DHS USCIS FY23 CARING NOFO CLEARED 062023.pdf

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)

Fiscal Year 2023 Citizenship and Integration Grant Program Community and Regional Integration Network Grant

All entities wishing to do business with the federal government must have a unique entity identifier (UEI). The UEI number is issued by the SAM system. Requesting a UEI (Sam.gov) information can be found at: https://sam.gov/content/entity-registration.

Grants.gov registration information can be found at:

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/register.html.

Planned UEI Updates in Grant Application Forms

On April 4, 2022, the Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) Number was replaced by a new, non-proprietary identifier requested in, and assigned by, the System for Award Management (SAM.gov). This new identifier is the Unique Entity Identifier (UEI). Additional Information can be found on Grants.gov: https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/planned-uei-updates.html

A. Program Description

1. Issued By U.S Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), External Affairs Directorate (EXA), Office of Citizenship, Partnership and Engagement (OCPE)

2. Assistance Listings Number 97.010

3. Assistance Listings Title Citizenship Education and Training

4. Funding Opportunity Title FY 2023 Citizenship and Integration Grant Program: Community and Regional Integration Network Grant (CARING)

5. Funding Opportunity Number

DHS-23-CIS-010-003

https://sam.gov/content/entity-registration https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/register.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/planned-uei-updates.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/planned-uei-updates.html

6. Authorizing Authority for Program H.R. 2617 – Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 (Pub. L. 117-328) Division F, Title

IV

7. Appropriation Authority for Program H.R. 2617 – Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 (Pub. L. 117-328) Division F, Title

IV

8. Announcement Type Initial

9. Program Overview, Objectives, and Priorities

a. Overview

OCPE is charged with promoting instruction and training on the rights and responsibilities of citizenship. USCIS recognizes that naturalization is a key milestone in the civic integration of immigrants. Naturalization requirements, such as knowledge of English and U.S. history and government, encourage civic learning and build a strong foundation upon which immigrants can fully integrate into American society. Through preparing for naturalization, immigrants gain tools to become successful citizens and meet their responsibilities as United States citizens.

The goal of the Citizenship and Integration Grant Program is to expand the availability of high-quality citizenship preparation services for immigrants across the nation and to provide opportunities for immigrants to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to integrate into the fabric of American society.

Since it began in 2009, the Citizenship and Integration Grant Program has awarded more than $132 million through 579 competitive grants to immigrant-serving organizations in 39 states and the District of Columbia. Now in its 15th year, the program has helped more than 300,000 immigrants prepare for citizenship. The Citizenship and Integration Grant Program supports the objectives of Executive Order 14012, Restoring Faith in Our Legal Immigration Systems and Strengthening Integration and Inclusion Efforts for New Americans and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Strategic Plan for Fiscal Years 2020-2024 by promoting integration, inclusion, and citizenship.

The Citizenship and Integration Grant Program also addresses the DHS mission to enforce and administer our immigration laws (captured in the Third Quadrennial Homeland Security Review) and USCIS’ mission and values, as the program provides immigrants instruction on the rights and responsibilities of U.S. citizenship and information and support on how to apply for naturalization within the authorized practice of immigration law.

https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2021/02/02/executive-order-restoring-faith-in-our-legal-immigration-systems-and-strengthening-integration-and-inclusion-efforts-for-new-americans/ https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2021/02/02/executive-order-restoring-faith-in-our-legal-immigration-systems-and-strengthening-integration-and-inclusion-efforts-for-new-americans/ https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2021/02/02/executive-order-restoring-faith-in-our-legal-immigration-systems-and-strengthening-integration-and-inclusion-efforts-for-new-americans/ https://www.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/publications/19_0702_plcy_dhs-strategic-plan-fy20-24.pdf https://www.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/2023-04/23_0420_plcy_2023-qhsr.pdf https://www.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/2023-04/23_0420_plcy_2023-qhsr.pdf

The Community and Regional Integration Network Grant (CARING) funding opportunity supports organizations providing extended civic integration services to vulnerable immigrant populations. These integration services build upon, but are not intended to replicate, resettlement services funded by the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

b. Objectives

In fiscal year (FY) 2023, approximately $1 million in federal funding is available for eligible organizations to provide integration services to vulnerable immigrant populations (please note that throughout this document, the specific immigrant populations included in this program, as outlined in Appendix D, will be referred to as “program participants” or “program participant” in the singular). USCIS seeks to award approximately three grants of up to $300,000 each.

Proposed services must include all three of the following components:

a. Integration Services:

Grant recipients will assess each program participant’s integration needs and then formulate individualized integration plans. Grantees will also be responsible for the provision of or referral to integration services, and for monitoring the progress of the integration plans.

b. Citizenship Instruction Services:

Grant recipients will offer civics-based literacy instruction, civics-based English as a Second Language (ESL) instruction, or citizenship instruction to provide enrolled immigrants with the skills and knowledge needed to prepare for citizenship.

c. Naturalization Application Services:

Within the scope of the authorized practice of immigration law, grant recipients will assist qualified program participants in preparing and submitting a Form N- 400, Application for Naturalization, preparing for the naturalization interview, and providing ongoing case management as needed.

For detailed information on the three mandatory program components, see below Section C.2, Eligibility Information.

c. Priorities

Certain immigrants, such as those who entered the United States through USCIS’ humanitarian programs, may experience unique challenges with civic, linguistic, economic, cultural, and institutional integration when resettling in the United States, which may impact their progress toward full civic integration. It is critical to provide vulnerable immigrant populations with opportunities to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to fully integrate into American society.

Immigrants who entered the United States or adjusted status in one of the following categories are eligible for services under this program:

• Refugees;

• Asylees;

• Cuban or Haitian entrants;

• Victims of human trafficking or criminal activity;

• Abused spouses, children, or parents of U.S. citizens; and

• Special Immigrant Juveniles (SIJs)

• Individuals on a Special Immigrant Visa (SIV)1

For a comprehensive list of classes of admission included in this funding opportunity, please see Appendix D. This grant program strives to promote the long-term civic integration of vulnerable immigrants who have identified naturalization as a goal yet need additional support and instruction to attain it.

Partnerships Partnerships are encouraged to ensure that the largest array of integration services are available to participants. Applicants may include partnerships with other public or non-profit organizations in their proposal. The principal applicant must directly provide integration services, citizenship instruction, and/or naturalization application services. A partner organization is a “subrecipient” if the organization will receive a portion of the grant funding to provide additional or complementary services within the scope of this grant.

The principal applicant must complete a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the prospective subrecipient and submit it with the application. The principal applicant must clearly demonstrate how it will monitor the prospective subrecipient’s performance and ensure that the prospective subrecipient complies with all grant award conditions and data reporting requirements. The MOU must state the minimum number of program participants to whom the subrecipient will provide services and how grant funding will be allocated to fund the services.

Prospective subrecipients must have their own individual UEI number and will be responsible for financial and performance reporting. Subrecipients are responsible for submitting their reports to the principal applicant for submission to DHS.

If the principal applicant partners with an organization that does not receive a portion of the grant funding, the principal applicant should still complete an MOU.

However, the principal applicant does not need to include the other required information listed above for the subrecipient and the partner organization does not need an individual UEI.

1 For additional information on vulnerable immigrant populations see the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Fact Sheet: https://www.acf.hhs.gov/orr/programs/refugees/factsheets https://www.acf.hhs.gov/orr/programs/refugees/factsheets

10. Performance Measures

For this grant program, performance will be evaluated based on the following metrics:

a. Cumulative percentage of enrolled students who post-test using nationally approved standardized tests suitable to assess English language proficiency (minimum of 80%);

b. Cumulative percentage of post-tested students demonstrating measurable educational gains (minimum 80%).

c. Four performance metrics for which the minimum goals vary based on funding level, as described in the chart below.

1) Number of program participants for whom the organization will develop, implement, and monitor integration plans;

2) The number of newly enrolled non-duplicated participants in citizenship instruction classes;

3) Number of program participants for whom the organization will conduct naturalization eligibility screenings; and

4) Number of program participants for whom the organization will prepare and file a Form N- 400 and a Form G-28, Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney or Accredited Representative.

Minimum Performance Goals for Two-Year Period of Performance

Funding Level

Number of integration plans developed and monitored

Newly enrolled non-duplicated immigrants in civics-based literacy, civics-based ESL, or citizenship instruction classes

Immigrants receiving naturalization eligibility screening

Immigrants filing Forms N- 400 and G-28

From To $270,000 $300,000 135 135 90 90 $240,000 $269,999 120 120 80 80 $210,000 $239,999 110 110 70 70 $180,000 $209,999 90 90 60 60 $150,000 $179,999 80 80 50 50

B. Federal Award Information

1. Available Funding for the NOFO: $900,000.00

2. Projected Number of Awards: 3

3. Maximum Award Amount $300,000

4. Period of Performance: 24 months

Note: extensions are permitted. See Section H, Additional Information, Period of Performance Extensions, for more information.

5. Projected Period of Performance Start Date(s): 10/01/2023

6. Projected Period of Performance End Date(s): 09/30/2025

7. Funding Instrument Type: Grant

C. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants The following entities are eligible to apply as a principal applicant or potential subrecipient to this announcement:

a. City or township governments

b. County governments

c. Independent school districts

d. Indian/Native American tribal governments (federally recognized)

e. Indian/Native American tribal organizations (other than federally recognized tribal governments)

f. Indian/Native American Tribally Designated Organization

g. Public/Indian Housing Authority

h. Nonprofits with 501(c)(3) IRS status, other than institutions of higher education

i. Private institutions of higher education

j. Public & state-controlled institutions of higher education

k. Special district governments

l. State governments

2. Applicant Eligibility Criteria Applicants are required to demonstrate experience with, and extensive knowledge of the particular community they propose to serve and must describe how the proposed program design will address the identified integration needs of this population.

Applicants are required to propose a program that provides a suite of integration services to vulnerable immigrant populations that will promote long-term civic integration.

Through support with integration, citizenship education, and naturalization application services, those served under the program will gain tools required to become successful citizens.

Applicants and any proposed subrecipients must demonstrate recent experience with the provision of citizenship preparation services. Specifically, at least one year of experience within the past three years:

• Providing civic integration services;

• Providing literacy, ESL, or citizenship instruction in a classroom setting (or in a virtual setting since March 2020) that follows a curriculum and utilizes a published textbook; and

• Preparing and filing Forms N-400 and G-28 on behalf of qualified immigrants within the authorized practice of immigration law. See Appendix D for definitions of these terms.

Proposed activities must include the following three mandatory components:

a. Integration Services

1) Development of an individual integration plan for each program participant who will receive services.

The intent of this requirement is to develop an integration road map for program participants who have identified naturalization as a goal, including those who are not yet ready to apply for naturalization and may require interim services to attain the skills and knowledge required for successful citizenship. Each enrolled immigrant should be assessed for English language level and naturalization eligibility and be provided with information on the naturalization process and guidance on what steps are needed to prepare for naturalization. This naturalization-focused assessment should be considered the foundation of the individual integration plan that must be completed for every enrolled program participant, with services and referrals tailored to the specific skills, needs, and literacy level of the individual (e.g., digital literacy, employment goals, family goals, local navigation, etc.). Each program participant must be offered enrollment in civics-based literacy, civics-based ESL, or citizenship instruction classes, as appropriate.

2) Provision of or referral to integration services that address the specific needs identified in the program participant’s individual integration plan.

Applicants must demonstrate an established network of local service providers for the provision of integration services. Applicants must offer access to a range of services designed to foster long-term integration that are tailored to the specific needs of the target population. Below are some of the types of integration services that may be funded under this grant. Applicants may propose other services based on the identified needs of the communities they propose to serve.

a. Community orientation and settlement information.

Building on the information that refugees receive during their initial Reception and Placement Orientation, community orientation and settlement activities include those that allow program participants to expand, reinforce and practice existing knowledge to foster their community participation and understanding of how to navigate local infrastructure and services. Examples of activities include but are not limited to:

i. Creating/providing a local community resource guide;

ii. Hosting local leaders or representatives of community services or civic organizations as guest speakers; and

iii. Community based events and tours.

b. Referrals to and interactions with local government and public institutions.

There are many community-based integration support services to assist vulnerable immigrant populations. Programs should be aware of these existing services and develop plans to collaborate with the local government, and public and private institutions that would most benefit their program participants. Programs can develop lesson plans in conjunction with entities to teach program participants about their role in the community and the services they offer, invite guest speakers to speak to program participants, and arrange for program participants to have meaningful interaction with community partners.

Such institutions include, but are not limited to: (a) public libraries, (b) the Department of Motor Vehicles, (c) community centers and/or chambers of commerce, (d) law enforcement agencies, (e) health clinics, (f) employment services and or local small businesses, (g) public schools, (h) emergency management agencies, (i) historical museums, (j) community colleges, and (k) interfaith institutions, etc.

c. Referrals to employment training.

Referrals to employment training may be to programs or classes that help program participants acquire workplace-specific knowledge or skills to improve performance, increase chances of advancement, or prepare program participants for future career goals as identified in their individual integration plan. Grant funds may not be used to pay the costs for individual employment training.

d. Referrals to appropriate sources for updating or renewing previously held foreign professional credentials.

Organizations may make referrals for those program participants who have identified the goal of employment in their pre-immigration career fields.

Assistance may be in the form of written information or guidance, facilitating a mentoring relationship between the program participant and a volunteer with experience in the same field, or referrals to agencies or professional organizations that assist individuals to recertify or obtain the required professional credentials to re-enter their chosen field. Grant funds may not be used to pay for the costs of individual re-certification or re-credentialing services for program participants.

3) Monitoring the Progress of Integration Plans

Applicants must track program participants progress with their integration plans, helping if participants have difficulty accessing any integration services and revising plans if circumstances change.

b. Citizenship Instruction Services to prepare immigrants for the naturalization process. Programs must include:

1. Instruction in one the following content areas:

a. Civics-based Literacy and Civics-based ESL Instruction

Program participants whose English level is not at the appropriate level for citizenship instruction classes should be served through civics-based literacy and/or civics-based ESL instruction. General life skills (non-civics based) ESL is not allowable under this grant. The Office of Citizenship defines civics-based literacy and civics-based ESL instruction as ESL classes that provide students with the English language grammar and vocabulary needed to advance through the stages of integration with the ultimate goal of naturalization. These categories of instruction are appropriate for individuals who do not have sufficient English language attainment to be placed in a citizenship class that focuses on preparation for the naturalization interview and test.

i. Civics-based literacy includes using civics vocabulary preparing them for civics-based ESL. This is targeted at program participants assessed at the National Reporting System for Adult Education (NRS) beginning literacy to high intermediate levels (NRS Levels 1-6).

ii. Civics-based ESL focuses more heavily on teaching the English structures needed to understand the concepts found within the naturalization test as well as those to assist students to become more integrated community members. This is targeted at program participants assessed at NRS low beginning literacy to high intermediate levels (NRS Levels 2-6)

b. Citizenship Instruction

Students may start in lower-level classes as described above and progress to citizenship instruction. Students assessed at the NRS high beginning level or higher (NRS Levels 3 – 6) should be provided with citizenship instruction in the following content areas:

i. ESL instruction in reading, writing, and speaking;

https://nrsweb.org/

ii. U.S. history and government instruction primarily delivered in English for test preparation and the promotion of civic integration;2 and

iii. The naturalization process and eligibility interview, with instruction primarily delivered in English.

2. A Course Curriculum including all components outlined in the USCIS Guide to

Creating an Adult Citizenship Education Curriculum:

a. Instruction in U.S. history and government for test preparation and the promotion of civic integration;

b. Activities that promote civic and linguistic integration;

c. English as a Second Language (ESL) instruction in reading, writing, and speaking for the naturalization test, naturalization process, and to conduct required integration activities;

d. Instruction on the naturalization interview and Form N-400; and

e. Instruction on the rights and responsibilities of citizenship, including information on voting rights and responsibilities, how to register to vote after becoming a citizen, the basics of becoming an informed voter, and the penalties for voting before becoming a citizen under Division C of PL 104– 208, 110 Stat. 3009-546.3

3. Course Textbooks that align with the skill level of the students in the class:

a. Published hardcopy only, compilations of worksheets or handouts will not be accepted; and

b. All students must be issued a textbook for their own personal use.

4. Standardized ESL Assessments: The use of a nationally normed NRS-approved standardized test of English proficiency to place and assess progress of all students enrolled under this program:

a. At least 80% of enrolled students must participate in post-testing; and

b. At least 80% of post-tested students must demonstrate educational gains as evidenced by increased standardized test scores.

c. USCIS provides grant recipients with free copies of the Assessment for Adult

Citizenship Education (AACE). We strongly encourage but do not require recipients to use the AACE to assess civics learning gains in addition to the ESL assessment.

2 Some instruction in languages other than English may be provided under the program to immigrants who qualify for exemptions to the English language naturalization requirements. Grant recipients who provide such instruction must still provide the minimum number of immigrants with grant-funded citizenship instruction in English over the two-year period of performance.

3 https://www.congress.gov/104/plaws/publ208/PLAW-104publ208.pdf https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/guides/M-1189.pdf

5. Course Structure: The provision of at least 40 hours of civics-based literacy, civics-based ESL, or citizenship instruction over a 9 to 12-week class cycle with managed enrollment at the NRS low beginning to high intermediate levels (NRS Levels 1-6);

a. Additional information about NRS levels is available on the National

Reporting System for Adult Education website;

b. Tutoring services do not count toward the minimum 40 hours of classroom instruction; and

c. Traditional ESL or literacy classes that lack a civics education focus may not be funded under this program.

6. Qualified Instructors: Qualified citizenship instructors must have degrees in education (K-12 Social Studies, English Language Arts, History, Linguistics, Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), or Adult Education) and/or who have at least one year of experience as the lead teacher in a class of adult immigrants. Although not a requirement, programs whose instructors have the following education, certification, and/or experience are generally more likely to be scored higher than programs that do not:

a. Hold a degree in TESOL;

b. Hold TESOL certification from a state licensing agency; and/or

c. Have a minimum of two years of experience in TESOL instruction in a classroom setting for an adult education program that utilizes a textbook and a structured curriculum.

7. Integration Activities: The intent of this requirement is to encourage program participants to extend knowledge acquisition beyond traditional classroom instruction through opportunities to experience and navigate American civic life firsthand through in-depth learning activities. Applicants are encouraged to draw upon their local resources, venues, and landmarks when conceptualizing and designing these civic integration learning activities. Suggested categories for the required integration activities include but are not limited to:

a. Site-based civic integration activities – Local trips outside the classroom to sites and landmarks of historical and/or cultural significance, libraries, museums, other local public entities, and organizations that promote public safety, etc.

b. Classroom-based civic integration activities – Activities that may involve guest speakers such as local civic leaders, public servants, or program alumni to provide the opportunity for student interaction and exchange, or the use of multimedia and/or materials-based methods that promote an enhanced understanding of key moments in U.S. history and/or the form and function of local, state, and federal government;

c. Civic participation – Activities that encourage students to take participatory learning beyond the classroom by attending a public meeting, volunteering, or participating in local civic institutions; and

d. Other integration activities – Activities that promote in-depth understanding of the student’s role as a future citizen of the United States, including the rights and responsibilities of citizenship; our shared American history;

government functions, structure, and laws; geography; and traditions, symbols, and holidays. These can be external or in-class.

8. Service Delivery: Applicants are required to primarily provide in-person instruction. However, applicants may supplement in-person classes with virtual classes if it allows them to extend the reach of their services. Additionally, applicants must be prepared to pivot to virtual or hybrid instruction if public health restrictions limit in-person gatherings.

For more detailed information on the content and competencies that applicants are required to address in grant-funded classes, please review the USCIS Guide to Creating an Adult Citizenship Education Curriculum and the Adult Citizenship Education Sample Curriculum for a High Beginning ESL Level Course.

c. Naturalization Application Services, within the scope of the authorized practice of immigration law, to support immigrants in the naturalization application and interview process. Grantees are encouraged to use and promote the use of myUSCIS for filing Forms N-400. Grantees may not provide naturalization application services to immigrants who have not undergone an integration assessment and who do not have an integration plan. Programs must include:

1. Qualified Legal Service Providers:

A qualified legal service provider includes one of the following:

a.) A U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Accredited Representative serving a

DOJ Recognized Organization. Partial accreditation is permitted; or b.) An attorney who is an employee of the applicant or the subrecipient organization.

1.) Attorneys working under this grant must have training in immigration law and be able to provide legal representation to clients.

2.) Hours charged to the grant should be in alignment with the goals of the application.

3.) Pro bono or volunteer attorneys may be used to supplement the program but may not:

i. Serve as the naturalization applicant’s sole provider of immigration legal services; or

ii. Serve as a supervisor to staff members who provide naturalization application services but who are not qualified legal service providers.

The organization must demonstrate an established process to refer individuals with complex immigration matters beyond the scope of the services provided under this grant to a qualified attorney.

2. Eligibility Screenings must include an assessment of each program participant’s:

https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/guides/M-1189.pdf https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/curriculum-development/OoC_Sample-Curriculum-for-High-Beginning_V4.pdf https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/curriculum-development/OoC_Sample-Curriculum-for-High-Beginning_V4.pdf https://my.uscis.gov/

a. Ability to meet the educational requirements of naturalization; and

b. Ability to meet other legal requirements of naturalization.

c. For more information, see the USCIS Naturalization Eligibility Worksheet.

3. Case Management must include:

a. The preparation and submission of Form N-400, Application for Naturalization;4

b. The preparation and submission of Form G-28, Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney or Accredited Representative;5

c. Filing other forms or documents (such as Form N-648, Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions);

d. Interview preparation;

e. A representative’s appearance at the naturalization interview when applicable;

f. Responding to a Request for Evidence (RFE) when applicable;

g. Developing individual integration plans and tracking outcomes of each service and referral for X years from enrollment

4. Service Delivery: Organizations should plan to provide in-person naturalization application services. However, should public health restrictions limit the ability of applicants to offer in-person services, they should have a plan in place to pivot to virtual or hybrid naturalization application services.

3. Other Eligibility Restrictions

For-profit law firms and attorneys in private practice are not eligible to receive funding under this funding opportunity (See the Glossary in Appendix C for the definitions of “representation” and “employee”).

Applicants may apply to multiple funding opportunities, with exceptions noted below.

USCIS reserves the right to only fund one award.

Current awardees and sub-awardees under the FY 2022 Citizenship and Integration Grant Program (funding opportunities DHS-22-CIS-010-002 and DHS-22-CIS-010-003) are not eligible to receive funding under this funding opportunity.

4 Grantees are strongly encouraged to file forms electronically whenever possible. In the case that e-filing is not a viable option, the grantee’s legal service provider is required to mail the naturalization application package to USCIS on behalf of the client. Applications may not be given to the client to mail.

5 At grant-supported group processing events, a Form G-28 may not be required if the pro bono attorney filling out the Form N-400 determines that the services provided would not be considered “practice” or “preparation”, as those terms are defined in 8 C.F.R.CFR 1.2. Such pro bono attorneys, however, will be required to complete the preparer section of the Form N-400.

https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/guides/M-480.pdf

Subrecipients to DHS-22-CIS-010-02 (Citizenship Instruction and Naturalization Application Services Grant Program) or DHS-22-CIS-010-01 (Regional Hub Grants) are not eligible to receive funding under this funding opportunity.

Applications will be deemed ineligible if:

o Applications lack the following three components: integration services, citizenship education, naturalization application services;

o Recent experience providing naturalization application services within the authorized practice of immigration law is lacking;

o Recent (in the past three years) and extensive (a minimum of one year) experience providing citizenship instruction to the target population (5 points) is lacking;

o Recent (in the past three years) and extensive (a minimum of one year) experience providing literacy or ESL instruction to the target population (5 points) is lacking;

o Recent (in the past three years) experience providing civic integration services, and ability to access a network of local service providers is lacking; or o A detailed sample integration plan is missing.

Any applicant that does not propose to achieve the minimum performance goals outlined in section A.10 of the funding opportunity announcement is not eligible to receive funding under this funding opportunity.

Any application that does not include all forms listed as required on the Applicant Checklist, located in Appendix B, is not eligible to receive funding under this funding opportunity.

If DHS determines at any point during the review process that an application does not meet the following eligibility requirements, the application will be removed from further consideration.

Non-Responsive Applications An application will be deemed non-responsive and will be removed from further consideration if:

a. Form SF-424 – Application for Federal Assistance is missing.

b. Form SF-424A – Budget is missing.

c. Form SF-424B – Assurances - Non-Construction Programs is missing.

d. The applicant’s Authorized Organization Representative (AOR) is not registered in SAM.

e. The application does not include a Budget Narrative and Budget Table.

f. The application does not include a Project Narrative.

4. Cost Share or Match There is a minimum cost share requirement for this program of 10% of the total requested funding amount. Applicants should clearly identify which budget items are to be supported by federal grant funding and which are to be supported by in-kind contributions and/or other funding sources, along with an estimate of the value of these non-federal funding sources. All proposed cost share contributions must be clearly described in the budget portion of the proposal. Applicants will be scored on this during the technical review.

Acceptable forms of cost share items include:

• Volunteer services: Rates for volunteer services must be consistent with those paid for similar work.

• Employee time: Time of employee’s regular rate of pay.

• Supplies: Fair market value of the supplies at the time of donation.

• Cash contributions: Cash value.

• Equipment, building, or land: Fair market value or rental value at the time of application, as established by an independent appraisal.

• Project co-funding: Actual cost incurred.

D. Application and Submission Information

1. Key Dates and Times

a. Application Start Date: 06/09/2023

b. Application Submission Deadline: 07/28/2023 at 11:59PM EST

c. Anticipated Award Date: No later than 09/30/2023

NOTE: The application must be received in Grants.gov by the date and time listed above. If an application is received after the deadline, it will not be considered.

Applicants will receive a confirmation from Grants.gov once the application is successfully submitted.

All applications are time stamped by the Grants.gov system when submitted and recipients are notified accordingly. The federal office will download all applications that are received by the deadline date and time as indicated on the NOFO. Late applications will not be accepted.

d. Other Key Dates

Event Suggested Deadline for Completion Initial Registration at SAM.gov (includes UEI issuance) Four weeks before actual submission deadline

2. Agreeing to Terms and Conditions of the Award By submitting an application, applicants agree to comply with the requirements of this NOFO and the terms and conditions of the award, should they receive an award.

3. Address to Request Application Package Application, forms and instructions are available at Grants.gov. To access these materials, go to https://www.grants.gov/, select “Applicants” then “Apply for Grants. To obtain the application package, select “Download a Grant Application Package.” Enter the Assistance Listing and/or funding opportunity number located on the cover of this NOFO, select “Download Package,” and then follow the prompts to download the application package.

For a hard copy of the full NOFO, please write or fax a request to:

Jacqueline Greely Grants Officer CISMailbox@hq.dhs.gov Fax: 202-447-5600

If you use assistive technology and are unable to access any materials on Grants.gov, please email the Support Center at support@grants.gov.

Applications will be processed through the Grants.gov portal. If you experience difficulties accessing information or have any questions, please call Grants.gov customer support at 1-800-518- 4726.

4. Unique entity identifier and System for Award Management (SAM) Each applicant, unless they have a valid exception under 2 CFR 25.110, must:

1) Be registered in Sam.Gov before application submission.

2) Provide a valid unique entity identifier in its application.

3) Continue to always maintain an active SAM registration with current information during the Federal Award process.

5. Steps Required to Submit an Application, Unique Entity Identifier, and System for Award Management (SAM) To apply for an award under this program, all applicants must:

Obtaining a valid EIN Four weeks before actual submission deadline Updating SAM registration Four weeks before actual submission deadline Starting application in Grants.gov One week before actual submission deadline https://www.grants.gov/ mailto:CISMailbox@hq.dhs.gov mailto:support@grants.gov

a. Have an account with https://login.gov/;

b. Register for, update, or verify their SAM account and ensure the account is active before submitting the application;

c. Create a Grants.gov account;

d. Add a profile to a Grants.gov account;

e. Establish an Authorized Organizational Representative (AOR) in Grants.gov;

f. Submit an application in Grants.gov;

g. Continue to maintain an active SAM registration with current information, including information on a recipient’s immediate and highest-level owner and subsidiaries, as well on all predecessors that have been awarded a federal contract or grant within the last three years, if applicable, at all times during which it has an active federal award or an application or plan under consideration by a federal awarding agency.

Applicants are advised that DHS may not make a federal award until the applicant has complied with all applicable UEI and SAM requirements. Therefore, an applicant’s SAM registration must be active not only at the time of application, but also during the application review period and when DHS is ready to make a federal award. Further, as noted above, an applicant’s or recipient’s SAM registration must remain active for the duration of an active federal award. If an applicant’s SAM registration is expired at the time of application, expires during application review, or expires any other time before award, DHS may determine that the applicant is not qualified to receive a federal award and use that determination as a basis for making a federal award to another applicant.

6. Electronic Delivery

DHS is participating in the Grants.gov initiative to provide the grant community with a single site to find and apply for grant funding opportunities. DHS requires applicants to submit their applications online through Grants.gov.

7. How to Register to Apply through Grants.gov

Instructions: Registering in Grants.gov is a multi-step process. Read the instructions below about registering to apply for DHS funds. Applicants should read the registration instructions carefully and prepare the information requested before beginning the registration process. Reviewing and assembling the required information before beginning the registration process will alleviate last-minute searches for required information.

The registration process can take up to four weeks to complete. Therefore, registration should be done in sufficient time to ensure it does not impact your ability to meet required application submission deadlines.

Organizations must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) Number with an active System for Award Management (SAM) registration, and Grants.gov account to apply for grants.

https://login.gov/

If individual applicants are eligible to apply for this grant funding opportunity, then you may begin with step 3, Create a Grants.gov account, listed below.

Creating a Grants.gov account can be completed online in minutes, but SAM registration may take several weeks. Therefore, an organization's registration should be done in sufficient time to ensure it does not impact the entity's ability to meet required application submission deadlines. Complete organization instructions can be found on Grants.gov here: https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration.html.

a. Register with SAM: All organizations applying online through Grants.gov must register with the System for Award Management (SAM). Failure to register with SAM will prevent your organization from applying through Grants.gov. SAM registration must be renewed annually.

For more detailed instructions for registering with SAM, refer to:

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration/step-2-register-with-sam.html.

b. Create a Grants.gov Account: The next step is to register an account with

Grants.gov. Follow the on-screen instructions or refer to the detailed instructions here: https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration.html.

c. Add a Profile to a Grants.gov Account: A profile in Grants.gov corresponds to a single applicant organization the user represents (i.e., an applicant) or an individual applicant. If you work for or consult with multiple organizations and have a profile for each, you may log in to one Grants.gov account to access all of your grant applications. To add an organizational profile to your Grants.gov account, enter the UEI Number for the organization in the UEI field while adding a profile.

For more detailed instructions about creating a profile on Grants.gov, refer to:

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration/add-profile.html.

d. Ebiz POC Authorized Profile Roles: After you register with Grants.gov and create an Organization Applicant Profile, the applicant’s request for Grants.gov roles and access is sent to the Ebiz POC. The Ebiz POC will then log in to Grants.gov and authorize the appropriate roles, which may include the AOR role, thereby giving you permission to complete and submit applications on behalf of the organization.

You will be able to submit your application online any time after you have been assigned the AOR role.

For more detailed instructions about creating a profile on Grants.gov, refer to:

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration/authorize-roles.html.

e. Track Role Status: To track your role request, refer to:

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration/track-role-status.html.

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration/step-2-register-with-sam.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration/step-2-register-with-sam.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration/add-profile.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration/authorize-roles.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration/track-role-status.html

f. Electronic Signature: When applications are submitted through Grants.gov, the name of the organization applicant with the AOR role that submitted the application is inserted into the signature line of the application, serving as the electronic signature. The Ebiz POC must authorize people who are able to make legally binding commitments on behalf of the organization as a user with the AOR role;

this step is often missed, and it is crucial for valid and timely submissions.

8. How to submit an Application to DHS via Grants.gov

Grants.gov applicants can apply online using Workspace. Workspace is a shared, online environment where members of a grant team may simultaneously access and edit different webforms within an application. For each NOFO, you can create individual instances of a workspace.

Below is an overview of applying on Grants.gov. For access to complete instructions on how to apply for opportunities using Workspace, refer to:

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/workspace-overview.html.

a. Create a Workspace: Creating a workspace allows you to complete it online and route it through your organization for review before submitting.

b. Complete a Workspace: Add participants to the workspace to work on the application together, complete all the required forms online or by downloading PDF versions, and check for errors before submission. The Workspace progress bar will display the state of your application process as you apply. As you apply using Workspace, you may click the blue question mark icon near the upper-right corner of each page to access context-sensitive help.

c. Adobe Reader: If you decide not to apply by filling out webforms you can download individual PDF forms in Workspace. The individual PDF forms can be downloaded and saved to your local device storage, network drive(s), or external drives, then accessed through Adobe Reader.

NOTE: Visit the Adobe Software Compatibility page on Grants.gov to download the appropriate version of the software at:

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/adobe-software-compatibility.html.

d. Mandatory Fields in Forms: In the forms, you will note fields marked with an asterisk and a different background color. These fields are mandatory fields that must be completed to successfully submit your application.

e. Complete SF-424 Fields First: The forms are designed to fill in common required fields across other forms, such as the applicant’s name, address, and UEI number.

To trigger this feature, an applicant must complete the SF-424 information first.

Once it is completed, the information will transfer to the other forms.

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/workspace-overview.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/adobe-software-compatibility.html

f. Submit a Workspace: An application may be submitted through workspace by clicking the Sign and Submit button on the Manage Workspace page, under the Forms tab. Grants.gov recommends submitting your application package at least 24-48 hours prior to the close date to provide you with time to correct any potential technical issues that may disrupt the application submission.

g. Track a Workspace Submission: After successfully submitting a workspace application, a Grants.gov Tracking Number (GRANTXXXXXXXX) is automatically assigned to the application. The number will be listed on the Confirmation page that is generated after submission. Using the tracking number, access the Track My Application page under the Applicants tab or the Details tab in the submitted workspace.

For additional training resources, including video tutorials, refer to:

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/applicant-training.html.

Applicant Support: Grants.gov provides applicants 24/7 support via the toll-free number 1-800-518-4726 and email at support@grants.gov. For questions related to the specific grant opportunity, contact the number listed in the application package of the grant to which you are applying.

If you are experiencing difficulties with your submission, it is best to call the Grants.gov Support Center and get a ticket number. The Support Center ticket number will assist DHS with tracking your issue and understanding background information on the issue.

9. Timely Receipt Requirements and Proof of Timely Submission

Online Submission. All applications must be received by 11:59 PM Eastern time on the due date established for each program. Proof of timely submission is automatically recorded by Grants.gov. An electronic date/time stamp is generated within the system when the application is successfully received by Grants.gov. The applicant with the AOR role who submitted the application will receive an acknowledgement of receipt and a tracking number (GRANTXXXXXXXX) from Grants.gov with the successful transmission of their application. This applicant with the AOR role will also receive the official date/time stamp and Grants.gov Tracking number in an email serving as proof of their timely submission.

When DHS successfully retrieves the application from Grants.gov and acknowledges the download of submissions, Grants.gov will provide an electronic acknowledgment of receipt of the application to the email address of the applicant with the AOR role who submitted the application. Again, proof of timely submission shall be the official date and time when Grants.gov receives your application. Applications received by Grants.gov after the established due date for the program will be considered late and will not be considered for funding by DHS.

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/applicant-training.html mailto:support@grants.gov

Applicants using slow internet, such as dial-up connections, should be aware that transmission can take some time before Grants.gov receives your application. Again, Grants.gov will provide either an error or a successfully received transmission in the form of an email sent to the applicant with the AOR role attempting to submit the application.

The Grants.gov Support Center reports that some applicants end the transmission because they think that nothing is occurring during the transmission process. Please be patient and give the system time to process the application.

10. Content and Form of Application Submission

See Appendix A for a list of required…