Innovation Fund include:

· To strengthen the operational and advocacy capacities of Youth Led Organizations enrolled in the Youth Catalytic Innovation Fund project by mid-2026

· To directly provide resources to Youth Led Organizations in Cameroon by mid-2026 to enhance their ability to do HIV advocacy, to effectively address HIV prevention, treatment and support within their communities.

· To improve HIV prevention, care and treatment services for youth in Cameroon by mid-2026 through the Youth Catalytic Innovation Fund project.

The Youth Catalytic Innovation Fund in Cameroon will be split into two phases covering a period of up to 24 months. All phases will be carried out in partnership with youth organizations to allow youth to co-lead the Youth Fund.

a. Phase 1: Discover and Innovate (9 months):

The first phase will include additional exploration and confirmation of youth needs, ensuring a wide range of youth are included in the consultations. Youth-led organizations (YLOs) will be identified for participation in the Youth Fund based on agreed upon criteria. Capacity assessments will be conducted on selected YLOs to inform capacity strengthening in both technical/programmatic skills as well as operational/institutional skills. Through specific capacity strengthening mechanisms, PEPFAR agencies will strengthen the capacity of YLOs and support them to design innovative approaches to close the gaps across the cascade for youth and to develop small grant proposals to pilot identified solutions. The Youth Fund will be coordinated with other donors and organizations working in the space of youth leadership within the HIV response to ensure alignment and prevent duplication of efforts.

b. Phase 2: Pilot (11 months) YLOs will have the opportunity to pilot their innovations in phase 2. Capacity strengthening will continue during phase two, per the capacity strengthening plan with the possibility of on-demand capacity strengthening based on needs that arise during piloting. Monitoring and evaluation will be emphasized to ensure quality data are collected both about the pilot (process) and its outputs/outcomes. An endline capacity assessment will take place at the end of the project to document changes in youth capacity. The pilot phase will also include a full media campaign including both social media and traditional media components. The media campaign will be based on global themes suggested by PEPFAR and contextually adapted by YLOs in Cameroon.

A.3. Funding Opportunity: PEPFAR Cameroon Youth Catalytic Innovation Fund Secretariat The principal mission of the secretariat is to coordinate the technical, operational, and managerial activities of the PEPFAR Cameroon Youth Catalytic Innovation Fund.

The Youth Catalytic Innovation Fund, which will serve YLO nationwide, will be coordinated by a secretariat, which is envisioned to be comprised of a national network of youth organizations. The secretariat will be responsible for mobilizing diverse youth-led organizations from across the country which are representative and inclusive of youth including those from vulnerable and under-represented populations and youth serving in the military. The secretariat (applicant) will work with PEPFAR and government counterparts, including the Ministry of Public Health, Ministry of Defense, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Civic Education, the Ministry of Social Affairs and other identified stakeholders to coordinate the Youth Catalytic Innovation Fund including finalizing the project workplan, convening a Youth Fund oversight committee, coordinating capacity assessments to develop a capacity strengthening plan for the Youth Fund, and coordinating capacity strengthening utilizing resources provided through the Youth Fund. The secretariat will also develop and implement a monitoring, evaluation and reporting plan for the Youth Fund, as well as advocate on the behalf of participating youth-led organizations to ensure their needs are being met. The applicant will equally coordinate the dissemination of project outcomes and learnings not only to other development partners and Government but also to all YLOs involved in the Youth Fund, using standardized approaches and methods.

A.4. Illustrative Activities: The following are illustrative activities and shouldn’t be interpreted as a complete list of activities. Applicants are encouraged to review the list, propose new activities, and modify the ones below, including the rationale for modification.

Phase 1: Discover and Innovate

· In collaboration with PEPFAR Cameroon, organize a Youth summit, to kick-start multisector consultations, including mobilizing diverse youth-led organizations from across the country which are representative and inclusive of youth to participate in the summit;

· Finalize the Youth Catalytic Innovation Fund objectives, workplan, and phase 1 monitoring indicators;

· In collaboration with PEPFAR Cameroon and all key stakeholders, coordinate the implementation of a capacity assessment covering operational and technical skills of YLOs participating in the Youth Fund;

· Based on the results of a capacity assessment, collaborate with USG to develop a continuous capacity strengthening plan covering both operational and technical skills to further prepare the YLOs to implement their pilots and ensure their periodic evaluations.

· Coordinate capacity strengthening activities utilizing resources provided through the Fund;

· In collaboration with PEPFAR, convene a Youth Catalytic Innovation Fund steering committee comprised of YLO representatives, PEPFAR and other multilateral donors, and Government of Cameroon representatives;

· Develop data collection tools and systems to report data for all agreed upon indicators.

· Coordinate a call for small grants open to YLOs, including a process for evaluating proposals;

· Coordinate the collection and reporting of all project indicators.

Phase 2: Pilot

· Coordinate the collection and sharing of project workplans and M&E plans of funded small grants projects;

· Continue to coordinate capacity development activities utilizing PEPFAR provided resources;

· Expand the project M&E plan to incorporate those indicators collected by funded small grants;

· Coordinate the dissemination of project outcomes and learnings to other development partners and Government using standardized approaches and methods;

· Coordinate activities contributing to a national communication campaign as relevant (communication campaign to be funded through a separate award);

· Participate in monitoring small grant projects.

Cross-Cutting

· Advocate on behalf of youth and youth-led organizations to ensure the needs of YLO are met through the Youth Catalytic Innovation Fund ;

· Serve as secretariat for the planning, coordination and communication around the Youth Fund events and activities as needed;

· Coordinate the collection and reporting of all project indicators;

· Coordinate success stories and articles through implementation, raise awareness on project outcomes, disseminate effective solutions/proof of concept and advocate for advance health equity.

Monitoring and Evaluation The secretariate will be responsible for coordinating the collection and monitoring of data, including some primary data collection. Indicators collected will be agreed upon with PEPFAR. The following set of illustrative indicators should be considered.

· Number of youth-led organizations who benefitted from capacity assessment and technical support.

· Capacity of YLO to lead policy advocacy and service delivery for youth in Cameroon

· Number of enrolled youth-led organizations who submitted grant proposals to implement HIV related youth-focused activities.

· Number of youths reached with prevention and/or care or treatment activities through youth-focused small grants.

· Number of media placements made within the catalytic youth innovation fund communication campaign

Media reach (impressions, views, estimated listernership, etc)

B. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION

This notice is subject to availability of funding.

Program performance period: 20 months Number of awards anticipated: 01 award.

Award amounts: awards may reach $ 115,000.

Total available funding: $115,000 Type of Funding: FY 24/26 Economic Support Fund under Federal Assistance Act Anticipated program start date: November 1, 2024 Funding Instrument Type: Cooperative Agreement

C. ELIGILIBITY INFORMATION

1. Eligible Applicants

A youth-led independent and locally registered organization in Cameroon will be selected to assume the role of the Youth Catalytic Innovation Fund Secretariat. The youth organization should cover, or be able to engage with, all youth groups across all regions of Cameroon, including AGYW, young KPs, youth in-school and school dropouts, as well as other groups such as military youth. The following criteria will be considered in selecting the final applicant.

Legal Status and Governance

· Have an authorization or an act of recognition issued by the competent authority in Cameroon.

· Have a legal statute, internal regulations, and a document presenting the organizational chart of the organization.

Nationally Representative of Youth

· Leadership and executing body should be composed of majority young people, of age ten to twenty-nine years (10-29);

· Have professional experience (at least three years (03) in one of the following fields: health, prevention of HIV, STIs and/or TB; community mobilization; advocacy or human rights among adolescents and young people with a similar scope to this opportunity Operational

· Have documentation attesting to the functionality of the organization for the last three (03) years, e.g.: minutes, attendance sheets, reports of general meetings, statutory meetings, meetings of the council of governing bodies, etc.

· Have proof of a physical location (a structure with a physical address, easily accessible and equipped with basic working materials: computer, chairs, tables, writing material etc…) of the headquarters of the Organization.

· Existence of Standard Operational Procedures manual for administrative, financial management and procurement.

· Have at least three (3) years’ experience in managing multi-year national projects of $220, 000 or more;

· Existence of Standard Operational Procedures manual for administrative, financial management and procurement which includes cash management, security, and control procedures.

Key Personnel-(attach the list and curricula vitae of key programmatic staff who will be involved in the implementation of the Youth Catalytic Innovation Fund and specify their roles). The following key personnel are recommended; however, additional staff positions may be proposed. The list of responsibilites are not exhausive.

Project Lead The Lead is responsible for overseeing all activities. Suggested activities include:

· Serve as key POC between the Youth Catalytic Innovation Fund. PEPFAR, the Fund oversight committee, and other stakeholders;

· Oversee project workplan and budgets to ensure project is implemented on schedule and as agreed;

· Content creation: Writing press releases, blog posts, social media content, speeches, and annual reports to publicize activities of the fund and document lessons learned.

· Develop press releases, blog posts, social media content, speeches, and annual reports to document successes and lessons learned;

Finance and Operations Officer

· Develop and manage budgets, track expenses and identify financial variances;

· Provide financial analysis to support decision-making;

· Develop/Document project SOPs as necessary Monitoring Evaluation Accountability Learning (MEAL) Officer

· Develop Performance Monitoring Plans (PMP) and related data collection tools;

· Collect and analyze data to evaluate program effectiveness;

· Provide technical assistance to Youth Catalytic Innovation Fund grantees in the development of M&E plans as necessary;

2. Cost Sharing or Matching

Providing cost sharing, matching, or cost participation is not an eligibility requirement for this NOFO.

3. Other Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible to receive an award, all organizations must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) number issued via www.SAM.gov as well as a valid registration on www.SAM.gov. Please see Section D.3 for more information. Individuals are not required to have a UEI or be registered in SAM.gov.

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

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

D. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

D.1 Address to Request Application Package

Application forms required below are available at: embassy website and grants.gov

D.2 Content and Form of Application Submission

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

a) Content of Application Please ensure:

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

· All documents are in English.

· All budgets are in U.S. dollars.

· All pages are numbered.

· All documents are formatted to A4 paper,

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

The following documents are required:

D.3 Mandatory application forms

· SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance – organizations)

· SF-424A (Budget Information for Non-Construction programs)

· SF-424B (Assurances for Non-Construction programs) (note: the SF-424B is only required for individuals and for organizations not registered in SAM.gov)

D.4 Summary Page: Cover sheet stating the applicant’s name and organization, proposal date, program title, program period proposed start and end date, and brief purpose of the program.

D.5 Proposal (should not exceed 20 pages maximum): The proposal should contain sufficient information that anyone not familiar with it would understand exactly what the applicant wants to do. You may use your own proposal format, but it must include all the items below.

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.

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 implementation in a timely manner, as well as meeting the goals of the grant?

D.6. Budget Justification Narrative: After filling out the SF-424A Budget (above), use a separate sheet of paper to describe each of the budget expenses in detail. See section H. Other Information: Guidelines for Budget Submissions below for further information.

D.7. Attachments:

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

· Reference letters from program partners describing the roles and responsibilities of each partner (CBOs enrolled in the network).

· Official permission letters, if required for program activities

· A copy of annual program report of your organization for the last three (03) years.

· A copy of the organization’s SOPs covering financial management

· Summary table of funding received over the last three (03) years with the names of the donors, amounts, and length of project

· Copy of the last organizational audit report produced by an approved firm.

D.8 Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM.gov) (NOTE: This section is required and not optional, except for NOFOs targeting applications from individuals instead of organizations)

D.9 Required Registrations:

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

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

· NCAGE/CAGE code

Any applicant with an exclusion in the System for Award Management (SAM) is not eligible to apply for an assistance award in accordance with the OMB guidelines at 2 CFR 180 that implement Executive Orders 12549 (3 CFR, 1986 Comp., p. 189) and 12689 (3 CFR, 1989 Comp., p. 235), “Debarment and Suspension.”

The Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) is one of the data elements mandated by Public Law 109-282, the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act (FFATA), for all Federal awards. SAM.gov is the Federal government's primary database for complying with FFATA reporting requirements. OMB designated SAM.gov as the central repository to facilitate applicant and recipient use of a single public website that consolidates data on all federal financial assistance. Under the law, it is mandatory to register in SAM.gov.

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

US-based organizations: A CAGE code will be automatically assigned when the U.S. organizations registers in www.sam.gov. CAGE must be renewed every 5 years. Site for CAGE: https://cage.dla.mil/Home/UsageAgree. Grantees may be asked for more information to finalized and must comply.

Foreign-based organizations: Must apply for a NCAGE code before registering in SAM.gov. Go to: https://eportal.nspa.nato.int/AC135Public/CageTool/home to apply for a NCAGE code. NCAGE codes must be renewed every 5 years.

It is in the organization’s best interest to check if their CAGE/or NCAGE codes are active. Organizations are required to register/or renew their CAGE or NCAGE codes prior to registering or renewing www.sam.gov . Both registration and renewals for both CAGE and NCAGE can take up to 10 days. Organization’s legal address in NCAGE/CAGE must mirror www. sam.gov.

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

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

If an organization does not have an active registration in SAM.gov prior to submitting an application, the application will be deemed ineligible. All organizations applying for grants (except individuals) must obtain these registrations, the latter are free of charge.

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

D.10 Submission Dates and Times

Applications are due no later than 11:59 PM Cameroon time on October 02, 2024.

D.11 Funding Restrictions

The following activities and costs are not covered under this announcement:

· Construction is not an allowable activity under this award.

· Activities that appear partisan or that support individual or party electoral campaigns.

· Direct support or the appearance of direct support for any religious organization, to include repair or building of structures used for religious purposes.

· Military assistance of any kind, including weapons buy-back or rewards programs.

· Purchase of firearms, ammunition, or removal of unexploded ordnances.

· Para-police (i.e., militias, neighborhood watch, security guards) and prison-related projects. This restriction includes no funding of any secondary need in a law-enforcement organization.

· Payments for any partner government, military, or civilian government employee salary or pension.

· Duplication of services immediately available through municipal, provincial, or national government.

· Funds for market research, advertising (unless public service related to grant program), or other promotional expenses.

· Expenses made prior to the approval of a proposal, or unreasonable expenditures will not be reimbursed.

· Charitable or development activities.

· Fund-raising campaigns.

· Lobbying for specific legislation or projects.

· Scientific research.

· Projects intended primarily for the growth or institutional development of the organization.

· Projects seeking funds for personal use.

· Projects that require a participation fee.

D.12 Other Submission Requirements

All application materials must be submitted by email to senecb@state.gov and kuohebongueIA@state.gov Faxed or couriered documents will not be accepted.

E. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

E.1 Criteria

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

Quality and Feasibility of the Program Idea – 20 points: The program idea is well developed, with detail about how program activities will be carried out. The proposal includes a reasonable implementation timeline.

Organizational Capacity and Record on Previous Grants – 20 points: The organization has expertise in its stated field and has the internal controls in place to manage federal funds. This includes a financial management system and a bank account.

Program Planning/Ability to Achieve Objectives – 15 points: Goals and objectives are clearly stated, and program approach is likely to provide maximum impact in achieving the proposed results.

Budgeting – 10 points: The budget justification is detailed. Costs are reasonable in relation to the proposed activities and anticipated results. The budget is realistic, accounting for all necessary expenses to achieve proposed activities.

Monitoring and evaluation plan – 15 points: Applicant demonstrates it can measure program success against key indicators and provides milestones to indicate progress toward goals outlined in the proposal. The program includes output and outcome indicators and shows how and when those will be measured.

Support of Equity and Underserved Communities – 10 points: Proposals should clearly demonstrate how the program will support and advance equity and engage underserved communities in program administration, design, and implementation.

E.2 Review and Selection Process

A review committee will evaluate all eligible applications.

E.3 Federal Awardee Performance & Integrity Information System (FAPIIS)

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

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

ii. That an applicant, at its option, may review information in the designated integrity and performance systems accessible through SAM and comment on any information about itself that a Federal awarding agency previously entered and is currently in the designated integrity and performance system accessible through SAM;

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

E.4 Anticipated Announcement and Federal Award Dates

No later than November 30.

F. FEDERAL AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION

F.1 Federal Award Notices

The grant award or cooperative agreement will be written, signed, awarded, and administered by the Grants Officer. The assistance award agreement is the authorizing document, and it will be provided to the recipient for review and signature by email. The recipient may only start incurring program expenses beginning on the start date shown on the grant award document signed by the Grants Officer.

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

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

Payment Method:

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

F.2 Administrative and National Policy Requirements

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

These include:

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

· 2 CFR 170 - REPORTING SUBAWARD AND EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION INFORMATION

· 2 CFR 175 - AWARD TERM FOR TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS

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

· 2 CFR 183 - NEVER CONTRACT WITH THE ENEMY

· 2 CFR 600 – DEPARTMENT OF STATE REQUIREMENTS

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

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

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

· Selecting recipients most likely to be successful in delivering results based on the program objectives through an objective process of evaluating Federal award applications (2 CFR part 200.205),

· Prohibiting the purchase of certain telecommunication and video surveillance services or equipment in alignment with section 889 of the National Defense Authorization Act of 2019 (Pub. L. No. 115—232) (2 CFR part 200.216),

· Promoting the freedom of speech and religious liberty in alignment with Promoting Free Speech and Religious Liberty (E.O. 13798) and Improving Free Inquiry, Transparency, and Accountability at Colleges and Universities (E.O. 13864) (§§ 200.300, 200.303, 200.339, and 200.341),

· Providing a preference, to the extent permitted by law, to maximize use of goods, products, and materials produced in the United States (2 CFR part 200.322), and

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

(OPTIONAL) In accordance with the Executive Order on Advancing Racial Equity and Underserved Communities, proposals should demonstrate how the program advances equity with respect to race, ethnicity, religion, income, geography, gender identity, sexual orientation, and disability. The proposal should also demonstrate how the program will further engagement in underserved communities and with individuals from underserved communities. Proposals should demonstrate how addressing racial equity and underserved communities will enhance the program’s goals and objectives, as well as the experience of participants.

The support of underserved communities will be part of the review criteria for this opportunity. Therefore, proposals should clearly demonstrate how the program will support and advance equity and engage underserved communities in program administration, design, and implementation.

1. Reporting

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

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

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

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

G. FEDERAL AWARDING AGENCY CONTACTS

If you have any questions about the grant application process, please contact: Kuoh Ebongue Iris at kuohebongueia@state.gov

H. OTHER INFORMATION

H.1 Guidelines for Budget Justification

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Cost Sharing” refers to contributions from the organization or other entities other than the U.S. Embassy. It also includes in-kind contributions such as volunteers’ time and donated venues.

Alcoholic Beverages: Please note that award funds cannot be used for alcoholic beverages.

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

H.3. Marking Policy

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

https://www.state.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/U.S.-Department-of-State-Standard-Terms-and-Conditions-10-21-2020-508.pdf H.4. Monitoring Site Visits

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

H.5. Privacy Disclosure

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

H.6. Attachments:

Attachment 1: Budget Guidance and Template for New Awards Attachment 2: Budget Narrative Template – Sample Format Attachment 3: Project Monitoring Plan Template Attachment 4: Logic Model (logical framework matrix) Attachment 5: Risk Analysis