DFOP0018232 Solicitation.pdf

U.S. Department of State

Notice Of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)

Program Office: Bureau of Arms Control and Nonproliferation, Office of the Nonproliferation and Disarmament

Fund (ACN/NDF)

Assistance Listing: 19.224

Funding Opportunity Title: Event Support for 2027 Multilateral Action on

Sensitive Technologies (MAST) Plenary

Funding Opportunity Number: DFOP0018232

Announcement Type: Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)

Award Type: Cooperative Agreement

Cost Sharing Requirement: Not Required

Period of Performance (Max): 10 Months

Deadline for Applications: 11:59 PM ET on 7/1/2026

Anticipated Number of Awards: 1

Available Funding: $175,000

ELIGIBILITY

The following organizations are eligible to apply:

☒Domestic Not for Profit Organizations

☐Foreign Not for Profit Organizations

☐Public Institutions of Higher Education

☐Private Institutions of Higher Education

☐Foreign Public Entities (FPEs)/Public International Organizations (PIOs)

☐Other: Click or tap here to enter text.

CONTACT INFORMATION

For assistance with the requirements of this solicitation, please contact the ACN/NDF Grants

Mailbox acn-ndf-grants@state.gov.

Table of Contents Section A: Funding Opportunity Description

A.1 Executive Summary A.2 Office Background A.3. Project Background:

A.4. Project Objectives:

A.5. Expected Outcomes A.6. Key Considerations A.7. Substantial Involvement:

Section B: Federal Award Information B.1. Available Funding B.2. Award Management

Section C: Eligibility Information C.1 Eligible Applicants C.2 Cost-Sharing or Matching C.3 Other Eligibility Criteria

Section D: APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION D.1 Solicitation Package D.2 Content and Form of Application Submission D.3 Required Registrations D.4 Submission Details and Times D.5 Funding Restrictions

D.5.1 Funding Restrictions for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) D.5.2 Prohibition on Funding Activities that Encourage Mass-Migration Caravans towards the

United States Southwest Border):

D.5.3 Certification Regarding Compliance with applicable Federal anti-discrimination laws D.5.5 Certification of Trafficking in Persons Compliance and Compliance Plan D.5.6 Prohibition on Unmanned Aircraft Systems Manufactured or Assembled by American Security

Drone Act-Covered Foreign Entities D.5.7 Promoting Human Flourishing in Foreign Assistance (PHFFA)

Section E: Application Review Information E.1 Proposal Review Criteria E.2 Indirect Costs E.3 Review and Selection Process E.4 Risk Review

E.4.1 Risk factors E.4.2 Responsibility/Qualification Information in SAM.gov

Section F: Federal Award Administration Information F.1. Federal Award Notices F.2 Administrative and National Policy and Legal Requirements F.3 Reporting F.4 Branding and Marking F.5 Project Implementation Kickoff and Work Plan

G. Other Information G.1 Guidelines for Budget Justification

Section A: Funding Opportunity Description

A.1 Executive Summary

The Department of State’s Office of the Nonproliferation and Disarmament Fund (ACN/NDF) is pleased to announce an open competition for assistance awards through this Notice of Funding

Opportunity (NOFO). ACN/NDF invites U.S.-based non-profit/non-governmental organizations to submit proposals for projects that will advance the mission of NDF’s event management project. Proposals may not exceed the total availability of funds under this NOFO. ACN/NDF prefers proposals that fully address the objectives as outlined in Section A.4.

Organizations that submit an application in response to this NOFO announcement acknowledge and accept all the requirements contained herein. The submission in response to this announcement is voluntary and does not obligate the Department of State to fund the proposal or proposal preparation costs. Please note: Receipt of this NOFO requesting a full application should not be construed as a guarantee of funding. All awards are subject to the availability of funds and the negotiation and finalization of the approved budget and award package.

A.2 Office Background

The Office of the Nonproliferation and Disarmament Fund (NDF), part of the Department’s

Bureau of Arms Control and Nonproliferation (ACN), develops and executes projects in support of U.S. Government disarmament and proliferation threat reduction priorities. ACN/NDF efforts prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD), missiles, and advanced or destabilizing conventional weapons to terrorists and other rogue entities; support bilateral and multilateral efforts to halt the proliferation of chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear weapons, their delivery systems, related technologies, and other weapons; and secure, remove, or destroy WMD and its delivery systems.

A.3. Project Background:

MAST provides a coordinating forum for key foreign countries, which are producers and suppliers of sensitive technologies, to develop the tools and procedures needed to safeguard sensitive technologies possessing weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and enable capabilities from foreign diversion, exploitation, and potential misuse. These activities will reduce the potential for diversion of weapons-applicable sensitive goods and technologies, including through integration of data collection, development of response options, and coordinated multilateral execution. Working groups operate to regularize communication among the partners between plenary sessions and examine technology-related issues in greater detail. The successful applicant will support appropriate State Department offices with the planning, logistics, and execution of multiple events during the 2027 MAST Plenary hosted at the Harry S. Truman

Building.

A.4. Project Objectives:

Specific tasks include the following:

• Event Management o Within two weeks of award, develop a detailed work plan and timeline for approval. Lead regular discussions with the designated leads from State

Department to better understand State’s objectives.

o Assign roles to work plan tasks and update and maintain planning tasker to ensure timely completion of tasks. Provide progress updates as requested.

• Attendee and Speaker Coordination o Compile master slide deck for overall event/individual panels and sessions, ensuring stylistic consistency.

o In consultation with the designated State Department points of contact

(POCs), create an invitation distribution list for the individual breakout sessions and side events.

o Develop and distribute invitations for the event, and any other important messages relating to the event. All drafts must be approved by an appropriate and authorized State Department representative.

o Collect RSVPs (expected attendance: up to 300 persons) and maintain an attendee list with relevant titles and organizational information.

o Provide status updates on the projected attendance as requested.

o Prepare a final confirmed attendee list with names and identification information for building access purposes.

o Prepare and maintain a tracker of all attendees that have successfully passed their security clearance information in advance of the meeting.

• Reservations and Printing o Identify and reserve catering and other local vendors for meeting refreshments for sessions throughout the three-day event, to include dietary accommodations requested by any of the attendees.

o Obtain quotes and estimates for lunch and refreshments during Plenary sessions.

o Support the State Department offices in finalizing and securing catering options for plenary sessions.

o Coordinate with an approved vendor for printing name tags, name cards, signs, etc. If requested and in consultation with the State Department representatives, prepare packets for attendees prior to Plenary session.

o Procure supplies and equipment (include audio visual equipment, tables, etc.)

and organize according to event needs and specifications.

o Support the State Department POCs with inputs for request memos and any other needed administrative and logistical tasks.

• Event Execution o In coordination with facility management personnel, set-up event venue including testing in the venue the day before the event to ensure audio visual and other features function properly.

o If requested and in consultation with the State Department representatives, coordinate transportation of participants.

o In consultation with the State Department, coordinate with Diplomatic

Security teams on requirements and coverage.

o Conduct run of the show in advance of the event and anticipate all associated production needs. Ensure appropriate coordination and support for event speakers before the event.

o Apply for State Department escort badges for implementer staff. Per State

Department policy at least a Public Trust clearance, which will not be provided by the Department, is required for escort privileges.

o Prepare an escort tracker and provide a briefing to escort volunteers that will familiarize them with their duties and the event space.

o Ensure smooth in-person participant registration process. Facilitate attendee check-in and badging process for all attendees.

o Arrange accommodations for the storage of cell phones for attendees to classified sessions.

o Attend, coordinate, and manage the event, including timekeeping, equipment troubleshooting, communicating with caterers and facility management personnel, timely delivery of catering, restocking of water, emptying of trash/recycling receptacles, and the tidying of event spaces.

o Facilitate sessions or transitions as necessary.

• Post-Event o Provide post-event report with final participation list, photos, final agenda, event session notes, and recommendations/key outcomes from the discussion.

o Conduct post-event debrief to the State Department POCs for lessons learned.

• Deliverables:

o Work plan o Post event report

A.5. Expected Outcomes

The implementer will support the State Department’s FY27 MAST Plenary through outstanding event management, attendee and speaker coordination, reservations and printing, event execution, and post-event reporting. Each aspect of the implementer’s contributions to the

Plenary events will facilitate the successful execution of impactful sessions with key foreign partner producers and suppliers of WMD and WMD-enabling sensitive technologies.

A.6. Key Considerations

One key consideration is that the successful applicant will need to be able to obtain State

Department escort badges for at least ten staff members. State Department policy requires personnel to have at least a Public Trust clearance for escort privileges. Proposals from applicants that already have badged staff members will be viewed favorably. Budget will be a significant factor in evaluating proposals.

A.7. Substantial Involvement:

In response to this solicitation, ACN/NDF may award a Cooperative Agreement using the following envisioned terms of substantial involvement. ACN/NDF reserves the right to further adjust or add to these terms upon final award:

• ACN/NDF will regularly coordinate with and advise the implementer on the development of the best practices guide, activities, and sub-tasks outlined in the Statement of Work to ensure alignment with ACN and Administration priorities.

• On a quarterly basis, ACN/NDF will conduct a written and/or verbal review and assessment of major project milestones with the implementer’s key personnel.

• ACN/NDF will collaborate with the implementer and will conduct active facilitation of dialogue with key stakeholders to develop workshop input.

• Upon receipt, ACN/NDF will expeditiously review and either provide substantive feedback or confirm clearance in writing or verbally of project work plans, next steps, workshop materials, and other project deliverables and will give approval as necessary to proceed to the next phase of activities.

Section B: Federal Award Information

B.1. Available Funding

This notice is subject to availability of funding. The authority for this funding opportunity is found in Section 504 of the FREEDOM Support Act of 1992.

Organizations may form a consortium and submit a combined proposal. However, only one organization must be designated as the lead applicant, with the remaining organizations designated as sub-awardees. The lead applicant must meet the eligibility criteria listed in Section

C.

The Department of State reserves the right to (a) fund any or none of the applications received;

(b) reserves the right to reduce, revise, or increase the budget in accordance with bureau proprieties and the availability of funds; (c) accept other than the lowest cost application.

The U.S. government may make award(s) on the basis of initial applications received, without discussions or negotiations. Therefore, each initial application should contain the applicant's best terms from a cost and technical standpoint. The U.S. government reserves the right (though it is under no obligation to do so), however, to enter into discussions with one or more applicants in order to obtain clarifications, additional detail, or to suggest refinements in the project description, budget, or other aspects of an application.

B.2. Award Management

The successful applicant will need to routinely collaborate with ACN/NDF through regular meetings and conference calls to discuss progress, challenges, emerging topics, etc. The successful applicant must ensure that all funds are used in a manner consistent with any applicable restrictions on funding. See Section D.5 below for funding restrictions.

Section C: Eligibility Information

C.1 Eligible Applicants

ACN/NDF welcomes applications from U.S.-based non-profit/non-governmental organizations with or without 501(c) (3) status of the U.S. tax code.

Please see 2 CFR 200.307 for regulations regarding program income.

C.2 Cost-Sharing or Matching

The non-Federal share of costs, frequently called “cost share” or “matching costs”, refers to that portion of the project or program costs not borne by the Federal Government. This may include cash and third-party in-kind contributions. These costs must reflect the realistic capacity of the applicants and any third-party contributors.

Providing cost sharing, matching, or cost participation is not an eligibility factor or requirement for this NOFO and providing cost share will not result in a more favorable competitive ranking.

Per 2 CFR §200.306, items that are proposed for cost share must be allowable per 2 CFR §200, Subpart E—Costs Principles.

Voluntary cost-share: Should the applicant choose to contribute voluntary cost-share but does not meet the minimum amount of the voluntary cost-sharing stipulated in the applicant’s budget, DOS’ contribution may be reduced in proportion to the applicant’s contribution.

C.3 Other Eligibility Criteria

Any applicant with an exclusion in the Exclusions section of the System for Award Management

(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 in the Exclusions section of SAM.gov can participate in any activities under an award. All applicants are strongly encouraged to review the Exclusions section in SAM.gov to ensure that no ineligible entity or person is included in their application.

Section D: APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

D.1 Solicitation Package

Applicants can find application forms, instructions or other materials needed to apply on grants.gov and MyGrants under the announcement title “Event Support for 2027 Multilateral

Action on Sensitive Technologies (MAST) Plenary” funding opportunity number

“DFOP0018232.” Please contact the ACN/NDF Grants point of contact listed on the cover page if requesting reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities or for security reasons.

Please note that reasonable accommodations do not include deadline extensions.

D.2 Content and Form of Application Submission

Application Content: Applicants must follow the NOFO instructions and conditions contained herein and supply all the information required. Failure to furnish all information or comply with stated requirements will result in disqualification from the competition. Applicants must set forth full, accurate, and complete information as required by this NOFO. The penalty for making false statements in proposals to the U.S. government is prescribed on 18 U.S.C.1001.

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 8 ½ x 11 paper, and

• All Microsoft Word documents are single-spaced, 12-point Times New Roman font, with a minimum of 1-inch margins https://sam.gov/ https://sam.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/ https://mygrants.service-now.com/grants/portal_login.do

The completed submission must consist of the following six parts. Please note that documentation submitted in excess of the below requirements will not be evaluated and may lead to disqualification from the competition.

Section 1 - Application for Federal Assistance (SF-424) and Budget Information for

Non-Construction Programs (SF-424A):

These forms are completed within the MyGrants portal. Completion instructions can be found on-line at: https://www.grants.gov/forms/forms-repository/sf-424-family

Section 2 – Project Proposal Narrative (4 pages maximum):

A recommended proposal template has been provided as part of the solicitation package. The proposal should contain sufficient information that anyone not familiar with it would understand exactly what the applicant wants to do. Applicants may choose to use their own proposal format, but it must include at a minimum the following components limited to 4 pages in length.

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

• 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.

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

• 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.

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

• 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.

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

• Program Partners (if applicable): List the names and type of involvement of key partner organizations and sub-awardees.

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

Section 3 – Detailed Budget:

Applicants not recognized as FPEs or PIOs must provide detailed budget information according to the OMB cost categories as referenced in the SF-424A:

• Personnel

• Fringe benefits

• Travel

• Equipment

• Supplies

• Contractual services https://www.grants.gov/forms/forms-repository/sf-424-family

• Construction

• Other direct costs

• Indirect costs o If the applicant organization has a Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement

(NICRA) with the U.S. Federal Government, it must submit a copy of it as part of its application. This is considered an integral part of the detailed budget.

In addition to completion of the SF-424A within the MyGrants platform, applicants must use the attached template to break out expenses on a line-item basis. The detailed budget should be attached as a separate document from the proposal narrative. FPEs and PIOs are highly encouraged but are not required to complete the SF-424A or use the provided template, though they are expected at a minimum to provide similarly detailed budget information.

Section 4 – Budget Narrative:

Applicants must provide a full and detailed budget narrative for each project. The budget narrative should include details on how figures/numbers were calculated if not clearly shown in the detailed budget as well as a narrative description of each line item in the budget.

Applicants must adhere to the requirements of the Federal Travel Regulation (FTR), including

Fly America Act requirements, when proposing and conducting travel. For further information and current foreign per diem rates, please visit: https://aoprals.state.gov/web920/per_diem.asp

Section 5 – Key Personnel Documentation:

Applicants must provide a one-page (or less) resume or detailed position description for each key personnel position identified. These documents must be consolidated into a single document for submission. Proposed key personnel do not need to be final but must represent the appropriate level of expertise and qualifications that the applicant would require if funded.

Section 6 – Program Performance Monitoring and Evaluation: (2 pages maximum – not including tracking document)

Applicants should provide a description of their performance monitoring and evaluation (M&E) capabilities, including data quality assessments, preferably in no longer than a two-page Word or pdf document. Applicants should address how they will implement the monitoring, data collection and quality, and indicator requirements of 18 FAM 301.4, Department of State

Program and Project Design, Monitoring, and Evaluation, including but not limited to:

i) Detail how quantitative and qualitative performance indicators will be developed, and applicants are encouraged to suggest indicators in their narratives;

ii) Detail how you will track the project’s performance toward its objectives over time;

iii) Provide a description of the possible approaches and data collection methods you will implement to determine whether the desired programmatic outcomes are being achieved;

iv) Explain how you will logically link monitoring to program efforts and use performance data to inform course corrections during implementation;

v) If the project includes work with local partners or sub-partners, explain how M&E efforts will be coordinated with these organizations;

vi) Explain how the program will be reviewed or assessed to ensure it is meeting its project goals;

https://aoprals.state.gov/web920/per_diem.asp https://fam.state.gov/fam/18fam/18fam030104.html https://fam.state.gov/fam/18fam/18fam030104.html

vii) Describe your capabilities for effectively addressing the requirements for data quality, performance indicator reference sheets (PIRS), and monitoring plans detailed in 18 FAM

301.4; and

viii) Monitoring plans should include a tracking table for indicator data for outcome- and output-based indicators that link to the objectives, activities, and expected changes outlined in the proposal. Please include a populated Excel sheet or similar with proposed indicators and corresponding data that support this NOFO, using the Sample Performance Indicators

Template in the Attachment as a reference.

Note: If recommended for funding, the panel, office, and/or bureau may negotiate the above to ensure fulfillment of 18 FAM 301.4 requirements, including the incorporation of Standard

Foreign Assistance Indicators and publicly reported indicators as needed. More information on

18 FAM 301.4 and Standard Foreign Assistance Indicators is available on state.gov.

D.3 Required Registrations

All organizations, whether based in the United States or in another country, must have a Unique

Entity Identifier (UEI) and an active registration in SAM.gov. 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. 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.”

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

Organizations based outside of the United States and that DO NOT plan to do business with the

DoD should follow the below instructions:

Step 1: Proceed to SAM.gov to obtain a UEI and complete the SAM.gov registration process. SAM.gov registration must be renewed annually.

Organizations based outside of the United States and that DO plan to do business with the DoD in addition to Department of State should follow the below instructions:

Step 1: 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)

Exemptions

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.

D.4 Submission Details and Times

Applications are due no later than 11:59 PM Eastern Time (ET), on 1 July 2026 on

MyGrants under the announcement title “Event Support for 2027 Multilateral Action on

Sensitive Technologies (MAST) Plenary” under funding opportunity number

“DFOP0018232.”

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. U.S. Federal Government Entities are the only type of organization exempt from submission via MyGrants and must submit their applications via email to ACN-NDF-

Grants@state.gov.

It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that it has an active registration in MyGrants and that an application has been received by the system in its entirety. Application submissions are automatically logged by date and time when made in MyGrants, and the Department of

State will use this information to determine whether an application has been submitted on time.

Late applications are neither reviewed nor considered. Applicants should not expect a notification upon ACN/NDF receiving their application.

ACN/NDF bears no responsibility for disqualification that results from applicants not being registered before the due date, for registration errors in either system, or other errors in the application process.

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

D.5 Funding Restrictions

D.5.1 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 United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA).

D.5.2 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 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.

D.5.3 Certification Regarding Compliance with applicable Federal anti-discrimination laws

If the place of performance or delivery of any award made under this NOFO will be within the

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

1) 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;

2) 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.

D.5.5 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:

• 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);

• 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).

• 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.

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-175 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-175 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-175 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-175

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 their website and at the workplace. Recipients must re-certify on an annual basis for the entire award period of performance.

D.5.6 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 Notice of Funding Opportunity (including subawards and subcontracts issued by the recipient) 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; 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 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.].

D.5.7 Promoting Human Flourishing in Foreign Assistance (PHFFA)

Applicants for foreign assistance awards should be aware of requirements in 2 CFR Part 602, 603, and 604.

These policies are referred to collectively as the Promoting Human Flourishing in Foreign

Assistance (PHFFA) Policy.

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%7C639005658853841398%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=vOOQC%2FqEnM0FmwOBiz0sKQU2rkL0QZZz6YPZDhMeP3o%3D&reserved=0 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

602: The award term imposes certain abortion-related requirements on foreign nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), United States NGOs, public international organizations, foreign governments, and parastatals.

603: The award term imposes certain requirements relating to gender ideology on foreign nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), United States NGOs, international organizations, foreign governments, and parastatals.

604: The award term imposes certain requirements relating to discriminatory equity ideology on foreign nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), United States NGOs, international organizations, foreign governments, and parastatals.

The Department recognizes there are costs associated with these policies. Potential one-time and recurring costs the Department identifies for recipients and grantees are for familiarization with the policy, development and delivery of organizational training and implementation guidance, routine compliance monitoring, and recordkeeping and reporting requirements.

Section E: Application Review Information

E.1 Proposal Review Criteria

Applicants should note that the following criteria serve as a standard against which all project proposals will be evaluated and identify significant considerations that should be addressed in all proposals.

ACN/NDF will evaluate proposals against the stated criteria.

• Proposed Activity or Activities: Applications should be responsive to the program framework and policy objectives identified in the solicitation, appropriate in the country/regional and organizational context, and should clearly describe what they propose to do and how they will do it. The proposed project(s) should directly relate to meeting all specified objectives within at least one of the above lines of effort and applicants should include specific information on how these objectives will advance

ACN/NDF’s mission.

• Organizational Capability: Applicants must demonstrate how their resources, capabilities, and experience will enable them to achieve the stated goals and objectives in an international technical context. The proposal(s) must identify all key partners and organizations that will be involved in the implementation of this project. Finally, proposals should demonstrate how the applicant will manage all specified objectives within at least one of the above lines of effort.

• Budget: Proposed costs will be evaluated for realism, fiscal control practices, and efficiency. ACN/NDF must be able to determine that proposed costs are reasonable, allowable, and allocable to the proposed project activities. ACN/NDF will evaluate the budget to determine if the overall costs are realistic for the work to be performed, if the costs reflect the applicant’s understanding of the allowable cost principles established by

OMB Circulars A-122 and/or A-21, and if the costs are consistent with the project narrative.

• Past Performance: In reviewing proposals, ACN/NDF will evaluate the organization’s past performance on other federal and non-federal grants and cooperative agreements.

https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/01/27/2026-01519/protecting-life-in-foreign-assistance https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/01/27/2026-01516/combating-gender-ideology-in-foreign-assistance https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/01/27/2026-01517/combating-discriminatory-equity-ideology-in-foreign-assistance-rules

This will include a review of whether objectives for past awards were met; whether the organization complied with the terms of conditions of past awards, including reporting and financial management requirements; and the timeliness of project implementation.

E.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.

E.3 Review and Selection Process

The Department of State is committed to ensuring a competitive and standardized process for awarding funding. Applications will be screened initially in a Technical Eligibility Review stage to determine whether applicants meet the eligibility requirements outlined in section C and have submitted all required documents outlined in section D. Applications that do not meet these requirements will not advance beyond the Technical Eligibility Review stage and will be deemed ineligible for funding under this NOFO.

All applications that are deemed eligible will move forward to the Merit Review Panel consisting of U.S. government subject matter and/or country-specific experts and will be rated on a 100-point scale. ACN/NDF reserves the right to request the assistance of non-US government

Subject Matter Experts (SMEs), if appropriate to the solicitation. Panel Reviewers will determine scores based on the strengths and weaknesses of the aforementioned categories and for consistency with the program goals and objectives outlined in this NOFO. Panel Reviewers’ ratings, and any resulting recommendations, are advisory. Panel Reviewers may provide conditions and recommendations on applications to enhance the proposed project, which must be addressed by the applicant before further consideration of the award. To ensure effective use of

US Government funds, conditions or recommendations may include requests to increase, decrease, clarify, and/or justify costs and project activities.

ACN/NDF reserves the right to make an award based on the initial application received with or without discussion or negotiations. Therefore, applications should contain the

Applicants’ best terms from both cost and technical standpoints.

Final selection authority resides with ACN/NDF senior level official. Final award decisions will be influenced by whether the application meets the Department of State’s programmatic goals and objectives, how it supports the Department’s overarching foreign policy priorities, and the geographic distribution of the top-ranking applications.

E.4 Risk Review

E.4.1 Risk factors

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:

a. Financial stability

b. Management systems and standards

c. History of performance

d. Audit reports and findings

e. Ability to effectively implement requirements

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

E.4.2 Responsibility/Qualification Information in SAM.gov

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 U.S. government designated integrity and performance system accessible through SAM.gov (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 will consider any comments by the applicant, along with information available in the responsibility/qualification records in SAM.gov.

Section F: Federal Award Administration Information

F.1. Federal Award Notices

The award or cooperative agreement will be written, signed, awarded, and administered by the

Grants Officer. The award agreement is the authorizing document, and it will be provided to the recipient for review and counter-signature. The recipient may only start incurring project expenses beginning on the start date shown on the 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.

Additional information that successful applicants may be required to submit after notification of intent to make a Federal award, but prior to issuance of a Federal award, may include:

• Written responses and any revised application documents addressing any conditions or recommendations from the Review Panel and awarding bureau;

• Completion of the Department’s Financial Management Survey, if receiving funding for the first time or requested by the Grants Officer;

• Submission of required documents to register in the Payment Management System

(PMS) managed by the Department of Health and Human Services if receiving funding for the first time. PMS registration is bureau-specific;

• Other requested information or documents included in this funding opportunity or subsequent communications with the recommended applicant prior to issuance of a federal award.

Pursuant to 2 CFR 200.400(g), it is U.S. Department of State policy not to award profit under assistance instruments.

2 CFR §200.501 requires domestic/US non-federal entities that expend $1,000,000, or more, in federal assistance during the organization’s fiscal year to have a single or program-specific audit conducted for that year. In addition, the entity must report the collected audit data elements on the form SF-SAC and submit it to the FAC. Any findings such as material weaknesses, significant deficiencies, or material noncompliance are reported on the SF-SAC.

Unsuccessful applicants: Unsuccessful applicants will be notified via email.

Payment Method: Payments under this award will be made through the U.S. Department of

Health and Human Services (HHS) Payment Management System (PMS) or by completing form

SF-270—Request for Advance or Reimbursement and submitting the form. Final determination will be made in conjunction with the Grants Officer. Unless otherwise stipulated, the Recipient may request payments on a reimbursement or advance basis. Instructions for requesting payments via PMS are available at: https://pms.psc.gov/. Instructions for requesting payments via SF-270 are available at: https://www.grants.gov/forms/forms-repository/post-award-reporting-forms.

Advance payments must be limited to the minimum amounts needed and be timed to be in accordance with the actual, immediate cash requirements of the Recipient in carrying out the purpose of this award. The timing and amount of advance payments must be as close as is administratively feasible to the actual disbursements by the Recipient for direct program or project costs and the proportionate share of any allowable indirect costs.

Recipients may not draw down funds without the affirmative authorization of the Department of

State. In addition, recipients must submit, with each payment request, a detailed explanation justifying the request.

F.2 Administrative and National Policy and Legal 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 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:

• 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);

https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fpms.psc.gov%2F&data=05%7C01%7CArroyoCE%40state.gov%7C841c4f39b39b4489339d08db2c76e938%7C66cf50745afe48d1a691a12b2121f44b%7C0%7C0%7C638152661450233209%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=ICD5vLbhgznC4%2BV7Rz8Ub4S5LhKBI%2BIS%2BCH%2B%2FmM3fn0%3D&reserved=0 https://www.grants.gov/forms/forms-repository/post-award-reporting-forms https://www.grants.gov/forms/forms-repository/post-award-reporting-forms https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=81a5f41de81c46a9844617d93a9db081&mc=true&node=pt2.1.200&rgn=div5 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 U.S.