Final Belize CARSI NOFO 2017.docx

NOFO Number: BH200-17-GR-200-WHA-030617 Increasing Access to Justice for At-Risk Youth

Notice of Funding Opportunity Strengthening Government Through Civil Society Engagement

Catalog of Federal Domestic

Deadline for Submission of Applications: June 19, 2017 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time

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

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The U.S. Embassy in Belmopan, Belize announces a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to strengthen democratic governance through civil society engagement. The Embassy seeks proposals that will enable civil society organizations to reduce corruption and impunity and/or improve, expand or complement local, municipal, or central government service delivery to communities at risk, that are difficult to access, or have limited resources. Contingent upon the availability of funds and quality of proposals, U.S. Embassy Belmopan intends to issue three to five awards in an amount not to exceed $1,500,000 in total funding. Each award will be for an amount between $200,000 and $400,000. Project periods should not exceed two years, and the anticipated start date for successful proposals is September 29, 2017. U.S. Embassy Belmopan is under no obligation to fund any of the proposals submitted under this funding opportunity.

This funding will support United States government objectives under the Central America Regional Security Initiative (CARSI). Within Central America (Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama), the United States works with partner nations to strengthen institutions to counter the effects of organized crime, uphold the rule of law, and protect human rights. CARSI Economic Support Fund (ESF) small grants, such as this opportunity, provide additional programming to strengthen civil society’s role in improving citizen security and democratic governance.

U.S. Embassy Belmopan invites qualified U.S. non-profit/non-governmental organizations (NGOs) having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS or overseas-based NGOs, U.S. and overseas-based public and private institutions of higher education, and public international organizations to apply.

The overall goal of this NOFO is to support democracy and governance efforts in Belize. Applicants should address at least one or can combine both of the following project objectives:

1) Civil society provides support to improve basic local, municipal, or central government services. Proposals should be oriented towards activities by civil society organizations working to capitalize on government, private, and civil society resources and networks to collectively work together to improve, expand, or complement government service delivery particularly to vulnerable, remote, and/or marginalized populations, particularly outside of Belize City district. Examples of potential activities include, but are not limited to, providing assistance for victims of gender based violence (GBV) or Trafficking in Persons (TIP).

OR

2) Civil society works with government to institute reforms to reduce corruption and impunity. Proposals should be oriented towards activities working to effect legislative, legal and judicial reforms to reduce impunity, and/or improve government transparency. Examples of potential activities include, but are not limited to, projects intended to decrease corruption (including assistance towards implementing aspects of the UN Convention Against Corruption), or remove barriers to prosecutions in areas such as gender based violence, TIP or sexual harassment or cases affecting youth, vulnerable, or marginalized populations.

U.S. Embassy Belmopan reserves the right to fund any or none of the applications submitted and will determine the resulting level of funding for the award. The authority for this NOFO is found in the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended.

Eligible organizations interested in submitting an application are encouraged to read this NOFO thoroughly to understand the type of project sought and the application submission requirements and evaluation process.

For further information, please contact:

U.S. Embassy Belmopan; BelmopanCARSIESF@state.gov; +501.822.4011 x4306

NOTICE OF FUNDING OPPORTUNITY

U.S. Embassy Belmopan is seeking applications from U.S. non-profit/non-governmental organizations (NGOs) having a 501 (c)(3) status with the IRS, overseas-based non-profit/non-governmental organizations, institutions of higher education, and public international organizations (PIOs) for a grant to implement a program entitled “Strengthening Government through Civil Society Engagement.” The authority for this notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) is found in the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended.

Pursuant to 2 CFR 200.400g, it is U.S. Department of State policy not to award profit under assistance instruments. All reasonable, allocable, and allowable expenses, however, both direct and indirect, that are related to the agreement and are in accordance with applicable cost standards (2 CFR 200 for U.S. - and overseas-based non-profit organizations, and universities; the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 31 48 CFR 31.2 for-profit organizations; and the Mandatory Standard Provision “Allowable Costs (APR 2011)” for public international organizations), may be paid under the grant agreement. NOTE: overseas-based nonprofit organizations are legally required to comply with the 2 CFR 200.

Subject to the availability of funds, U.S. Embassy Belmopan intends to issue three to five awards in an amount not to exceed $1,500,000 in total funding. Each award will be for an amount between $200,000 and $400,000. The U.S. dollar amount will be funded from U.S. Embassy Belmopan allocated funds, for a project period not to exceed two years. The anticipated start date for this activity is September 29, 2017. U.S. Embassy Belmopan reserves the right to fund any or none of the applications submitted and will determine the resulting level of funding for the award.

Eligible organizations interested in submitting an application are encouraged to read this NOFO thoroughly to understand the type of project sought and the application submission requirements and evaluation process.

To be eligible for award, the applicant must submit all required information in its application through Grants.gov (http://www.grants.gov), including the requirements found in any attachments to this Grants.gov opportunity. This NOFO consists of this cover letter plus the following Sections:

This funding opportunity is posted on Grants.gov and may be amended. See Section IV for further details. Potential applicants should regularly check the website to ensure they have the latest information pertaining to this NOFO. Applicants will need to have available or download the Adobe software program in order to view and save the Adobe forms properly. If you have difficulty registering on Grants.gov or accessing the NOFO, please contact the Grants.gov helpdesk at 1-800-518-4726 or via email at support@grants.gov for technical assistance.

It is the responsibility of the recipient of this NOFO document to ensure that it has been received from Grants.gov in its entirety. U.S. Embassy Belmopan bears no responsibility for data errors resulting from transmission or conversion processes associated with electronic submissions.

Any questions concerning this NOFO should be submitted via email to BelmopanCARSIESF@state.gov. The deadline for submission of questions for this NOFO is May 26, 2017, 11:59 PM Eastern Time (Washington DC local time). Responses to questions will be made available to all potential applicants through an additional document posted on Grants.gov.

Issuance of this NOFO does not constitute an award commitment on the part of the U.S. government, nor does it commit the U.S. government to pay for costs incurred in the preparation and submission of an application. In addition, final award of any resultant grant agreement cannot be made until funds have been fully appropriated, allocated, and committed through internal U.S. Embassy Belmopan procedures. While it is anticipated that these procedures will be successfully completed, potential applicants are hereby notified of these requirements and conditions for award. Applications are submitted at the risk of the applicant. All preparation and submission costs are at the applicant's expense.

Sincerely, Chargé d'Affaires, a.i. Adrienne Galanek NOFO Number: BH200-17-GR-200-WHA-030617 Strengthening Government Through Civil Society Engagement

U.S. Embassy Belmopan

SECTION I – FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

BACKGROUND

This funding will support U.S. government objectives under the Central America Regional Security Initiative (CARSI) to improve citizen security, with a particular focus on governance and justice reform to reduce impunity and strengthen capable and accountable governments. Consistently ranked in the top ten countries with the highest per capita murder rates in the world, citizen security remains one of Belize’s most serious challenges. Communities, particularly in rural areas of Belize, face unique challenges, including difficulties by local and national authorities to provide services given communities’ remote locations, which can result in marginalization and corruption. To overcome the risks of disenfranchisement posed by these challenges, this funding will support local, sustainable, community-based solutions to service delivery, development, and/or combat corruption and the perception of impunity. Communities have tremendous potential to respond to these challenges by better leveraging existing government assistance and networking with neighboring communities, private and not-for-profit initiatives, and local governments. Civil society organizations are best placed to provide these needed linkages and to improve service delivery, democracy and governance through accountability and influence over outcomes, and citizen security in remote areas throughout Belize.

A primary driver of crime in Belize is a widespread perception of impunity. Addressing this perceived culture of impunity, improving and expanding access to the justice sector for vulnerable or marginalized communities such as victims of specific crimes including gender based violence, and reducing corruption in the sector’s institutions are critical to improving public safety and governance. Prevention, particularly among at-risk youth, is key to stemming criminal activity. Through this funding, U.S. Embassy Belmopan also seeks projects that will strengthen the ability of the Government of Belize and its justice sector to implement meaningful institutional reforms .to reduce impunity.

Within Central America (Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama), CARSI is enhancing the capabilities of national law enforcement, border and customs, prosecutorial, judicial, and prison agencies. These improvements are strengthening partner governments’ ability to fight street and organized crime, which threatens the security of governments in the region. CARSI Economic Support Fund (ESF) small grants, such as this opportunity, provide additional programming to strengthen civil society’s role in improving citizen security, particularly as these efforts relate to meaningful justice-sector reforms to decrease impunity. To this end, the U.S. Department of State, through U.S. Embassy Belmopan, has allocated US $1,500,000 in FY 2016 CARSI ESF for grant proposals that strengthen government through civil society engagement.

PROJECT GOALS

The funds supporting the NOFO will focus on (a) Supporting the development of strong, capable and accountable Central American governments; and (b) Central American civil society demanding government accountability without reprisal of their rights and are able to influence policy outcomes. Central American governments uphold the values and practices of liberal democracy; citizens hold their governments accountable for these actions; and/or (c) Central American host governments and the justice sector within each implement meaningful institutional reforms to decrease impunity.

PROJECT OBJECTIVES

As applicable, proposals should specify the expected and sustainable results from the projects benefitting from these funds, such as government policies, programs, or services transformed or implemented; improvement in government accountability; effects on and number of vulnerable or marginalized communities and citizens impacted; and other improvements in basic government services that impact citizens and small businesses. All proposals should state clear objectives and specify plans to measure project performances and contributions in meeting Objectives.

Applicants should address at least one of the following project objectives:

Objective 1:

Civil society provides support to improve basic local, municipal, or central government services. Proposals should be oriented towards activities by civil society organizations working to capitalize on government, private, and civil society resources and networks to collectively work together to improve, expand, or complement government service delivery particularly to vulnerable, remote, and/or marginalized populations, particularly outside of Belize City district. Examples of potential activities include, but are not limited to, providing assistance for victims of gender based violence (GBV) or Trafficking in Persons (TIP), providing programs for at-risk youth or vulnerable populations.

Objective 2:

Civil society works with government to institute reforms to reduce corruption and impunity. Proposals should be oriented towards activities working to effect legislative, legal and judicial reforms to reduce impunity, and/or improve government transparency. Examples of potential activities include, but are not limited to, projects intended to decrease corruption (including assistance towards implementing aspects of the UN Convention Against Corruption), or remove barriers to prosecutions in areas such as gender based violence, TIP or sexual harassment or cases affecting youth, vulnerable, or marginalized populations or by increasing the quality and quantity of state and non-state justice services, with a particular focus on youth and vulnerable or marginalized populations.

CROSS-CUTTING AND ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES

1. Utilize Local Resources and Expertise Projects that have been shown to be most successful are those that are locally based and involve community interaction among security sector public officials. Proposals that include the utilization of local resources and expertise are highly encouraged. International applicants should consider collaboration with domestic organizations and institutions.

2. Project Expansion In the event of a successful project, U.S. Embassy Belmopan will consider the option of extending and/or expanding the project to other areas of the country, subject to availability of future funding. Applicants may include in their proposal a brief section (no more than one page) outlining how additional funds could potentially be used to expand work into further activities or additional areas in future years. However, the most successful project proposals should include a sustainability plan that clearly explains how the project would become sustainable without the need for additional funding. Applicants are encouraged to demonstrate how the project might leverage funding through the Government of Belize and/or other organizations.

DESIRED RESULTS AND INDICATORS

The recipient will develop a project-level Performance Monitoring plan (PMP) (see Tab B) with annual and end-of- project targets and results anticipated for key performance indicators. The following tables show indicators that will be measured, as well as illustrative targets, upon which the recipient will be responsible for monitoring and reporting during and after the project. In addition, U.S. Embassy Belmopan will regularly monitor the project’s performance to assess whether project activities are on track and targets are being achieved.

By the end of the project, applicants should demonstrate that the project has contributed to safer and more productive communities.

Outcomes are changes that take place because of your organization’s work. The outcomes of your project are the differences that will have been made by delivering your objectives and achieving your outputs. For example an outcome could be increased job placement as a result of the training, or reduction in local unemployment rates.

Required outcome indicators for the projects are provided below. The recipient can provide indicators in addition to the required indicators listed below. 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 based on the expected overall project results described above.

Outputs are the results of what your organization does. For example, the number of participants who successfully complete a job training course or received job placement through your activities are outputs.

Required outcome indicators for the projects are provided below.

Number of civil society organizations (CSOs) receiving U.S. assistance engaged in advocacy interventions.

TBD

Illustrative output indicators for funded projects are provided below. The below are examples, there are no specific output indicators required. However, the recipient must develop and provide a list of output indicators and targets appropriate for the recipient’s application.

It is important to note that the indicators below are only for reference. The recipient shall be responsible for proposing, monitoring and reporting on its own output and outcome indicators. Applicants should propose indicators that demonstrate that project outcomes and outputs contribute to safer and more productive communities.

Example output indicators for the project are provided below.

Number of tools developed and operational policies established for enforcement of said tools

TBD

TBD

TBD

The recipient may propose outputs, indicators, and/or targets as appropriate. The recipient will be required to collect baseline data for all the Performance Monitoring and Evaluation indicators during the first year of the project. In addition, certain terms included in the outcomes and indicators will need to be defined at the very beginning of the project so that it is possible to measure the change during and at the end of the project. Examples of such are “capacity,” “spread effect,” etc. Baseline information will be critical for both monitoring and evaluation of project progress and results.

[END OF SECTION I]

SECTION II – AWARD INFORMATION

U.S. Embassy Belmopan expects to award three to five grant agreements based on this NOFO. The anticipated total federal funding amount is US $1,500,000. The period of performance is a maximum of two years with an anticipated start date of September 29, 2017.

The U.S. government may issue one or more awards resulting from this NOFO to the responsible applicants whose applications conforming to this NOFO are the most responsive to the objectives set forth in this NOFO. The U.S. government may (a) reject any or all applications, (b) accept other than the lowest cost application, (c) accept more than one application, (d) accept alternate applications, and (e) waive informalities and minor irregularities in applications received.

The U.S. government may make awards on the basis of initial applications received, without discussions or negotiations. Therefore, each initial application should contain the applicant's best terms from a cost and technical standpoint. The U.S. government reserves the right (but is not obligated) to enter into discussions with one or more applicants in order to obtain clarifications, additional detail, or to suggest refinements in the project description, budget, or other aspects of an application.

[END OF SECTION II]

SECTION III – ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

(1) Eligible Entities: Applicants that are eligible to apply are U.S. and overseas-based NGOs, nonprofit educational institutions, and public international organizations (PIOs) that are able to respond to the NOFO and be able to mobilize in a short period of time. Belizean NGOs are strongly encouraged to apply.

To be eligible for a grant award, in addition to other conditions of this NOFO, organizations must have a commitment to non‐discrimination with respect to beneficiaries and adherence to equal opportunity employment practices. 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, and the provision of resources and support to, individuals and organizations associated with terrorism. It is the legal responsibility of the recipient to ensure compliance with these Executive Orders and laws. This provision must be included in any sub‐awards issued under this grant award.

(2) U.S. Embassy Belmopan encourages applications from Belizean organizations and institutions, as well as potential new partners.

[END OF SECTION III]

SECTION IV – APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS

U.S. Embassy Belmopan urges prospective applicants to immediately confirm their organization has a current Dun and Bradstreet (DUNS) number as well as a current Central Contractor Registration (SAM.gov).

Applicant organizations that do not have DUNS number, may obtain one at no cost by calling the toll-free DUNS request line at 1-866-705-5711 or visiting the D&B website at: https://iupdate.dnb.com/iUpdate/viewiUpdateHome.htm

NOTE: Organizations must obtain a DUNS number prior to completing the SAM.gov registry process.

Applicant organizations can obtain assistance for SAM.gov registration by using the following link: https://www.fsd.gov or calling 1-866-606-8220 (U.S. calls) or 1-324-206-7828 (international calls).

NCAGE Code - Special Requirements for Non-U.S. Applicants:

Non-U.S. organizations must first obtain a North Atlantic Treaty Organization CAGE (NCAGE) Code from the appropriate source. Organizations may request an NCAGE code using the following link: https://eportal.nspa.nato.int/AC135Public/scage/CageList.aspx

TECHNICAL FORMAT REQUIREMENTS

For all application documents, please ensure:

A) All pages are numbered, including budgets and attachments, B) All documents are formatted to 8 ½ x 11 paper, portrait orientation only, and C) All Microsoft Word documents are single-spaced, 12 point Times New Roman font, with a minimum of 1-inch margins.

Complete applications must include the following for proposal submissions:

1. Completed Cover Sheet which includes a project title, name of the solicitation organization, and Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS). (See Tab E)

2. Completed and signed SF-424, SF-424a and SF424b, submitted to Grants.gov, as well as, if applicable, your organization’s most recent audit.

3. Table of Contents (not to exceed one [1] page in Microsoft Word) that includes a page-numbered contents page, including any attachments.

4. Executive Summary (not to exceed two [2] pages in Microsoft Word) that includes:

a) The target country(ies),

b) Name and contact information for the project’s main point of contact,

c) A statement of work or synopsis of the project, including a concise breakdown of the project’s objectives, activities, and expected results,

d) The total amount of funding requested and project length, and

e) A brief statement on how the project is innovative, sustainable, and will have a demonstrated impact.

5. Proposal Narrative (not to exceed ten [10] pages in Microsoft Word). Please note the ten page limit does not include the Table of Contents, Executive Summary, Attachments, Detailed Budget, Budget Narrative or negotiated indirect cost rate agreement (NICRA).

6. Budget Narrative (preferably in Microsoft Word) that includes an explanation and justification for each line item in the detailed budget spreadsheet, as well as the source and a description of all cost-share offered. For ease of review, U.S. Embassy Belmopan recommends applicants order the budget narrative as presented in the detailed budget. Personnel costs should include a clarification of the roles and responsibilities of key staff and percentage of time devoted to the project. The budget narrative should communicate to U.S. Embassy Belmopan any information that might not be readily apparent in the budget, not simply repeat with words what is stated numerically in the budget.

7. Detailed Line-Item Budget (in Microsoft Excel) that includes three [3] columns including the request to U.S. Embassy Belmopan, any cost sharing contribution, and total budget (see below for more information on budget format). A summary budget should also be included using the OMB approved budget categories (see SF-424 as a sample). Costs must be in U.S. dollars.

8. Attachments (not to exceed nine [9] pages total, preferably in Microsoft Word) that include the following in order:

a) Page 1-2: Project Monitoring Plan (see Tab B for more information on this section).

b) Page 3: Roles and responsibilities of key project personnel with short bios that highlight relevant professional experience. This relates to the organization’s capacity. Given the limited space, CVs are not recommended for submission.

c) Page 4: Timeline of the overall proposal. Components should include activities, evaluation efforts, and project closeout.

d) Page 5-7: Additional optional attachments. Attachments may include further timeline information, letters of support, memoranda of understanding (MOU)/agreement, etc. For applicants with a large number of letters/MOUs, it may be useful to provide a list of the organizations or government agencies that support the project rather than the actual documentation.

9. If your organization has a NICRA and will include NICRA charges in the budget, your latest NICRA must be included as a .pdf file. This document will not be reviewed by the Embassy, but rather used by project and grant staff if the submission is recommended for funding and therefore does not count against the submission page limitations, as described above. If your proposal involves subgrants to organizations charging indirect costs, please submit the applicable NICRA also as a .pdf file (see below for more information on indirect cost rates). Specify if your organization elects to charge the de minimis rate of 10% of the modified total direct costs (MTDC).

Note: U.S. Embassy Belmopan retains the right to request additional documentation for those items not included on this form.

INFORMATION ON STANDARD FORMS

Please see Tab D for instructions for completion of Standard Forms 424, 424A, and 424B.

OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET 2 CFR 200

Organizations should be familiar with 2 CFR 200 on cost accounting principles. For a copy of the 2 CFR 200 cited, please contact Government Publications or download from http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title02/2cfr200_main_02.tpl.

Overseas-based nonprofit organizations are legally required to comply with 2 CFR 200. Public international organizations retain their privileges and immunities as such, but are encouraged to address the 2 CFR 200.

AUDITS

The recipient’s proposal should include the cost of an audit that:

1) Complies with the requirements of 2 CFR 200 Subpart F “Audit Requirements;”

2) Complies with the requirements of American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) Statement of Position (SOP) No. 92-9, "Audits of Not-for-Profit Organizations Receiving Federal Awards;"

3) Complies with AICPA Codification of Statements on Auditing Standards AU Section 551, "Reporting on Information Accompanying the Basic Financial Statements in Auditor-Submitted Documents," where applicable. When the U.S. Department of State is the largest direct source of Federal financial assistance (i.e., the cognizant Federal Agency) and indirect costs are charged to Federal grants, a supplemental schedule of indirect cost computation is required;

4) A non-Federal entity that expends $750,000 or more during the non-Federal entity's fiscal year in Federal awards must have a single or project-specific audit conducted for that year in accordance with the provisions of 2 CFR 200 subpart F.

The audit costs shall be identified by 2 CFR 200.425.

INDIRECT COST-RATE

An organization with a negotiated indirect cost rate agreement (NICRA) negotiated with a cognizant Federal government agency other than the U.S. Department of State must include a copy of the cost-rate agreement. Applicants should indicate in the proposal budget how the rate is applied and if any of the rate will be cost-shared. Per 2 CFR 200.414 any non-Federal entity that has never received a NICRA, except for those non-Federal entities described in Appendix VII to Part 200—States and Local Government and Indian Tribe Indirect Cost Proposals, paragraph D.1.b, may elect to charge a de minimis rate of 10% of modified total direct costs (MTDC) that may be used indefinitely. As described in 2 CFR 200.403, factors affecting allowability of costs, costs must be consistently charged as either indirect or direct costs, but may not be double-charged or inconsistently charged as both. If chosen, this methodology once elected must be used consistently for all Federal awards until such time as a non-Federal entity chooses to negotiate for a rate, which the non-Federal entity may apply to do at any time.

TAB A: PROPOSAL GUIDELINES

Proposals should include the following components:

· Introduction and Problem Statement

· Planned Activities

· Indicators

Problem Statement and Rationale: Describe the problem and how the project will achieve or contribute to achieving a sustainable solution and a measurable outcome. The applicant should explain the extent of existing assistance within the particular geographic area, and how the proposed intervention may complement (or differ from) other similar interventions. The applicant should also explain, as necessary, the particular experience and qualifications it brings to the project. The rationale should also reflect understanding of the priorities and policies of the U.S. Embassy Belmopan or program with which this solicitation is associated.

Planned Activities and Indicators: Describe the planned activities, and relevant stakeholders for implementation. The applicant should highlight key stakeholders and their expected role in the project, along with any contingencies. The applicant should list assumptions that are dependent on the ultimate success of the project. This could include elements like geographic location, coordination efforts with other international organizations, or political will from host governments, private sector, and NGOs. As appropriate, limited contingency possibilities should be included in the proposal, in case the initial planning assumptions are not met. Example of a planned activity and contingency:

In the proposal, there should be a clearly defined link between each of the following elements as delineated:

Problem Statement Planned Activities/Inputs Process Indicators Output Indicators Outcome Indicators Impact

Process Indicators measure the activity that has been completed. Please delineate the specific activities to be conducted, such as workshops, roundtables, trainings, forums, exchanges, policy dialogues, etc. All indicators must include targets. Example of a process indicator:

Output Indicators, otherwise known as deliverables associated with the agreement, should be included. Unlike process indicators, outputs are what is produced, and are often tangible. At this level, it is the measurement of ability, knowledge, skills, or access. All indicators must include targets. Example of an output indicator involving the same participants:

Outcome Indicators measure the change in system or behavior or practice. Expected outcomes are the results that come from a series of activities that are necessary to achieve impact. All indicators must include targets. Example of an outcome indicator:

All indicators must include measurable, numerical targets that should serve as the foundation for monitoring and evaluation efforts. Ultimately, proposed activities and achievement of indicator targets will lead to impact.

TAB B: PROJECT MONITORING PLAN

U.S. Embassy Belmopan will work with recipient organizations to implement the appropriate monitoring plan that meets both the needs of U.S. Embassy Belmopan and the implementing partner. Incorporating a well-designed monitoring component into a project is one of the most efficient methods of documenting the progress and potential success of a project. Successful monitoring depends on the following:

· Setting objectives that are specific, measurable, attainable, results-focused, and placed in a reasonable time frame (SMART)

· Linking project activities to stated objectives

· Developing key performance indicators that measure realistic progress towards the objectives

U.S. Embassy Belmopan expects implementing organizations will track participants or partners as appropriate and be able to respond to key assessment questions, including satisfaction with the project/training, information learned as a result of the project/training, changes in attitude and behavior as a result of the project, and effects of the project on institutions in which participants work or with whom participants partner. Applicants should include the monitoring and evaluation process in their timeline.

Recipients will be required to provide reports with an analysis and summary of their findings, both quantitative and qualitative, in their regular progress reports to U.S. Embassy Belmopan.

The monitoring plan should include, at a minimum, the following elements:

· A results planning document/logic model (see sample).

· Indicators, as described in Tab A, as well as details on how each indicator will be measured, frequency of the measurements, units of measure, etc. Provide indicators at the output and outcome levels. Monitoring plans should include a chart component that clearly delineates indicators and targets. All indicators must include measurable, numerical targets.

· Establish, where possible, performance baseline data and expected performance targets for each indicator/outcome. In some cases, the baseline may be zero.

· Describe monitoring tools, such as rapid assessment surveys, site visits, key stakeholder interviews, etc., that will be used.

· Plans should describe how the project’s impact and effectiveness will be monitored throughout the project.

Sample Evaluation Plan

Activity: Training Course

Activity: Government Roundtable

Sample “Logic Model” Planning Tool

Note: Outcomes, outputs, and activities should include numerical, measurable targets. A Logic Model is a useful tool for planning, and it is utilized when designing monitoring and evaluation methodology and frameworks.

Impact: Improved Food Security for 50,000 households in Country X

Outcome 1 Improved production and productivity of female and male producers

Outcome 2 Increased adoption of appropriate nutrition practices, by female and male beneficiaries

Output 1.1 Farmer Field Schools (FFS) Established

Output 1.2 Improved access to input supply systems/services

Output 2.1 Home Gardens Established

Output 2.2 Improved knowledge of nutrition practices

Activities Train producers on FFS methodology

Conduct agro-forestry training

Develop and translate materials

Conduct meetings with suppliers

Distribute new seed varietals

Organize and hold supply fairs

Train producers on how to develop home gardens

Distribute new seeds

Train producers in food conservation and preparation

TAB C: BUDGET GUIDELINES

Complete budgets will provide a detailed line-item budget outlining specific cost requirements for proposed activities. A minimum of three columns should be used to delineate the funding request, cost-share by applicant, and total project funding. Complete applications will include a budget narrative to clarify and justify individual line-items (i.e. calculations of how the costs were derived per month or year, their necessity, and overall contribution to the project’s cost-effectiveness).

The three-column proposal line item budget should include the following components, in the suggested format below:

A. PERSONNEL

a) Primarily Headquarters-Based Personnel

b) Primarily Field-Based Personnel

Subtotal Personnel

B. FRINGE BENEFITS

Subtotal Fringe Benefits

C. TRAVEL

a) Monitoring Travel

b) Field Travel

Activity 1: Workshop

Activity 2: Town Hall Meeting

Subtotal Travel

D. EQUIPMENT

a) Primarily H.Q.-Based Equipment (if applicable)

d) Primarily Field-Based Equipment

Subtotal Equipment

E. SUPPLIES

a) Primarily H.Q.-Based Supplies (if applicable)

b) Primarily Field-Based Supplies

Subtotal Supplies

F. CONTRACTUAL

a) Subgrants

b) Consultant Fees

Subtotal Contractual

H. OTHER

a) Other Direct Costs

Subtotal Other

I. TOTAL DIRECT CHARGES

(Sum of A-H Subtotals)

J. INDIRECT CHARGES

a) Indirect Costs/NICRA (X% of costs)

Subtotal Indirect Charges

K. TOTAL COSTS (Sum I-J)

Note: This budget template is designed to serve as an example of the format for complete budget submissions and is NOT exhaustive. Individual line items included in each applicant’s budget should reflect specific project activities. (pax = participants)

Before grants are awarded, the Embassy reserves the right to reduce, revise, or increase proposal budgets in accordance with the needs of the Embassy’s program and availability of funds.

As mentioned above, the detailed budget must also include an accompanying budget notes document that explains and justifies each line item, in the suggested format below:

LINE-ITEM BUDGET –

A. Personnel – Identify staffing requirements by each position title and brief description of duties. For clarity, please list the annual salary of each position, percentage of time and number of months devoted to the project. (e.g., Administrative Director: $30,000/year x 25% x 8.5 months; calculation: $30,000/12 = $2,500 x 25% x 8.5 months = $5,312.).

B. Fringe Benefits - State benefit costs separately from salary costs and explain how benefits are computed for each category of employee - specify type and rate.

C. Travel - Staff and any participant travel:

1) International airfare

2) In-country travel

3) Domestic travel in Country X., if any

4) Per diem/maintenance: includes lodging, meals and incidentals for both participant and staff travel. Rates of maximum allowances for United States and foreign travel are available from the following website: http://www.policyworks.gov. Per diem rates may not exceed the published U.S. government allowance rates; however, institutions may use per diem rates lower than official government rates.

5) “Staff” refers to grantee staff only, and not sub-grantee staff or contractors

D. Equipment – Please provide justification for any equipment purchase/rental, defined as tangible personal property having a useful life of more than one year and an acquisition cost of $5,000 or more.

E. Supplies - List items separately using unit costs (and the percentage of each unit cost being charged to the grant) for photocopying, postage, telephone/fax, printing, and office supplies (e.g., Telephone: $50/month x 50% = $25/month x 12 months).

F. Contractual –

a) Sub-grants - For each sub-grant/contract please provide a detailed line-item budget breakdown explaining specific services. Please provide a sub-grant budget using the approved OMB budget format. (See Tab C: Budget Guidelines, above.)

b) Consultant Fees - For example lecture fees, honoraria, travel, and per diem for outside speakers or independent evaluators: list number of people and rates per day (e.g., 2 x $150/day x 2 days).

G. Other - These will vary depending on the nature of the project. The inclusion of each should be justified in the budget narrative. All costs must be allowable, allocable, and reasonable, and consistent with OMB guidelines. Line items such as “Miscellaneous,” “Contingency Fund,” and “Reserve Fund” are not permitted.

H. Indirect Charges - See 2 CFR 200.414, "Indirect Costs”

1) If the organization has an indirect cost-rate agreement with the U.S. government, please include a copy of this agreement. Please specify if your organization elects to charge the de minimis rate of 10% of the modified total direct costs. This does not count against submission page limitations.

2) If the organization is charging an indirect rate, please indicate how the rate is applied to direct administrative expenses, to all direct costs, to wages and salaries only, etc.

3) Do not include indirect costs against participant expenses in the budget, as it generally does not pay for these costs.

Cost Share/Cost-Effectiveness – Cost sharing is not required. Explanation of contributions should be included, whether cash or in-kind. Assign a monetary value in U.S. dollars to each in-kind contribution. If the proposed project is a component of a larger program, identify other funding sources for the proposal and indicate the specific funding amount to be provided by those sources. In addition, it is recommended that budget narratives address the overall cost-effectiveness of the proposal, including leveraging of institutional or other resources. Cost sharing or matching refers to a portion of project or program cost that is not borne by the Federal government. Applicants must follow cost-sharing or matching policy as stipulated in 2 CFR 200.306. Cost-sharing amounts proposed will be incorporated as part of the allowable budget items. If selected for an award, the organization will have to provide the minimum amount of cost-sharing as stipulated in the budget approved by the Grants Officer. If the organization does not meet its cost-share amount stipulated in the approved budget by the end of the period of performance the Embassy will have the option to (1) reduce its contribution in proportion to the organization’s contribution in the event that it does not provide the minimum amount of cost sharing stipulated in the budget or (2) hold the organization accountable for the amount specified in the approved budget.

BUDGET CONDITIONS AND RESTRICTIONS:

The Embassy does not pay for the following:

· Publication of materials for distribution within the United States

· Administration of a project that will make a profit

· Expenses incurred before or after the specified dates of award period of performance (unless prior written approval received)

· Projects designed to advocate policy views or positions of foreign governments or views of a particular political faction

· Alcoholic beverages

· Costs of entertainment, including amusement, diversion, and social activities and any associated costs are unallowable, except where specific costs that might otherwise be considered entertainment have a programmatic purpose and are authorized either in the approved budget for the Federal award or with prior written approval of the Federal awarding agency

· Purchase of land

· Construction

The Embassy may make conditions and recommendations on proposals to enhance proposed projects. Conditions and recommendations are to be addressed by the applicant before approval of the award. To ensure effective use of U.S. Embassy Belmopan funds, conditions or recommendations may include requests to increase, decrease, clarify and/or justify costs.

TAB D: GUIDELINES FOR STANDARD FORMS

SF-424 – Complete all fields except fields noted as “Leave Blank” below.

1. Type of Submission: Application

2. Type of Application: New

3. Date Received: Leave blank. This will automatically be assigned

4. Applicant Identifier: Leave blank

applicable) that will undertake the assistance activity, if applicable 8f. Enter the name, title, organization, and contact information of person to be contacted on matters involving this application

electronic applications.

13. Enter the Competition Identification Number and title. This number will already be entered on electronic applications.

14. Areas Affected by Project: List the country or countries where project activities will take place in alphabetical order.

19. Enter “c”

20. Select the appropriate box.