Final 2018 list of CARSI ESF Questions.docx

2018 CARSI ESF Grant Question and Answer List

1. Can construction be considered under this opportunity? As it specifically does not cover construction but what if it is only part of the project?

No, construction is not supported through these initiatives.

2. Several years ago the CARSI opportunity funded programs that related to at-risk youth. This year's funding is focused on strengthening democracy and governing efforts in Belize. Will there be another CARSI grant opportunity focused on youth later in the year, or has the focus area just changed?

Please note that this is the only CARSI ESF grant opportunity that will be issued for 2018 focusing on good governance and a decision is made annually regarding the area of focus by the U.S. Congress.

3. Is the NOFO opportunity only portioned in Belize?

The project must benefit Belize.

4. Kindly confirm that if we select Objective #1, we need to follow the stated outcome indicator (page 8) and create targets to accompany it, but we can add additional outcome indicators and associated targets?

Should your organization choose objective 1, the project proposal should seek to achieve the required indicators but additional outcome indicators and associated targets are encouraged.

5. Does the Mission prefer applicants to focus on one objective or does it prefer programs that address more than one of the objectives?

Applicants must address at least one objective in the NOFO. It is the decision of the applicants if they would like to address more than one objective. Applicants can take a closer look at the “Technical Evaluation Criteria” in the NOFO to learn more about how the proposal evaluation process..

6. Is the grant award amount in US or Belize Dollars?

The funds are in US Dollars.

7. Is there a project proposal writing format or guidelines?

Please refer to the complete NOFO on www.grants.gov for the application and submission instructions.

8. Can an institution submit more than one submission to this call?

Yes, multiple proposals may be submitted but we encourage potential grantees to focus on one; think of it as providing your “best shot” for consideration.

9. What are the required documents to fulfil the eligibility requirements? Do we need to prove that we are eligible?

All application requirements and documents needed are listed on the NOFO. Per the NOFO, applicants must complete forms SF-424, SF-424A, and SF-424B. Applicants may find links to these forms here, or on the application package under the grants.gov notice https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=302735. Applicants must also submit a cover sheet, table of contents, executive summary, proposal narrative, budget narrative, line-item budget, and additional attachments. Please refer to the NOFO for additional details.

Any application that does follow the submission instructions correctly and/or does not submit all required documents will be eliminated during the technical review.

10. Can a newly formed NGO apply for the grant?

Yes, we encourage every organization that meets the eligibility requirement to submit their proposal.

11. What is the proper procedure to upload the application documents?

Kindly refer and follow the instructions given in the grant Application Package and the NOFO.

12. Can an NGO apply for the grant in partnership with an educational institution or another NGO?

Yes, partnerships / collaboration is authorized but only one organization will be considered the PRIME organization responsible for managing and reporting of any/all approved subsidiary organizations under its purview.

13. Is counterpart funding required?

No, cost sharing is not required.

14. Is it allowable to fund events out of this grant?

This may be considered if the event directly benefits the project objectives and meets all U.S. federal funding requirements.

15. Would a nonprofit organization registered under the Business & Companies Act be eligible for funding? In Belize there are organizations that are registered nonprofit organizations but not all are registered under the NGO Act.

If registered nonprofit entities are acceptable in Belize as NGOs then we will also allow for eligibility as long as there is documentation to prove that this is the case.

16. Are organizations who have ties to the ruling party de facto preferred if the organizations have to partner with the government?

Proposals are evaluated against the criteria set forth in the NOFO based on the ability to meet its objectives.

17. Are Unions eligible to apply for these grants?

Eligibility depends on the documentation provided regarding the legal status of the Union as a non-profit entity.

18. Is an established partnership with government agencies required?

It is not a disqualifier but it depends on how well the grant justifies the achievement of the required project objectives/outcomes.

19. Can private organizations apply?

Yes, they can. Non-profit oriented private organizations can apply if they meet the eligibility requirements. For profit private companies are ineligible.

20. Is there a formal grade system for the different elements on which the applications are graded?

Applications will be evaluated based on the criteria as outlined within the NOFO, which will be carried out by a designated Review Panel.

21. What if there is a tie between two applicants? What will break it or what factor will determine who receives the grant?

The Review Panel would look at the feasibility of grant based on the budget and the activities to be carried out.

22. Can you get a DUNS number if you are not a US based entity?

Yes, foreign organizations can and must attain a DUNS number.

23. If you already have registrations on SAMS but not active, do you still need to submit the notary letter?

Yes, the notary letter is required for new registration and for those renewing their registration on SAMS.

24. Why does the notice say we cannot fund military or law enforcement? Please explain.

The funding authority for these funds does not include direct support or other such benefit for military or law enforcement agencies. Funds must fit under the objectives from the NOFO and in alignment with the governance objective of the U.S. Strategy for Central America. There are other U.S. account authorities appropriate for law enforcement training.

25. What will the grant not fund?

Please refer to the NOFO (page 22) for information about budget conditions and restrictions.

26. Is fuel an allowable cost?

Yes, so long as it’s a reasonable cost and directly related to the achievement of project objectives.

27. Can Department of State (DoS) funds be used as counterparts/cost sharing for another program?

Co-mingling of funds is not allowed and DoS funds should not be used as cost share for other DoS or United States federal assistance grants.

28. Who is the direct beneficiary of the program?

Civil society and the community should be the direct beneficiaries of the program.

29. Can statutory organizations apply for these grants?

Eligibility depends on the documentation provided regarding the legal status of the statutory organization and the entity must be a non-profit.

30. Who is considered key personnel?

Personnel considered essential to the work being performed.

31. Can a vehicle be purchased for the organization to which the grant is given?

This may be considered depending on the programmatic purpose and if it is a reasonable cost. All budget expenses should be allowable, allocable and reasonable and directly related to the achievement of the project objective. All proposal budget costs must meet the eligibility requirements of U.S. federal assistance rules under the OMB 2 CFR 200.

32. Can the grant be used to support underprivileged individuals/youths?

If the organization can justify the support directly relates to meeting the objectives stated in the NOFO.

33. Can the grant be used to train individuals who work for the organizations?

Yes, it can. This is a form of capacity building.

34. For the budget, is there a specific outline that should be used or a template?

A template for the budget is provided as part of the package or related documents on the grants.gov. Additionally, all budget costs must be broken out by OMB cost categories and for every line item cost by unit, per unit and total costs. The detailed budget and budget narrative must match for every line item cost.

35. Are all costs covered by the grants?

All costs must be related to project objectives and be should be allowable, allocable and reasonable. All proposal budget costs must meet the eligibility requirements of U.S. federal assistance rules under the OMB 2 CFR 200. Please refer to the NOFO for additional details.

36. For an organization to register with SAM it needs and Employer Identification Number (EIN). Is this a local number or a number issued by the US Government?

The Employer Identification Number is the same as your DUNS number.

37. Would the notarized letter required for SAM be accepted at the Belmopan Embassy?

This letter should be sent to the address indicated on SAMS.gov and not the Embassy. You are allowed to scan and submit the letter to receive a conditional activation, however, the original letter must be mailed and received within 45 days from the time of registration to receive official activation.

38. NGO is registered in the United States, so would that be considered the Headquarters or/and will formation of the NGO be registered in Belize?

The funding opportunity is open to U.S. Non-profit/non-governmental organizations (NGOs) having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS so the organization does not need to be registered in Belize.

39. We have a USFWS grant ongoing at this time, would my organization be eligible for other federal funds?

Yes, you are eligible for other federal funds

40. When you say: civil society, civil servants would community leaders be considered?

Yes, community leaders would be considered.

41. What if there is a partnership with another organization, would we still be eligible to apply?

Proper documentation should be provided if you are collaborating with another organization.

42. What are some examples of capacity building activities for civil servants?

Capacity building includes trainings which would aid in addressing key issues related to regulation or management to improve service delivery.

43. Can a Cane Farmer Association be considered for this grant opportunity?

That depends on the legal status of the Association; if the entity is not a profit based organization/association and legally registered.

44. How can I apply for a grant?

Please visit https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=302735. Alternatively, you can also visit www.grants.gov and search for “Belmopan” to view the full opportunity.