Final Statement of Interest - OFOP0001528.pdf

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

United States Embassy Lima / Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs

Notice of Funding Opportunity: Statement of Interest (SOI)

Announcement Type: Request for Statements of Interest (SOI)

Funding Opportunity Title: Advancing Anti-Corruption in Peru

Funding Opportunity Number: OFOP0001528

CFDA Number: 19.703 - Criminal Justice Systems

Opportunity Issuance Date: July 23, 2024

Deadline for Questions: August 7, 2024 by 11:59 PM EST via email

Deadline for SOI Submission: August 22, 2024 by 11:59 PM EST via Grants.gov

INL Points of Contact:

Submit questions to:

Danielle Parsons (parsonsdm@state.gov) - GO

Estimated Funding Amount: $800,000 U.S. Dollars

SOI Ceiling: $300,000 U.S. Dollars

SOI Floor: At least $150,000 U.S. Dollars

Applicant Type: Organizations only

Eligibility Categories: Please see section E. ELIGILIBITY INFORMATION

A. BUREAU MISSION

The mission of the State Department’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) is to keep Americans safe by countering crime, illegal drugs, and instability abroad.

The Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) is at the forefront of responding to these challenges, uniting these overarching themes through our foreign assistance programs, diplomatic engagement, and policy coordination.

INL’s foreign assistance programs are essential to advancing U.S. policy objectives. INL programs advance the following strategic goals:

• Disrupt and reduce illicit drug markets and transnational crime to protect American lives and U.S. national security.

• Combat corruption and illicit financing to strengthen democratic institutions, advance rule of law, and reduce transnational crime and its enablers.

• Strengthen criminal justice systems to support stable, rights respecting partners.

B. FUNDING OPPORTUNITY

INL announces an open competition for organizations to submit a statement of interest (SOI) to carry out a project to strengthen civil society organizations in Peru to identify, analyze, expose, and fight against corruption and impunity. Please carefully follow all instructions below.

The submission of the SOI is the first step in a two-step process. Applicants must first submit a concise 3-page statement of interest that clearly communicates program ideas and objectives;

this is not a full proposal. The purpose of the SOI process is to allow applicants to submit program ideas for evaluation before requiring the development of a complete proposal application. Upon a merit review of eligible SOIs, selected applicants will be invited to expand on their program idea(s) by submitting a full proposal application. Full proposals will go through a second merit review before final funding decisions are made.

C. PROGRAM PURPOSE/DESCRIPTION

The project seeks to strengthen the capacity of civil society organizations in Peru to identify, analyze, expose, and fight against corruption and impunity. By developing civil society’s capacity to hold government institutions accountable, INL seeks to create solid foundations for a comprehensive effort to identify and expose corrupt acts and impunity.

INL has identified the following subject areas as priorities for anticorruption and anti-impunity programming:

• Comprehensive communication strategies for countering misinformation

• Long-term civic education on the types and costs of corruption

• Justice observatories

• Anticorruption scorecard

• Legal defense and protection

• Access to information in closed or closing spaces

• Transparency and accountability mechanisms

• Mapping anticorruption systems

INL encourages creativity in terms of project proposals and is not limited to the areas defined above. INL is open to proposals that cover a combination of subject areas and encourages proposals that are cross-cutting in scope. All proposals must be informed by and relevant to Peru’s current political context.

Successful proposals will strengthen civil society through measurable actions that increase organizations’ ability to identify, analyze, expose, and/or prosecute corruption and impunity.

They could include, but are not limited to:

• Build the capacity of civil society organizations and local actors to uncover, identify, and promote investigative actions of corruption activities.

• Strengthen civil society’s legal capacity to bring to light and implement necessary legal actions on corrupt acts. This could include training law students, lawyers, and other justice sector actors in developing and advancing cases against specific corrupt actors.

• Increase capacity to monitor and provide oversight on the performance and independence of the justice system. This could include developing institutions and mechanisms for gathering, assessing, and publishing analysis of the justice system, such as watchdog entities.

• Develop collective action initiatives to bring together civil society, members of the media, the general public, the private sector, and the government to take concrete actions against systemic corruption.

• Enhance public awareness of the basic principles and long-term benefits of justice, transparency, and government accountability. This could include developing communications plans or strategies, identifying audiences or mechanisms, and implementing plans or strategies that increase awareness in the general public and targeted cross sections of the public.

• Reinforce whistleblower programs for citizens to lodge anonymous complaints about misconduct by government officials. This could include support on defense against possible retaliation against whistleblowers.

• Enhance the civil society’s capacity to identify, track, and monitor allegations or cases of potential corrupt activities in Peru and possible networks abroad. This could also include developing institutions and mechanisms for gathering, assessing, and publishing analyses of specific cases of public interest.

• Enhance civil society organizations’ linkages to national and international justice systems, by identifying cases or sectors of interest and developing case and sector information to support prosecutions in national or international forums outside of Peru.

Successful proposals will also identify and propose metrics for evaluating the capacity and progress of civil society organizations.

Applicants should budget for office space in Lima, Peru, salaries, training/workshops, and public advocacy campaigns. Ideally, the project will be nationwide and partner with regionally based civil society organizations to assist with regional initiatives.

D. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION

Approximate Length of Project: 12 to 24 months

Anticipated Number of Awards: 3-4 awards

Approximate Award Amount(s):

Awards may range from a minimum of $150,000 to a maximum of $300,000

Type of Funding: FY19/20 and FY 21/22 INCLE

Funding Source: Post-Funds

Anticipated Project Start: November 2024

Funding Instrument Type: Cooperative Agreement

This notice is subject to availability of funding.

Program Performance Period: Proposed programs should be completed in 24 months or less.

The Department of State retains the right to execute non-competitive continuation amendment(s). Any amendment(s) is based on performance, pending availability of funds and is not guaranteed.

E. ELIGILIBITY INFORMATION

1. Eligible Applicants

The following organizations are eligible to apply: (include all that apply, and indicate US, foreign, or both. For example:

• U.S.-based non-profit/non-governmental organizations (NGOs);

• U.S.-based educational institutions subject to section 501(c)(3) of the U.S. tax code or section 26 US 115 of the US 115 of the U.S. tax code;

• Foreign-based non-profits/non-governmental organizations (NGOs);

• Foreign-based educational institutions.

Public International Organizations (PIOs) and For-Profit Organizations are excluded from applying to this grant announcement.

2. Cost Sharing or Matching

Cost share is the portion of project costs not borne by the U.S. government. Cost share is recommended but not required for this project. Applicants must be able to ensure cost share is accounted for/tracked through accounting systems and/or supporting documentation (such as Personnel Activity Records, proof of voluntary hours, proof of any purchases for materials being included as cost share, etc.)

3. Other Eligibility Requirements

In order to be eligible to receive an award, all organizations must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) number issued via www.SAM.gov as well as a valid registration on www.SAM.gov. Please see Section D.3 for more information. Individuals are not required to have a UEI or be registered in SAM.gov.

F. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

Required Documents Application forms required below are available at Grants.gov.

Complete applications must include both documents:

1. SF-424 (completed and signed)

2. Statement of Interest (SOI)

SF-424 Guidance The SF-424 is required for all applications for federal assistance. A template is included within the Grants.gov posting, under the “Related Documents” tab. The SF-424 must be signed and dated by an authorized representative of your organization.

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

Content of SOI must include:

The three-page Statement of Interest (SOI) should include the following:

• (A brief project description summarizing goals, objectives outcomes, performance indicators, beneficiaries, and proposed timeline.)

• (A clear statement of the applicant’s organizational capacity to carry out the proposed activity and manage U.S. Government funds.)

• Documents in English

• The anticipated total budget amount (in U.S. dollars)

CATEGORY

ESTIMATED FEDERAL

AMOUNT

APPLICANT COST

SHARE PROPOSED

A Personnel $X $X

B Fringe Benefits $X $X

C Travel $X $X

D Equipment $X $X

E Supplies $X $X

F Contractual $0 $0

G Construction $X $X

H Other Direct Costs $X $X

I Indirect Costs $X $X

J Total Cost $X $X

Proposal Submission Requirements

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

• Application materials must be in English only.

• All questions should be submitted to INL points of contact listed above by the deadline listed on Page 1 of this document. INL’s responses will be made available to all applicants.

A question-and-answer document will be uploaded to the Documents tab of this announcement in grants.gov.

• All Word documents are, at minimum, single-spaced with 12-point Calibri font and 1-inch margins

• Eligibility for this SOI is strictly limited to the organization types listed on Page 1 of this document.

1. Submission Dates and Times

All application materials must be submitted by electronically through www.Grants.gov before the closing deadline listed on Page 1.

2. Other Submission Requirements

N/A

G. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

1. Criteria

Each SOI will be evaluated and rated on the basis of the evaluation criteria outlined below.

• Quality of Program Idea – 50 points: The SOI is responsive to program framework. The idea is communicated well and is feasible. SOI’s that promote creative approaches to address program objectives are highly encouraged. The proposed timeline is reasonable. Goals and objectives are clearly stated and program approach is likely to provide maximum impact in achieving the proposed results.

• Organizational Capacity and Record on Previous Grants – 20 points: The SOI should demonstrate the organization’s expertise and previous experience in administering programs. If a local partner is identified SOI should briefly describe the partner’s role and experience.

• Cost Effectiveness – 15 points: The budget justification is detailed. Costs are realistic, appropriate, and clearly linked to project objectives. Administrative costs are necessary, justified, and in good proportion to direct activity costs.

• Program Planning and Sustainability – 15 points: The SOI should clearly articulate proposed program activities and expected results towards achieving program objectives and goal(s).

Program activities will continue to have positive impact after the end of the program.

2. Review and Selection Process

A Grants Review Committee will evaluate all eligible SOIs. All eligible SOIs will be reviewed against the criteria listed above. SOIs are reviewed individually against the criteria and not against competing SOIs. For a balanced review all panelists will review the first page of the SOI up to the page limit and no further. The panel may provide conditions and/or recommendations on SOIs to enhance the proposed program. Conditions must be addressed, and recommendations should be addressed in a full proposal application.

3. Following the review, any successful SOI applicants will be contacted and instructed to submit full applications. A full application will include:

• SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance – organizations) or SF-424-I (Application for Federal Assistance --individuals)

• SF424A (Budget Information for Non-Construction programs)

• SF424B (Assurances for Non-Construction programs) for individual or organization exempted from registering in SAM. The SF-424B is only required for applicants who are not registered in SAM.gov.

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

Required Registrations:

All organizations, whether based in the United States or in another country, must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and an active registration with the SAM.gov. A UEI is one of the data elements mandated by Public Law 109-282, the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act (FFATA), for all Federal awards.

Note: As of April 2022, a DUNS number is no longer required for federal assistance applications.

The 2 CFR 200 requires that sub-grantees obtain a UEI number. Please note the UEI for sub-grantees is not required at the time of application but will be required before an award is processed and/or directed to a sub-grantee.

Note: The process of obtaining or renewing a SAM.gov registration may take anywhere from 4-8 weeks. Please begin your registration as early as possible.

● Organizations based in the United States or that pay employees within the United States will need an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), and a UEI number prior to registering in SAM.gov.

● Organizations based outside of the United States and that do not pay employees within the United States do not need an EIN from the IRS but do need a UEI number prior to registering in SAM.gov.

● Please note that as of November 2022 and February 2022 respectively, organizations based outside of the United States that do not intend to apply for U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) awards are no longer required to have a NATO Commercial and Government Entity (NCAGE) code or CAGE code to apply for non-DoD foreign assistance funding opportunities. If an applicant organization is mid-registration and wishes to remove a CAGE or NCAGE code from their SAM.gov registration, the applicant should submit a help desk ticket (“incident”) with the Federal Service Desk (FSD) online at www.fsd.gov using the following language: “I do not intend to seek financial assistance from the Department of Defense. I do not wish to obtain a CAGE or NCAGE code. I understand that I will need to submit my registration after this incident is resolved in order to have my registration activated.”

https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.fsd.gov%2Fgsafsd_sp%3Fid%3Dgsafsd_kb_articles%26sys_id%3Dc81018e71b1601d0937fa64ce54bcb57&data=05%7C01%7Cfjeldkk%40state.gov%7C0cc4e2b471f44abcd32308db093ecead%7C66cf50745afe48d1a691a12b2121f44b%7C0%7C0%7C638113937577534024%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=W2ShcazZBQbanYGj0cLOTnUJwv%2BGL4xfwr83%2BycQY2E%3D&reserved=0 https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.fsd.gov%2F&data=05%7C01%7Cfjeldkk%40state.gov%7C0cc4e2b471f44abcd32308db093ecead%7C66cf50745afe48d1a691a12b2121f44b%7C0%7C0%7C638113937577534024%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=t32ANWzgpiB93pMWoq%2BFCSHz4YJY9QF1S1iQzCsS6RM%3D&reserved=0

Organizations based outside of the United States and that DO NOT plan to do business with the DoD should follow the below instructions:

Step 1: Proceed to SAM.gov to obtain a UEI and complete the SAM.gov registration process.

SAM.gov registration must be renewed annually.

Organizations based outside of the United States and that DO plan to do business with the DoD in addition to Department of State should follow the below instructions:

Step 1: Apply for an NCAGE code by following the instructions on the NSPA NATO website linked below:

NCAGE Homepage:

https://eportal.nspa.nato.int/AC135Public/sc/CageList.aspx NCAGE Code Request Tool (NCRT):

Exemptions An exemption from the UEI and sam.gov registration requirements may be permitted on a case-by-case basis if:

• An applicant’s identity must be protected due to potential endangerment of their mission, their organization’s status, their employees, or individuals being served by the applicant.

• For an applicant, if the Federal awarding agency makes a determination that there are exigent circumstances that prohibit the applicant from receiving a unique entity identifier and completing SAM registration prior to receiving a Federal award. In these instances, Federal awarding agencies must require the recipient to obtain a unique entity identifier and complete SAM registration within 30 days of the Federal award date.

Organizations requesting exemption from UEI or SAM.gov requirements must email the point of contact listed in the NOFO at least two weeks prior to the deadline in the NOFO providing a justification of their request. Approval for a SAM.gov exemption must come from the warranted Grants Officer before the application can be deemed eligible for review.

H. FEDERAL AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION

1. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

Terms and Conditions: Before submitting the SOI, applicants should review all the terms and conditions and required certifications which will apply if a full proposal application is requested and awarded, to ensure that they will be able to comply. These include: 2 CFR 200, 2 CFR 600, and the Department of State Standard Terms and Conditions which are available at:

https://www.state.gov/about-us-office-of-the-procurement-executive/.

I. FEDERAL AWARDING AGENCY CONTACTS

If you have any questions about the SOI application process, please contact: Danielle Parsons (ParsonsDM@state.gov).

https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Feportal.nspa.nato.int%2FAC135Public%2Fscage%2FCageList.aspx&data=05%7C01%7Cfjeldkk%40state.gov%7C0cc4e2b471f44abcd32308db093ecead%7C66cf50745afe48d1a691a12b2121f44b%7C0%7C0%7C638113937577534024%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=v3TLT8F%2FNfk5SuTcI2zw7SMhV4HK542OhP9XDx4ln%2BY%3D&reserved=0 https://www.state.gov/about-us-office-of-the-procurement-executive/ mailto:ParsonsDM@state.gov