DFOP0020010_U.S._Jordan_Private_Sector_Innovation_Fund_APS.pdf

Annual Program Statement

United States Embassy in Amman, Jordan

Regional Foreign Assistance Office, Department of State

Opportunity number: DFOP0020010

Application deadline: Rolling, See Section E

Contents

A. Basic Information 3 B. Eligibility 5 C. Program Description 6 D. Application Contents and Format 9 E. Submission Requirements and Deadlines 11 F. Application Review Information 16 G. Post-Award Requirements and Administration 18 https://gbc-word-edit.officeapps.live.com.mcas-gov.ms/mcasapi/McasPoliciesEndPoint/v2?policy=NativeApps&redir=0&McasSrc=bookmark%3A%2F%2F_Toc180765059&McasUserAuth=casBCm5pcHR1Y2tfMDHK2cMc8ymeC6bzMIUidqCqyy3xgLDj6ckz7NS6HmuIRvpdn5qckIKun_U7iRk-hmDwacVOOiXBAtIxVm5ZdwsFu1-feckClfITiIAhWxf0W5YYVLYfj_XS66AdZY8Y-vre4ooWOWQtsXchd45EPUyuoPs_DkJJSislV0esOpl3JLpluPevlNjaJ9zU08MFwrMC3eWEksE9KqHExbsgvCPtnjLDd-hpvz1e7WjKxZT2_u-hylPMgy2oRUDu4Gxupp-X3MM_QLzd-MZyMy7fxExWxSTd2SI9FPLW1eK5TlCp5d1Bf_C3upana1l9QY1bpwXEYxhICw9cQQ2Uu-BwMSaRlniQxCO8fZwea2B6vvsXDfy7bEvt0NxUx5-Ymk2Rsp0TmOyd7nJyL_TqYOlNGxvcMlgvxWafqUDEaXiszeNdH0jWpffvkmZeuhSEGLDvueU&McasTsid=20892&McasId=352c50bf-3f90-48d2-b73d-2bd9644e3adc&McasHash=728edec37c849267a8a0d82414ae5f8c29e1b17dc3994710d6bbaf5390e7695d 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U.S Department of State Regional Foreign Assistance Office

Annual Program Statement

A. Basic Information

1. Overview Funding Opportunity Title U.S.–Jordan Private Sector Innovation Fund Funding Opportunity Number DFOP0020010 Announcement Type Annual Program Statement Deadline for Applications Rolling, See Section E.4 Assistance Listing Number 19.600 Length of performance period 1 to 3 years Number of awards anticipated 3 - 5 awards (dependent on amounts) Award amounts Awards may range from a minimum of $2,000,000 to a maximum of $20,000,000 (approximately) Total available funding $50,000,000, pending availability of funds Type of Funding FY 2025 Economic Support Funds under the Foreign

Assistance Act Anticipated projects start date November 1, 2026

The Regional Foreign Assistance Office (RFA) in Amman, Jordan announces an open competition to organizations to submit one or more statements of interest (SOIs) for funding from the U.S.-Jordan Private Sector Innovation Fund. SOIs should propose projects that advance commercial deals, support innovation-driven bilateral commercial cooperation and market expansion, and promote U.S. exports in Jordan. SOIs must demonstrate how projects will leverage assistance as a tool of statecraft to make America safer, stronger, and more prosperous. Programming should promote trade over aid by leveraging assistance resources to champion American enterprise, U.S. exports, and infrastructure, and catalyze private capital through market principles. SOIs will address sectors that are high priorities for both the United States and Jordan. Projects issued through this announcement will support Department of State commercial diplomacy efforts in coordination with the U.S. interagency.

SOIs should demonstrate how they will catalyze private-sector investment in Jordan and any subsequent impact that could result for the United States, promote joint ventures and strategic partnerships between U.S. and Jordanian firms, and expand bilateral trade and investment opportunities. Projects might consider leveraging the existing U.S.–Jordan bilateral trade agreements. Projects should strengthen American private-sector competitiveness by advancing innovation, technology adoption, and commercially scalable models aligned with U.S. priorities, including in critical and emerging technologies.

The SOI is the first step in a two-step application process. Applicants must first submit a concise (1–3 page) SOI designed to clearly communicate their project idea and objectives. This is not a full proposal and will not result in a federal assistance award at this stage.

The purpose of the SOI process is to allow applicants to submit project ideas for evaluation before developing a full proposal application. Following a merit review of eligible SOIs, the Department will invite selected applicants to expand upon their project idea(s) by submitting a full proposal application. As appropriate, the Department may engage selected applicants in a co-design process to refine project concepts, scope, objectives, or approach prior to or during the development of the full proposal. Full proposals will undergo a second merit review before final funding decision(s) are made.

Funding Instrument Type: Grant, fixed amount award (FAA), or cooperative agreement.

Cooperative agreements include RFA’s substantial involvement in the implementation of the project. An FAA may also include substantial involvement. Examples of substantial involvement are included in section C below.

Project Performance Period: Proposed projects should be completed in 12-36 months.

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

Application Submission Process: SOIs are required to be submitted via the Department of State’s MyGrants system. Applicants using MyGrants for the first time will need to register with MyGrants by navigating to https://MyGrants.servicenowservices.com. [Click “Create an Account” under “New User?” On the pop-up, select “Create a MyGrants Applicant/Grantee Account” and complete all required fields.] Once finished, 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.

Submission Timeline: SOIs will be accepted on a rolling basis, with the aim of conducting reviews on a quarterly basis. See Section E: Submission Requirements and Deadlines. Awards will be made on a rolling basis, subject to funding availability.

This notice is subject to availability of funding.

2. Executive Summary

The U.S.–Jordan Private Sector Innovation Fund is designed to support innovative, scalable, and market-disrupting approaches that strengthen commercial ties between the United States and Jordan. RFA seeks applications that demonstrate how U.S. government support will catalyze commercially sustainable activities that might not otherwise occur due to market barriers or investment risk.

https://afsitsm.servicenowservices.com/ilms/home

This APS serves as a streamlined intake mechanism for RFA to solicit, review, and fund proposals as funding becomes available. This APS outlines RFA’s funding priorities, and the procedures for submitting applications. Please carefully follow all instructions below.

Through this APS, RFA seeks to support projects that contribute to one or more of the following outcomes:

• Increased U.S. exports of goods and services to Jordan and neighboring countries.

• Increased number and value of commercially sustainable partnerships between U.S. and

Jordanian firms.

• Increased bilateral foreign direct investment between the United States and Jordan.

• Increased adoption of advanced technologies, innovative business models, and U.S.

standards where appropriate.

• Improved competitiveness and productivity of Jordanian firms.

• Job creation in both the United States and Jordan.

• Expanded use of Jordan as a platform for commercial engagement and investment in regional markets, where appropriate.

B. Eligibility

1. Eligible Applicants

The following organizations are eligible to apply:

• For-profit companies and organizations, such as corporations and commercial firms.

• Not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks and civil society/non-governmental organizations.

• Public and private educational institutions.

2. Cost Sharing or Matching While cost sharing or matching is not required, it will be favorably considered as part of the merit review process. Opportunities for cost sharing and matching may be discussed during negotiation, consultative project design (a.k.a. “co-design”), and/or co-creation 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 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.

Applicants must disclose any potential organizational conflicts of interest or beneficial ownership structures involving foreign government ownership/control.

Any applicant listed on the Excluded Parties List System 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

1. Program Purpose

RFA, through this APS, seeks to utilize the U.S.–Jordan Private Sector Innovation Fund to boost Jordan’s economy by catalyzing innovative, commercially viable partnerships and investments between the United States and Jordan. This will have the secondary effect of advancing U.S.

economic interests as well. The Fund is intended to strengthen bilateral commercial engagement, promote U.S. exports, mobilize private sector investment, and support the adoption of advanced technologies and innovative business models that generate measurable economic benefits for both countries.

RFA seeks to support projects that demonstrate strong commercial potential, leverage private sector resources, and create lasting economic value beyond the period of U.S. government assistance. Successful projects are expected to contribute to sustainable business growth while strengthening the commercial relationship between the United States and Jordan, including technologies that enhance trade, productivity, competitiveness, data-driven decision-making, and the modernization of critical industries. SOIs should highlight clear commercial pathways that expand opportunities for U.S. firms.

There are great opportunities to deepen commercially viable collaboration between U.S. and Jordanian firms, the majority of which are small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), often facing constraints in accessing advanced technologies, investment, and international markets due to their limited scale and resources. Jordan’s growing digital economy, continued adoption of modern data infrastructure, and rising demand for advanced technologies present significant opportunities for U.S. companies seeking new markets, technology partnerships, and innovation-driven investment opportunities. At the same time, despite Jordan's strategic location and its potential to serve as a gateway to regional markets, U.S. companies may be reluctant to enter the Jordanian market because of its relatively small market size, broader structural economic challenges, and proximity to ongoing regional insecurity.

As a result, commercially viable partnerships and investment opportunities that could generate mutual economic benefits often fail to materialize. This APS aims to incentivize firms to adopt, co-develop, or scale innovative technologies and business models that could improve productivity, competitiveness, and long-term economic growth for both Jordan and the United States.

While past programs have focused on capacity building or access to finance, this APS seeks to address these challenges by reducing the risks associated with innovative, cross-border commercial engagement and by encouraging private sector-led partnerships and investment with a clear pathway to commercial sustainability.

2. Program Approach

Applicants are encouraged to propose projects that focus on U.S. economic interests and U.S.- Jordan commercial ties, including projects that advance deals and trade; catalyze innovative bilateral commercial engagement and market expansion; and introduce or expand the use of advanced technologies, innovative products or services, new business models, or first-of-their-kind commercial solutions. Projects should demonstrate a clear value proposition, market demand, and the potential to generate measurable economic benefits for Jordan, with secondary benefits to the U.S.

Applicants are encouraged to reference responsible innovation practices and outline how their solutions align with U.S. standards for quality, performance, and commercial readiness.

RFA anticipates making awards under the following program areas.

Program Area 1: Bilateral Commercial Partnerships

This program area supports partnerships between U.S. and Jordanian firms that develop, pilot, implement, or scale innovative commercial solutions. Activities may include collaborative product or service development, technology deployment, commercialization of innovative solutions, market expansion, or other partnerships that strengthen bilateral trade and commercial engagement.

Program Area 2: Mutual Foreign Direct Investment

This program area supports qualified U.S. and Jordanian firms undertaking investments in each other's markets that generate measurable economic benefits and/or jobs for both countries.

Eligible activities may include, but are not limited to, joint ventures, technology transfer, startup expansion, establishment of new operations, market entry or expansion strategies, and investments that introduce advanced technologies, innovative production processes, or market-disrupting business models.

Projects should demonstrate how the proposed investment will strengthen bilateral commercial ties, mobilize additional private capital, and contribute to sustainable economic growth.

3. Priority Sectors

While the RFA welcomes innovative ideas across a broad range of industries, priority consideration will be given to projects operating in sectors that advance U.S. and Jordanian economic priorities, including:

• Energy and Critical Minerals

• Communications, including telecommunication

• Information and Emerging Technologies, to include Super Intelligence

• Water

• Critical and advanced manufacturing

• Transportation, smart mobility, and logistics

• Education

• Other sectors that demonstrate significant potential to advance the objectives of this APS

4. Substantial Involvement

Applicants submitting SOIs should be aware that, if their SOI results in a cooperative agreement award, the RFA Office will have substantial involvement, which may 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.

Out of Scope Program Activities: Activities that are not typically funded include but are not limited to:

a. Projects focused on public diplomacy or U.S. government public messaging (separate funding may be available through the Embassy);

b. Projects that support individual political parties or attempt to advance a particular political agenda;

c. U.S.-based activities, study tours, scholarships, or exchange projects;

d. Initiatives directed towards a diaspora community;

e. Projects that have a predominant academic or basic research focus;

f. Social welfare projects that purely provide service-delivery or humanitarian assistance;

g. Costs incurred to complete activities begun with other funds;

h. Activities that appear partisan or that support individual or party electoral campaigns;

i. Medical and psychological research or clinical studies using human subjects;

j. Cultural presentations, cultural research, cultural clubs, or festivals, etc.; and

k. Entertainment costs (e.g., receptions, social activities, ceremonies, alcoholic beverages, guided tours).

D. Application Contents and Format

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

Table Listing of Critical Details:

I. Proposed Project Title II. Name of the Organization III. How the Project Benefits the United States and Jordan IV. Total Federal Share Requested V. Total Cost Share (as applicable) VI. Project Length “Table Listing of Critical Details” does not count toward the 3-page narrative limit.

Applicants may include this table as a cover page to their submission.

Project Design

a. Project Executive Summary (2-4 Sentences): Briefly describe the issue and the solution.

b. Issue/Challenge/Opportunity: 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, or opportunity.

d. Description of Project Implementation Plan: Describe the phases of the project and the associated timeline.

e. Anticipated Outcomes and Results: Identify the specific outcomes and results the project seeks to achieve and define “success.”

f. Theory of Change: Articulate what changes need to occur to go from the current state or condition to achieving your goals and objectives. Write a statement linking existing conditions with desired changes; this will typically take the form of an “If ___, then ___because ____” statement. Consider existing evidence or sources that support the theory on why the desired change will happen. Some examples of supporting evidence are research or literature reviews, previous program evaluations, and discussions with stakeholders or beneficiaries.

g. 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 awarded 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.

h. 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 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, consultative project design (if applicable) process continues, the ideas and approaches may evolve as the applicant and the RFA office 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

New Roman font with 1-inch margins.

• The exception is captions and footnotes which may be 10-point Times New Roman font. Font sizes in charts and tables, including the budget, can be reformatted to fit within 1 page width.

• Submissions will only be reviewed up to the specified page limit and no further.

• Applicants may include relevant tables and charts either within the narrative or as annexes. For the purposes of this guidance, diagrams, conceptual frameworks, and other visual representations may be treated as charts and are therefore also excluded from the page limit. Given the nature of tables and charts, font sizes as small as 10-point are acceptable for these elements.

• Applicants may include annexes containing supporting tables, charts, or other visual materials. To ensure a fair and efficient review process, the Department will review up to four (4) annexes per submission, and each annex should be no more than one (1) page. Annexes should be used to supplement, not replace, the narrative.

Reviewers will primarily evaluate the up to three-page narrative submission in accordance with the APS review criteria.

• Applicants are encouraged to present information clearly and concisely within the 1 - 3 page narrative, using annexes only where they add value or clarity. Submissions that exceed these parameters may not be fully reviewed.

E. Submission Requirements and Deadlines

1. Address to Request Application Package

Application forms and other materials necessary to apply are available in MyGrants.

2. Department of State Contacts

All questions must be submitted in writing to AmmanRFAinfo@state.gov. Please reference the APS Opportunity Number in the email subject line.

RFA will create a document of submitted questions with answers and share via the grants.gov and MyGrants funding opportunity.

3. Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM.gov)

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 APS.

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 War (DoW) awards are no longer required to have a NATO Commercial and Government Entity (NCAGE) code to apply for non-DoW 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 mailto:AmmanRFAinfo@state.gov https://mcas-proxyweb.mcas-gov.ms/certificate-checker?login=false&originalUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fgcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com.mcas-gov.ms%2F%3Furl%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.fsd.gov%252Fgsafsd_sp%253Fid%253Dgsafsd_kb_articles%2526sys_id%253Dc81018e71b1601d0937fa64ce54bcb57%26data%3D05%257C01%257Cfjeldkk%2540state.gov%257C0cc4e2b471f44abcd32308db093ecead%257C66cf50745afe48d1a691a12b2121f44b%257C0%257C0%257C638113937577534024%257CUnknown%257CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%253D%257C3000%257C%257C%257C%26sdata%3DW2ShcazZBQbanYGj0cLOTnUJwv%252BGL4xfwr83%252BycQY2E%253D%26reserved%3D0%26McasTsid%3D20892&McasCSRF=9630b0cc18a7834e157912ece4d1a47011ae15f476473d60629288cc4c66c7f0 https://mcas-proxyweb.mcas-gov.ms/certificate-checker?login=false&originalUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fgcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com.mcas-gov.ms%2F%3Furl%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.fsd.gov%252F%26data%3D05%257C01%257Cfjeldkk%2540state.gov%257C0cc4e2b471f44abcd32308db093ecead%257C66cf50745afe48d1a691a12b2121f44b%257C0%257C0%257C638113937577534024%257CUnknown%257CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%253D%257C3000%257C%257C%257C%26sdata%3Dt32ANWzgpiB93pMWoq%252BFCSHz4YJY9QF1S1iQzCsS6RM%253D%26reserved%3D0%26McasTsid%3D20892&McasCSRF=9630b0cc18a7834e157912ece4d1a47011ae15f476473d60629288cc4c66c7f0 financial assistance from the Department of War. 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.”

Organizations based outside of the United States and that DO NOT plan to do business with the DoW 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 DoW in addition to Department of State should follow the below instructions:

Step 2: Apply for an NCAGE code by following the instructions on the NSPA NATO website linked below:

NCAGE Home page:

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 APS at least two weeks prior to the deadline in the APS 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.

4. Submission Dates and Times

SOIs will be accepted on MyGrants under the announcement title RFA U.S.–Jordan Private Sector Innovation Fund, funding opportunity number DFOP0020010.

Application Submission Window: November 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027, 11:59 pm Jordan Time. SOIs will be accepted on a rolling basis, with the aim of conducting reviews on a quarterly basis.

5. Funding Restrictions

a. Awards to Commercial Firms or For-Profit Organizations: The Department of State prohibits profit under its assistance awards to commercial organizations. No funds will be paid as profit to any recipient that is a commercial organization. Profit is defined as any amount in excess of allowable direct and indirect costs. The allowability of costs https://mcas-proxyweb.mcas-gov.ms/certificate-checker?login=false&originalUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fgcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com.mcas-gov.ms%2F%3Furl%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Feportal.nspa.nato.int%252FAC135Public%252Fscage%252FCageList.aspx%26data%3D05%257C01%257Cfjeldkk%2540state.gov%257C0cc4e2b471f44abcd32308db093ecead%257C66cf50745afe48d1a691a12b2121f44b%257C0%257C0%257C638113937577534024%257CUnknown%257CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%253D%257C3000%257C%257C%257C%26sdata%3Dv3TLT8F%252FNfk5SuTcI2zw7SMhV4HK542OhP9XDx4ln%252BY%253D%26reserved%3D0%26McasTsid%3D20892&McasCSRF=9630b0cc18a7834e157912ece4d1a47011ae15f476473d60629288cc4c66c7f0 https://mcas-proxyweb.mcas-gov.ms/certificate-checker?login=false&originalUrl=https%3A%2F%2Feportal.nspa.nato.int.mcas-gov.ms%2FCodification%2FCageTool%2Fhome%3FMcasTsid%3D20892&McasCSRF=9630b0cc18a7834e157912ece4d1a47011ae15f476473d60629288cc4c66c7f0 https://mcas-proxyweb.mcas-gov.ms/certificate-checker?login=false&originalUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ecfr.gov.mcas-gov.ms%2Fcurrent%2Ftitle-2%2Fsubtitle-A%2Fchapter-I%2Fpart-25%2Fsubpart-A%2Fsection-25.110%3FMcasTsid%3D20892&McasCSRF=9630b0cc18a7834e157912ece4d1a47011ae15f476473d60629288cc4c66c7f0 incurred by commercial organizations is determined in accordance with the provisions of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) at 48 CFR Part 31. Program income earned by the recipient may be:

• added to the total of the amount of this award, including the required cost sharing or matching, and use it to further eligible project objectives;

• used to meet the recipient’s cost sharing or matching requirement; OR

• deducted from the total project or program allowable cost in determining the net allowable costs on which the federal share of costs is based.

b. The Department of State 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.

c. 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 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.

d. 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.

https://mcas-proxyweb.mcas-gov.ms/certificate-checker?login=false&originalUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.state.gov.mcas-gov.ms%2Fforeign-terrorist-organizations%2F%3FMcasTsid%3D20892&McasCSRF=9630b0cc18a7834e157912ece4d1a47011ae15f476473d60629288cc4c66c7f0 https://mcas-proxyweb.mcas-gov.ms/certificate-checker?login=false&originalUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.state.gov.mcas-gov.ms%2Fforeign-terrorist-organizations%2F%3FMcasTsid%3D20892&McasCSRF=9630b0cc18a7834e157912ece4d1a47011ae15f476473d60629288cc4c66c7f0 https://mcas-proxyweb.mcas-gov.ms/certificate-checker?login=false&originalUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.state.gov.mcas-gov.ms%2Fforeign-terrorist-organizations%2F%3FMcasTsid%3D20892&McasCSRF=9630b0cc18a7834e157912ece4d1a47011ae15f476473d60629288cc4c66c7f0 https://mcas-proxyweb.mcas-gov.ms/certificate-checker?login=false&originalUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.govinfo.gov.mcas-gov.ms%2Fcontent%2Fpkg%2FUSCODE-2017-title22%2Fhtml%2FUSCODE-2017-title22-chap32-subchapIII-partI-sec2378d.htm%3FMcasTsid%3D20892&McasCSRF=9630b0cc18a7834e157912ece4d1a47011ae15f476473d60629288cc4c66c7f0

e. Prohibition on Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). If your project involves the purchase or use of an UAS, see this link for requirements and information you must include in your application.

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:

• 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;

• 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:

• 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:

• 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).

https://mcas-proxyweb.mcas-gov.ms/certificate-checker?login=false&originalUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.state.gov.mcas-gov.ms%2Ffederal-assistance-policies-appeals%2F%3FMcasTsid%3D20892&McasCSRF=9630b0cc18a7834e157912ece4d1a47011ae15f476473d60629288cc4c66c7f0

• 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.

i. 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.

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.

6. Other Submission Requirements

All application materials must be submitted electronically through MyGrants. Applicants using MyGrants for the first time will need to register as a new organization. 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 finished, 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 https://mcas-proxyweb.mcas-gov.ms/certificate-checker?login=false&originalUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.federalregister.gov.mcas-gov.ms%2Fdocuments%2F2026%2F01%2F27%2F2026-01519%2Fprotecting-life-in-foreign-assistance%3FMcasTsid%3D20892&McasCSRF=9630b0cc18a7834e157912ece4d1a47011ae15f476473d60629288cc4c66c7f0 https://mcas-proxyweb.mcas-gov.ms/certificate-checker?login=false&originalUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.federalregister.gov.mcas-gov.ms%2Fdocuments%2F2026%2F01%2F27%2F2026-01516%2Fcombating-gender-ideology-in-foreign-assistance%3FMcasTsid%3D20892&McasCSRF=9630b0cc18a7834e157912ece4d1a47011ae15f476473d60629288cc4c66c7f0 https://mcas-proxyweb.mcas-gov.ms/certificate-checker?login=false&originalUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.federalregister.gov.mcas-gov.ms%2Fdocuments%2F2026%2F01%2F27%2F2026-01517%2Fcombating-discriminatory-equity-ideology-in-foreign-assistance-rules%3FMcasTsid%3D20892&McasCSRF=9630b0cc18a7834e157912ece4d1a47011ae15f476473d60629288cc4c66c7f0 https://mcas-proxyweb.mcas-gov.ms/certificate-checker?login=false&originalUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fmygrants.service-now.com.mcas-gov.ms%2F%3FMcasTsid%3D20892&McasCSRF=9630b0cc18a7834e157912ece4d1a47011ae15f476473d60629288cc4c66c7f0 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 according to the following criteria, which reflect the program described in Section C.

Quality of Project Idea – 50 points: The proposed project is responsive to the priorities and objectives outlined in this APS. The proposal clearly identifies the problem or opportunity to be addressed and presents an innovative, well-designed approach. Reviewers will assess the extent to which the proposed activities are appropriate, strategically aligned, and likely to advance the intended objectives.

Organizational Capacity and Record on Previous Programs –35 points: The applicant demonstrates the technical expertise, management capacity, and relevant experience necessary to successfully implement the proposed project. Where applicable, the proposal clearly describes the roles and responsibilities of proposed partners and their ability to contribute to successful implementation.

Program Planning and Ability to Achieve Results – 15 Points: The proposal presents a realistic implementation approach, including a reasonable timeline and clear expected outcomes.

Reviewers will assess the extent to which the proposed activities are likely to achieve measurable results and contribute to the objectives of this APS. Reviewers will assess the feasibility of scaling or commercializing technology solutions in a way that benefits U.S. private-sector competitiveness

2. Indirect Costs

If two or more applications receive equivalent scores based on the evaluation criteria outlined in this APS, 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.

Review and Selection Process

A review committee will evaluate all eligible SOI applications.

Process Overview and Timing:

All SOIs submitted will be reviewed according to a multi-step review process, including:

• Minimum Responsiveness Review

• Merit Review Panel (MRP) Evaluation

• Co-design and/or Co-creation, if necessary

• Internal clearance and selection decision-making

Phase 1– SOI Review and Selection:

All minimally responsive SOIs will be reviewed against the criteria listed above by the MRP.

SOIs are reviewed individually against the criteria and not against competing SOIs.

Additionally, the MRP will evaluate whether each SOI meets the solicitation request, U.S.

foreign policy goals, and RFA’s overall priority needs. For a fair review, all panelists will review the SOI up to the page limit and no further. The MRP may provide feedback in the form of conditions, recommendations, and requests to enhance proposed projects, which must be addressed by the organizations, as possible, in the full application and/or co-design process. To ensure effective use of limited RFA funds, conditions and recommendations may include requests to increase, decrease, clarify, and/or justify costs and project activities.

RFA 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:

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

2. SOI is recommended for continued review through consultative project 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 RFA input.

3. 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. A request for full application with detailed instructions will be issued to the applicant.

* Note that individual responses will not be provided to applicants for SOI that are not recommended to proceed to Phase 2.

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, and SF-424B (if applicable)

• Cover Page/Executive Summary

• Proposal Narrative

• Budget Narrative

• Logic Model

• Results Monitoring Plan (RMP)

• 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. The timing of full application review and award issuance will depend on a range of factors, including:

• Complexity of proposed programs

• Availability of funding

• Co-design process

• Completion of required reviews and approvals

General Guidance

The RFA Office is committed to conducting a fair, transparent, and efficient review process.