Final CTR Wide Q &A document posted 13 Jan.pdf

CTR Wide Q &A document that will be posted along with the other NOFO documents every Friday until 10 Jan 2025.

CTR will not conduct individual meetings to discuss the specifics of a proposal or provide additional information on the needs of the NOFO before they close.

Mutiple NOFOs

Q: How does CTR want implementers to submit questions that are related to all the NOFOs the process in general? Submit to one NOFO POC and flag as a general issue? Submit to multiple NOFO POCs if applying to multiple NOFOs? Submit to the budget team distro group?

A: Please send all questions to the email identified on the NOFO and the CTR Budget Team email (isn-ctr-budget@state.gov). If the question is not NOFO specific, please contact the CTR Budget Team email (isn-ctr-budget@state.gov).

Q: Does CTR intend on revising the NOFOs to include a clear statement of budget caps per proposal?

A: Preferred project size may vary by NOFO. CTR will review documents and update the NOFO posting if necessary.

Q: For the monitoring and evaluation section of the NOFO does this need to be filled out per project or per proposal?

A: Please refer to the NOFO for guidance on if proposal documents should proposal wide or project specific. Please include a one-page Monitoring and Evaluation Narrative per project. If you are proposing multiple projects and narrative would be the identical for all projects only submit one narrative document and identify all the projects, it applies to. For the Monitoring and Evaluation Plan/Tracker please submit one document with a unique tab for each project proposed.

Q: The NOFO says that proposals should be submitted in 14-point font, but the template is 12. Which should we use?

A: All proposals documents should be submitted in 14-point font.

Q: Are private institutions from outside of the United States with experience in developing technological solutions in both software and hardware for companies and society eligible to participate?

mailto:isn-ctr-budget@state.gov mailto:isn-ctr-budget@state.gov

A: Yes, private institutions from outside of the United States are eligible to participate. Please see the NOFO instructions posted with this announcement on the focus areas, how proposals will be reviewed, and conditions for submission.

Q: What are CTR’s NOFOs and where can they be found?

A: Here is the full listing of active CTR NOFOs posted on Grants.gov.

NOFO Title NOFO #

Build Partner Resilience to Counter Proliferator State

Hybrid Threats in the Nonproliferation Arena DFOP0016984

Countering Proliferator State Advanced Conventional

Weapons Proliferation DFOP0016985

Advancing Nuclear Safety, Security, and

Nonproliferation through the FIRST Program DFOP0016986

Build Partner Capabilities to Protect Semiconductor and

CHIPS Technology DFOP0016987

Build Partner Capabilities to Protect Critical Advanced and Emerging Technologies DFOP0016988

Build Partner Capabilities to Counter Global Biological

Threats DFOP0016989

Building Partner Capacity to Counter Chemical

Weapons Threats DFOP0016990

8 Countering WMD and UAS Threats in Iraq DFOP0016991

Build Partner Capabilities to Counter the Russian

Federation’s Chemical and Biological Threats DFOP0016992

Countering the Russian Federation’s Sanctions Evasion

Activities DFOP0016993

11 Nonproliferation Scientist Engagement Program DFOP0016994

Countering DPRK and Iran’s WMD, UAS, and Missile

Proliferation DFOP0016995

Q: I was looking to get info on what it is for or what the money is intended to be used for? What exactly the extent of the grant is for? Is the grant at all for profit individual companies? Also etc. so on and so forth on rules and regulations?

A: This information is included in the NOFO guidance document.

Q: May I have more information regarding this NOFO; I am not able to open it.

A: It is not clear which NOFO is being requested. All NOFO materials can be found on www.grants.gov:

Q: Can ISN-CTR please confirm the office is aware of the maximum allowable de minimums indirect cost rate increased for 10% to 15%?

A: CTR is aware and can confirm that up to 15% indirect costs are allowable.

Q: Can ISN-CTR please confirm that the FY25 NOFOs’ period of performance increased from 12 months to 15 months?

A: No the period of performance will remain at 15 months, should assume a work start date of 1 Oct 2025 and end date of 31 Dec 2026.

Q: Do we need to be Fedramp compliant?

A: If necessary to complete your proposed work.

Q: Can you confirm the due date for the proposal is January 17th?

A: The due date for each NOFO is included in the posting.

Q: Would you be able to break down the timeline from January 17th onward? Is there an established date to have all vendors selected by?

A: The proposal review process is included in the NOFO posting.

Q: If our proposal was accepted, when would the training take place?

A: Not before 1 Oct 2025.

Q: Our organization is interested in a few solicitations that are currently active.

However, I've tried many times to sign up for a MyGrants account in order to read the full announcement, to no avail. Would you be able to share the electronic copy of the full announcement for the following funding opportunities?

A: The NOFOs are posted on grant.gov, MyGrants accounts are not needed to apply.

https://www.grants.gov/

Q: I recently obtained a Grant Writing Certification, and I would like to be considered as a Peer Reviewer for this grant.

A: Interested organizations are welcome to apply for funding under this NOFO.

CTR is not seeking applications for peer reviewers under this NOFO.

Q: The NOFO and CTR Wide Q&A Document state that we should submit one timeline per proposal package. The provided template indicates that we should insert the project title on Line 4. If we are submitting three projects for one

NOFO, should we create a separate sheet for each project at the bottom of the

Excel, since objectives and activities will be project-specific? Or is CTR expecting applicants to submit just one timeline that covers all projects in a more generic way?

A: Please submit one timeline per proposal. The timeline template allows for multiple tabs, you can use one tab per project or roll all projects on to one tab.

Q: The NOFO and CTR Wide Q&A Document state that we should submit one

Racial Equity and Underserved Communities Analysis (REUCA) document per proposal package. This analysis may vary by region/country. If we are submitting three projects in different regions or countries under one proposal, should we provide a more generic analysis that covers all the regions or countries included in our application?

A: Please submit a REUCA that meets the requirements identified in the NOFO and is complete and thorough as possible.

Q: Is there a project proposal cap limit?

A: No

Q: There is a mention of anticipated # of awards. What is that in reference to?

A: That is the number of awards we anticipate issuing as part of this NOFO.

Q: There was also a contradiction in the guide as to the budget narrative and the budget (pg 21). Should the Budget Narrative be in the format of an excel workbook or in a word document? Same question with the actual budget.

A: Please use the provided templates and follow the guidance included in the

NOFO document.

Q: The NOFO states that all documents should be written in 14-pt Calibri font.

Does this also apply to tables?

A: No, tables and captions may be reduced to 11-pt Calibri.

Q: The proposal narrative template includes text about participant review. We plan to include this in our timeline and deliverables. Please let us know if this would be sufficient.

A: Please ensure your project narrative addresses all elements identified in D.2.10 and should address/acknowledge the participant review requirement if it applies to your proposal.

Q: The FY25 CTR Project Narrative Template includes sections on Country of

Impact, Nonproliferation Objective and the Project’s Role in Meeting this

Objective, and Participant Review. These sections are not outlined in the NOFO as required sections within the Project Narrative (pg. 18-19). Are these sections required? If they are required, can they be submitted outside of the 3-page limit?

A: Yes, all elements of the Project Narrative Template are required. No all elements must be submitted within the three-page limit.

Q: Do we need to add in the budget narrative the Total Requested Federal Funds and the Cost-Share by Applicant (Program Total) or only the Total Requested

Federal Funds?

A: Cost sharing, matching, or cost participation is not an eligibility factor or requirement for this NOFO. If you are including cost sharing, please identify the amount per category but no detail is required.

Q: Following your call for project applications for the Fight against the proliferation of advanced conventional weapons by proliferating States of the

Department of State of the Bureau of International Security and Non-

Proliferation, as a member of the United Nations Development Program in Côte d'Ivoire, are we eligible.

A: Organizations from outside of the United States are eligible to participate.

Please see the NOFO instructions posted with this announcement on the focus areas, how proposals will be reviewed, and conditions for submission.

Q: Could you please confirm if UN organizations are eligible to apply as primary applicants?

A: Yes, UN Organizations are eligible to apply to these NOFOs. Note that CTR’s funding can only be used for the specific counties identified in the NOFO, so international organizations will need to track CTR funding separate from other funding sources.

Q: The Sub-Recipient Budget tab in the Budget Template shows the "de minimis" indirect costs to be 10%. However, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) updated the Uniform Guidance (UG, also known as 2 CFR 200) starting October 1 and one of the updates was to increase the de minimis indirect rates to 15%.

Should we use the new 15% rate in the submitted budget?

A: Please include an indirect rate that meet the needs of your organization up to but not exceed 15%.

Q: For the 15-month timeline, what should be the beginning month of activities, September or October 2025?

A: Activities under FY2025 NOFOs would not begin until at least October 1, 2025.

Q: Key personnel document: can applicants include more than 3-5 individuals as long as they fit within the two-page limit?

A: Yes, more than five individuals may be included in the key personnel document.

Q: What is the maximum daily rate for external subject matter experts?

A: None, but you will have to demonstrate any proposed rate is reasonable and in line will fare market compensation.

Q: Should applicant submit a Consolidated Project List as part of its application package, using the Excel template provided in the NOFO package? This document is not mentioned in the NOFO.

A: Yes, applicants should submit this document as part of their application package.

Q: Given the very tight space limit for the project narrative, can the point of contact information (last section of the template) be included in the cover page/executive summary instead of the project proposal?

A: Proposals do not need to replete the same information multiple times. POCs can be identified with their full information addressed in a separate section of your proposal.

Q: Can proposals tackle some of the sub-objectives listed under a general objective rather than all of them? For example, under NOFO #DFOP0016993, if a proposal tackles Objective 1 Targeted Financial Sector Sanctions Engagements, is it required to cover all five objectives listed in the description? The question applies across all NOFOs.

A: Proposals can address one or more objectives listed in the NOFO.

Q: In the document "FY25 CTR Project Narrative Template", p.3, it says "Please note that your budget similarly should span no more than 12 months." If an applicant is suggesting a 15-month project, should it submit a 15-month budget?

A: Yes, please submit a budget that addresses the entire projected lifespan of the project.

Q: Should applicants submit one standalone DEIA document per project or one standalone DEIA document per application package?

A: Please see section D.2 for guidance on the optional DEIA plans. You can submit one standalone DEIA document per NOFO. Proposals can include a different 250-word DEIA element for each project proposed.

Q: Are there any additional compliance or reporting requirements beyond the

Standard Terms and Conditions?

A: Please only address the compliance and reporting requirements identified in the NOFO and Standard Terms and Conditions as part of your proposal.

Q: Can nonprofits that do not have a NICRA use a standard de minimis percentage for their indirect rates?

A: Yes

Q: What is the process for to negotiate a NICRA with DOS and how long would that process normally take?

A: Once an organization receives an award from ISN/CTR they can apply for a

NICRA. ISN/CTR can assist with directing you to the appropriate office but will not be responsible for negotiation or approving the NICRA. The NICRA process can take between ten and twenty-four months.

Q: Are foreign non-US based for-profit private entities eligible to apply to NOFOs

DFOP0016991, DFOP0016989, DFOP0016990, DFOP0016984, and DFOP0016988?

A: Yes.

Q: In reviewing Section D of the full NOFO for this year's funding opportunity I've noticed a longer list of files that are required for a full proposal compared to last year, such as excel files for timelines and project outcomes/outputs, and an analysis on underserved communities. Though when I see the 'package' section of the opportunity on grants.gov, I just see the usual files that need to be uploaded.

A: Please see related documents tab of the NOFO posting for all templates required for your proposal.

Q: Please confirm that the budget for the below list of NOFOs is as follows:

a. DFOP0016991: 100,000 USD

b. DFOP0016989: 100,000 USD

c. DFOP0016990: 500,000 USD

d. DFOP0016984: 50,000 USD

e. DFOP0016988: 100,000 USD

A: Please see the total funding ceiling identified in each NOFO.

Q: Is the Export Control and Related Border Security (ECC) call on enhancing security at Points of Entry to prevent illegal trade and trafficking in Lebanon and neighboring countries going to be launched in 2025?

A: This question should be addressed to ECC.

Q: While we understand that each proposal must include standalone documentation tailored to the specific region, we would like to confirm if there https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fgrants.gov%2F&data=05%7C02%7CPattisonTE%40state.gov%7C15acac96c3494978396008dd33ef0ce1%7C66cf50745afe48d1a691a12b2121f44b%7C0%7C0%7C638723823984271393%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=EE7soQcJ4XTaK89WOODtILNGLvEJKC82m%2FApZVyOrS8%3D&reserved=0 are any restrictions or limitations on submitting applications for different regions simultaneously.

A: Implementers may submit projects for different regions as part of the same proposal. Each project should include all documents identified in the NOFO as par of the proposal package.

Q: In particular, I would like to understand if it is possible for UNOCT to apply as an sub-awardee in proposals for one specific region and as a lead entity for other regions. We have been told that this might affect the submissions and even cancel/void the submission.

A: Implementers may submit their own proposal to this NOFO and be include as a sub-awardee on another proposal, both will be review in accordance with the

NOFO.

Q: What level of detail is expected in the monitoring and evaluation (M&E) framework within the project narrative?

A: Please section D.2.12 and the template provided with the NOFO for level of detail required.

CSP NOFO (DFOP0016990)

Q: The pdf of the NOFO, states “Total Funding Ceiling: $4,000,000” and $30 million is not mentioned anywhere in the document. What is the actual amount available?

A: Please see updated NOFO Synopsis information for projected funding ceiling.

Q: If it is $30 million, is the intent to give less implementers a larger award over multiple projects? Or, is the intent to give up to $5 million for one project? Or, some combination there within.

A: Please see updated NOFO Synopsis information for projected award values.

Q: Is there a limitation on the total number of applications you will allow from an institution/implementer as a whole or from each campus (if applicable to the implementing organization)?

A: There is not a limitation on the number of projects that can be submitted as part of the proposal. Implementers should submit only one proposal per NOFO.

Q: The CSP NOFO has an award floor of $500,000 which I believe is new to this FY.

If we submit proposals from $250K, would they be considered for funding?

A: The projected award floor is independent of the individual project amounts.

Q: What is the budget cap for each individual grant project?

A: That is identified in each NOFO posting.

Iraq NOFO (DFOP0016991) & BEP NOFO (DFOP0016989)

Q: We would appreciate any guidance on our eligibility to participate in this opportunity to provide medicines, aligning with our mission to support high-quality healthcare.

A: We do not focus on providing healthcare support to our partners. Please review the NOFO Objectives section for more information on our programming priorities.

Iraq NOFO (DFOP0016991)

Q: Would there be an interest in pursuing a chemical security train-the-trainer workshops for the Iraqi Kurdistan Region (IKR), and if so, is CTR interested in in-person engagement only or would remote fellowships and/or train-the-trainer mentoring be of interest?

A: We will still be focusing on chemical security work for FY25 and hope to continue to work with the IKR in this space, so proposals on this LOE are encouraged. Remote fellowship or mentoring programs are not a top priority for CTR this year, but will certainly be considered as part of a larger project to ensure sustainability if it meets the NOFO objectives.

Q: We would appreciate guidance on eligibility to provide land based CUAS assets for consideration.

A: CTR is not interested in providing CUAS assets to our partners. Please review the NOFO Objectives section for more information on our programming priorities.

Q: Can you provide the full details of this grant/cooperative agreement opportunity?

A: Please refer to the full NOFO announcement under “related documents” and review the NOFO Objectives section for more information on our programming priorities.

Q: For this NOFO, can we exceed the preferred budget ceiling ($250K) if we are proposing a multi-phased project?

A: Proposals under $250,000 will be most competitive, but we will consider the whole scope of an effort when making programming decisions.

Protect Critical Advanced and Emerging Technologies NOFO (DFOP0016988)

Q: We had a question about the funding ceiling and anticipated number of awards to be issued under DFOP0016988. From the NOFO, the funding ceiling is listed as $30,000,000 with the number of anticipated awards listed at five.

Going off this, is CMET looking for single proposals in the millions of dollars range, or will lower proposal funding amounts (say in the 250k-500k range) be competitive as well?

A: Proposals under $500,000 will be competitive.

Q: Are there specific dual-use technology categories or industries that the Bureau prioritizes for this initiative?

A: The dual-use technology categories are detailed in NOFO document “FY 25

NOFO CMET Final 241025.”

Q: How does the Bureau envision collaboration with international research organizations and startups in mitigating dual-use risks?

A: Please see the objectives of detailed in NOFO document “FY 25 NOFO CMET

Final 241025.”

Q: Project Deconfliction: How will CTR handle multiple implementers proposing programs in the same regions or technology areas? Is deconfliction handled during proposal review, or should implementers coordinate pre-submission?

A: Proposals will undergo a competitive review process as described in the NOFO posting. Implementers are welcome to pre-coordinate prior to submission.

Q: Regional Programming: For multi-country regional programs, what is CTR's preference regarding:

• Virtual vs. in-person engagement ratios

• Cross-border participant travel funding

• Regional vs. country-specific outcome metrics

A: CTR welcomes implementer expertise to propose a recommended balance of virtual/in-person engagements and regional/country outcomes. Proposed project budgets should account for estimated participant travel funding.

Q: Partnership Scale: Is there a preferred maximum number of countries or regions to include in a single proposal package?

A: No. Proposals can indicate that participating project countries are scalable.

Q: The NOFO lists multiple Critical Technology Areas (AI, aerospace, biotech, etc.).

Should proposals address multiple technology areas, or is focusing on a single tech area acceptable?

A: Proposals may address single or multiple tech areas.

Q: Regarding the tools and case studies objective (A.4.8), are there specific requirements or preferences for:

• Tool licensing/ownership

• Data privacy standards

• Maintenance responsibilities

• Distribution rights

A: All tools developed with ISN/CTR funds would need to be shared with the international recipients of this project and ISN/CTR would retain access to share the tool so long as it is active at no additional costs.

Q: Would you have a contact that we can meet up with to discuss the specifics of the Grant DFOP0016988?

A: We are unable to meet to discuss specifics. Please review our priorities in

NOFO document “FY 25 NOFO CMET Final 241025”.

Q: I wanted to clarify a something within the NOFO it asks for 14-point Calibri font to be used for applications, but within the optional DEIA section it asks for 12-point Calibri font, also the font size within the narrative template is 12-point. I wanted to check that 14-point is the correct size as this affects the word count that we can use.

A: All proposals documents should be submitted in 14-point font.

Q: We have been unable to locate the following forms: Implementer FormDisclosure of Conflict of Interest Form (Same as SF-LLL?)

A: Please use the document identified as Conflict of Interest Disclosure (C of I) as the template/form.

Q: I have already finished the SF424A and BDW508 (Budget Line item and Narrative Form). But the guidelines are a little confusing. On page 18, line item 11, it says budget expenses should be submitted preferably as an Excel sheet. Do I have to do that since I already uploaded the 424A and the BDW508?

A: Please include all required documents in your proposal submission.

Q: And, lastly, is it correct to assume that the Security Plan, Contingency Plan, Timeline, Racial Equity and Underserved Community Analysis along with the Program Monitoring and Evaluation Narrative Plan and Key Personnel (listed under the BDW508) are all plans I still need to submit as forms I create?

A: Some of these documents are required under the announcement as separate forms, while others are only required in the proposal itself. Please read the NOFO guidance carefully to ensure you are submitting the necessary forms.

Advancing Nuclear Security, Safety, and Nonproliferation through the FIRST

Program (DFOP0016986)

Q: I wonder if the country/region not listed in the call can be eligible. For example, Taiwan is interested in pursuing SMR and [IMPLEMENTER] plans to work with NARI (a national lab in Taiwan). I am not sure if this call will fit to this purpose.

A: We are not seeking proposals engaging Taiwan under this NOFO.

Q. North Carolina State University will lead the proposal and our academic partner in Bulgaria will be the Sofia University. Is it allowable for Sofia University to be supported by this type of award?

A. Yes.

Q. If yes what kind of expenses could be supported for Sofia University?

A. Please follow the subrecipient budget template, published as part of the NOFO package.

Q. Which type of award supports this better - Grant; Cooperative Agreement;

IAA?

A. North Carolina State University should list Sofia University as a subrecipient.

Q: We are considering proposing two projects to this NOFO one active industry personnel and the other targeting students. Do you think either of these projects would be of interest to FIRST and possibly be funded under this DFOP0016986 Grant?

A. ASME is welcome to submit these proposals. Please review the NOFO

Objectives section for more information on our programming priorities.

Q: Does the 1-page CVs have to be submitted in Calibri 14 point?

Q: We are submitting several projects with our package for the FIRST NOFO. For Form 424A Budget form, do we use the budget for each project or a total of all projects included?

A: For the 424A please include costs for all proposed projects. Use the budget detail to provide the specifics for each severable project.

Build Partner Capabilities to Protect Semiconductor and CHIPS Technology

(DFOP0016987)

Q: We had a question about the funding ceiling and anticipated number of awards to be issued under DFOP0016987. From the NOFO, the funding ceiling is listed as $30,000,000 with the number of anticipated awards listed at five.

Going off this, is the CHIPS team looking for single proposals in the millions of dollars range, or will lower proposal funding amounts (say in the 250k-500k range) be competitive as well?

A: Proposals under $500,000 will be competitive.

Q: Is there a technical point of contact who is available to meet to discuss the opportunity?

A: CTR will not be accept meetings to discuss potential proposals or provide additional information on the goal of the NOFO.

Q: We have protype technology that can help secure IP. Would this type of work be of interest for this opportunity? Is there a technical point of contact who is available to meet to discuss the opportunity?

A: CTR is insisted is receiving proposals that meet the goals and objectives identified in the NOFO. CTR will not be meeting with any potential implanters to discuss the details of their proposal before the NOFO closes.

Build Partner Capabilities to Counter Global Biological Threats [BEP] NOFO

(DFOP0016989)

Q: Section D.2.9: The embedded link to the first reference file in the ‘Psychosocial

Assistance’ section does not work. It returns an ‘Error – Page Not Found’ message. Will CTR please provide the correct link?

A: The document has been updated

Q: I was reviewing the NOFO and am wondering if there is a current requirement for these services that I could review to better understand the work or if this is considered a new effort for the customer office?

A: There is no current requirement to apply to this NOFO and we welcome new implementers to apply to our NOFO. Please see the NOFO listing for eligibility criteria and the focus areas, how proposals will be reviewed, and conditions for submission.

Q: Kazakhstan is listed in the NOFO (Section A.2. Problem Statement) but not in the region SCA's CTR BEP implementer slides. Is Kazakhstan a priority country for

CTR BEP?

A: Kazakhstan was not listed as a priority country for BEP on the implementer’s slides; however, we welcome impactful, sustainability proposals for Kazakhstan that address priorities listed in our NOFO.

Q: Is there a limitation on the total number of applications you will allow from an institution/implementer as a whole or from each campus (if applicable to the implementing organization)?

A: There is not a limitation on the number of projects that can be submitted as part of the proposal. Implementers should submit only one proposal per NOFO.

Q: What is the budget cap for each individual grant proposal?

A: Proposals under $250,000 will be competitive.

Q: Based on our experience and expertise in this field, we would appreciate it if we draw your attention and you consider our willingness to be part of this work and become the members of the organizations that have coordination with you.

A: We welcome you to submit impactful, sustainable proposals to our NOFO.

Q: Creating leaders in biosafety/biosecurity via train-the-trainer programs and small grants, leveraging previous BEP engagements, such as Yemen FETP and

Libya LNCBB. Is this area open to Egypt?

A: Yes, this is open to Egypt.

Q: For CVs or resumes of the Key Personnel, is there a specific format or page limit?

A: There is no specific format or page limit for CVs.

Q: When does the NOFO close?

A: The due date for each NOFO is included in the posting.

Q: Is CTR restricted from providing honorarium-type payments to locals in

Lebanon if they support our programming?

A: Within reason, CTR will consider approval on a case-by-case basis to compensate those who contribute to our programming in ways such as but not limited to assisting with participant outreach, logistics coordination, and significant presentations. Feel free to include such details in proposal submissions for CTR consideration.

Q: Is the information on the website for the NOFO posting up to date?

A: Yes, all the information on the website for the NOFO posting is up to date.

Q: Is there a timeline for the planned awards for this work?

A: The period of performance for the planned activities is 15 months and should assume a work start date of 1 Oct 2025 and end date of 31 Dec 2026.

Q: Can an organization serve as both a lead entity and a sub-awardee for different regions?

Q: Is submitting multiple proposals for different regions simultaneously permissible under the NOFO guidelines?

Q: Are foreign non-US based, for-profit private entities eligible to apply to posted

NOFOs?

A: Yes, private institutions from outside of the United States are eligible to participate. Please see the NOFO instructions posted with this announcement on the focus areas, how proposals will be reviewed, and conditions for submission.

Q: What is meant by award ceiling and award floor in the synopsis?

A: The ceiling is the largest award ISN/CTR may issue, and the floor is the smallest.

Q: Is the Export Control and Related Border Security (ECC) call on enhancing security at Points of Entry to prevent illegal trade and trafficking in Lebanon and neighboring countries going to be launched in 2025?

A: This question should be addressed to ECC.

Q: Do you want subs to list collaborative proposals in the consolidated proposal list even though the prime would be the one to submit the actual proposal?

A: Please only list proposals in the consolidated proposal list when submitting as the prime implementer on the proposal.

Q: We are submitting one proposal for one region and one proposal for a second region. For the numbering of projects under one submission, how should we assign codes for projects from different regions?

A: Projects can be numbered as you deem appropriate. There is no specific format for numbering proposals, please use sequential numbering of all projects proposed to CTR NOFO’s.

Countering the Russian Federation’s Sanctions Evasion Activities (DFOP0016993)

Q: On page 15 of the NOFO, ISN stipulates that “each proposal package will include one of the following documents that incorporate information on all proposed projects” for the Executive Summary, Timeline, Racial Equity and

Underserved Communities Analysis, Security Plan, Contingency Plan, and

CVs/resumes for each standalone project. To meet the specific challenges and opportunities of each proposed project, can ISN clarify whether applicants may submit multiple, project-specific Executive Summaries, Timelines, Racial Equity and Underserved Communities Analyses, Security Plans, Contingency Plans, and

CVs/resumes for each proposed project?

A: No do not submit multiple SF-424, SF-424A, SF-424B (Optional), SF-LLL, Cover

Page/Executive Summary, Security Plan, Contingency Plan, Timeline, and Racial

Equity and Underserved Communities Analysis documents. Please only include one of each document per proposal.

Q: Can ISN clarify what constitutes a “standalone project”? Under Section A.3

Project Goal, ISN lists 20 Objectives under 5 categories. Does ISN consider each of these 20 Objectives to be a “standalone project”, or can applicants combine multiple objectives in one standalone project to increase efficiency and sustainability and build on linkages between objectives?

A: ISN/CTR is looking to fund projects that can tackle one or multiple objectives.

Q: ISN lists the total funding ceiling as $19,500,000 – can ISN clarify what the ceiling is for each standalone project?

A: The total funding ceiling for individual projects depends on the NOFO.

Q: Can ISN please clarify the maximum page limits for the Proposal

Narrative? Section D of the NOFO limits applicants to a maximum 3 pages that is inclusive of the required Introduction to the Organization, Problem Statement, Project Methods and Design, Program Goal, Program Objective(s), Program

Activities, Outcomes, Risk Analysis, and Future Funding Sustainability. We note that it will be difficult for applicants to provide a meaningful narrative that addresses all 9 required sections within 3 pages. Would ISN consider allowing applicants a 5-page maximum for the “Proposal Narrative” section of the proposal?

A: The most successful proposals stay within the 3-page limit for the project narrative and focus on the above categories. The narrative does not include the

Cover Page/Executive Summary, Detailed Budget, Budget Narrative, Key

Personnel, Timeline or Attachments which can take additional sections.

Q: Please let us know if there are any specific requirements or additional details we should consider as we prepare our application.

A: Please refer to the NOFO instructions and posted Q&As for application requirements, additional details, and any clarifications.

Q: Is there a specific funding ceiling for a submitted proposal, such as $1.1m?

A: The total funding ceiling for individual projects depends on the NOFO.

Q: Under the DEIA Lines of Effort/Objectives in the NOFO, there is note that

“applicants should not discuss proposals directly with local partners without the explicit approval of ISN.” Does it mean that we would consider and indicate specific local partners in the proposal but should not reach out to them in the process of proposal preparation? For example, for discussing with them an estimate cost of their involvement in the project?

A: Do not engage local partners if they will be potential participants. If you are including them as a sub-implementer, please gather all necessary information to develop a completive proposal.

Q: Are all the performance indicators listed in section A.6 required, or can implementers use the specific indicators that are relevant to their scope of work?

A: Proposals should address all indicators (1, 2, and 3) and sub-indicators.

Q: Section A.4, under "Targeted Financial Sector Sanctions Engagements": Can relevant public sector entities also receive capacity building and training, or only private sector entities?

A: The entities to be engaged are noted in each objective category. Some categories are designed to benefit public sector entities.

Q: Under Line of Work 1, can ISN please clarify whether implementers can also engage and train other non-financial private sector entities who are involved in the sanctions compliance continuum (e.g., designated non-financial businesses and professions)?

A: Yes, this is welcome.

Q: Could ISN please confirm that under Line of Work 3 "Targeted Public Sector

Sanctions Outreach," the first objective encourages private meetings with

"private sector policy and enforcement entities," not public sector actors? This may be a typo, as later under the same objective these meetings are referred to as "public sector engagements."

A: The NOFO has been updated clarify language.

Q: Should subawardee budget narratives be included as part of the primary budget narrative document or attached as separate files?

A: Separate files.

Q: Is there a page or size limit on each subawardee budget narrative?

A: No limit.

Q: May we include a table of contents with the cover sheet/executive summary that will not count toward the 1 page maximum?

A: Please adhere to the 1-page limit for the cover sheet/executive summary.

Q: The consolidated project list template seems to be irrelevant to the NOFO requirements for a list of recent USG supported projects. Is there a corrected template to use or should an applicant create one to provide the required information?

A: The consolidated project list template is to be used to identify all projects submitted to a NOFO by an organization. The list of recent awards should be complete to the best of your abilities and submitted in 14-point Calibri font size.

Q: Should the consolidated project list required to be submitted by an applicant include all USG awards held by the applicant or only relevant ones?

A: The list of recent awards should identify USG funded awards that have been active in the last twenty-four (24) months with references and award numbers.

Q: Is there a preferred template for the Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning

(MEL) Narrative?

A: All relevant available templates are included in the NOFO Full Announcement.

Q: Can we assume that a log frame separate from the MEL Plan/Tracker is not required?

A: All required documents are listed under section D.2. “Content and Form of

Application Submission”.

Q: May the Risk Analysis be provided in an attachment and not count in the page limit?

A: The Risk Analysis is included in the 3-page limit.

Q: May we submit Letters of Support from local partners as an attachment to the

Project Technical Narrative? If so, can you confirm such attachment(s) will NOT count toward the 3 page maximum limit?

A: Yes, but letters will not be considered during proposal review.

Q: Do Letters of Support have to be in 14-point Calibre font size?

Q: Is there a preferred template for the Budget Narrative or should applicants create a Word document that tracks with budget line items and cost categories?

A: Please use the provided templates and follow the guidance included in the

NOFO document.

Q: Does the 14-point Calibre font size apply to the Financial Management Survey?

It seems like the template is not very adaptable.

Q: The Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended, includes limitations on support for high-income countries. Many high-income countries are listed in the

NOFO Objectives (A.4). What additional authorities does the government intend to use to support activities in these high-income countries?

A: ISN/CTR is aware of the restrictions on support for high-income countries and will work with implementers to ensure that project activities adhere to relevant laws, regulations, and restrictions.

Q: What types of support are allowable budget items to support individuals from high-income countries participating in training under this NOFO (e.g. travel, meals, venue rental, etc.)?

A: ISN/CTR cannot cover travel, lodging, and meals for participants from high income countries. ISN/CTR can cover the venue and material development costs for a training or workshop.

Countering Proliferator State Advanced Conventional Weapons Proliferation

(DFOP0016985)

Q: We would like to ask if it is obligatory for The Application to cover all the project objectives or it is possible to choose the first pool of objectives (PMCs) where our country Ukraine is listed as the Countries of Potential Impact and operate them.

A: ISN/CTR will consider proposals for single or multiple objectives.

Q: We would like to ask if it is obligatory for The Application to cover all the project objectives or it is possible to choose the first pool of objectives (PMCs) where our country Ukraine is listed as the Countries of Potential Impact and operate them.

A: Proposals can address all or one of the objectives identified in the NOFO.

Q: Under “Private Military Companies”: Should proposals plan to engage all stakeholders listed (government policy officials, procurement officials, financial watchdogs, military and law enforcement officials, civil society, and journalists)?

A: ISN-CTR is interested in creative proposals that address one or multiple objectives included in the NOFO. Stakeholder engagement requirements differ depending on each objective, but competitive proposals typically engage as many of the different type of stakeholders listed as possible.

Q: Is there a preference on how proposals measure partner capacity before and after trainings and engagement (Pre-/post-test, etc.)?

A: Competitive proposals typically include multiple indicators that can measure the impact of the project.

Q: “A.8 Substantial Involvement” mentions ISN/CTR consulting on the “process and lead time required for obtaining U.S. Visas”—is a study tour expected?

A: Competitive proposals typically involve engagements in one or more countries.

ISN/CTR provides guidance on logistics and implementation, including process and lead time required for U.S. visas, should any engagements occur in the United

States.

Q: The Cover Page/Executive Summary requirement on page 15 lists “a table with the organization name, project title, target country/countries, name and contact information for the application’s main point of contact, and brief section that clearly outlines the (1) the problem statement addressed by the project (2) research-based evidence justifying the applicant’s approach, and (3) quantifiable project outcomes.” We are limited to one one-page document per proposal, but if we have multiple projects per proposal, should we list all individual project information separately, or create a cover page with one problem statement (and other required information) that encompasses all of the projects?

A: Please include only one Cover Page/Executive Summary per proposal.

Q: We would like to clarify whether the 250,000-300,000 USD mentioned during the Implementers' Conference FY25 is a cap per objective, or if it is an average?

A: 250,000-300,000 USD per single project is a recommended range for the cap for projects submitted to DFOP0016985 and some others NOFOs. However, not all CTR NOFOs have this cap.

Q: We would like to know if, when inviting US entities such as the Department of

Commerce and the Prosecutor's Office to participate in our event(s), we would need to include them in the budget, or if this would be covered by the entities themselves?

A: Please include all prospective attendees in the proposal budget.

UN Sanctions Compliance NOFO (DFOP0016995)

Q: Will CTR help with identifying contacts and inviting relevant attendees for a workshop or is it the implementer's responsibility to establish relevant contacts and make the invitations?

A: Yes, CTR will often be able to assist in identifying relevant attendees for workshops when implementers do not have existing contacts. Even when implementers have their own pool of potential invitees, implementers must discuss first with CTR before sending any invitations. Implementers will also be expected to do their preliminary own research into identifying organizations and institutions relevant to the training.

Q: For “Disrupting DPRK Virtual Asset Theft,” the Q&A refers to "30+ Priority

Countries of Impact." Could you please share the list of priority countries?

Alternatively, could you please share the full list of eligible countries? The NOFO lists regions.

A: Please refer to our implementer conference presentations and the NOFOs for priority countries.

Q: P.9 under "Counter-Proliferation Finance": Can relevant private sector entities also receive capacity building and training, or only government officials?

A: Yes, both private sector and government entities could be included in CPF trainings.

Q: P.7, bullet 2: Should private sector, industry associations and CSOs be involved in this training?

A: Both public and private sector can be included in cyber trainings either separately or together. The bullet points under each LOE are not mutually exclusive.

Q: P.7, bullet 3: Should VAEs and FIs be involved in this training?

A: Both public and private sector can be included in cyber trainings either separately or together. The bullet points under each LOE are not mutually exclusive.

Q:P.14, A7, bullet 1: Will proposals be expected to establish relationships between multiple regions? or can proposals focus on relationships between partner countries within the same regional focus?

A: Proposals can be multilateral within or across regions contingent on the nature of the project and the countries involved.

Q: P14, A7, bullet 2: Can these activities be conducted virtually or electronically?

A: Proposals that include virtual components where most conducive to the project will be considered, including during post engagement and follow-up activities.

Q: Does UNSC program in Yemen?

A: No

Q: Is the 250,000-300,000 USD mentioned during the Implementers' Conference

FY25 a cap per objective, or if it is an average?

A: 250,000-300,000 USD per single project is a recommended range for the cap for projects submitted to DFOP0016995. However, not all CTR NOFOs have this cap. The total funding ceiling for individual projects depends on the NOFO.

Q: Is it possible to submit a single project that would combine lines of effort 2 and

6 into one cohesive proposal, or do they need to be two separate projects (one for objective 2 and one for objective 6)?

A: A single project can address multiple lines of effort.

All of these questions pertain to the DPRK Virtual Asset Theft portion.

Q: Understanding there are 30+ Priority Countries of Impact, would we be responsible for delivering the training with our trainers or would we be training others to deliver the training?

A: The countries of impact list indicates the countries we are seeking to engage in this line of effort but should not be interpreted to mean that each proposal or award would be expected to engage all of them. In any case, the selected implementer would be expected to deliver the training described in the statement of work.

Q: How many of the 30+ Priority Countries of Impact are you looking to train and over what period of time? How long would the trainings take place in each country?

A: We intend to train stakeholders in most, if not all of the listed countries. We intend to do this through multiple awards and/or cooperative agreements. The length of training is typically 1-3 days, depending on the audience and level of complexity of the curriculum.

Q: How many total individuals would participate in the training in each of the 30+ Priority Countries of Impact?

A: Each workshop typically engages 30-40 people, though larger, regional activities can be larger in size.

Q: Are there language requirements outside of English?

A: This will depend on the audience and country. Many of our trainings are delivered using simultaneous interpretation and by providing translated instructional materials.

Q: Are Nuclear Suppliers Group member countries excluded from outreach activities conducted under line of effort 2, Proliferation-Sensitive Transfers - Transfer of Ballistic Missile, Nuclear, and UAS-Related Technology and Materials?

A: Not necessarily. If, for example, private industry within a NSG participant is unwittingly supplying proliferation-sensitive items or technology to Iran, they would be potential countries of impact for this line of effort.

Q: The NOFO LOE 2 references "obligations under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) nuclear procurement channel." However, the JCPOA procurement channel will expire in October 2025. Will the desired activities then roll over to cover obligations under snapback and UN Security Council resolution 2231, if applicable?

A: That is correct. Our program will adapt to fit the policy environment, whether it is characterized by sanctions, UNSCR 2231, or other applicable stimuli.

Q: We would like to clarify whether the 250,000-300,000 USD mentioned during the Implementers' Conference FY25 is a cap per objective, or if it is an average?

A: This is an average per funded award and is not necessarily a cap.

Q: We would like to know if it is possible to submit a single project that would combine lines of effort 2 and 6 into one cohesive proposal, or if they must be two separate projects (one for objective 2 and one for objective 6)?

A: A single project is acceptable.

Question on DFOP0016994 Q: Please forgive my ignorance, but I recently became aware of Department of State opportunity DFOP0016994 and it seems that opportunity might fit a desire to establish a collaboration between myself and scientists in the Armenian defense community. I registered to examine the information on Grants.gov but am not able to figure out exactly what kind of proposal should be submitted (format of proposal and budget, recipient for submission, etc.). Would you be able to provide some guidance as to what is required and exactly how to apply?

A: This program funds purely peaceful civilian research and does not seek to engage the beneficiary country's defense community. Detailed information regarding the proposal and budget format and how to submit is available in posted the NOFO package.

Build Partner Resilience to Counter Proliferator State Hybrid Threats in the Nonproliferation Arena (DFOP0016984)

Q: P. 43 of this NOFO states “All documents are single-spaced, 14-point Calibri font, with 1-inch margins.” I wanted to confirm—is the minimum font size actually

14 pt, or should it be 12?

A: All proposal documents should be submitted in 14-point font.

Q: Is it mandatory to include both a contingency plan and a security plan for each proposal package, or would one plan, considering that we already develop these plans for each project?

A: As noted in p. 12 of this NOFO, each proposal package should include a security plan and a contingency plan.

Q: Regarding the timeline, should it be included as part of the overall proposal package or provided individually per project?

A: As noted in p. 14 of this NOFO, “the timeline of the overall proposal should include activities, evaluation efforts, and program closeout.”

Q: Regarding the security plan, could you please clarify if it should be included within the ceiling, and whether it should be presented as a lumpsum or as a certain percentage, along with a detailed budget?

A: Per the NOFO, the security plan is not to exceed three (3) pages and related costs may also be identified within the budget and budget narrative.