FY2024 Nature Crimes NOFO_Final.docx

United States Department of State Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO): Leveraging Local Community Partnerships to Combat Nature Crimes Funding Opportunity Number: DFOP0016550

Assistance Listing Number: 19.017 Solicitation Type: Open Competition Type of Award: Grant or Cooperative Agreement Application Deadline: 11:59 PM EDT on 24 July 2024

Total Funding Floor: $1 million Total Funding Ceiling: $4 million Funding Authority: Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended (FAA) Cost Sharing: Not Required

Anticipated Number of Awards: 1-2 Period of Performance: 24 months Anticipated Time to Award, Pending Availability of Funds: September 30, 2024

Application Submission: Electronic Eligibility Applicants: U.S.-based non-profit/non-governmental organizations with or without 501(c) (3) status of the U.S. tax code; foreign-based non-profit organizations/nongovernment organizations (NGO); U.S.-based private, public, or state institutions of higher education; Foreign-based institutions of higher education, and U.S. for-profit organizations or businesses.

Number of Applications: 1 per applicant organization

Section A: Funding Opportunity Description A.1 Background The U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs (OES) announces an open competition for applications aimed at empowering local communities and grassroots civil society organizations (CSOs) across key countries to combat nature crimes and associated crime convergence.

OES will award $3,000,000 in funding to support grassroots civil society efforts to combat nature crimes at their source and $1,000,000 in funding to bolster local civil society's role reducing demand for or availability of products associated with nature crimes, e.g. trafficked timber, wildlife, minerals, or metals. Applicants may apply for either funding category or apply for the full ceiling of $4,000,000 if they wish to address both categories simultaneously.

A.2. Problem Statement Nature crimes—criminal forms of logging, mining, wildlife trade, land conversion, and associated criminal activities, as well as crimes associated with fishing—pose serious threats to the environment and to national security. They undermine the rule of law and fuel corruption. They also spread disease globally, drive species to the brink of extinction, and rob governments, indigenous peoples, and local communities of their natural resources and legitimate revenue.

Nature crimes have strong links to other forms of transnational organized crime, such as trafficking in persons, money laundering, weapons trafficking, and drug trafficking. Nature crimes often rely on the same illicit routes and networks to fund operations, move products, and conceal illicit proceeds.

OES works closely with partners around the world to employ a whole-of-society approach to address nature crimes and their associated convergence. Under the U.S. government’s combating nature crimes initiative, OES leads coordination to identify key areas of crime convergence, leverage resources, and target approaches and policy responses where these activities overlap.

To advance the policy goals described above, OES seeks one or two lead implementing partners to form consortia with grassroots civil society organizations across various countries to deploy community-led approaches that address global nature crime trends. By taking advantage of the valuable knowledge offered by these partners, OES aims to strengthen their efforts to expose nature crimes, hold perpetrators accountable, reduce profits from these crimes, and support the environment and local livelihoods.

A.3. Program Goal The goal of this program is to increase global grassroot civil society engagement in addressing nature crimes.

A.4. Objectives All proposals should align with one or both objectives below.

Objective 1) Combat nature crimes across key source and transit countries.

Objective 2) Reduce global consumer demand for, and availability of, products illegally traded goods sourced from, or linked with, nature crimes

A.5 Expected Outcomes Outcomes supporting Objective 1 include, but are not limited to:

· Strengthened capacity, partnerships, and communication channels for civil society to generate and share actionable information on nature crimes, including through community monitoring, developing red flag indicators and investigative reporting;

· Legal and regulatory reform resulting from the review of applicable local, national, and regional legislation and regulation on nature crimes;

· Promoting and protecting local journalists and grassroots civil society efforts to expose nature crimes, strengthen transparency, and provide insight into criminal networks and trends;

· New targeted campaigns and knowledge products to raise public awareness of nature crimes locally;

· Strengthened frameworks for local communities to monitor natural resources and influence their governance;

· New reporting or tipline mechanisms for the public to inform law enforcement officials of suspected nature crime activities;

· Identifying socioeconomic factors within target countries to identify nature-based solutions and effective alternative livelihood programs for affected communities, to reduce incentives for nature crimes;

· Employing a One Health approach to address the relationship between nature crimes and increased risk of zoonotic disease emergence and spread, including consideration of the primary, upstream drivers of disease spillover.

Outcomes supporting Objective 2 include, but are not limited to:

· Stronger public messaging campaigns to raise global awareness about the devastating impacts of nature crimes on local communities, their livelihood, and the environment.

· More robust communication channels to link local community organizations with news outlets and industry partners, promoting ongoing awareness and dialogue on nature crime-free supply chains;

· Analyzing and mapping nature crimes and their convergence through network mapping, data indexes, and visual models across regions to help identify where these crimes intersect along shared supply chains;

· Enhanced the role of local civil society in traceability and transparency solutions within nature crime-affected industries

· Highlighting the health risks linked to nature crimes, including the zoonotic disease risks stemming from the trafficking of endangered and threatened species for use in traditional medicine;

· Advancing understanding of the relationships among foreign private investment, particularly in infrastructure and extractive activities; criminal networks; and the incidence of nature crimes.

A.6. Performance Indicators All project proposals must include tentative qualitative and quantitative indicators that measure progress towards a desired outcome. Final indicators will be determined in consultation with the OES team, following project selection but prior to project funding.

Example indicators:

· Number of people and/or civil society organizations trained in the collection, sharing, and use of information to prevent and combat nature crimes, as a result of USG assistance;

· Number of people and/or local communities that apply improved community monitoring practices as a result of USG assistance;

· Number of laws, policies, or regulations that address nature crimes officially proposed, adopted, and/or implemented as a result of USG assistance (disaggregated by result);

· Number of new or improved community initiatives combating nature crimes as a result of USG assistance;

· Number of people reached by public awareness campaigns on the harms of products linked with nature crimes as a result of USG assistance.

A.6. Key Considerations

OES will allocate $3,000,000 for initiatives to combat nature crimes at their source and $1,000,000 for initiatives to address consumer demand for products linked with nature crimes. Applicants may apply for either funding category or apply for the full ceiling of $4,000,000 if they wish to address both categories simultaneously. However, they must ensure that their proposed funding does not surpass the designated ceiling for each objective (i.e., only $1 million of the $4 million requested should contribute solely to Objective 2).

Proposals that recommend activities for both objectives will not be given preference over those that address only one objective. OES will evaluate all proposals and determine the best award or combination of awards based on the submissions received. This may include awarding one portion to an applicant who applied to both objectives.

Proposals must reflect a participatory design process with one or more local civil society partners including CSOs, grassroots NGOs, and/or other members of Indigenous Peoples and local communities (IPLCs) as subgrantees, to ensure activities under each objective are locally driven, designed, and led with consideration to risk and as to not endanger local partners and participants. Proposals should emphasize the role civil society partners will play throughout the project, delineating the activities in which they will lead or support their own efforts to combat nature crimes.

This funding opportunity aims to combat nature crimes globally. Proposals should focus on multiple beneficiary regions and countries that face significant nature crime convergence issues and/or serve as key source, transit, and destination countries across Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Following applicant selection, the list of beneficiary regions and countries may be subject to change with the prior agreement of the selected project implementer(s) and OES.

Proposed activities addressing Objective One (combating nature crimes at their source) should aim to address all forms of nature crime: wildlife trafficking, illegal logging and associated trade, illegal mining, illegal land conversion, and crimes associated with fishing.

OES encourages proposals that present a long-term vision and strategically selected activities based on needs, the organization’s comparative advantage and expertise, and the funding landscape of other key stakeholders. Proposals should aim to deliver long-term institutional change.

In addition, the below considerations should also be met:

1. Participants and Audiences: Applicants should identify target audiences, specific demographics, and the region(s) in which the project will be implemented. It is particularly important to specify the approximate number of beneficiaries to be directly and indirectly impacted by project activities. Applicants should describe how they will ensure equitable (and safe) inclusion of underrepresented groups, using participatory, locally-led, and intersectional approaches as appropriate.

2. Coordination and De-conflicting of Projects: The proposed project should complement, and not duplicate, diminish, or replicate other nature crime-related work being funded by the host nation government, regional coordination networks, or other U.S. or international donors. All applicants should take into account other projects (including other projects managed by the applicant) that may be working in the same landscape, country, or region, and how their proposed project will fulfill a specific need.

3. Utilize Local Resources and Expertise: OES values involving local community experts to help conduct programming, since their knowledge of the local incidents of nature crimes and persons involved in these crimes will strengthen the program’s outcomes. We encourage collaborating with and using local resources and experts in the region when possible, especially through partnerships and sub-contracts as local implementers for program activities.

This notice is subject to availability of funding.

Section B: Federal Award Information B.1. Available Funding This notice is subject to availability of funding. The authority for this funding opportunity is found in the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended (FAA).

Applicants can submit one application in response to the NOFO. If more than one application is submitted by an organization, only the first application received, and time stamped by either grants.gov or MyGrants will be reviewed for eligibility.

Organizations may form a consortium and submit a combined proposal. However, only one organization must be designated as the lead applicant, with the remaining organizations designated sub-awardees. The lead applicant must meet the eligibility criteria listed in Section C.

The Department of State reserves the right to (a) fund any or none of the applications received; (b) reserves the right to reduce, revise, or increase the budget in accordance with bureau proprieties and the availability of funds; (c) accept other than the lowest cost application.

The U.S. government may make award(s) on the basis of initial applications received, without discussions or negotiations. Therefore, each initial application should contain the applicant's best terms from a cost and technical standpoint. The U.S. government reserves the right (though it is under no obligation to do so), however, to enter into discussions with one or more applicants in order to obtain clarifications, additional detail, or to suggest refinements in the project description, budget, or other aspects of an application.

OES anticipates awarding either a grant or cooperative agreement depending on the needs and risk factors of the program. The final determination on award mechanism will be made by the Grants Officer. The distinction between grants and cooperative agreements revolves around the existence of “substantial involvement.” Cooperative agreements require greater Federal government participation in the project. If a cooperative agreement is awarded, OES will undertake reasonable and programmatically necessary substantial involvement. Examples of substantial involvement can include, but are not limited to:

· Final selection of beneficiary regions and countries

· Active participation or collaboration with the recipient in the implementation of the award;

· Review and approval of one stage of work before another can begin;

· Collaboration on selection and/or review and approval of sub-award partnerships or sub-contracts beyond existing Federal policy;

B.2. Award Management The successful applicant will need to routinely collaborate with OES through regular meetings and conference calls to discuss progress, challenges, emerging topics, etc. The successful applicant must ensure that all funds are used in a manner consistent with any applicable restrictions on funding. See D.5 below for funding restrictions.

Section C: Eligibility Information

C.1 Eligible Applicants OES welcomes applications from U.S.-based non-profit/non-governmental organizations with or without 501(c) (3) status of the U.S. tax code; foreign-based non-profit organizations/nongovernment organizations (NGO); private, public, or state institutions of higher education; and for-profit organizations or businesses.

Applications submitted by for-profit entities may be subject to additional review following the panel selection process. Additionally, the Department of State prohibits profit to for-profit or commercial organizations under its assistance awards. Profit is defined as any amount in excess of allowable direct and indirect costs. The allowability of costs incurred by commercial organizations is determined in accordance with the provisions of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) at 48 CFR 30, Cost Accounting Standards Administration, and 48 CFR 31 Contract Cost Principles and Procedures.

Please see 2 CFR 200.307 for regulations regarding program income.

C.2 Cost Sharing or Matching The non-Federal share of costs, frequently called “cost share” or “matching costs”, refers to that portion of the project or program costs not borne by the Federal Government. This may include cash and third-party in-kind contributions. These costs must reflect the realistic capacity of the applicants and any third-party contributors.

Providing cost sharing, matching, or cost participation is not an eligibility factor or requirement for this NOFO and providing cost share will not result in a more favorable competitive ranking. Per 2 CFR §200.306, items that are proposed for cost share must be allowable per 2 CFR §200, Subpart E—Costs Principles.

C.3 Other Applicants must have existing, or the capacity to develop, active partnerships with local in-country partners, entities, and relevant stakeholders and have demonstrable experience in administering successful and preferably similar projects.

Any applicant listed on the Excluded Parties List System in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov) (www.sam.gov) and/or has a current debt to the U.S. government 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 or person listed on the Excluded Parties List System in SAM.gov can participate in any activities under an award. All applicants are strongly encouraged to review the Excluded Parties List System in SAM.gov to ensure that no ineligible entity or person is included in their application.

SECTION D: APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

D.1 Address to Request Application Package Applicants can find application forms, kits, or other materials needed to apply on www.grants.gov and MyGrants (https://mygrants.servicenowservices.com) under the announcement title “Leveraging Local Community Partnerships to Combat Nature Crimes,” funding opportunity number DFOP0016550. Please contact the OES point of contact listed in Section G if requesting reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities or for security reasons. Please note that reasonable accommodations do not include deadline extensions.

D.2 Content and Form of Application Submission

For all application documents, please ensure:

· All documents are in English and all costs are in U.S. Dollars. If an original document within the application is in another language, an English translation must be provided (please note the Department of State, as indicated in 2 CFR 200.111, requires that English is the official language of all award documents). If any document is provided in both English and a foreign language, the English language version is the controlling version;

· All pages are numbered, including budgets and attachments;

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

· All documents are single-spaced, 12-point Calibri font, with 1-inch margins. Captions and footnotes may be 10-point Calibri font. Font sizes in charts and tables, including the budget, can be reformatted to fit within 1 page width.

D.2.1 Application Requirements

Complete applications must include the following:

1) Completed and signed SF-424, SF-424A, and SF-424B forms.

2) Organizations that engage in lobbying the U.S. government, including Congress, or pay for another entity to lobby on their behalf, are also required to complete the SF-LLL “Disclosure of Lobbying Activities” form (only if applicable).

3) Cover Page/Executive Summary (not to exceed one (1) page, preferably as a Word Document) that includes a table with the organization name, project title, target country/countries, and 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 and impacts.

4) Proposal Narrative (not to exceed ten (10) pages, preferably as a Word Document). Please note the ten-page limit does not include the Cover Page/Executive Summary, Attachments, Detailed Budget, Budget Narrative, Audit, or NICRA. Applicants are encouraged to combine multiple documents into a single Word Document or PDF (i.e. Cover Page, Table of Contents, Executive Summary, and Proposal Narrative in one file). The Narrative must include the following:

· Introduction to the Organization: A description of past and present operations, showing ability to carry out the project, including information on all relevant or similar type projects from previous grants from the U.S. Embassy and/or U.S. government agencies.

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

· Program Methods and Design: A description of how the program is expected to work to solve the stated problem and achieve the goal.

· Program Goal: The “goal(s)” describe the larger outcome intended

· Program Objectives: The intermediate accomplishments and measurable targets to achieve a goal. Objectives of the program should be SMART:

· Specific: Detailed and specifies what will be achieved

· Measurable: have associated metrics or measurements of success

· Attainable: appropriately challenging, objectives can be reasonably attained give the available resources

· Relevant: align with the policy/program goal and appropriate within the country or beneficiary audience

· Time-Bound: achievable within the timeframe of the program

· Program Activities: Describe specific actions taken under Objective. All activities should be clearly developed and sufficiently explain the resource and time requirements (inputs) and things done or produced (outputs). Activities should detail: target areas, participant groups or selection criteria for participants; how relevant stakeholders will be engaged; actions taken by local partners as appropriate/relevant.

· Future Funding or Sustainability: Include ways program activities will ensure sustainability. This should include the applicant’s plan for continuing the program beyond the grant period, or the availability of other resources, if applicable. Applicants are encouraged to provide a summary of their own strategic goals in the proposed countries, and how the proposal supports that plan. Proposals with a clear vision for how activities, outcomes and outputs will be sustained beyond the life of the program will be considered highly.

· Risk Analysis: Identify the internal and external risks associated with the proposed project, rate the likelihood of the risks, rate the potential impact of the risks on the project, and identify actions that could help mitigate the risks.

5) Budget (preferably as an Excel workbook) that includes three (3) columns containing the request to OES, any cost sharing contribution, and the total budget. A summary budget should also be included using the OMB-approved budget categories (see SF-424A as a sample) in a separate tab. Costs must be in U.S. Dollars. Detailed line-item budgets for sub-grantees should be included as additional tabs within the Excel workbook (if available at the time of submission). Please see attached Budget Template & Guidance.

6) Budget Narrative (preferably as a Word Document) Justify each line-item in the budget and explain how the amounts were derived, consistency with the applicants’ documented policies, as well as the source and description of all proposed costs (and cost-share, if applicable). The narrative should complement the budget rather than repeat information provided in the budget. For example, the narrative should provide details on the purpose of costs, reasonability of costs, cost price analysis, explain allocations, explain any yearly variances and tie expenses to program activities and/or objectives where appropriate. Sources of all cost-share offered in the application should be identified and explained in the budget narrative. See Tab 1. “Budget Guidelines” in the Budget Template for more information.

7) Program Monitoring and Evaluation Narrative and Plan:

· An M&E Narrative (maximum one page) outlines how a project’s M&E system will be carried out and by whom. It details how you will track your project’s performance toward its objectives, over time. Provide a clear description of the approach and data collection strategies and tools to be employed (e.g., pre- and post-test surveys, interviews, focus groups). The description should include how the applicant will track and document whether activities occurred (outputs) and the results or changes caused by these activities (outcomes). If the project includes work with local partners or sub-partners, explain how M&E efforts will be coordinated amongst these organizations. Explain if an external evaluation will be included. Evaluations, internal or external, should be systematic studies that use research methods to address specific questions about project performance. They should provide a valuable supplement to ongoing monitoring activities. Evaluation activities generally include baseline assessments, mid-term and final evaluations.

· The M&E plan should draw on objectives, activities and expected changes and link those areas to indicators. The M&E plan is generally structured as a table with output- and outcome-based indicators. It explains how data will be collected (data collection methods) to show that certain changes occurred. It outlines baselines (where your project is starting) and targets for the reporting period (what you would like to achieve) for each indicator. See Monitoring Indicator Sample.

8) Key Personnel (not to exceed two (2) pages, preferably as a Word Document). This can represent staff within your organization or outside of your organization (subgrantee, consultants, contractors), carrying out administrative or technical responsibilities, who are integral to the success of the program. Include short bios that highlight relevant professional experience. Provides names, titles, roles and experience/qualifications of key personnel involved in the program. Given the limited space, CVs are not recommended for submission. Limited to 3-5 individuals.

9) Timeline (not to exceed one (1) page, preferably as a Word Document or Excel Sheet). The timeline of the overall proposal should include activities, evaluation efforts, and program closeout. Sufficient time should be included to conduct and finalize internal/external evaluations and allow any sub-recipients time for final reporting. See Sample Timeline

10) Gender and Inclusion Analysis (not to exceed two (2) pages, preferably as a Word Document) that provides a concise analysis of relevant gender norms, equity and equality for underserved communities and marginalized populations, power relations, and conflict dynamics in target countries. Potential domains of analysis include institutional practices and barriers, cultural norms, gender roles, access to and control over assets and resources, and patterns of decision-making. Applicants should briefly explain how they have integrated findings from their analysis into project design and/or other proposal documents, including a plan for regularly reviewing and updating the gender and inclusion analysis with local partners/beneficiaries, and making any necessary adjustments to program implementation.

11) Attachments:

· Letters of support from program partners describing the roles and responsibilities of each partner, if applicable/pre-identified

· Official permission letters, if required for project activities

Applications that do not include the elements listed above will be deemed technically ineligible. To ensure that all applications receive a balanced evaluation, the review panel will review from the first page of each section up to the page limit and no further.

D.2.2 Additional Information Requested For Those Receiving Notification of Intent Successful applicants must submit, after notification of intent to make a Federal award, but prior to issuance of a Federal award:

· Written responses and revised application documents addressing conditions and recommendations from the review panel;

· A copy of the applicant’s latest NICRA as a PDF file, if the applicant has a NICRA and includes NICRA charges in the budget;

· A completed copy of the Department’s Financial Management Survey, if receiving USG funding for the first time;

· Submission of required documents to register in the Payment Management System managed by the Department of Health and Human Services, if U.S. based and receiving OES funding for the first time (unless an exemption is provided);

· Other requested information or documents included in the notification of intent to make a Federal award or subsequent communications prior to issuance of a Federal award;

· Applicants who submit their applications through Grants.gov will be required to create a MyGrants account in order to accept the final award. Accounts must be logged into to every 60 days in order to maintain an active account.

D.3 Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM) The Unique Entity Identifier (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. The federal government's primary database for complying with FFATA reporting requirements is www.sam.gov. OMB designated www.sam.gov as the central repository to facilitate applicant and recipient use of a single public website that consolidates data on all federal financial assistance.

Under the law, it is mandatory to obtain a UEI number and register in sam.gov before submitting an application. OES may not review applications from or make awards to applicants that have not completed all applicable UEI and SAM.gov requirements.

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 the award is processed and/or directed to a sub-grantee.

UEI is assigned by sam.gov assigned to organizations that have to register/or renew their sam.gov registration.

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

Numerous errors require correction, such as an address mismatch, and can delay final registration. If the application is not corrected within 90 calendar days of original registration/or renewal submission, it will be automatically deleted, and the organization will need to re-start the process.

· 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). Also, a Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) code is needed and issued through SAM.gov as is the UEI number. Once received continue with the remainder of the SAM.gov registration.

· Organizations based outside of the United States and 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 2023 respectively, newly registering 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 CAGE (NCAGE).

All organizations applying for grants (except individuals) must obtain these registrations. All are free of charge:

· NCAGE/CAGE code (as applicable)

· www.sam.gov UEI and registration If you are an organization based outside the U.S. and DO NOT plan to do business with the Department of Defense:

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

If you are an organization based outside the U.S. and plan to do business with the Department of Defense:

Step 1: Apply for an NCAGE number NCAGE Homepage:

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

https://eportal.nspa.nato.int/Codification/CageTool/home 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 SAM.gov to obtain a UEI and complete registration.

All prime organizations must also continue to maintain active SAM.gov registration with current information at all times during which they have an active federal award or application under consideration by a federal award agency. SAM.gov requires all entities to renew their registration once a year in order to maintain an active registration status in SAM.gov. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure it has an active registration in SAM.gov and to maintain that active registration. If an applicant has not fully complied with the requirements at the time of application, the applicant may be deemed technically ineligible to receive an award and that determination will be used as a basis for making an award to another applicant.

Note: SAM.gov is not the same as SAMS/MyGrants. It is free to register in both systems, but the registration processes are different.

Information is included on the SAM.gov website to help international registrations: Please note, guidance on SAM.gov and the guidance on GSA’s website about requirement for registering in SAM.gov is subject to change and currently being updated. Applicants should review the website frequently for the most up-to-date guidance.

The attached “UEI and SAM.gov FAQ updated 013124” is a resource provided by the grants policy office. Any content shown from SAM.gov is not owned by the Department of State. The guidance and instruction provided are to the best of our knowledge at the time of posting this solicitation. Where guidance in this attachment differs from the SAM.gov website, SAM.gov prevails and the applicant is encouraged to seek and document clarity provided by the SAM.gov helpdesk.

D.3.1 Exemptions An exemption from these requirements may be permitted under the following circumstances:

· Recipient is a foreign organization receiving an award that will be performed outside the United States valued at less than $25,000, if the Grants Officer deems it to be impractical for the entity to obtain a UEI or register in SAM.gov.

· The recipient is an overseas school and does not currently have a UEI number.

· The award relates to a classified or national security matter.

· The recipient’s identity must be protected due to possible endangerment of their mission, their organization’s status, their employees, or the beneficiary being served by the recipient.

· There are exigent circumstances that prohibit the recipient from receiving a UEI and completing SAM registration prior to receiving the award. These circumstances are identified in the justification below and the recipient will be required to register within 30 days of the award date in accordance with 2 CFR 25.

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.

D.4 Submission Dates and Times

Applications are due no later than 11:59 PM Eastern Daylight Time (EDT), on 24 July 2023 on https://www.grants.gov/ or MyGrants (https://mygrants.servicenowservices.com) under the announcement title “Leveraging Local Community Partnerships to Combat Nature Crimes,” funding opportunity number DFOP0016550.

Grants.gov and MyGrants automatically log the date and time an application submission is made, and the Department of State will use this information to determine whether an application has been submitted on time. Late applications are neither reviewed nor considered. Known system errors caused by Grants.gov or MyGrants that are outside of the applicant’s control will be reviewed on a case by case basis. Applicants should not expect a notification upon OES receiving their application.

OES bears no responsibility for disqualification that results from applicants not being registered before the due date, for registration errors in either system, or other errors in the application process.

D.5 Funding Limitations, Restrictions, and other Considerations

OES will not consider applications that reflect any type of support for any member, affiliate, or representative of a designated terrorist organization. Please refer the link for Foreign Terrorist Organizations: https://www.state.gov/foreign-terrorist-organizations/

Consistent with Department guidance on State Funding and the Risks of Terrorist Financing, for all State Department funded programs and requirements, Department bureaus must assess the likelihood that the funds or Department funded activities, goods, services, training, expert advice or assistance, or other benefits to be provided, could inadvertently or incidentally benefit terrorist organizations or their members or supporters, and put in place appropriate risk mitigation measures to mitigate such risk. In accordance with 14 FAM 247, and consistent with the 2 FAM 050, Counterterrorism (CT) name-check vetting may be performed in countries and programs designated by the Department.

Project activities whose direct beneficiaries are foreign militaries or paramilitary groups or individuals will not be considered for OES funding given purpose limitations on funding.

The Leahy Law prohibits Department foreign assistance funds from supporting foreign security force units if the Secretary of State has credible information that the unit has committed a gross violation of human rights. Per 22 USC §2378d(a) (2017), “No assistance shall be furnished under this chapter [FOREIGN ASSISTANCE] or the Arms Export Control Act [22 USC 2751 et seq.] to any unit of the security forces of a foreign country if the Secretary of State has credible information that such unit has committed a gross violation of human rights.” Restrictions may apply to any proposed assistance to police or other law enforcement. Among these, pursuant to section 620M of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended (FAA), no assistance provided through this funding opportunity may be furnished to any unit of the security forces of a foreign country when there is credible information that such unit has committed a gross violation of human rights. In accordance with the requirements of section 620M of the FAA, also known as the Leahy law, project beneficiaries or participants from a foreign government’s security forces may need to be vetted by the Department before the provision of any assistance. If a proposed grant or cooperative agreement will provide assistance to foreign security forces or personnel, compliance with the Leahy Law is required.

Organizations should be cognizant of these restrictions when developing project proposals as these restrictions will require appropriate due diligence of program beneficiaries and collaboration with OES to ensure compliance with these restrictions. Program beneficiaries subject to due diligence vetting will include any individuals or entities that are beneficiaries of foreign assistance funding or support. Due diligence vetting will include a review of open-source materials.

The following activities and costs are not covered under this announcement (this list is NOT exhaustive):

· Construction or renovation is not an allowable activity under this award;

· Projects intended primarily for the growth or institutional development of the applicant organization;

· Projects seeking funds for personal use;

· Administration of a project that will make a profit;

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

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

· Alcoholic beverages;

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

Representation by Organization Regarding a Delinquent Tax Liability or a Felony Criminal Conviction: In accordance with section 7073 of Division K of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2014 (Public Law 113-76) none of the funds made available by that Act may be used to enter into an assistance award with any organization that –

(1) Was “convicted of a felony criminal violation under any Federal law within the preceding 24 months, where the awarding agency has direct knowledge of the conviction, unless the agency has considered, in accordance with its procedures, that this further action is not necessary to protect the interests of the Government”; or

(2) Has any “unpaid Federal tax liability that has been assessed for which all judicial and administrative remedies have been exhausted or have lapsed, and that is not being paid in a timely manner pursuant to an agreement with the authority responsible for collecting the tax liability, unless the Federal agency has considered, in accordance with its procedures, that this further action is not necessary to protect the interests of the Government.”

For the purposes of Section 7073, it is the Department of State’s policy that no award may be made to any organization covered by (1) or (2) above, unless the Procurement Executive has made a written determination that suspension or debarment is not necessary to protect the interests of the U.S. Government.

Organizations should be cognizant of these restrictions when developing project proposals. Funding restrictions will require appropriate due diligence of program beneficiaries and collaboration with OES to ensure compliance with these restrictions. Program beneficiaries subject to due diligence vetting will include any individuals or entities that are beneficiaries of foreign assistance funding or support. Due diligence vetting will include a review of open-source materials.

Section E: Application Review Information E.1 Proposal Review Criteria The OES review panel will evaluate each application individually against the following criteria, listed below in order of importance, and not against competing applications. Please use the below criteria as a reference, but do not structure your application according to the sub-sections.

Quality and Program Design – 20 points: The program idea is well developed and responsive to the policy and program objective of the NOFO. The applicant describes the project’s potential contribution to solving the problem addressed in the problem statement. The application clearly defines the problem; it’s causes; stakeholders; and existing research/data; the approach taken to solve the problem; realistic milestones to indicate progress.

Organizational Capacity – 15 points: The applicant demonstrates an institutional record of successful projects in the content area proposed. The applicant demonstrates experience (e.g., has previously worked and/or has established contacts/partners) in the proposed country/territory/region. The organization has expertise in its stated field and has adequate staffing to manage the proposed project. The applicant demonstrates capacity for responsible fiscal management of donor funding (e.g., successful management of a previous grant or sub-award).

Engagement and Partnership with Civil Society Organizations – 10 points: Proposals should clearly demonstrate how the applicant organization will sub-award to and/or partner with local and/or regional civil society organizations in program administration, design, and implementation. Applications should also detail the experience and organizational capacity of proposed partner organizations.

Program Planning/Ability to Achieve Objectives – 20 points: Goals and objectives are clearly stated and project approach is likely to provide maximum impact in achieving the proposed results. The applicant proposes activities that are feasible, and are also practical, and/or experiential in nature to encourage innovation. The applicant addresses how the project will engage or obtain support from relevant stakeholders and/or identifies local partners. Program logic is sound showing plausible pathways to achieve project outcomes. Key assumptions and risks have been identified and their potential influences described. The applicant acknowledges if activities similar to those proposed are already taking or have taken place previously, and provides an explanation as to how proposed new activities will not duplicate or merely add to existing/recent activities.

Budget & Budget Narrative – 10 points: The budget justification is detailed, accounting for all necessary expenses to achieve proposed activities. Costs are reasonable in relation to the proposed activities and anticipated results and provide detail of calculations, including estimation methods, quantities, unit costs, labor in-put and responsibilities, procurement practice and policy information, and other similar quantitative detail Monitoring & Evaluation/Sustainability – 20 points: Applicant demonstrates it is able to measure program success against key indicators and provides milestones to indicate progress toward goals outlined in the proposal. The program includes output and outcome indicators and shows how and when those will be measured and who will be responsible for them. The applicant clearly details how activities will result in benefits that will continue beyond the funding period.

Support of Equity and Underserved Communities – 5 points: Proposals should clearly demonstrate how the program will support and advance equity and engage underserved communities in program administration, design, and implementation.

Cost Share: While applicants may include in-kind and/or cash cost-share or matching, it will only be used as a merit review factor in tie-breaking. Should two proposals receive equal merit review scores, the application with a greater cost-share contribution will rank higher.

E.2 Review and Selection Process The Department of State is committed to ensuring a competitive and standardized process for awarding funding. Applications will be screened initially in a Technical Eligibility Review stage to determine whether applicants meet the eligibility requirements outlined in section C and have submitted all required documents outlined in section D. Applications that do not meet these requirements will not advance beyond the Technical Eligibility Review stage and will be deemed ineligible for funding under this NOFO.

All applications that are deemed eligible will move forward to the Merit Review Panel consisting of U.S. government subject matter and/or country-specific experts and will be rated on a 100-point scale. OES reserves the right to request the assistance of non-US government Subject Matter Experts (SMEs), if appropriate to the solicitation. Panel Reviewers will determine scores based on the strengths and weaknesses of the afore-mentioned categories and for consistency with the program goals and objectives outlined in this NOFO. Panel Reviewers’ ratings, and any resulting recommendations, are advisory. Panel Reviewers may provide conditions and recommendations on applications to enhance the proposed project, which must be addressed by the applicant before further consideration of the award. To ensure effective use of US Government funds, conditions or recommendations may include requests to increase, decrease, clarify, and/or justify costs and project activities.

OES reserves the right to make an award based on the initial application received with or without discussion or negotiations. Therefore, applications should contain the Applicants’ best terms from both cost and technical standpoints.

Final selection authority resides with OES senior level official. Final award decisions will be influenced by whether the application meets the Department of State’s programmatic goals and objectives, how it supports the Department’s overarching foreign policy priorities, and the geographic distribution of the top-ranking applications.

E.3 Responsibility/Qualification Information in SAM.gov (Formerly, FAPIIS) The Department of State, 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 (formerly FAPIIS) (see 41 U.S.C. 2313).

The applicant, at its option, may review information about itself that a federal awarding agency previously entered and is currently in the designated integrity and performance system accessible through SAM. Currently, federal agencies create integrity records in the integrity module of the Contractor Performance Assessment and Reporting System (CPARS) and these records are visible as responsibility/qualification records in SAM.gov.

The Department of State 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.

Applicants are reminded that U.S. Executive Orders and U.S. law prohibits transactions with or support to individuals or organizations associated with terrorism.

· Proposals that reflect any type of support for any member, affiliate, or representative or a designate to terrorist organization or narcotics trafficker, including elected members of government, will NOT be considered. This provision must be included in any sub‐awards/sub-contracts issued under this award.

· U.S. Applicant organizations must demonstrate adherence to equal opportunity employment practices and commitment to…