NOFO AMENDED June 2.pdf

NOTICE OF FUNDING OPPORTUNITY (NOFO)

Bureau of African Affairs

U.S. Department of State (DOS)

I. AWARD INFORMATION

Announcement Type: New Announcement

Funding Opportunity Title: Mentorship and Training of the Somalia National Army

(SNA) and the Africa Union Mission in Somalia

(AMISOM) Troop Contributing Countries (TCC)

Catalog of Federal Domestic 19. 979

Assistance (CFDA) Number:

Award Amount: $9,000,000

Proposals that exceed this amount will be deemed NOT competitive

Number of Awards: One (1) Award

Cost Sharing Requirement: Not Required

Assistance Type: Cooperative Agreement

Funding Type: Discretionary

Closing Date for Submission of Complete proposal packages must be submitted through

Applications: www.grants.gov by June 30, 2020, 11:59 EST

Deadline for Receipt of Questions: June 18, 2020

Electronic Requirement: Yes

E-mailed, faxed or mailed proposal packages, or individual submission documents, will NOT be considered.

Eligibility Category: U.S.-based non-profit/non-governmental organizations subject to section 501(c) (3) of the U.S. tax code; For-Profit

Organizations; Overseas non-governmental non-profit organizations; Foreign Public Entities and Public

International Organizations http://www.grants.gov/

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

Type of Applicant: Organizations. Individuals are not eligible to apply.

Number of Applications: One (1) per applicant organization.

Note: Organizations may form consortia and submit a combined proposal. However, only one organization may be designated as the lead applicant. The lead applicant must meet the eligibility criteria listed in this NOFO.

Anticipated Award Date: The successful applicant(s) will receive notification within approximately four-to-five weeks of the closing of this announcement. The U.S. Department of State is under no obligation to fund any of the proposals submitted under this funding opportunity.

Est. Project Start Date: August 2020

Est. Project End Date: August 2021

Project Duration: 12 months

This funding opportunity is posted on www.grants.gov and may be amended.

Answers to questions from eligible interested organizations will be posted as attachments to this

NOFO. Applicants should regularly check the www.grants.gov website for the most recent information pertaining to this funding opportunity.

This NOFO consists of the following sections:

I. Award Information

II. Funding Opportunity Description

III. Application Submission

IV. Application Evaluation

V. Award Issuance and Administration

VI. Agency Contacts

Eligible organizations interested in submitting an application are encouraged to review this

NOFO thoroughly to understand the type of project sought and the application submission requirements and review process as outlined in this NOFO.

II. FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

BACKGROUND

The international community supports the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), a regional peace enforcement mission authorized by the United Nations Security Council under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter. Presently Uganda, Burundi, Kenya, Djibouti, and Ethiopia are Troop

Contributing Countries (TCCs) to the military component of the Mission; Uganda, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa contribute to the police component.

The awardee, in coordination with the Ugandan Peoples Defense Force (UPDF) Contingent, will provide the Mission with specialists, accepted by the Force Headquarters as Experts on Mission, per

Section VII of the African Union Convention and Chapter VI of the Status of Mission Agreement on

AMISOM between the Federal Government of Somalia and the African Union. This structure will remain unchanged under this Cooperative Agreement.

Through its implementing partners, the United States has been providing mentorship and training support to AMISOM TCCs and the Somali National Army (SNA), primarily focused on Danab, since

2010. This project is intended to continue to build on those earlier activities, in order to enable

Somali and African Union partners to execute their required tasks more effectively, and work towards the stabilization of southern and central Somalia.

PROJECT’S GOALS

The goals of this project are: i) mentored UPDF units, other units as directed by the GOR, and

Danab units to carry out their mandated security tasks effectively in support of the approved

Somali Transition Plan (STP), updated concept of operations (CONOPs), and United Nations

Security Council Resolutions (UNSCRs); and ii) mentored UPDF and SNA Danab forces engage safely, professionally, and constructively with Somali communities to establish conditions that facilitate transition from AMISOM to Somali security forces in the effort to stabilize southern and central Somalia.

PROJECT’S DESCRIPTION AND OBJECTIVES

Objective 1: The SNA: i) The awardee sustains designated Danab designated Battalion, Brigade and

Mechanized Units in accordance with the table of organization and equipment agreed to between the

U.S. Government and the Federal Government of Somalia, by recruiting, screening, and assisting in training of Danab soldiers; and ii) enable Danab to conduct effective Department of Defense (DoD) mentored, non-DoD mentored, and joint operations with AMISOM in accordance with the May 2017

Somalia Security Pact, the updated AMISOM CONOPs, and STP, to include mentoring during active combat operations; iii) support training and mentoring in order to assist designated Danab units achieve Initial Operational Capability (IOC) and make progress towards achieving Full Operational

Capability (FOC); and iv) train and/or mentor other designated SNA units at the direction of the U.S.

Department of State to include mentoring during active combat operations.

Objective 2: SNA, including Danab units and UPDF units conduct medical treatment and outreach to military personnel and civilians to include during active combat operations, increasing: i) the capabilities of Danab and UPDF military health services; and ii) the number of positive contacts between the Danab and AMISOM, and Somali communities, and assisting in the stabilization of recaptured areas.

Objective 3: Danab skills and small unit (squad and platoon) capabilities improve, as demonstrated through unilateral, mentored, and non-mentored operations, as well as joint operations with

AMISOM to include during active combat operations.

Objective 4: Designated UPDF forces professionally execute the Mission’s mandate in accordance with (IAW) the updated CONOPs and UNSCRs and to include mentoring during active combat operations, emphasizing: i) detailed transition planning and operations that enable transition of security responsibilities to Somali security forces; ii) force protection; iii) protection of key Somali

Government infrastructure; and iv) detailed planning and execution of targeted offensive operations in order to disrupt al-Shabaab and other violent extremist organizations (VEOs) in accordance with the revised CONOPSs; secure key MSRs; and v) enable AMISOM to conduct timely and regular ground resupply of all units and bases.

(Note: Mentors are expressly prohibited from engaging in combat or directing combat operations themselves under any circumstances.)

PROJECT DESCRIPTION AND GUIDELINES

The project will take place entirely in Somalia, within the AMISOM area of operations. Mentor personnel will base themselves in the capital of Mogadishu, but be prepared to travel outside of the city as needed to support UPDF and the SNA at other locations, including the primary Danab training location at Baledogle.

Recipients will be required to operate under a number of restrictions.

Most notably, recognizing the dynamic nature of the environment, recipients will be required to put in place sufficient controls to ensure that their personnel working with UPDF and the SNA do not directly engage in combat or direct combat operations under any circumstances. The purpose of this cooperative agreement is to enable and support UPDF and SNA partner operations through the provision of training and mentorship, and not to provide direct combat support to either UPDF or the SNA. Failing to place sufficient control over personnel to ensure that this restriction is adhered to will serve as justification for immediate termination of the cooperative agreement.

While in the mission area, recipients will be required to adhere to all security directives issued by

UPDF and the SNA, within applicable U.S. regulations and the confines of this cooperative agreement.

Personnel working with UPDF will be prohibited from providing any direct support to operations directly mandated to the United Nations Support Office for Somalia (UNSOS), in accordance with the UN Participation Act, unless provided explicit direction to do so by the GOR.

Finally, recipients will be required to coordinate with the Department of State to ensure compliance with the human rights vetting requirements under the Leahy Law.

The Project shall consist of four primary task areas:

Task 1. Recruiting/Screening of SNA Advanced Infantry Personnel

The recipient will be required to provide personnel capable of traveling throughout the country in order to conduct physical and mental assessments of potential trainees for U.S.-sponsored advanced infantry units, with the objective of enabling the selection of physically and mentally qualified candidates, men and women, to serve in those units. The recipient will be required to coordinate the development of recruiting and screening evaluation criteria, to include appropriate regional and clan composition, in close coordination with SNA leadership and the U.S. military.

Recruitment and screening will be conducted as required.

Task 2. Conduct Basic Training of SNA Advanced Infantry Personnel

The recipient will be required to conduct a basic training program that provides selected recruits sufficient basic military skills, such as:

Drill and ceremonies Military discipline Basic first aid Physical fitness Basic marksmanship (weapons and ammo provided by SNA)

The purpose of this training program will be to prepare the recruits to serve as soldiers in SNA

Advanced Infantry Battalions, and to ensure that the trainees are capable of taking part in more advanced training provided by the U.S. military under other authorities. The recipient will conduct the basic training package using existing training facilities, equipment, and support in

Mogadishu and other locations, as identified by the GOR. The recipient will be required to conduct after action reviews after each training session in order to identify lessons learned and to improve quality of training, and present recommendations for the improvement of basic training to Post and GOR for review and approval. Through training and mentorship to the unit, the recipient will work to ensure that the weapons of the Advanced Infantry Battalions are maintained. The recipient will provide advice and assistance to the Advanced Infantry Units conducting operations. The recipient will be required to liaise with U.S. military and other international representatives as requested and/or required by U.S. Embassy Somalia.

Task 3. Provide Mentors to UPDF Force Enabling Units and Mission Enhancement Units.

(Note: Mentors are expressly prohibited from engaging in combat or directing combat operations themselves under any circumstances.)

For limited periods of time, and as directed by U.S. Embassy Somalia and AF regional bureau, the recipient will be required to provide combat support (CS) and combat service support (CSS) mentors to UPDF Forces, to include Force Enabling Units (FEUs), Mission Enhancement Units

(MEU), and medical capabilities as required in the 2016 AMISOM Concept of Operations, with a primary focus on strengthening the capability of UPDF to conduct joint training and operations with the SNA. The recipient will be required to provide qualified mentors to strengthen UPDF forces participating in the full range of CS and CSS services for forces conducting counter-insurgency and stability operations in Somalia. The recipient’s team will provide mentorship support to AMISOM Sector Headquarters and MEUs and will be prepared to deploy to the field as required by the GOR and U.S. Embassy Somalia for short periods, noting the strict prohibition on engaging in combat or directing combat operations. The recipient will propose the composition and duties of the mentoring team with an emphasis on the provision of combat support, excluding any tasks directly mandated and executed by the UNSOS and/or for which the

TCC are receiving reimbursement from UNSOS.

The following FEUs will receive support under this cooperative agreement, and the recipient will be expected to provide personnel with appropriate military backgrounds to provide mentorship

UPDF Reconnaissance Unit UPDF units employing tactical intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance equipment provided by the United States (RQ-11 Raven and the Elevated Persistent Surveillance

System).

The following MEUs will receive support under this cooperative agreement, and the recipient will be expected to provide personnel with appropriate military backgrounds to provide mentorship. UPDF Combat Engineering Units

UPDF Heavy Transport Units UPDF Mobility Unit

The following AMISOM medical units will receive support under this cooperative agreement, and the recipient will be expected to provide personnel with appropriate military backgrounds to provide mentorship.

UPDF Hospitals (Level I and II)

(Note: Currently the only AMISOM TCC receiving support under this cooperative agreement will be Uganda. It is possible the cooperative agreement will be amended in the future to support other TCCs such as Burundi.)

Task 4. Conduct Basic Medic Training and Support SNA Medical Outreach to Villages

The recipient will be required to conduct a basic combat medic training and mentoring package that provides selected Somali recruits with basic combat medic skills. The recipient will be required to provide a basic combat medic training package that utilizes existing training facilities, equipment, and support in Mogadishu and other locations as directed. The recipient shall conduct after action reviews after each training session in order to identify lessons learned to improve quality of training, and present recommendations for the improvement of basic training to Post and GOR for review and approval. The recipient will be prepared to provide advise and assist combat medic support to SNA Advanced Infantry Battalion operations as required and/or requested by Post and the GOR. This includes medical outreach operations to local villages at least twice monthly. The recipient must be prepared to liaise with U.S. military and other international representatives as requested and/or required by U.S. Embassy Somalia.

BUDGET GUIDANCE

Allowable project costs may include the following:

Personnel Costs (to include Project Management) Equipment Costs Travel Costs Life-support costs

Other Direct Costs related to Training and Mentorship activities

NOTE: Grant funds may not be used for expenses related to building a facility and/or construction. Applicants should assume that all training activities will take place at existing facilities.

DESIRED RESULTS AND ILLUSTRATIVE INDICATORS

The desired result is that AMISOM and the SNA are more capable and professional, and are able to execute their mandated tasks more effectively. The U.S. Government intends to ensure that SNA Advanced Infantry Battalions are provided with the necessary number of screened, trained personnel to maintain their operational readiness, and receive the necessary advice and assistance required to operate effectively in support of joint operations with AMISOM and unilateral operations. The U.S. Government intends to ensure that UPDF FEUs, MEUs, and medical personnel maintain a high rate of readiness, and receive the necessary advice and assistance required to effectively carry out their mandate.

The recipient will develop a Project Monitoring Plan (PMP) with project outcomes, deliverables, and performance indicators, including both the quantitative and qualitative indicators that will be used for quarterly, annual, and end-of-project reporting against targets and key performance indicators. Further guidance on this PMP is included in Tab A of the PSI. The following tables show proposed outcome and output indicators, as well as illustrative targets that the recipient will be responsible for conducting baseline measurements, and monitoring and reporting during and after the project. The recipient should review these and either confirms the illustrative targets adding numerical and other target details as appropriate, or propose alternative targets.

The recipient should propose additional outputs, indicators, and/or targets as necessary and articulate how they will obtain the baseline data necessary to show progress. Output and outcome indicators should be clearly linked to project goals, objectives, and tasks. The recipient is expected to identify targets for these indicators based on what it can reasonably achieve within the performance period of the project and on the expected overall project results described above.

AF will regularly monitor the project’s performance to assess whether project activities are on track and targets are being achieved.

The recipient should be aware that the U.S. Government may create new indicators or modify indicators prior to award, in order to ensure compliance with broader monitoring and evaluation frameworks for Somalia programming currently under development.

Outcome and output indicators and illustrative targets that should be used as a starting point for designing the project are provided below. The recipient should review these, identify sources of baseline data (identify the current level and the amount of change needed to be significant or propose how this information would be identified at the start of the project) and either confirm the illustrative targets or propose alternative targets, as appropriate, in the

PMP.

Outcome Indicators Illustrative Targets:

Screened recruits are increasingly more representative of the Somali population clan composition. (Objective 1)

No more than X% of recruits originate from any one clan.

X% of subnational government leaders surveyed positively identify Danab as a multi-clan force that can operate in their state.

Increase in the percentage of Danab soldiers who routinely identify themselves as members of the larger community (Danab and Somalia) rather than belonging to one group or faction

(clan). (Objective 1)

Measures change in how Danab soldiers describe themselves; a quality of their identity.

Decrease in the number of Danab soldiers who leave the unit due to any reason, including combat losses, injuries, and dissatisfaction. (Objective 1)

Within 12 months the soldier attrition rate is reduced by X%

Increase in positive perceptions of the

SNA in communities where Danab units conduct medical outreach. (Objective 2)

Open-ended Qualitative

Increase in the professionalism of joint

SNA-AMISOM missions conducted by

Ugandan Reconnaissance Unit.

(Objective 3)

Open-ended Qualitative

Increase in mentored SNA Advanced

Infantry Units rate of readiness.

(Objective 3)

Within 12 months, X% of all mentored

SNA Advanced Infantry Unit soldiers can demonstrate the types and ranges skills associated with basic combat readiness.

Increase in mentored UPDF FEUs, MEUs, and medical units rate of readiness.

(Objective 4)

Within 12 months, X% of all mentored soldiers can demonstrate the types and ranges skills associated with basic combat readiness.

Output Indicators Illustrative targets:

Increase in the number of SNA Advanced

Infantry Unit recruits who maintain 100% equipment accountability as defined by X during the period of performance. (Task 1)

X SNA Personnel maintain 100% equipment accountability during period of performance

Sustained number of SNA Advanced Infantry

Unit recruits receiving basic training during the period of performance. (Task 2)

X SNA Personnel trained during period of performance

Increase in the number of joint SNA-

AMISOM missions conducted by Ugandan

Reconnaissance Unit without soldier casualty.

(Task 3)

X missions performed during period of performance

Increase in the number of raven sorties flown under mentor supervision that resulted in successful data collection and returned without damage to technology. (Task 3)

X sorties flown during period of performance

Increase in the number of joint SNA-

AMISOM missions conducted by UPDF

Combat Engineering Units without soldier casualty. (Task 3)

X missions performed during the period of performance

AMISOM Mobility Unit (Uganda) days available for secure transport during the period of performance. (Task 4)

X days available

AMISOM Level II Hospital treats X patients.

(Task 4)

X patients treated during the period of performance

The recipient will be required to collect baseline data for all the indicators within the first month of the project. In addition, applicants should define certain terms included in the outcomes and indicators at the very beginning of the project so that it is possible to measure the change during and at the end of the project. Such baseline information will be critical for both monitoring and evaluation of project progress and results.

III. APPLICATION SUBMISSION

It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the application package has been received by www.grants.gov in its entirety. Incomplete applications will be considered ineligible.

Applicants are urged to begin the application process well before the submission deadline. No exceptions will be made for organizations that have not completed the necessary steps.

Please refer to the Proposal Submission Instructions (PSI) for additional application submission instructions, including information on required documents and format. Please follow both, the PSI and the NOFO, to ensure that the proposal package submission is in full compliance with the requirements. Proposal submissions that do not meet all of the requirements outlined in this NOFO and PSI will not be considered.

Department of State bears no responsibility for data errors resulting from transmission or conversion processes associated with electronic submissions via www.grants.gov. Incomplete application packages will not be considered.

Applicants, including U.S. affiliates of international organizations must provide a valid Data

Universal Numbering System (DUNS), and completed www.sam.gov registration when submitting application on www.grants.gov in response to this NOFO. Applicants that do not have a valid DUNS number and completed www.sam.gov registration will NOT be eligible for consideration. Implementing partners/sub-recipient organizations are required to have a valid DUNS number.

In accordance with applicable Federal awarding agency’s policy, applicants must disclose in writing any potential conflict of interest to the Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity.

It is Department of State policy that English is the official language and the U.S. dollar is the controlling currency. Proposal and related supporting documents must be English and accompanying budget in U.S. dollars.

IV. APPLICATION EVALUATION

Department of State, Bureau of African Affairs (AF) will issue an award to the applicant whose proposal represents the best value to the U.S. Government on the basis of technical merit, efficient use of U.S. Government funds, and satisfactory organizational capacity. In addition, the organization must demonstrate adequate financial management capability to be measured by a responsibility determination. Applications should contain the applicants’ best terms from both cost and technical standpoints. The implementing partners (sub-recipients) of the primary recipient will be subject to Department of State approval.

Eligible applications will be evaluated by an independent review panel consisting of subject matter experts from other DOS bureaus/or offices, U.S. Embassies, and/or other U.S.

Government agencies. Final approval resides with the DOS Grants Officer.

http://www.sam.gov/

The following criteria will serve as a standard which all eligible applications will be evaluated against. Each eligible application will be evaluated and scored on the review criteria using a 100-point scale.

Personnel Requirements

The recipient will be allowed discretion in designing the overall mentorship team. Two members of the team must have a U.S. Secret clearance. The Team Leaders must meet the following minimum standards:

For Task 2, the training team leader and his assistant must be former military with at least two-years of training experience and at least five years of military experience. Additionally, the ideal candidate would possess at least two years of counter insurgency experience to include providing foreign forces with training. The leader will be required to possess experience working in austere environments outside of the continental U.S., preferably in Africa. The Team Leader must possess an understanding of the need to conduct oneself in a diplomatic and culturally sensitive manner, and be capable of moderate physical exertion to include the ability to lift and carry items up to fifty (50) pounds, be able to conduct travel and work within an equatorial environment with a limited support infrastructure. The Team Leader must be proficient with personal computers and capable of using Microsoft office products such as word, power point, and excel.

For Task 3, the recipient will provide one Uganda Team Leader. Team Leader will be expected to possess at least three years of practical experience including counterinsurgency operations and will have served at least eight years in the military. The candidates should have strong CS and CSS technical management skills, technical supervision experience, and technical leadership experience, with emphasis in team building and mentoring with and for a diverse and multicultural staff. Ideal candidate will have a minimum of two years’ experience living and working in developing countries.

The combat medical training team leader and his assistant will be former military with at least two years of training experience and at least five years of military experience. Additionally, the ideal candidate would possess at least two years of counter insurgency experience to include providing foreign forces with training. Experience working in an austere OCONUS environment, preferably in Africa. Must possess an understanding of the need to conduct oneself in a diplomatic and culturally sensitive manner, and be capable of moderate physical exertion to include the ability to lift and carry items up to fifty (50) pounds, be able to conduct travel and work within an equatorial environment with a limited support infrastructure. Must be proficient with personal computers and capable of using Microsoft office products such as word, power point, and excel.

The review panel will apply the following criteria when rating proposals:

1. Quality of Program Idea – 30 Points

The proposal is responsive to a call for programming designed to train and mentor

SNA and AMISOM forces in the context of Somalia to include when in combat – and identifies relevant local and international dynamics against which programming will be designed;

The proposal clearly states a theory of change;

The proposal outlines a vision to complete program training and mentoring goals that establish conditions to facilitate transition from AMISOM to Somali security forces, including combat operations;

The proposal directly connects proposed activities with the desired outcomes, tying back to the project goals and objectives.

2. Project Planning/Ability to Achieve Objectives – 20 Points

Projects should note how activities directly contribute to increased performance by

AMISOM and SNA forces to carry out their mandated security tasks more effectively.

The proposal should demonstrate a logical approach and show how the project objectives and tasks are linked and how they will be achieved and measured during the project period.

Proposed projects should address long-term institutional and/or organizational development with an emphasis on moving towards sustainability.

The proposal provides a detailed work plan of proposed project activities and includes a clear articulation of how these activities will contribute to the overall project’s goals and objectives paying specific attention how this is done in combat operations;

The proposal demonstrates a willingness to be flexible and the ability to adapt based on AF Bureau’s feedback over the course of the program;

The proposal articulates activities that are placed in a reasonable time frame, relevant to the program, and attainable.

3. Organizational Capability and Record of Performance – 20 Points

The proposal demonstrates a proven record of successful projects and past performance in Somalia and in the areas of training and mentorship of foreign security forces in combat operations;

The proposal articulates past performance and experience in working with the Federal

Government of Somalia, Somalia Federal Member States, the UN, AMISOM and

UPDF, local security forces, local organizations, and communities in Somalia;

o The proposal clearly defines the roles and responsibilities of primary staff under this program.

o The proposal addresses how the project will engage or obtain support from relevant stakeholders. Partnerships applicants should highlight any key partnerships that will be employed to achieve proposed goals and objectives. These may include both formal and informal partnerships between organizations working with the SNA and AMISOM to promote capacity-building, mentoring, and collaboration.

4. Cost Effectiveness – 10 Points

All budget items are allocable, reasonable and necessary, and linked to program objectives and demonstrate efficient use of U.S. Government funds.

All costs, including the administration of the proposal budget, including salaries and honoraria, are explained and justified for the work involved

Note: If your organization has a negotiated indirect cost rate agreement (NICRA) and includes

NICRA charges in the budget, include your latest NICRA as a pdf file. Organizations that have previously established indirect cost rates must submit timely indirect cost proposals to the cognizant agency as required by Appendix III & IV of 2 CFR 200. If indirect cost proposals have not been submitted for re-negotiation as required, out-of-date NICRAs may not be considered.

NOTE: This NOFO does not require cost-share. Applicants may voluntarily offer cost share;

however, it will not be factored in during proposal review.

5. Project Monitoring and Evaluation – 10 Points

The Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Plan includes:

Narrative explaining how M&E will be carried out and who will be responsible for

M&E activities;

Logical Framework listing by project objectives the output- and outcome-based performance indicators with baselines (if available) and quarterly and cumulative targets; data collection tools; data sources; types of data disaggregation, if applicable;

and frequency of data collection.

6. Sustainability of Impact – 10 Points

Clearly indicates how U.S. Government funding will result in long-term capacity building for UPDF and the SNA in Somalia.

Outlines possibilities for institutionalization of the capacity building functions with

UPDF and the SNA

Reference other donors who may be able to lend support after the end of the life of the project.

V. AWARD ISSUANCE AND ADMINISTRATION:

Issuance of this NOFO does not constitute a commitment on the part of the Department of State to issue an award nor does it commit the U.S. Government to pay for costs incurred in the preparation and submission of an application. Furthermore, award cannot be issued until funds have been fully appropriated, allocated, and committed through internal DOS procedures.

While it is anticipated that these procedures will be successfully completed, potential applicants are hereby notified of these requirements. All preparation and submission costs are at the applicant’s expense.

Department of State reserves the right to fund any or none of the proposals submitted and reserves the right to reduce, revise, or increase the budget in accordance with the needs of the project and the availability of funds.

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

The decision for the award determination rests with the Grants Officer. The Grants Officer is a U.S. Government official delegated the authority by the DOS Procurement Executive to award and administer the award.

The award Agreement is the only authorizing document and will be issued electronically through the State Assistance Management System (SAMS Domestic).

This award is intended to be a Cooperative Agreement (CA) with substantial involvement from the awarding AF Bureau in the implementation of this project. Successful applicant will be expected to coordinate closely with the DC-based awarding AF Bureau. Areas of substantial involvement will be outlined in the award’s terms and conditions.

Leahy Vetting Requirement: Leahy vetting is required when training or assistance is provided to foreign security forces, including when such assistance is provided under a grant or cooperative agreement. Leahy Vetting requirements will be fully outlined in the final award Agreement.

Pending availability of funds and satisfactory performance, including compliance with the DOS’ and subject award’s terms and conditions, the AF Bureau may consider extending the period of performance and increasing funding to the subject award.

2 CFR §200.501 requires domestic/US & foreign non-federal entities that expend $750,000, or more, in federal assistance during organization’s fiscal year to have a single or program-specific audit conducted for that year. In addition, the entity must report the collected audit data elements on the form SF-SAC and submit it to the FAC. Any findings such as material weaknesses, significant deficiencies, or material non-compliance are reported on the SF-SAC.

Reporting Requirements:

Recipient will be required to submit Quarterly Progress and Quarterly Financial Reports

(SF-425), unless special conditions apply, describing key activities undertaken during the reporting period towards accomplishment of the stated objectives. Financial Reports provide a means of monitoring expenditures. More detailed reporting requirements will be outlined in the

Award Agreement.

If reports or any other supporting documents are provided in both English and a foreign language, it must be stated in each version that the English language version is the controlling version. The U.S. dollar is the controlling currency. Financial reports must be submitted in

U.S. dollars.

Other Information:

Mandatory disclosures (2 CFR 200.113)

Non-federal entity, recipient or applicant for a federal award must disclose, in a timely manner, in writing to the federal awarding agency or pass-through entity all violations of federal criminal law involving fraud, bribery, or gratuity violations potentially affecting the Federal award. Non-federal entities that have received a Federal award including the term and condition outlined in

Appendix XII of the 2 CFR 200 -- Award Terms and Conditions for Recipient Integrity and

Performance Matters -- are required to report certain civil, criminal, or administrative proceedings to www.sam.gov .

Failure to make required disclosures can result in any of the remedies described in §200.338

Remedies for Noncompliance, including suspension or debarment.

Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System (FAPIIS)

A Federal awarding agency, prior to making a Federal award, will review and consider any information about the applicant that is in the designated integrity and performance system accessible through www.sam.gov (currently FAPIIS) (see 41 U.S.C. 2313). Applicant, at its option, may review information in the designated integrity and performance systems accessible through www.sam.gov and comment on any information about itself that a Federal awarding agency previously entered and is currently in the designated integrity and performance system accessible through www.sam.gov. Federal awarding agency will consider any comments by the applicant, in addition to the other information in the designated integrity and performance

Applicant organizations must demonstrate adherence to equal opportunity employment practices and commitment to non-discrimination with respect to beneficiaries. Non-discrimination includes equal treatment without regard to race, religion, ethnicity, gender, and political affiliation. Applicants are reminded that U.S. Executive Orders and U.S. law prohibits transactions with or support to individuals or organizations associated with terrorism.

Proposals that reflect any type of support for any member, affiliate, or representative or a designate to terrorist organization or narcotics trafficker, including elected members of government, will NOT be considered. This provision must be included in any sub‐ awards/sub-contracts issued under this award.

VI. AGENCY CONTACTS

Any prospective applicant desiring an explanation or interpretation of this NOFO must request it in writing by the deadline for questions specified on page 1, cover page. Information given to a prospective applicant concerning this NOFO will be furnished promptly to all other prospective applicants as a ‘Questions and Answers’ attachment to this NOFO.

Any questions concerning this NOFO should be submitted in writing, by email, to Sean

Setter, (SetterS@state.gov), at the Bureau of African Affairs, Office of Regional Peace and

Security (AF/RPS) along with the project’s title as outlined in the NOFO; the funding opportunity number; and applicant’s legal name and organizational status.