2020 TJSP NOFO.pdf

U.S. Department of State

Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs

Office of Assistance Coordination

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 19.600

Tunisia Thomas Jefferson Scholarship Program Opportunity Number: SFOP0007215

Key Information:

Announcement Type: New

Date Opened: July 17, 2020

Deadline for Questions: July 29, 2020

Application Deadline: August 19, 2020

Expected Date of Notification: September 30, 2020

Federal Agency Contact: NEA-Grants@state.gov

Funding Opportunity Synopsis The Thomas Jefferson Scholarship Program (TJSP) will provide Tunisian student leaders with educational and extracurricular experiences at U.S. colleges and universities in academic year 2021-2022. The program will give participants a deeper understanding of the United States and new skills and knowledge to help them contribute to Tunisia’s economic growth and development.

All applications must be submitted in English. Complete information on how applicants can submit proposals for this opportunity can be found in Section VI below.

Applicants should read this NOFO in its entirety before writing their proposal, and should refer to the full Evaluation Criteria provided in Section VII while drafting all materials.

Eligible Countries and Territories

In this announcement, we seek to support project activities in Tunisia and the United States. Please note: Applications that focus on activities in countries and territories other than those listed will NOT be considered.

Background Information about NEA/AC

The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs, Office of Assistance Coordination (NEA/AC) offers Federal assistance to groups and individuals striving to bring about positive change in the Middle East-North Africa region. The Assistance Coordination Office works in 20 countries and territories, partnering with governments, civil society organizations (CSOs), community leaders, youth and women activists and private sector groups to advance their efforts. Competitively selected projects aim to foster participatory governance, economic reform, and educational advancement in response to local interest and needs.

Table of Contents

FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

A. ACHIEVABLE OBJECTIVES

B. PROJECT DESIGN

C. GENDER INTEGRATION

MEASUREMENT OF RESULTS

AWARD INFORMATION

SUBSTANTIAL INVOLVEMENT

ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

A. ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS

B. REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS

C. ADDITIONAL ELIGIBILITY CONSIDERATIONS

APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

A. APPLICATION DOCUMENTS

B. APPLICATION FORMATTING REQUIREMENTS

C. SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION

D. SUBMISSION DATES AND TIMES

FUNDING LIMITATIONS, RESTRICTIONS, AND OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

A. AWARDS TO COMMERCIAL FIRMS OR FOR-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS

B. AUDIT REQUIREMENTS

C. COMPLIANCE WITH APPLICABLE FEDERAL FUNDING REGULATIONS AND DOS TERMS AND CONDITIONS ... 21

APPLICATION REVIEW AND SELECTION PROCESS

A. APPLICATION EVALUATION CRITERIA

B. REVIEW AND SELECTION PROCESS

ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION

A. AWARD NOTICES

B. REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

C. TRAVEL NOTIFICATIONS

D. BRANDING AND MARKING REQUIREMENTS FOR GRANTEES

E. UEI NUMBER REQUIREMENT FOR SUB AWARDEES

F. SUB AWARDEE REPORTING REQUIREMENT

G. PROGRAM DATA REQUIREMENST:

AGENCY CONTACTS

DISCLAIMER

APPENDICES (Posted with NOFO)

APPENDIX 1— Budget Sample Template and Budget Narrative Guidance

APPENDIX 2— Logic Model Template

FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

The Thomas Jefferson Scholarship Program (TJSP) will offer outstanding Tunisian students full scholarships for an academic year of non-degree study at accredited four-year colleges and universities in the United States. The program will provide approximately 28 students from across Tunisia a deeper understanding of the United States as well as new skills and knowledge to help them contribute to Tunisia’s economic growth and development.

The Recipient must facilitate participants’ studies and provide enrichment activities to achieve program objectives. Participants will enroll in full-time undergraduate coursework, including courses related to their fields of study as well as American Studies, in order to broaden their knowledge of their chosen field and the United States. Students may not enroll in clinical coursework. TJSP students will fulfill community service requirements in the first semester and complete an internship in the second semester. Students must return to Tunisia at the conclusion of the program in the United States for a mandatory re-entry workshop.

A. ACHIEVABLE OBJECTIVES

A successful project will result in:

1. Participants being better prepared for the professional marketplace and entry-level professional positions in Tunisia.

2. Participants building networks with emerging young leaders from across Tunisia and in the United States.

3. Participants developing the capacity and desire to serve in leadership positions.

B. PROJECT DESIGN

Applicants must address the management of the following responsibilities in the project narrative.

1. Recruiting and selecting program participants;

2. Recruiting and selecting accredited, four-year host institutions in the United States;

3. Arranging TOEFL tests in Tunisia for all participants and intensive pre-academic ESL courses in the United States for students who require it;

4. Placing participants at U.S. host institutions;

5. Organizing a pre-departure orientation in Tunisia, mid-year workshop in the United

States, and re-entry workshop in Tunisia;

6. Providing monitoring and support services for participants at host institutions in the

United States;

7. Assisting with community service and internship arrangements and other special program management;

8. Financial administration of the program budget including, but not limited to, stipend disbursement; travel arrangements; student reimbursement for cultural events; adherence to federal, state, and local income tax laws; and fiscal reporting;

9. Managing all travel logistics;

10. Program reporting and evaluation;

11. Managing and monitoring the visa process, including the processing of DS-2019s;

12. Supporting alumni tracking, coordination, and follow-on activities; and

13. Ensuring participants complete a release form regarding the use of photos and quotes in publications related to TJSP.

Applicants must address the management of the following components in the project narrative.

Programmatic Components

Academic: All participants must be enrolled full-time in undergraduate coursework and will be required to take at least two courses in their fields of study and one American Studies course (such as American history, literature, or government) per semester. In addition to TJSP course requirements, participants may enroll in elective courses and should work closely with the Recipient and host institution advisors to determine suitability.

Cultural: Participants will be encouraged to take part in enrichment activities such as discussion groups on U.S. issues, visits to political campaign offices and polling places, attendance at school board or city council meetings, and exposure to U.S. religious institutions.

Participant visits to museums, concerts, plays, and other cultural events that feature American content should be encouraged and facilitated whenever possible. An enrichment allowance will be available to enable participants to engage in campus, community, and regional activities of a cultural nature, such as concerts, plays, museum exhibits, cultural festivals, etc. Participants may pursue enrichment activities on their own or as a group. The Recipient will be encouraged to assist participants in identifying potential enrichment activities.

Practical Experience: To develop key professional skills, students will participate in at least 20 hours of community service at local nonprofit organizations during the first semester of the program. Students may not receive salaries, stipends, or wages for their community service.

Participants must conduct at least one local presentation (at area schools or community organizations) about Tunisia during their exchange year. This will not count toward community service hours.

Additionally, participants will do an unpaid practical internship during the second semester for a minimum of 80 hours. Internships will be part-time and must relate to the participants’ field of study and/or career plans. This is a key component of the program intended to prepare participants for eventual entry into the Tunisian workforce. Participants should seek out opportunities on their own, but the Recipient should guide students in their search and provide sample resumes and other resources, as necessary.

Pre-Departure Orientation: The cooperating organization will host a substantive pre-departure orientation program in Tunisia covering topics such as the terms and conditions of the scholarship, including a clear explanation of J visa requirements and the two-year home residency requirement; detailed information about health insurance, finance, safety, diversity, and sexual harassment issues; and, to the extent possible, information regarding host institutions and placements. The orientation will also provide a general introduction to U.S. undergraduate education and campus life, U.S. culture, and cultural adjustment. The Recipient should provide detailed program handbooks at the pre-departure orientation.

U.S. Orientation: Host universities and colleges should provide academic/program orientations for participants upon their arrival to reiterate the topics mentioned above as well as introduce participants to the host institution and community. The Recipient should provide materials for such orientations to ensure participants associate themselves with TJSP, as well as with their host institutions.

Pre-Academic English Language Study: The Recipient will provide placements in intensive two to six-week ESL classes in the United States (just prior to the start of the academic year) for students who need it to successfully complete the TJSP. Proposals m outline how suitable training programs will be identified and how students will be assessed for need and eligibility.

Mid-Year Workshop: The Recipient will host a substantive mid-year conference in the United States that should address issues including, but not limited to, cultural adjustment, academic and future job search skills, leadership, and other topics as appropriate. Students should have an opportunity to present their community service activities from the previous semester.

Re-entry Workshop: The Recipient must hold a re-entry workshop right after the participants’ return to Tunisia. The workshop dates should be scheduled in consultation with the Embassy.

This workshop should address issues including, but not limited to, reverse culture shock, academic and job search skills, alumni opportunities, and other topics as appropriate.

Alumni Tracking and Follow-On Activities: Alumni activities are an important part of the State Department’s exchange programs that maximize and extend program benefits. Proposals must outline ways to creatively organize and support alumni engagement without additional Embassy funding, including a timeline. Proposals should explain how alumni activities will be integrated with initiatives for alumni of other State Department programs, rather than being isolated events.

Alumni tracking is critical for the evaluation of the TJSP and for the implementation of worthwhile follow-on programs. Proposals must detail how database systems will be maintained and updated beyond the duration of the cooperative agreement and when updated database information will be provided to the Embassy. All statistical information gathered and compiled by the award recipient on program participants and alumni must be available to the Embassy and transferable in an easy-to-use manner.

NOTE: All materials, publicity, and correspondence related to the TJSP must acknowledge that the program is funded by the U.S. Department of State (if the audience is primarily American) and/or the U.S. Embassy in Tunis (if the audience is primarily Tunisian). The Department will retain copyright use of and distribute materials related to this program as it sees fit.

Virtual Exchange Component: The Embassy welcomes innovative ideas using mobile and/or online technologies to maintain engagement among exchange participants, encourage project collaboration, and widen participation in the overall project to a broader audience. The Embassy encourages applicant organizations to suggest one or more virtual exchange components to complement the in-person exchange. The virtual exchange component(s) could come before, during, and/or after the physical exchange.

Operational Components

Participant Selection: Participants will be highly motivated undergraduate students who demonstrate leadership through academic work, community involvement, and extracurricular activities. Their fields of study will be varied. To be eligible, a candidate must:

• Be a Tunisian citizen;

• Currently reside in Tunisia;

• Be enrolled as a full-time undergraduate student in good academic standing at the time of application at a registered academic institution in Tunisia;

• NOT be in the final year of his/her undergraduate program at the time of application.

Note that undergraduate programs in Tunisia include three-year license programs, four-year American-style bachelor programs, and five-year engineering and architecture programs.

• Be able to receive a U.S. J-1 visa;

• Be committed to returning to Tunisia after completion of the program;

• Be able to achieve a TOEFL score of at least 500, either at the time of application or after short-term pre-academic English language study in the United States; and

• Complete the academic year prior to study in the United States in good standing with a passing average (aka moyenne générale).

Individuals in the following circumstances are NOT eligible for the TJSP:

• Part-time students;

• U.S. citizens or permanent residents of the United States;

• Individuals who have applied for U.S. permanent residency in the past three years;

• Employees of non-profit organizations that administer the TJSP on behalf of the U.S.

Department of State and their families. This provision does not disqualify self-supporting members of families who live apart from their parents;

• Locally employed staff of the U.S. Embassy in Tunisia and their immediate family members. This applies to the staff’s period of employment and one year following the termination of employment; nor

• Persons arrested for, charged with, or convicted of a crime.

All eligible student applications will be considered, though priority will be given to students who have never travelled to the United States. The selected cohort should be at least 50% female and reflect Tunisia’s diversity, with recruitment efforts focusing on students from underrepresented governorates.

U.S. Host Institution Selection and Participant Placement: In collaboration with the Embassy, the Recipient will recruit U.S. host institutions and serve as the main point of contact for the host institution. The proposal should describe in detail how the U.S. host institution competition will be conducted, including what measures will be taken to secure tuition awards and/or other cost sharing. Host institutions for the TJSP will be accredited four-year colleges and universities that will provide students with a supportive environment and personalized attention.

Placement at community colleges will not be permitted under this program. Host institutions should be selected based on geographic diversity, academic rigor, overall cost and ability to cost-share, and their ability to engage TJSP students in the local community. These communities should offer quality internships as well as accessible housing, accommodations, and transportation. The Embassy will approve the proposed placements at U.S. colleges and universities for all participants. No more than three participants should be placed at a single institution.

Program participants will live in on-campus housing and have access to a comprehensive meal plan with provisions for religious-specific or other dietary needs. Participants should be paired with U.S. student roommates, not other TJSP participants or international students. The proposal should include a description of appropriate accommodations for participants’ religious observances and take into account needs such as single-gender and substance-free dorms/floors.

Allowances: The proposal should present participant maintenance allowances in accordance with suggestions below or an alternative benefit package that includes the costs of campus housing, meals, books, and incidental expenses. The Recipient must monitor and directly distribute approved allowances (e.g. maintenance) and reimbursements (e.g. relevant fees);

authorize special allowances as stipulated in the program terms and conditions (e.g. enrichment funds); clarify policies and procedures; and resolve problems relating to participant benefits and payments. Suggested amounts for allowances are:

• Travel Allowances: $250 (for baggage, transit to airport, incidentals, etc. $100 for the arrival journey to the U.S. and $150 for the return journey to Tunisia)

• Monthly Maintenance Allowance: $400/month

• One-time Settling-in Allowance: $100 (for items needed immediately upon arrival and not provided by host institution)

• Book Allowance: $450/semester or $300/quarter

• Enrichment Allowance: $500/year (dispersed via an application process or other mechanism)

Monitoring and Support: The proposal should demonstrate that the applicant can provide support systems to TJSP participants based on previous management of exchanges and an awareness of Tunisian culture. The Recipient must verify participant enrollment in approved U.S. colleges/universities and resolve any initial placement and/or adjustment problems upon arrival at the host institution. The Recipient should assist program participants in finding adequate academic and counseling services as needed. The Recipient should monitor and evaluate the performance of TJSP participants to ensure satisfactory progress in the achievement of academic goals, including periodic campus visits, consistent communication with host advisors and professors, and review of academic reports.

Working in close consultation with the Embassy, the Recipient should assist participants, as required, in resolving academic issues and personal or health emergencies; provide counseling or make appropriate referrals; perform domestic travel to resolve participant emergencies; and provide other assistance as needed.

Tax Requirements: The administration of the scholarships must comply with reporting and withholding regulations for federal, state, and local taxes, as applicable. Applicant organizations must present a plan for assisting participants to comply with federal income tax regulations and for calculating appropriate amounts that must be withheld from students' allowances, in accordance with the Tax Reform Act of 1986.

Health Benefits: The Recipient must enroll participants in a health insurance plan offered by the host university in addition to insurance similar to the State Department Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs’ Accident and Sickness Plan for Exchanges (ASPE), which provides limited accident and sickness coverage, medical evacuation, and repatriation of remains for all students during the duration of the exchange program. When university health insurance plans are not available, the Recipient should work with the Embassy to find a suitable alternative. The Recipient must provide TJSP participants with information regarding their healthcare coverage and assist them in filing claims. Applicant organizations should include a line item to purchase health insurance plans as part of their budget proposal.

Participant Travel: In consultation with the Embassy, the Recipient should manage students’ international and domestic travel, including the distribution of travel allowances. All travel must be in accordance with the Fly America Act.

Adherence to all Regulations Governing the J Visa: The proper administration of J visa requirements is essential. Proposals must demonstrate the applicant's capacity to meet all requirements governing the administration of the Exchange Visitor Programs as set forth in 22 CFR 62, including the oversight of Responsible Officers and Alternate Responsible Officers, screening and selection of program participants, provision of pre-arrival information and orientation to participants, monitoring of participants, proper maintenance and security of forms, record-keeping, reporting, and other requirements. The award recipient will issue DS-2019 forms to participants in this program. A copy of the complete regulations governing the administration of Exchange Visitor (J) programs is available at http://j1visa.state.gov. TJSP participants are subject to the two-year home-country physical presence requirement under U.S. law, Immigration and Nationality Act, Section 212(e).

Diversity: The TJSP must maintain a non-political character and should be balanced and representative of the diversity of political, social, and cultural life in the United States and abroad. ‘Diversity’ should be interpreted in the broadest sense and encompass differences including race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, geographic location, socio-economic status, disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Proposals s demonstrate how diversity will enhance the program’s goals and objectives and the participants’ exchange experience.

Fiscal Management: The proposal must demonstrate suitable financial systems to track, audit, and disburse TJSP funds. The Recipient will be expected to submit interim, residual, and final reports, as directed by the Embassy, detailing expenditures, and to consult with the Embassy on the reprogramming of funds. Administration of TJSP scholarships must be in compliance with reporting and withholding regulations for federal, state, and local taxes where applicable.

The following activities and costs are NOT ALLOWED under this announcement:

• Exchange activities with other countries or territories other than those detailed;

• Social welfare projects;

• Paying to complete activities begun with other funds;

• Activities that appear partisan or that support individual or party electoral campaigns;

• Academic or analytical research (if not necessary as part of a larger project);

• One-time events, such as stand-alone conferences and one-off round tables;

• Medical and psychological research and clinical studies;

• Projects of a commercial or profit-making nature;

• Cultural presentations, cultural research, cultural clubs, or festivals, etc. for other than as required in the NOFO; and

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

NOTE: Applications that include any of these activities or costs above may be eliminated at the Technical Eligibility Review stage and will not advance to the Merit Review Panel.

C. GENDER INTEGRATION

NEA/AC requires that all activities fully address gender considerations, ensuring that both men and women benefit from support where applicable, and that gender awareness is a built-in component of project activities. This should be documented through gender analysis in the project narrative that identifies any relevant gender gaps and ways the proposed activities will address those gaps. Proposals should demonstrate how addressing relevant gender gaps will enhance the project’s goals and objectives. Applicants who are unfamiliar with integrating gender in foreign assistance programing should view the training video located here:

https://encompassworld.com/elearningfiles/DOS/DOS_Gender_Integration_E- Course/story_html5.html

MEASUREMENT OF RESULTS

Applicants shall provide a logic model to demonstrate how the proposed project (including activities, the project design, and the surrounding context) will achieve the stated objectives. The logic model or theory of change statements can be generated using the template in Appendix II.

Please see Section VI below for more information.

Successful applicants will work with the NEA/AC program and monitoring and evaluation (M&E) teams to create a plan based on the proposed logic model to measure qualitative and quantitative indicators as part of the award negotiations process. The successful applicants will be responsible for collecting data against these indicators, which will be monitored throughout the period of performance of the award to gauge necessary modifications to the project’s design, and assess the results of the project’s success in meeting expected outcomes.

AWARD INFORMATION

Funding Mechanism Type: Cooperative Agreement

Estimated Number of Awards: 1

Estimated Total Program Funding: $1,300,000

Estimated Award Ceiling: $1,300,000

Estimated Award Floor: $1,000,000

Cost-Sharing or Matching: Required

Estimated Length of Project Period: 24 Months

Contingent on the availability of funds, approximately $1,300,000 in Economic Support Funds for approximately one (1) cooperative agreement will be awarded through this announcement. If selected to receive an award, an applicant will be awarded funds for up to 24 months, depending on the activities proposed. The estimated start date for this project is October 1, 2020.

NEA/AC reserves the right to award more or less than the estimated program funding, and reserves the right to award funding under this announcement for a period of up to two years after the announcement’s close date.

This request for full applications does not constitute an award or commitment on the part of the U.S. government to make any awards, nor does it commit the U.S. government to pay for costs incurred in the preparation and submission of an application.

Non-Competing Continuation Continuation grants funded under these awards, beyond the initial budget period, will be contingent upon the availability of funds; grantee’s progress in meeting grant requirements, including timely submission of required reports and compliance with all terms and conditions of the award; timely submission of a request for additional funding; and a determination that continued funding would be in the best interest of the Department of State.

Pending successful implementation of this project for the initial estimated length of time as indicated above, and pending the availability of funds in subsequent fiscal years, NEA/AC may extend this grant for additional time, not to exceed a four (4) year total project period. Please note that this NOFO requires that applicants submit additional budget materials to plan for potential out-years of non-competing continuations. See Section VI Application and Submission Information for more details.

SUBSTANTIAL INVOLVEMENT

Examples of NEA/AC and U.S. Embassy Tunis responsibilities for a cooperative agreement may include:

• Participating in the design and direction of program activities, including timelines;

• Approving key personnel;

• Approving the selection process and final selection of program participants;

• Approving and providing input for all program agendas and timelines;

• Reviewing and approving all program recruitment, publicity, and outreach materials;

• Approving final host institution selections;

• Providing final approval of all student placements;

• Providing final approval of internships;

• Providing guidance in the execution of all project components;

• Arranging for Department of State speakers during workshops;

• Advising during participant emergencies, including SEVIS-related issues;

• Approving decisions related to specific circumstances or problems throughout the program; and

• Providing background information on Tunisia and Tunisian culture.

ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

All applicants will be screened by NEA/AC to determine whether they meet all of the program eligibility requirements detailed below.

NOTE: Applications that do not demonstrate that they meet all of the eligibility requirements in Section A and Section B will not advance past the Technical Eligibility Review stage and may be deemed ineligible for funding under this announcement. Nothing can be added to an application once the competition deadline has passed.

A. ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS

Eligible applicants include:

• U.S. public and private non-profit organizations meeting the provisions described in Internal Revenue Code section 26 USC 501(c)(3)

NEA/AC is committed to an anti-discrimination policy in all of its programs and activities.

NEA/AC welcomes applications irrespective of an applicants’ race, ethnicity, color, creed, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, or disability. We encourage applications from organizations working with underserved communities, including women, people with disabilities, and youth.

A.1. Prime Applicant To be considered for funding under this opportunity, applicants SHALL:

• Have demonstrable previous experience working in the MENA region. This should be addressed within the project narrative section of your application.

• Meet ALL of the registration requirements listed below.

• Meet any requirements listed as MANDATORY in Additional Eligibility Considerations, below.

B. REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS

To apply for NEA/AC (Federal) funding, organizations, whether based in or outside the U.S., must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) number, currently referred to as a DUNS number, and an active account with the System for Award Management (SAM). Applicants who do not meet all registration requirements are NOT eligible for funding under the opportunity.

UEI Number The UEI number is a nine-digit number established and assigned by Dun and Bradstreet, Inc.

(D&B) to uniquely identify business entities.

All applicants must have a UEI number. To obtain a UEI number, please follow the steps below:

Go to http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform/pages/CCRSearch.jsp.

Select the country or territory where your organization is physically located. Complete and submit the form. Organizations will need to provide basic information, including physical and mailing addresses, name and title of the chief executive, primary Standard Industrial Code (SIC) ( https://www.osha.gov/pls/imis/sic_manual.html), and annual revenue.

For technical difficulties in obtaining this number, please contact D&B at: govt@dnb.com.

System for Award Management (SAM) SAM is a U.S. government wide registry of vendors doing business with the Federal government and requires annual renewal. The system centralizes information about grant applicants/recipients, and provides a central location for grant applicants/recipients to change organizational information.

Further, each applicant must maintain an active account, with current information, while its application is under consideration for funding. To keep an active SAM.gov account, an applicant must renew it at least once each year. If an organization’s account expires, the organization cannot submit a grant application until it is renewed.

To create a new account, please follow the steps below:

Go to http://www.sam.gov.

Log In to complete authentication and create an account. On the My SAM page, select Entity

Registrations from the sub-navigation menu and select Register New Entity.

Organizations must have a UEI number and a CAGE number (US Domestic Organizations) or a NCAGE number (Foreign Organizations), to create an account.

Complete and submit the online form. If the applying organization already has the necessary information on hand (see the SAM Quick Start Guide for Grant Registration:

https://sam.gov/SAM/transcript/Quick_Guide_for_Grants_Registrations.pdf), the online form takes approximately one hour to complete, depending upon the size and complexity of the applying entity. Because of the different steps in the process, it might take anywhere from 12 - 15 business days to complete the process of creating an account with the system.

For help with SAM.gov, please visit their support page at https://www.fsd.gov or contact them at: 866-606-8220 (U.S.) or +1-334-206-7828 (international).

C. ADDITIONAL ELIGIBILITY CONSIDERATIONS

Cost-Sharing or Matching

There is no minimum or maximum percentage required for this competition. However, NEA/AC encourages applicants to provide maximum levels of cost sharing and funding in support of its programs.

Cost-sharing or matching IS an evaluation criteria of this NOFO.

All cost share or matching must be included in detail in the line item budget and noted in the budget narrative. Proposals offering potential, yet-to-be-determined cost share sourcing will NOT be considered to have met this requirement, and will be deemed ineligible. When cost sharing is offered, it is understood and agreed that the applicant must provide the amount of cost sharing as stipulated in its proposal and later included in an approved agreement. Cost sharing may be in the form of allowable direct or indirect costs. For accountability, recipients must maintain written records to support all costs that are claimed as their contribution, as well as costs to be paid by the Federal government. Such records are subject to audit. The basis for determining the value of cash and in-kind contributions must be in accordance with OMB 2 CFR

200.306 – Cost Sharing and Matching.

APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

A. APPLICATION DOCUMENTS

All applications must include the application components detailed below. All application documents must be submitted in English. Applicants may submit only one (1) application.

Please refer to Section B below for additional submissions guidance and requirements.

NOTE: Applications that do not include all the required documentation described in Section 1 below will not advance past the Technical Eligibility Review stage. Further, applications that exceed the allowable page limits will not be reviewed by the review panel.

Applicants may not add any materials to an application once it has been submitted and the competition deadline has passed.

A.1. Required Documents Federal Assistance Application Forms (SF-424, SF424a, SF-424b, and SF-LLL (if applicable))

Applicants must complete each of these forms online to be considered for funding. The SF-424B is only required for those applicants who a) have not registered in SAM.gov or b) have not recertified their registration in SAM.gov since February 2, 2019.

If an organization has an active registration in SAM.gov that was either created or updated on or after February 2, 2019, then the applicant does NOT need to submit the SF-424B because their registration or recertification will have included the necessary information.

NOTE: In addition to following all guidance outlined below regarding application materials, applicants are strongly encouraged to review the Application Evaluation Criteria section of this NOFO closely as they prepare their proposal. The Evaluation Criteria section is the rubric by which each application will be scored.

Executive Summary Provide the following information about the project: name of organization/participating institutions; beginning and ending dates of the program; nature of activity; funding level requested from the Embassy as well as total program cost and total cost-sharing from applicant and other sources; scope and goals (number and description of participants; wider audience benefiting from program/overall impact; geographic diversity of program, both U.S. and overseas); and anticipated results (short and long-term). This section may be no longer than 1 page.

Project Narrative The Project Narrative provides a detailed description of the project addressing these areas: vision (statement of need, objectives, goals, benefits); participating organizations; program activities (recruitment, orientation, academic component, cultural component, practical experience component, workshops, participant monitoring); program evaluation; follow-on; project management; and work plan/timeframe. This section may be no longer than 12 pages.

Budget & Budget Narrative Submission Applicants must provide the following three elements as part of their budget submission:

• Summary Budget

• Detailed Line Item Budget

• Budget Narrative

*A detailed budget for up to two years is required as well as a notional budget (in a separate tab) for up to two out years.

This section of the application does not have any page limits. A sample fillable template can be found in Appendix 1. This template includes three tabs: The first tab includes written guidance on preparing the Budget Narrative. Applicants are strongly encouraged to create their Budget Narrative in Word and submit as either a Word Doc or PDF file. Please note that the Budget Narrative should include designations of who is considered Key Personnel for this project. As defined in the Department of State Standard Terms and Conditions (for assistance awards, Key Personnel means, “…key professional and supervisory personnel; i.e., the members of the professional staff in a program supervisory position engaged for or assigned to duties under the award.” The second tab has the template for the Summary Budget. This tab will auto-fill as you complete the Detailed Line Item Budget, which can be found on the third tab. The third tab is where you can fill in the template for the Detailed Line Item Budget as stated above. NOTE:

Applicants are strongly encouraged to use the same format as provided in the template, and to submit summary and detailed line item budgets in Excel form, and the Budget Narrative as either a PDF or Word file. If the applicant does not use the template, the applicant must ensure that their submission includes all elements outlined in the sample. The template, which includes more detailed instructions, can be found in Appendix 1. Applicants are strongly encouraged to review Appendix 1 before preparing their Budget and Budget Narrative.

In addition to the detailed budget for up to two (2) years, applicants shall submit a notional budget in a separate tab for an additional two (2) out years, for a total of four (4) years.

Budgeted items of expenditure may include, but are not limited to, the items listed below.

Program Expenses

• Recruitment and selection-related expenses (such as travel) Pre-departure orientation expenses

• Visa-related expenses (travel to interviews)

• Round-trip travel from participants' home cities to international points of departure

• Round-trip international travel (in accordance with Fly America regulations)

• Round-trip domestic travel from U.S. ports of entry to host institutions

• TOEFL fees

• Maximum of six weeks of pre-academic ESL training costs including, but not limited to, room and board, instructional fees, and use of facilities (effort should be made to limit these costs, both overall and per fellow, as much as possible)

• Orientation and workshop costs, including, but not limited to, room and board, per diem, instructional fees, additional staff costs, use of facilities, materials, guest lectures, etc.

Include costs for pre-departure, arrival, mid-year, and re-entry orientations/workshops

• Travel and per diem for monitoring and evaluation of programs at host campuses

• Tuition and fees

• Monthly maintenance allowance

• Incidental expenses, including travel allowances

• Health insurance plans

• School break maintenance costs, including for any time period between pre-academic sessions and academic programs

• Advising and monitoring of students

• Educational materials, including a book allowance each semester

• Costs associated with community service activities and internships

• Cultural enrichment activities

• Disability accommodations

• Alumni activities

• Evaluation

• SEVIS fees

• Withholding for taxes, as necessary

Administration Costs

• Staff salaries and fringe benefits (Each staff member and his/her position must be listed separately, including the percentage of his/her total time spent on this program and duties performed on behalf of the program. Proposed salaries and time on task must be certified as true and accurate representations of actual costs and percentage of time. Resumes must be included for all staff.)

• Staff travel and per diem

• Communication costs (fax, telephone, postage, communication equipment, etc.)

• Office supplies

• Printing and duplication costs

• Administration of tax withholding and reporting as required by federal, state, and local authorities and in accordance with relevant tax treaties

• OMB Circular 2 CFR Part 200 Subpart F Audit fees, if not included in the indirect cost pool

• Other direct costs

• Indirect costs (per OMB Circular 2 CFR Parts 200 and 600, entitled the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards)

• Cost sharing or matching funds

Logic Model Applicants shall provide a logic model or theory of change to demonstrate how the proposed project (including activities, the project design, and the surrounding context) will achieve the stated objectives. The logic model or theory of change statements can be generated using the template in Appendix 2. NOTE: Applicants are strongly encouraged to use the same format as found in the sample. If the applicant does not use the template, the applicant must ensure that their submission includes all elements outlined in the sample. This section may be no longer than 2 pages.

Project Timeline Applicants must provide an overall breakdown of the order and timeframe in which all project activities will take place. This item should provide a macro snapshot of what will take place from beginning to end of the project. Applicants must ensure that the timeline of activities/events corresponds with details provided in the Project Narrative and Logic Model. This section may be no longer than 2 pages.

Job Descriptions/Biographical Info for Personnel Positions For each position designated as personnel for this project, applicants must provide the following:

1. If the position is already filled: Provide brief biographical information summarizing the person’s qualifications, as well as a brief description of the roles or responsibilities pertaining to this project.

OR

2. If the person to fill a key position has not yet been hired: Provide a brief summary of the job description, which should include a description of the roles and responsibilities pertaining to this project, as well as a description of qualifications of eligible candidates.

NOTE: If an applicant is proposing sub grant partner(s) as part of their project design, Key Personnel/Positions of the sub grantee must also be included. This section may be no longer than 10 pages.

Verification of Non-Profit Status Applicants must submit proof of nonprofit status with the IRS at the time of application. Failure to submit such proof will make your proposal technically ineligible. You must also submit the names of directors and/or senior executives (current officers, trustees, and key employees, regardless of amount of compensation) in one of the following ways:

• Those who file IRS Form 990, "Return of Organization Exempt From Income Tax," must include a copy of relevant portions of this form.

OR

• Those who do not file IRS Form 990 must submit the information above in the format of their choice.

This section of the application does not have any page limits.

Letters of Agreement or Letters of Intent Applicants proposing partner organizations and/or government bodies should include Letters of Intent or Letters of Agreement from their proposed partners. This section of the application does not have any page limits.

Security, Risk Mitigation, & Contingency Planning Summary This item should provide detail regarding the applicant’s intended due diligence to assess and mitigate risks, and put in place adequate security measures to ensure the safety and well-being of project staff, participants, and partners, if applicable. This should include specific actions by the applicant to ensure risks are adequately and routinely assessed, and that security measures are commensurate with operational concerns specific to the locale. The applicant should also include a contingency plan that highlights potential challenges and limitations to project implementation in the operating environment and propose contingency plans should program activities be impacted. Please note that this section should not be limited to physical security and risk but should cover any applicable factors relevant to the given operating environment. This section may be no longer than 5 pages.

Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement Applicants proposing indirect costs in the budget greater than a 10% de minimis rate must provide a copy of their Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA). This section of the application does not have any page limits.

A.2. Optional Documents

Applicants may submit additional documents for consideration with their application, though not required. Some examples of additional documents an applicant may wish to submit include but are not limited to organizational chart, etc. This section may be no longer than 10 pages.

NOTE: Applicants must adhere to all maximum allowed page counts. Applications that exceed any of the allowable page limits will not advance past the Technical Eligibility Review stage.

B. APPLICATION FORMATTING REQUIREMENTS

The required font is 12-point, Times New Roman. All application documents must be single spaced, with all margins (left, right, top, and bottom) of at least one inch each. Also, applicants should ensure all pages in the application package are numbered consecutively and meet the page limit requirements outlined in Section VI above. The Standard Forms 424 (SF-424, SF-424a, and SF-424b) are excluded from the page numbering.

It is strongly recommended that applicants submit grant applications using Microsoft Office. If applicants do not have access to Microsoft Office products, Adobe PDF files may be submitted.

C. SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION

Applicants must submit their application electronically using SAMS Domestic. Applications will NOT be accepted from grants.gov. SAMS Domestic requires that the applying organization have an account with the system and both require a UEI number and SAM.gov account as detailed in Section V. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure they have an active account and will be able to submit its application. NEA/AC is not in a position to grant exceptions to these requirements.

The application process is not complete until the applicant receives notification that its application has been validated and forwarded to the granting agency (NEA/AC). Please allow sufficient time for entering the application into these systems. It is the responsibility of the applicant to monitor its application to ensure that it is successfully received and validated.

SAMS Domestic SAMS Domestic is a comprehensive grants management system that allows applicants to apply for, manage, and report on the use of U.S. government funds for multiple programs, accessed online at mygrants.service-now.com.

To create an account, go to http://mygrants.service-now.com, and click the “create an account” hyperlink, located above the user name prompt. Users will be directed to a page entitled “User Registration Request;” complete the online form and click the “Submit” button.

Users will receive an activation email entitled “Verify Your Grants Account Registration;” click the activation link within the email to receive a username and password.

SAMS Domestic has Quick Tours available to educate users about the system. These documents can be found on the Support tab upon logging into the system.

D. SUBMISSION DATES AND TIMES

Applications must be time stamped before 17:00:00 eastern time (ET) on August 19, 2020.

There will be no grace period, and any application not received by the application deadline will be deemed ineligible and will not advance to be reviewed. Each applicant is encouraged to submit an application far enough in advance of the deadline so that the applicant can alert NEA/AC (nea-grants@state.gov) of any technical difficulties and allow sufficient time to resolve difficulties before the deadline. Although NEA/AC will work with applicants to resolve technical issues, it is not in a position to grant exceptions to the submission requirements outlined in this announcement.

FUNDING LIMITATIONS, RESTRICTIONS, AND OTHER

CONSIDERATIONS

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 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. AUDIT REQUIREMENTS

Domestic and foreign organizations that expend $750,000 or more in a fiscal year in federal assistance must perform an independent, recipient-contracted Single Audit or Program Specific Audit. (Program-specific Audit means an audit of one Federal award program. Single Audit means an audit which includes both the entity’s financial statements and the Federal Awards to be conducted in accordance with Generally Accepted Government Auditing Standards (GAGAS).