Final Draft - RSOIC - CWA TTX (1).docx

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

BUREAU OF COUNTERTERRORISM

Request for Statements of Interest and Capacity (RSOIC)

Funding Opportunity Title: West Africa Information Sharing Exercise Funding Opportunity Number: DFOP0009891 Deadline for Applications: May 12, 11:59pm ET Assistance Listing Number: 19.701 Virtual Q&A Session: May 1, 9:00am ET Deadline for Receipt of Questions: April 26, 2024, 12:00pm ET

A. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Bureau of Counterterrorism (CT) of the U.S. Department of State announces a Request for Statements of Interest and Capacity (RSOIC) from organizations interested in implementing a project to facilitate a joint exercise with West African civilian security agencies to promote cross-border coordination, information sharing, and collaboration on counterterrorism threats.

The submission of a Statement of Interest and Capacity (SOIC) is the first step in a two-part process. As outlined in more detail below, prospective applicants must first submit a SOIC, designed to briefly communicate a project idea as well as the organization’s capacity to implement activities globally. After a review of eligible SOICs against the below criteria, CT will invite select applicants to expand their statements into full applications through a limited competition process. This two-step process allows organizations to submit project ideas to CT before investing significantly more time in assembling full proposals and budgets.

Applicants may only submit one SOIC.

Background and Problem Statement

The central Sahel is a global epicenter of terrorism. Countries in the region face an acute threat from violent extremist organizations (VEOs) affiliated with al-Qaida and ISIS operating in the central Sahel. Over the past three years, these VEOs have expanded from the central Sahel into the northern border regions of Coastal West Africa (CWA) littoral states (predominately Benin, Togo, Côte d’Ivoire, and Ghana; Benin and Togo face the brunt of VEO attacks). The VEO threat in CWA is increasing. According to Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project (ACLED) data, 2023 recorded the highest number of VEO events in CWA ever (219), peaking in Q4 (65), thus far the highest quarterly sum ever experienced in the region.

VEOs exploit the region’s porous borders, inadequate screening, and poor border management to evade security forces and facilitate attacks, movement of people and materiel, and financing. The VEOs exploit inter-communal and inter-ethnic tensions, and local grievances, including grievances against local security forces, to recruit new members and facilitate their activities and goals.

The VEO threat is inherently transnational and cross-border. CWA countries consequently need to work unilaterally to counter the VEO threat within their own borders, while at the same time, the threat requires a joint, bilateral, and multilateral approach to adequately address. However, differing levels of capacity and capability, lack of interoperability, language differences, and political challenges, among other difficulties, hinder bilateral and multilateral cooperation between and among CWA countries and between and among CWA countries and countries in the central Sahel. Not unique to CWA or the region, CWA countries often additionally face intra- and inter-agency stovepipes between civilian security, military, and intelligence agencies, all of whom encounter VEOs and play an important role in working to counter VEO threats. CWA countries additionally face challenges in ensuring actionable information gathered from the field is shared with headquarters officials who can direct further action or conduct operational planning, or with judicial officials that work towards prosecutions.

The Challenge:

This program aims to encourage regional partners to increase bilateral and multilateral collaboration and information sharing to disrupt, degrade, investigate, prosecute, and respond to cross-border terrorist activity. Specifically, CT wishes to partner with a country in West Africa, likely Cote d’Ivoire, to bring together participants of the appropriate level from relevant civilian security agencies in Benin, Togo, Ghana, Cote d’Ivoire, and possibly Burkina Faso, Guinea, Mauritania, Nigeria, and/or Senegal. This program additionally aims to build relationships and trust between and among participating stakeholder civilian security agencies. The effectiveness of this exercise is dependent on how many countries actively participate and maintain communication after the exercise.

The ideal level of participant is likely mid-level: someone who is intimately familiar with current operations but who would also have familiarity with legal authorities, interagency cooperation, and cross-border cooperation.

This exercise seeks to:

· Leverage an understanding of how security and judicial agencies in CWA operate, collaborate, investigate, prosecute, and incarcerate cross-border VEO threats; design and deliver an exercise which encourages and improves cross-border collaboration and information sharing to counter terrorist threats in the region.

· Understand how civilian security and judicial agencies in Benin, Togo, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, and Burkina Faso respond to VEO threats at each stage of the CT continuum and gaps in responses—prevention (community policing); disrupting and responding to VEO threats (arrests, raids, crisis response, C-IED); identifying and investigating VEO threats (for example, screening, watchlisting, border management, counter terrorist financing, task forces, investigations and intelligence); and prosecutions.

· Understand how civilian security agencies in each of the participating countries interact with, and share information with, intelligence, military, and judicial agencies at each stage of the CT continuum and gaps in the interaction and information sharing.

· Understand connectivity between civilian security personnel deployed in the northern zones and HQs for both tactical/operational needs and strategic decision-making.

· Better understand how any nascent or ongoing efforts in each country fuse information across the interagency for operational planning and execution against VEO threats.

· Understand how participating countries work together for cross-border operations and information sharing and gaps in bilateral and multilateral cooperation.

Please follow all instructions below.

Priority Countries/Region: Benin, Togo, Ghana, Cote d’Ivoire Program Objectives:

1. By mid-2025, a comprehensive study and report is delivered and shared with West African civilian security agencies which promotes cross-border coordination and collaboration to counter AQ and ISIS-affiliates.

2. By 2026, a selected African partner improves its capacity to design, lead, and host a joint exercise with West African civilian security agencies.

3. By 2026, the selected African-led partner hosts and helps to lead a joint exercise with West African civilian security agencies designed to promote cross-border coordination and collaboration and promote regional efforts to counter AQ and ISIS-affiliates.

4. By 2026, West African law enforcement cooperation to counter cross-border threats is improved.

Participants and Audiences: Security personnel from Benin, Togo, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, and if possible, Burkina Faso, Guinea, Nigeria, Senegal, Mauritania.

B. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION

Number of awards anticipated: 1 Award Total available funding: up to $986,679 Type of Funding: NADR Anticipated program start date: September 30, 2024

This notice is subject to availability of funding.

Funding Instrument Type: Cooperative Agreement Program Performance Period: Proposed programs should be completed in 12 months or less.

Q&A Session: CT will hold a virtual Question & Answer session to answer any questions from applicants on the RSOIC, its goals and objectives on May 1, 2024, 0900am ET. If you are interested in attending, please contact the federal agency contact below to receive dial-in information.

C. ELIGILIBITY INFORMATION

1. Eligible Applicants

The following organizations are eligible to apply:

· Not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks and civil society/non-governmental organizations

· Public and private educational institutions

· For-profit organizations (only if allowed by appropriation)

· Public International Organizations (PIOs) and Governmental institutions

2. Other Eligibility Requirements

· In order to apply, each applicant must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI), formerly referred to as DUNS, and an active registration with the SAM.gov. Please see Section D.3 for information on how to obtain these registrations.

· Applicants are only allowed to submit one proposal per organization. If more than one proposal is submitted from an organization, all proposals from that institution will be considered ineligible for funding

In order to apply, each applicant must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and an active registration with the SAM.gov before submitting an application. Please see Section D.2 for information on how to obtain these registrations.

Applicants are only allowed to submit one SOIC per organization. If more than one SOIC is submitted from an organization, all proposals from that institution will be considered ineligible for funding.

D. SUBMISSION INFORMATION

· Address to Request Application Package

Application forms required below are available at MyGrants.

· Content and Form of Application Submission

Please follow all instructions below carefully. Proposals that do not meet the requirements of this announcement or fail to comply with the stated requirements will be ineligible.

Content of Application Please ensure:

· The SOIC clearly addresses the project’s goals and objectives

· All documents are in English

· All pages are numbered

· All documents are formatted to 8 ½ x 11 paper, and

· All Microsoft Word documents are single-spaced, 12-point Times New Roman font, with a minimum of 1-inch margins.

The following documents are required:

1. Concept Note (4 pages maximum): The concept should contain sufficient information that anyone not familiar with it would understand exactly what the applicant wants to do. You may use your own format, but it must include all the items below.

· Introduction to the Organization applying: A description of past and present operations showing ability to carry out the proposed project.

· Problem Statement: Clear, concise, and well-supported statement of the problem to be addressed and why the proposed project is needed.

· Program Concept: A description of how the organization proposes to help meet the challenge and objectives described above. What are the goals, objectives, theory of change, and illustrative activities of the proposed project?

2. Attachments:

· Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM.gov)

Required Registrations:

Any applicant listed on the Excluded Parties List System (EPLS) in the System for Award Management (SAM) is not eligible to apply for an assistance award in accordance with the OMB guidelines at 2 CFR 180 that implement Executive Orders 12549 (3 CFR, 1986 Comp., p. 189) and 12689 (3 CFR, 1989 Comp., p. 235), “Debarment and Suspension.” Additionally, no entity listed on the EPLS can participate in any activities under an award. All applicants are strongly encouraged to review the EPLS in SAM to ensure that no ineligible entity is included.

All organizations applying for grants must obtain these registrations. All are free of charge:

· Unique entity identifier from Dun & Bradstreet (DUNS number)

· NCAGE/CAGE code

· www.SAM.gov registration

Step 1: Apply for a DUNS number and an NCAGE number (these can be completed simultaneously)

DUNS application: Organizations must have a Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number from Dun & Bradstreet. If your organization does not have one already, you may obtain one by calling 1-866-705-5711 or visiting http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform

NCAGE application: Application page here: https://eportal.nspa.nato.int/AC135Public/scage/CageList.aspx Instructions for the NCAGE application process:

https://eportal.nspa.nato.int/AC135Public/Docs/US%20Instructions%20for%20NSPA%20NCAGE.pdf

For NCAGE help from within the U.S., call 1-888-227-2423 For NCAGE help from outside the U.S., call 1-269-961-7766 Email NCAGE@dlis.dla.mil for any problems in getting an NCAGE code.

Step 2: After receiving the NCAGE Code, proceed to register in SAM.gov by logging onto: https://www.sam.gov. SAM registration must be renewed annually.

· Submission Dates and Times

SOICs are due no later than May 12, 11:59pm ET

· Other Submission Requirements

All application materials must be submitted electronically through www.Grants.gov or MyGrants

E. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

1. Criteria

Each SOIC will be evaluated and rated on the basis of the evaluation criteria outlined below. Criteria are listed in order of importance.

1. Quality and Feasibility of the Program Idea:

· The concept responds to the RSOIC and is appropriate in the context of Cote d’Ivoire

· The concept exhibits originality but is feasible.

· The concept includes a reasonable implementation timeline.

· The concept directly connects proposed activities with the desired outcomes (goals and objectives) listed above.

2. Program Planning/Ability to Achieve Objectives:

· The concept exhibits originality but is feasible.

· The concept includes a reasonable implementation timeline.

· The concept directly connects proposed activities with the desired outcomes (goals and objectives) listed above.

3. Organizational Capacity and Record on Previous Grants:

· The concept demonstrates an institutional record of previous successfully implemented projects in counterterrorism capacity building in challenging environments, preferably in Coastal West Africa

2. Review and Selection Process

CT will conduct a merit review of all eligible SOICs as outlined in this RSOIC. SOICs will be reviewed by an independent review panel consisting of qualified subject matter experts from other Department of State bureaus and offices, U.S. Embassies, or other U.S. Government agencies.

The submission of a SOIC is the first step in a multi-phased process. Applicants must first submit a SOIC, which is a concise concept note designed to clearly communicate a program idea and its objectives before the development of a full proposal application for this project.

The amount of resources made available for this project will depend on the concepts received and the availability of funds. CT reserves the right to fund any or none of the concepts or subsequent applications submitted.

The SOIC process is to allow applicants the opportunity to submit program ideas for CT to evaluate prior to development of full proposal applications.

3. Federal Awardee Performance & Integrity Information System (FAPIIS) For any Federal award under a notice of funding opportunity, if the Federal awarding agency anticipates that the total Federal share will be greater than the simplified acquisition threshold on any Federal award under a notice of funding opportunity may include, over the period of performance (see §200.88 Simplified Acquisition Threshold), this section must also inform applicants:

i. That the Federal awarding agency, prior to making a Federal award with a total amount of Federal share greater than the simplified acquisition threshold, is required to review and consider any information about the applicant that is in the designated integrity and performance system accessible through SAM (currently FAPIIS) (see 41 U.S.C. 2313);

ii. That an applicant, at its option, may review information in the designated integrity and performance systems accessible through SAM and comment on any information about itself that a Federal awarding agency previously entered and is currently in the designated integrity and performance system accessible through SAM;

iii. That the Federal awarding agency will consider any comments by the applicant, in addition to the other information in the designated integrity and performance system, in making a judgment about the applicant's integrity, business ethics, and record of performance under Federal awards when completing the review of risk posed by applicants as described in §200.206 Federal awarding agency review of risk posed by applicants.

4. Anticipated Announcement and Federal Award Dates The successful applicant will receive notification within approximately three to five weeks of the closing of this announcement. The U.S. Department of State is under no obligation to fund any of the proposals submitted under this funding opportunity.

Following the merit review, recipients may be invited to submit applications via a limited competition notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) process in MyGrants and write formal proposal applications with the end goal of signing up to two federal awards by September 2022.

F. FEDERAL AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION

1. Federal Award Notices

Following the review of SOICs, select applicants will be invited to apply to the limited competition NOFO; those applicants will write formal proposal applications, with the end goal of signing at least one federal award. The cooperative agreement award will be written, signed, awarded, and administered by the Grants Officer. The assistance award agreement is the authorizing document, and it will be provided to the recipient for review and signature by email. The recipient may only start incurring program expenses beginning on the start date shown on the grant award document signed by the Grants Officer.

If a concept is selected for the next phase or if the subsequent proposal is selected for funding, the Department of State has no obligation to provide any additional future funding. Renewal of an award to increase funding or extend the period of performance is at the discretion of the Department of State.

Issuance of this RSOIC 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 proposals. Furthermore, the U.S. government reserves the right to reject any or all proposals received.

2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements CT requires all recipients of foreign assistance funding to comply with all applicable Department and Federal laws and regulations, including but not limited to the following:

The Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards set forth in 2 CFR Chapter 200 (Sub-Chapters A through F) shall apply to all non-Federal entities, except for assistance awards to Individuals and Foreign Public Entities. Sub-Chapters A through E shall apply to all foreign organizations, and Sub-Chapters A through D shall apply to all U.S. and foreign for-profit entities. The applicant/recipient of the award and any sub-recipient under the award must comply with all applicable terms and conditions, in addition to the assurance and certifications made part of the Notice of Award. The Department’s Standard Terms and Conditions can be viewed at https://www.state.gov/about-us-office-of-the-procurement-executive/.

Before submitting an application, applicants should review all the terms and conditions and required certifications which will apply to this award, to ensure that they will be able to comply. These include:

· 2 CFR 25 - UNIVERSAL IDENTIFIER AND SYSTEM FOR AWARD MANAGEMENT

· 2 CFR 170 - REPORTING SUBAWARD AND EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION INFORMATION

· 2 CFR 175 - AWARD TERM FOR TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS

· 2 CFR 182 - GOVERNMENTWIDE REQUIREMENTS FOR DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE (FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE)

· 2 CFR 183 - NEVER CONTRACT WITH THE ENEMY

· 2 CFR 600 – DEPARTMENT OF STATE REQUIREMENTS

· U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE STANDARD TERMS AND CONDITIONS

In accordance with the Office of Management and Budget’s guidance located at 2 CFR part 200, all applicable Federal laws, and relevant Executive guidance, the Department of State will review and consider applications for funding, as applicable to specific programs, pursuant to this notice of funding opportunity in accordance with the following: NOTE:

· President’s September 2, 2020 memorandum, entitled Memorandum on Reviewing Funding to State and Local Government Recipients of Federal Funds that Are Permitting Anarchy, Violence, and Destruction in American Cities;

· Executive Order on Protecting American Monuments, Memorials, and Statues and Combating Recent Criminal Violence (E.O. 13933); and

· Guidance for Grants and Agreements in Title 2 of the Code of Federal Regulations (2 CFR), as updated in the Federal Register’s 85 FR 49506 on August 13, 2020, particularly on:

· Selecting recipients most likely to be successful in delivering results based on the program objectives through an objective process of evaluating Federal award applications (2 CFR part 200.205),

· Prohibiting the purchase of certain telecommunication and video surveillance services or equipment in alignment with section 889 of the National Defense Authorization Act of 2019 (Pub. L. No. 115—232) (2 CFR part 200.216),

· Promoting the freedom of speech and religious liberty in alignment with Promoting Free Speech and Religious Liberty (E.O. 13798) and Improving Free Inquiry, Transparency, and Accountability at Colleges and Universities (E.O. 13864) (§§ 200.300, 200.303, 200.339, and 200.341),

· Providing a preference, to the extent permitted by law, to maximize use of goods, products, and materials produced in the United States (2 CFR part 200.322), and

· Terminating agreements in whole or in part to the greatest extent authorized by law, if an award no longer effectuates the program goals or agency priorities (2 CFR part 200.340).

Due to the determination made under the Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA) for FY 2022, assistance that benefits the governments of the following countries may be subject to a restriction under the TVPA. The Department of State determines on a case-by-case basis what constitutes assistance to a government; the general principles listed below apply.

Assistance to the government includes:

· All branches of government (executive, legislative, judicial) at all levels (national, regional, local);

· Public schools, universities, hospitals, and state-owned enterprises, as well as government employees;

· Cash, training, equipment, services, or other assistance provided directly to the government, assistance provided to an NGO or other implementer for the benefit of the government, and assistance to government employees.

Subject to TVPA for funds obligated during FY 2023:

AF: Eritrea, Guinea-Bissau, South Sudan EAP: Burma, China (PRC), Malaysia, North Korea EUR: Belarus, Russia NEA: Iran, Syria SCA: Afghanistan WHA: Cuba, Curacao, Nicaragua, Sint Maarten Additional requirements may be included depending on the content of the program.

Payment Methods, terms and conditions, reporting requirements, federal assistance data review, and other requirements in accordance with the Office of Management and Budget’s guidance located at 2 CFR part 200 will be outlined in subsequent limited NOFO.

G. FEDERAL AWARDING AGENCY CONTACTS

If you have any questions about the grant application process, please contact: Austin Waring (Waringa@state.gov)

Questions and Answers or FAQ will be posted on MyGrants. Interested applicants are also encouraged to attend the Question & Answer session on May 1, 2024, at 0900 ET.