DFOP0017890 GHSD Advancing Global Health APS.pdf

Annual Program Statement (APS)

Advancing Global Health GHSD, Department of State

Opportunity number: DFOP0017890

Application deadline: Rolling, See Section E

Contents

A. Basic Information

B. Eligibility

C. Program Description

D. Application Contents and Format

E. Submission Requirements and Deadlines

F. Application Review Information

G. Post-Award Requirements and Administration

U.S Department of State Bureau of Global Health and Security (GHSD)

Annual Program Statement: Advancing Global Health

A. Basic Information

1. Overview

The Bureau of Global Health Security and Diplomacy (GHSD) of the U.S. Department of

State announces an open competition for organizations to implement a project (or projects) to operationalize the American First Global Health Strategy.

As part of the Strategy, GHSD has pursued a bilateral, country-specific approach to advancing

U.S. global health priorities through the negotiation of Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with partner governments. These MOUs articulate shared objectives, define mutual commitments, and establish a framework for achieving concrete health outcomes and advancing country self-reliance. It is expected that a critical implementation pathway for these MOUs will be government-to-government (G2G) agreements, which will serve as an important mechanism for delivering and sustaining many MOU-aligned activities.

This Annual Program Statement establishes a supplemental framework through which the

Department of State may identify and support projects that complement, extend, and/or fill identified gaps in the implementation of these bilateral MOUs. Through specific Addenda, the Department will signal priorities and needs. This APS provides the standard application instructions for the submission of all Statements of Interest (SOIs) to these specific Addenda.

GHSD will collaborate with Embassies and other Department of State Bureaus and Offices to post specific funding opportunities through Addenda to this APS that address health challenges and priorities of importance.

Multiple awards may be made as a result of each Addendum of this APS. The actual number of awards under each Addendum of this APS is subject to the availability of funds and the viability of SOIs/applications received. Accordingly, the Department of State reserves the right to award multiple awards, one award, or no awards at all under each Addendum.

Funding opportunity title Advancing Global Health

Funding opportunity number DFOP0017890

Announcement type Initial

Deadline for applications Rolling; see section E

Assistance listing number 19.029

Length of award performance period Up to 5 years

Number of awards anticipated Up to 100 awards

Award amounts Awards may range from a minimum of $500,000 to a maximum of $250 million

Total estimated funding Up to $4.5 billion, subject to availability

Type of Funding Global Health Program Funds under the Foreign Assistance

Act

The first step for interested applicants is the submission of a Statement of Interest (SOI), in which applicants provide a concise concept note (described in Section D), describing a project approach and intended outcomes. Importantly, SOIs should only be submitted in response to specific Addenda, which present GHSD priorities (and will be issued throughout the year on grants.gov). [Note: SOI that are not responsive to a specific Addendum will not be considered]. The SOI is not a full application and will not result in a federal assistance award at this step. Rather, the purpose of the SOI process is to allow applicants to submit project ideas for evaluation prior to requiring the development of a full application. Upon a merit review of eligible SOIs, selected applicants will be invited to develop a full application. If needed, applicants may be invited to collaboratively design their project idea(s) with the

Department of State.

Funding Instrument Type: Grant or cooperative agreement. Cooperative agreements include substantial involvement of the Department of State throughout implementation of the project.

Award Performance Period: Proposed projects should be completed in five years or less.

The Department of State will consider applications for continuation grants funded under these awards beyond the initial budget period but within the five year limitation on a non-competitive basis subject to availability of funds, satisfactory progress of the award, and a determination that continued funding would be in the best interest of the Department of State.

This notice is subject to availability of funding.

2. Executive Summary

The Department of State invites eligible applicants to advance the America First Global

Health Strategy through its new Advancing Global Health (AGH) program, which aims to save lives, strengthen health systems, enhance efficiency, foster self-reliance, and ensure U.S.

investments benefit American safety, strength, and prosperity.

B. Eligibility

1. Eligible Applicants

The following organizations are eligible to apply:

• U.S. and foreign private for-profit enterprises

• U.S. and foreign public and private institutions of higher education

• U.S and foreign organizations, including faith-based organizations

• Public International Organizations (PIOs) and governmental institutions

2. Cost Sharing or Matching

Cost sharing or matching is not required. While applicants may propose cost share or matching, cost-sharing/matching will not be evaluated as part of the merit review process.

Opportunities for cost sharing and matching may be discussed during negotiation and/or consultative program design (aka “co-design”), if applicable. Per 2 CFR §200.306, items that are proposed for cost share must be allowable per 2 CFR §200, Subpart E—Costs

Principles.

3. Other Eligibility Requirements

Organizations are not required to obtain a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) or be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov) in order to submit an SOI in phase 1.

However, all organizations must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) issued via SAM.gov, as well as a valid registration in SAM.gov before they submit a full application in phase 2.

Please see Section E for more information.

Any applicant listed on the Excluded Parties List System in the System for Award

Management in SAM.gov and/or has a current debt to the U.S. government 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.”

Additionally, no entity or person listed on the Excluded Parties List System in SAM.gov can participate in any activities under an award. All applicants are strongly encouraged to review the Excluded Parties List System in SAM.gov to ensure that no ineligible entity or person is included in their application.

C. Program Description

In September 2025, the Department of State released its America First Global Health Strategy, which provides a detailed framework for advancing U.S. global health priorities while ensuring that these efforts benefit the American people. As part of the America First Global Health

Strategy, the Department of State is entering into bilateral Memoranda of Understanding

(MOUs) with partner governments to define shared priorities, establish mutual commitments, and achieve concrete health outcomes while advancing country self-reliance in national health programs. It is expected that an important implementation pathway for these MOUs will be government-to-government (G2G) agreements, which will serve as crucial mechanisms for delivering and sustaining many MOU-aligned activities.

The Advancing Global Health (AGH) APS provides a mechanism to solicit and support projects to complement existing activities and new G2G agreements, including where targeted technical, operational, or catalytic support is needed to address gaps, sequencing challenges, or transitional needs in MOU implementation. The Advancing Global Health Assistance activity will save lives, strengthen health systems, enhance efficiency, foster self-reliance, and ensure that U.S.

investments in global health directly benefit American safety, strength, and prosperity.

Substantial Involvement

For awards that are issued as cooperative agreements, areas of substantial involvement include

(but are not limited) to the following:

• Joint Programmatic Decisions: The Department of State and the recipient collaborate on key programmatic decisions. This can include (but is not limited to) reviewing work plans; determining when certain phases of the project can start; and final method of delivery or implementation.

• Technical Assistance and Direction: The Department of State provides ongoing technical assistance, guidance, and direction integral to the project's execution, which if not followed, would undermine the goals and objectives of the award or otherwise make the award unsuccessful.

D. Application Contents and Format

SOIs must be provided in response to specific Addenda issued under this APS. The Department of State is under no obligation to review general concepts submitted under this umbrella APS or to provide feedback for such submissions

1. Phase 1 – SOI

Please follow all instructions below carefully. SOIs that do not meet the requirements of this announcement or fail to comply with the submission requirements will be deemed technically ineligible and will not move forward to the Merit Panel Review (MRP). Contents of SOI must include the following required information:

a. Table Listing of Critical Details:

I. Proposed Project Title

II. Name of the Organization

III. Addendum to which the SOI is responding

IV. Target Benefiting Country or Countries

V. Total Federal Share Requested

VI. Total Cost Share (as applicable)

VII. Project Length

b. Issue/Challenge/Opportunity: Briefly describe the problem(s), issue(s), challenge(s), or opportunity(ies) the applicant is seeking to address.

c. Proposed Solution/Activities: Describe the approach and core activities to address the issue/challenge/opportunity.

I. Anticipated Outcomes and Results: Identify the specific outcomes and results the approach/activities seeks to achieve and define “success.” Outcomes and results should aim to save lives, strengthen health systems, enhance efficiency, foster self-reliance and ensure investments directly benefit American safety, strength, and prosperity. Therefore, outcomes and results should clearly demonstrate advancement towards the Department of State America First

Global Health Strategy. The nature, scope, and sustainability of outcomes and results will be critical to assessing the costs and benefits – and determining whether the SOI will proceed to the next stage of the merit review process.

d. List of Partner Roles and Responsibilities (if applicable): Include a list of proposed applicant partners (private, public, NGO, etc.) to be considered as subrecipients (see 2

CFR 200.331 and 200.332). Identify organization name, point of contact, point of contact information (phone and email), federal share to be award by the pass-through entity, cost-share (if applicable), and a summary of proposed roles and responsibilities.

Note: This should be a brief, preliminary characterization of roles and responsibilities that may evolve significantly during the subsequent phase.

e. Resource Contributions and/or Cost Share from non-federal sources (if applicable):

Describe how proposed resources will contribute to the proposed activities and outcomes. This should be a preliminary description; actual resource contributions and https://www.state.gov/releases/office-of-the-spokesperson/2025/09/america-first-global-health-strategy https://www.state.gov/releases/office-of-the-spokesperson/2025/09/america-first-global-health-strategy applications may evolve significantly during the subsequent phase. Please reference 2

CFR 200.306(b) for guidance on what can be considered cost share.

The SOI is meant to convey initial ideas regarding a proposed project. As the negotiation and/or consultative program design (if applicable) process continues, the ideas and approaches may evolve as the applicant and the Department of State determine the most appropriate way to work together to address the problems, challenges, issues, and opportunities.

Required Format of SOI Submission: All documents must be written in English, and all costs must be presented in U.S. dollars. If an original document within the application is in another language, an English translation must be provided (please note the Department of State, as indicated in 2 CFR 200.111, requires that English is the official language of all award documents). If any document is provided in both English and a foreign language, the English language version is the controlling version. All pages must be numbered. Additional requirements are as follows:

• All documents must be formatted to 8 ½ x 11 paper

• All documents must be single-spaced, written in a minimum of 12-point Times Roman

Numeral font with 1-inch margins.

o The exception is captions and footnotes which may be 10-point Times Roman

Numeral font. Font sizes in charts and tables, including the budget, can be reformatted to fit within 1 page width.

• Submissions should be no more than 5 pages or 2500 words not inclusive of charts and tables

E. Submission Requirements and Deadlines

1. Address to Request Application Package

Application forms and other materials necessary to apply are available at grants.gov or

MyGrants under the announcement title “Advancing Global Health,” funding opportunity number “DFOP0017890.”

Faxed, couriered, or emailed documents will not be accepted. Reasonable accommodations may, in appropriate circumstances, be provided to applicants with disabilities or for security reasons.

2. Department of State Contacts

If you have any questions about the grant application process, please contact:

GHSD-APS@state.gov

Questions and answers will be posted on grants.gov. Pre-Award Conferences may be held via conference call or in-person throughout the rolling period. Questions and answers from the pre-award conferences will also be posted on grants.gov.

3. UEI and SAM.gov Required Registrations All organizations, whether based in the United States or in another country, must have a

UEI and an active registration in SAM.gov in order to submit a full proposal if they move into phase 2. A UEI is one of the data elements mandated by Public Law 109-282, the

Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act (FFATA), for all Federal awards.

https://mygrants.service-now.com/grants/portal_login.do

An applicant must maintain an active registration while it has a proposal under review by the Department and must continue to keep the registration active for the entire duration of the period of performance of any Federal award that results from this NOFO. The 2 CFR

200 requires subrecipients to obtain a UEI. Please note the UEI for subrecipients is not required at the time of application but will be required before an award is processed and/or directed to a subrecipient.

Note: The process of obtaining or renewing a SAM.gov registration may take anywhere from 4-8 weeks; please begin your registration as early as possible.

• Organizations based in the United States or that pay employees within the United

States will need an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the Internal

Revenue Service (IRS) and a UEI prior to registering in SAM.gov.

• Organizations based outside of the United States and that do not pay employees within the United States do not need an EIN from the IRS but do need a UEI prior to registering in SAM.gov.

• Organizations based outside of the United States that do not intend to apply for

U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) awards are no longer required to have a

NATO Commercial and Government Entity (NCAGE) code to apply for non-DoD foreign assistance funding opportunities. If an applicant organization is mid-registration and wishes to remove an NCAGE code from their SAM.gov registration, the applicant should submit a help desk ticket (“incident”) with the

Federal Service Desk (FSD) online at www.fsd.gov using the following language:

“I do not intend to seek financial assistance from the Department of Defense. I do not wish to obtain an NCAGE code. I understand that I will need to submit my registration after this incident is resolved in order to have my registration activated.”

o Organizations based outside of the United States and that do not plan to do business with the DoD should proceed to SAM.gov to obtain a UEI and complete the SAM.gov registration process. SAM.gov registration must be renewed annually.

o Organizations based outside of the United States and that do plan to do business with the DoD in addition to Department of State should apply for an

NCAGE code by following the instructions on the NSPA NATO website linked below:

NCAGE Homepage:

https://eportal.nspa.nato.int/AC135Public/sc/CageList.aspx

NCAGE Code Request Tool (NCRT):

NCAGE Code Request Tool (nato.int)

An exemption from the UEI and Sam.gov registration requirements may be permitted on a case-by-case basis. See 2 CFR 25.110 for a full list of exemptions. Organizations requesting exemption from UEI or SAM.gov requirements must email the point of contact listed in the NOFO at least two weeks prior to the deadline in the NOFO providing a justification of their request. Approval for a SAM.gov exemption must come from the warranted Grants Officer before the application can be deemed eligible for review.

https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.fsd.gov%2Fgsafsd_sp%3Fid%3Dgsafsd_kb_articles%26sys_id%3Dc81018e71b1601d0937fa64ce54bcb57&data=05%7C01%7Cfjeldkk%40state.gov%7C0cc4e2b471f44abcd32308db093ecead%7C66cf50745afe48d1a691a12b2121f44b%7C0%7C0%7C638113937577534024%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=W2ShcazZBQbanYGj0cLOTnUJwv%2BGL4xfwr83%2BycQY2E%3D&reserved=0 https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.fsd.gov%2F&data=05%7C01%7Cfjeldkk%40state.gov%7C0cc4e2b471f44abcd32308db093ecead%7C66cf50745afe48d1a691a12b2121f44b%7C0%7C0%7C638113937577534024%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=t32ANWzgpiB93pMWoq%2BFCSHz4YJY9QF1S1iQzCsS6RM%3D&reserved=0 https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Feportal.nspa.nato.int%2FAC135Public%2Fscage%2FCageList.aspx&data=05%7C01%7Cfjeldkk%40state.gov%7C0cc4e2b471f44abcd32308db093ecead%7C66cf50745afe48d1a691a12b2121f44b%7C0%7C0%7C638113937577534024%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=v3TLT8F%2FNfk5SuTcI2zw7SMhV4HK542OhP9XDx4ln%2BY%3D&reserved=0 https://eportal.nspa.nato.int/Codification/CageTool/home https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-I/part-25/subpart-A/section-25.110

4. Submission Dates and Times

SOIs will be accepted on grants.gov or MyGrants under the announcement title

“Advancing Global Health,” funding opportunity number “DFOP0017890.” As a reminder, SOIs should only be submitted in response to specific Addenda. Addenda will be posted during quarterly windows as follows:

• Window 1: March 5 – May 31; Applications due by 11:59 EST May 31 o Deadline for Questions: March 27 o Anticipated Response: April 13

• Window 2: June 1 – August 14; Applications due by 11:59 EST August 14 o Deadline for Questions: June 15 o Anticipated Response: July 3

• Window 3: August 15 – November 14; Applications due by 11:59 EST November 14 o Deadline for Questions: August 31 o Anticipated Response: September 21

• Window 4: November 15 – February 14; Applications due by 11:59 EST by February o Deadline for Questions: November 30 o Anticipated Response: December 15

In anticipation of the quarterly windows, the State Department will amend the APS to include Addenda indicating specific areas, in which the U.S. government plans to invest.

5. Funding Restrictions

a. GHSD will not consider applications that reflect any type of support for any member, affiliate, or representative of a designated terrorist organization. Please refer to the link for Foreign Terrorist Organizations: https://www.state.gov/foreign-terrorist-organizations/. Consistent with Department guidance on State Funding and the Risks of Terrorist Financing for all State Department funded programs and requirements, Department bureaus must assess the likelihood that the funds or Department funded activities, goods, services, training, expert advice or assistance, or other benefits to be provided, could inadvertently or incidentally benefit terrorist organizations or their members or supporters, and must put in place appropriate risk mitigation measures to mitigate such risk. In accordance with 14 FAM 247, and consistent with 2 FAM 050, Counterterrorism (CT) name-check vetting may be performed in countries and programs designated by the Department.

b. The Leahy Law prohibits Department foreign assistance funds from supporting foreign security force units if the Secretary of State has credible information that the unit has committed a gross violation of human rights. Per 22 USC §2378d(a) (2017), “No assistance shall be furnished under this chapter [FOREIGN ASSISTANCE] or the Arms Export Control Act [22 USC 2751 et seq.] to any unit of the security forces of a foreign country if the Secretary of State has credible information that such unit has committed a gross violation of human rights.” Restrictions may apply to any proposed assistance to police or other law enforcement. Among these, pursuant to section 620M of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended (FAA), no assistance provided through this funding opportunity may be furnished to any unit of the security forces of a foreign country when there is credible information that such unit has committed a gross violation of human rights. In accordance with the https://mcas-proxyweb.mcas.ms/certificate-checker?login=false&originalUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.grants.gov.mcas.ms%2F%3FMcasTsid%3D15600&McasCSRF=5a94585f9279445e3ca2e45e3b5ca99c614d44fe7c4c012523efbf93dce4015c https://mygrants.service-now.com/grants/portal_login.do https://www.state.gov/foreign-terrorist-organizations/ https://www.state.gov/foreign-terrorist-organizations/ https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2017-title22/html/USCODE-2017-title22-chap32-subchapIII-partI-sec2378d.htm requirements of section 620M of the FAA, also known as the Leahy law, project beneficiaries or participants from a foreign government’s security forces may need to be vetted by the Department before the provision of any assistance. If a proposed grant or cooperative agreement will provide assistance to foreign security forces or personnel, compliance with the Leahy Law is required.

c. Funding Restrictions for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA):

None of the funds awarded resulting from this Notice of Funding Opportunity may be made available for subawards, direct financial support, or otherwise used to provide any payment or transfer to UNRWA.

d. Prohibition on Funding Activities that Encourage Mass-Migration Caravans towards the United States Southwest Border: None of the funds awarded under this grant may be made available to encourage, mobilize, publicize, or manage mass-migration caravans towards the United States southwest border. Funds may not be made available for legal counseling on the United States asylum process; and/or for referrals to legal or representation in the United States. Funds may only be used for cash cards for use in the country in which they are provided or to facilitate assisted voluntary returns and other purposes that do not encourage, mobilize, publicize, or manage mass migration caravans towards the United States southwest border. The provision of humanitarian assistance is permitted.

e. Prohibition on Unmanned Aircraft Systems Manufactured or Assembled by American

Security Drone Act-Covered Foreign Entities

(a) Definitions.

American Security Drone Act-covered foreign entity means an entity included on a list developed and maintained by the Federal Acquisition Security Council

(FASC) and published in the System for Award Management (SAM) at https://www.sam.gov.

FASC-prohibited unmanned aircraft system means an unmanned aircraft system manufactured or assembled by an American Security Drone Act-covered foreign entity.

Unmanned aircraft means an aircraft that is operated without the possibility of direct human intervention from within or on the aircraft.

Unmanned aircraft system means an unmanned aircraft and associated elements

(including communication links and the components that control the unmanned aircraft) that are required for the operator to operate safely and efficiently in the national airspace system.

(b) Prohibition. Recipients of funding under this Annual Program Statement

(including subawards and subcontracts) will be prohibited from:

(1) delivering any FASC-prohibited unmanned aircraft system, which includes unmanned aircraft (i.e., drones) and associated elements;

(2) Operating a FASC-prohibited unmanned aircraft system in the performance of the award (section 1824 of Pub. L. 118-31, 41 U.S.C. 3901 note prec.); and

(3) Using Federal funds for the purchase or operation of a FASC-prohibited unmanned aircraft system.

(c) Exemptions, exceptions, and waivers. The prohibitions described above will not apply if the agency determines that an exemption, exception, or waiver applies and the award indicates that such a determination has been made. [See sections 1823 https://www.sam.gov/ https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fuscode.house.gov%2Fview.xhtml%3Freq%3Dgranuleid%3AUSC-prelim-title41-section3901%26num%3D0%26edition%3Dprelim&data=05%7C02%7CCarbullidoCC%40state.gov%7C237266465ee34b736eaf08de3442d869%7C66cf50745afe48d1a691a12b2121f44b%7C0%7C0%7C639005658853810678%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=9HxEeOJc49x2mY9%2FclnBN%2Ft3LvDuWz%2FB6CCs5bB8zPI%3D&reserved=0 through 1825 and 1832 of Public Law 118-31 ( 41 U.S.C. 3901 note prec.) for statutory requirements pertaining to exemptions, exceptions, and waivers.].

f. Certification Regarding Compliance with applicable Federal anti-discrimination laws:

If the place of performance or delivery of any award made under this Statement of

Interest will be within the United States, applicants are advised that they will be required to certify the following at the time of award:

o Its compliance in all respects with all applicable Federal anti-discrimination laws is material to the government’s payment decisions for purposes of section

3729(b)(4) of title 31, United States Code and;

o It does not operate any programs promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion that violate any applicable Federal anti-discrimination laws. A program promoting

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion means a program whose purpose is to promote preferences based on race, color religion, sex, or national origins, such as in training or hiring.

g. Certification Regarding Compliance with 20 U.S.C. 1011f and any other applicable foreign funding disclosure requirements. Applicants are advised that IHEs must certify the following at the time of award, and that this certification requirement must be included in any subaward agreements to IHEs:

o Its compliance in all respects with section 1011f of title 20, United States Code, and any other applicable foreign funding disclosure requirements is material for purposes of section 3729 of title 31, United States Code, and for receipt of appropriate Federal grant funds.

h. Certification of Trafficking in Persons Compliance and Compliance Plan: Applicants are advised that they will be required to certify the following at the time of award for awards where the estimated value of services to be performed outside the United

States exceeds $500,000:

o To the best of the Recipient’s knowledge, neither the Recipient, nor any subrecipient, contractor, or subcontractor of the Recipient or any agent of the recipient or of such a subrecipient, contractor, or subcontractor, is engaged in any of the activities described in 2 CFR 175.105(a);

o The recipient has implemented a Trafficking in Persons compliance plan to prevent activities described in 2 CFR 175(a) and is compliant with this plan; and the compliance plan must follow the minimum requirements described in 2 CFR

175(b)(5).

o That the Recipient has and will implement procedures to prevent activities described in 2 CFR 175.105(a) and to monitor, detect, and terminate any subrecipient, contractor, subcontractor, or employee of the recipient engaging in these activities.

Recipients do not need to submit a copy of the plan. However, they must provide it to the Grants Officer upon request, and as appropriate, must post the useful and relevant contents of the plan or related materials on its website and at the workplace.

Recipients must re-certify on an annual basis for the entire award period of performance.

6. Other Submission Requirements

GHSD bears no responsibility for disqualification that result from applicants not being https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fuscode.house.gov%2Fview.xhtml%3Freq%3Dgranuleid%3AUSC-prelim-title41-section3901%26num%3D0%26edition%3Dprelim&data=05%7C02%7CCarbullidoCC%40state.gov%7C237266465ee34b736eaf08de3442d869%7C66cf50745afe48d1a691a12b2121f44b%7C0%7C0%7C639005658853841398%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=vOOQC%2FqEnM0FmwOBiz0sKQU2rkL0QZZz6YPZDhMeP3o%3D&reserved=0 registered for submission before cycle due dates, for system errors, or other errors in the application process.

GHSD encourages organizations to submit SOIs (or applications) during normal business hours (Monday – Friday, 9:00AM - 5:00PM Eastern Standard Time [EST]). If an applicant experiences technical difficulties and has contacted the appropriate helpdesk but is not receiving timely assistance (e.g., if you have not received a response within 48 hours of contacting the helpdesk), you may contact the GHSD point of contact listed above. The point of contact may assist in contacting the appropriate helpdesk.

Applicants using MyGrants for the first time will need their “New Organization

Registration.” To register with MyGrants, navigate to https://MyGrants.servicenowservices.com and click “Create an Account” under “New User?”

On the pop-up, select “Create a MyGrants Applicant/Grantee Account” and complete all required fields. Once completed, an email will be sent to verify the account creation followed by an Okta Account set-up, which will require the use of a smartphone for multi-factor authentication. If an applicant does not have accessibility to a smartphone during the time of account creation, please contact the helpdesk at +1 (888) 313-4567

(toll charges apply for international callers) or through the self-service online portal that can be accessed from ILMS Self Service Portal. Customer support is available 24/7.

F. Application Review Information

1. Review Criteria

Each submission will be evaluated and rated based on the following evaluation criteria:

• Quality of Program Idea: The SOI is responsive to both the APS framework and

Addendum priorities. The idea is communicated well and is feasible. SOI’s that promote creative approaches to address program objectives are highly encouraged. The proposed timeline is reasonable.

• Organizational Capacity and Record on Previous Grants: The SOI should demonstrate the organization’s expertise and previous experience in administering programs. If local partners are identified the SOI should briefly describe the partners’ roles and experience.

• Program Planning/Ability to Achieve Objectives: The SOI should clearly articulate proposed program activities and expected results towards achieving program objectives and goal(s).

2. Indirect Costs

If two or more applications receive equivalent scores based on the evaluation criteria outlined in this NOFO, preference will be given to the applicant with the lower indirect cost rate, as consistent with Executive Order 14332, Section 4(b)(iii). This preference will only be applied as a tie-breaking mechanism and does not supersede the primary evaluation criteria.

3. Review and Selection Process

a. Phase 1- SOI Review and Selection:

All technically eligible SOIs will be reviewed against the criteria listed above by a GHSD

Merit Review Panel (MRP). [Note: SOIs not responsive to a specific Addendum will be considered technically ineligible]. There may be multiple MRPs to review SOIs based on https://mygrants.service-now.com/ https://afsitsm.servicenowservices.com/ilms/home country, or region, as appropriate. SOIs will only be evaluated once. SOIs are reviewed individually against the criteria and not against competing SOIs. Additionally, the MRP will evaluate how the SOI meets the solicitation request, U.S. foreign policy goals, and

GHSD’s overall priority needs. For a fair review, all panelists will review the first page of the SOI up to the page limit and no further. The MRP may provide conditions and/or recommendations on SOIs to enhance the proposed program, which must be addressed by the organization in the full application and/or co-design process, as applicable. To ensure effective use of limited GHSD funds, conditions and recommendations may include requests to increase, decrease, clarify, and/or justify costs and program activities.

GHSD reserves the right to make a final determination regarding all funding matters, pending funding availability.

The panel is responsible for reviewing each SOI and recommending one of the following actions:

i. SOI is not recommended for continued review – The concept is not responsive to the APS and/or Addendum or the concept does not meet overall priority needs or foreign policy.

ii. SOI is recommended for continued review through consultative program design prior to recommendation for funding and submission of phase 2. The concept meets a key (or emerging) priority or foreign policy goals that would benefit from

Department of State input. As a reminder, Addenda to the APS will be posted as

APS amendments highlighting Department of State priorities.

▪ GHSD will notify these applicants and assemble a team of subject matter experts (SMEs) that may or may not include panel members. The technical team and the applicant will work together to develop the concept so that it can be recommended for funding and responsive to a request for full proposal. All applicants within each evaluation panel will be treated equally to ensure fair competition. If at least one applicant is recommended to participate in consultative program design, all applicants will be invited to participate. Consultative program design may be individual with each organization, group, or a hybrid of both. The results of the consultative program design process may or may not result in a recommendation for funding and movement to phase 2. The Department of State reserves the right to make this final determination. All costs to the applicant associated with participation in the consultative program design process will be at the expense of the applicant.

iii. SOI is recommended for funding and submission of phase 2 - The concept outlines a well-tested approach that is ready to move to full application. An amended negotiation letter will be issued to the applicant

Final selection of SOI concepts and funding authority resides with the GHSD senior level official. All concepts must be approved before moving to phase 2.

Voting members of MRPs generally include representatives from GHSD policy and program teams, and all MRP members sign non-disclosure agreements and conflict of interest agreements. Additionally, Department of State often welcomes non-voting participation from interagency colleagues and other SMEs onto MRPs. Applications will not be shared outside of the U.S. Government without the written consent of the applicant.

b. Phase 2 – Request for full applications

Applicants that have moved either directly to phase 2 or subsequent to consultative program design, will be directed to an announcement available via MyGrants to submit a full application based on their approved concept. A full application typically includes but is not limited to the following:

• SF-424, SF-424A, SF-424B (if applicable)

• Cover Page/Executive Summary

• Proposal Narrative

• Budget Narrative

• Program Monitoring and Evaluation Narrative and Plan

• Key Personnel

• Timeline

• Attachments, (if applicable)

Detailed instructions regarding the full application submission process will be provided to those applicants that move to phase 2.

4. Risk Review

Under the merit review as required by 2 CFR 200.206, prior to making a Federal Award the

Department will review and consider the following risk factors:

I. Financial stability

II. Management systems and standards

III. History of performance

IV. Audit reports and findings

V. Ability to effectively implement requirements

VI. If there are any program specific risk factors that will be considered, describe them here.

Prior to making award with a total amount of federal share greater than the simplified acquisition threshold, the federal awarding agency is required to review and consider (see 41

U.S.C. 2313). An applicant can review and comment on any information in the responsibility/qualification records available in SAM.gov. Before making decisions in the risk review required by 2 CFR 200.206, the Department of State will consider any comments by the applicant, along with information available in the responsibility/qualification records in SAM.gov.

G. Award Notices

The grant award or cooperative agreement will be written, signed, awarded, and administered by the Grants Officer (GO). The 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 GO.

If an application 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 APS 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.

H. Post-Award Requirements and Administration

1. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

Before submitting an application, applicants should review all the terms and conditions and required certifications, which will apply to this award, to ensure that they will be able to comply. In accordance with the Office of Management and Budget’s guidance in 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 NOFO in accordance with the following:

• Guidance for Grants and Agreements in Title 2 of the Code of Federal Regulations (2

CFR), as updated in the Federal Register’s 89 FR 30046 on April 22, 2024, particularly on:

o Selecting recipients most likely to be successful in delivering results based on the program objectives through an impartial process of evaluating Federal award applications (2 CFR part 200.205), o 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), o 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 o Terminating agreements pursuant to the Department of State Standard Terms and

Conditions, including, to the greatest extent authorized by law, if an award no longer effectuates the program goals or agency priorities (2 CFR part 200.340).

• 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)

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• 2 CFR 183 - NEVER CONTRACT WITH THE ENEMY

• 2 CFR 600 – DEPARTMENT OF STATE REQUIREMENTS

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

2. Reporting

Recipients will be required to submit financial reports and program performance reports.

The award document will specify what reports are required and how often these reports must be submitted.

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

Applicants should be aware of the post award reporting requirements reflected in 2 CFR 200

Appendix XII—Award Term and Condition for Recipient Integrity and Performance Matters.

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