FY21TE~2.PDF

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

U.S. EMBASSY MOROCCO

Notice of Funding Opportunity

Funding Opportunity Title: “TechCamp for Cultural Heritage Preservation”

Funding Opportunity Number: PAS-MOROCCO-FY21-02

Deadline for Applications: Sunday, July 25, 2021

CFDA Number: 19.040

Total Amount Available: $60,000 - $80,000

A. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The U.S. Embassy in Morocco is pleased to announce an open grant competition to award a cooperative agreement to organize a “TechCamp for Cultural Heritage Preservation.”

The Embassy’s Public Affairs Office invites proposals from established Moroccan associations, committed and organized civil-society organizations and academic institutions, to implement a hybrid program designed by the U.S. Embassy and the State Department TechCamp team, to include in-person and virtual activities around Cultural Preservation for Moroccan youth following the Department of State TechCamp model. The interactive event will bring together

40 talented Moroccan civil society leaders and members of various youth networks (8 teams of 4 youth and 1 adult mentor—all recruited by the Embassy) and connect them with experts in cultural heritage to build inter-generational teams that will work together before, during, and after the Tech Camp to address cultural heritage challenges in their communities.

The virtual event is tentatively scheduled for March 2022. The in-person TechCamp will be held later in the spring or summer 2022, health and safety conditions permitting.

U.S. and third-country organizations or nationals are not eligible for grants under this program unless in partnership with a Moroccan NGO.

Program Objectives:

The U.S. Embassy is committed to supporting cultural preservation efforts in Morocco through a wide range of programs such as the Ambassador’s Fund for Cultural Preservation and the signing of a Cultural Property Agreement with the Moroccan Government to protect against illegal trafficking of Moroccan cultural property.

Cultural heritage preservation is often seen as the domain of older elites. We must engage youth in the preservation of their communities’ heritage, in ways that are engaging and economically sustainable. Through this TechCamp, the Embassy aims to create a dynamic grassroots network able to identify and preserve tangible and intangible heritage, as well as build capacity for young https://techcamp.america.gov/ people in communication, teamwork, and project management, skills that could boost their job skills and employment prospects.

Applicants are encouraged to submit proposals following the attached program and using the program template provided to demonstrate the organizational capacity and budget estimates to support virtual and in-person activities empowering youth to develop sustainable initiatives to preserve and promote their cultural heritage, bridging the generation gap between experts in heritage preservation and the youth who must continue these efforts. The Department of State’s

TechCamp team and the Embassy, in consultation with the grantee, will design the program and format for the event. We are seeking proposals that can implement the program as described, and suggest additional ideas for program content. For example, we are looking for prospective grantees to propose follow-on activities. However, the main responsibility of the grantee will be organizing the events logistically.

Goals of the Cultural Heritage Tech Camp include:

· Educate Moroccan youth about their rich cultural heritage and help them identify economic opportunities in this field.

· Build a cadre of emerging civic leaders and established cultural heritage experts more closely connected to each other, to Moroccan and U.S. experts, and to the Embassy

· Promote religious freedom and tolerance by encouraging grass roots efforts to preserve the cultural heritage of religious minorities

· Reconnect Moroccan youth with their cultural heritage and strengthen their sense of belonging

· Promote U.S. best practices in cultural preservation, digital engagement, youth outreach, and related fields through the participation of American experts

· Demonstrate U.S. Government commitment to investing in the skills of young Moroccans and preserving Moroccan cultural heritage.

· Provide a forum for Moroccan youth to strengthen their teamwork and leadership, and skills that will increase their chances of success.

· Encourage the participation of young Moroccan women, thus helping break gender barriers.

· Expose participants to funding opportunities for cultural preservation projects, including the

U.S. Government and other sources.

Proposals should include at least one proposed follow-on activity approximately three to six months after the in-person TechCamp that allow all or select participants to further develop their tech projects and build a sustainable relationship with experts in the field of cultural heritage.

This follow-on activity should target only a selected number of cohort participants who have demonstrated dedication and commitment in developing and implementing their follow-on projects. The awardee will design and implement the process for selecting participants for the follow-on activity. The follow-on activity could be in the format of a mentoring program where highly motivated participants are matched with experts in the areas of focus of their projects. The mentors will work closely with the participants to finalize their project ideas and help them bring them to life. (Please note that this activity should be included in the budget proposal)

After the TechCamp, we expect the participants proposing solutions to communicate about and ultimately help preserve their cultural heritage. A $20,000 grants challenge for project development will provide small grants to the participants who submit action plan projects with the most potential social impact. (Please include this in the budget proposal). Out of 8 teams in the Tech Camp, we expect 3 of these awarded follow-on grants through a competitive process to be designed by the grantee.

GUIDELINES:

• Awardees will work closely with the Embassy’s Public Affairs Office to implement an in-person TechCamp for 40 Moroccans (recruited by the Embassy) that lasts 2 days. The in-person TechCamp will be preceded by a virtual program, using speakers identified by the Embassy.

• The activities will include workshops, mentoring, talks and site visits. The activities should be innovative, interactive, and hands-on, following the TechCamp model, and designed in collaboration with the Embassy and the Department of State’s TechCamp team. Ideas for these activities are certainly welcome as part of the proposal, however, final program design will be determined among the partners following the awarding of the cooperative agreement.

• The virtual event is tentatively scheduled for March 2022. The in-person TechCamp will be held later in spring 2022, as health and safety conditions allow.

• Awardees will work closely with the Embassy and the Department of State’s TechCamp team to design and execute follow-on programming.

• The budget should cover the costs of a venue for the TechCamp and travel, lodging, and full board for participants.

• The budget should also cover the costs of a travel, lodging and full board for approximately five local and two international trainers and their honoraria.

• The budget should cover funding for any materials including printing necessary for materials for use in TechCamp activities.

• The budget should cover the costs of interpretation for international trainers.

• The budget should include a $20,000 grants challenge for seed funding of selected project ideas.

• Awardees should be prepared to design and implement surveys, polls, or other methods for evaluating the institute’s effectiveness before, during and after the TechCamp’s completion.

• Awardees should be available to participate in weekly planning calls with the Embassy until the launch of the TechCamp.

• Equipment cannot account for more than 10% of the total project cost.

• The cooperative agreement will be only awarded to Moroccan associations, committed and organized civil-society organizations and academic institutions that already have a final registration receipt and an established bank account at the time that they apply.

• Moroccan associations, civil-society organizations and academic institutions applying to this program should have organized at least one successful, large-scale, youth-focused event in Morocco, or plan to collaborate with an association that has extensive experience in managing such programs.

• All proposals must be submitted to the U.S. Embassy by Sunday July 25, 2021. No late proposals will be considered.

• All applicants will be notified of funding decisions by October 1, 2021, subject to the availability of funds.

Participants and Audiences:

The TechCamp should target 40 youth and civil society leaders (selected by the Embassy) engaged with and interested in cultural heritage from across Morocco.

B. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION

Length of performance period: 12 - 18 months

Number of awards anticipated: 1 award

Award amounts: awards may range from a minimum of $60,000 to a maximum of $80,000

Type of Funding: FY21 Smith Mundt Public Diplomacy Funds

Anticipated program start date: October 2021

This notice is subject to availability of funding.

Funding Instrument Type: Cooperative agreement. The Public Affairs Office will be actively involved in the award implementation. U.S. Embassy staff will:

• In consultation with Department of State’s TechCamp team, design initial program content and select speakers, trainers, and participants.

• Provide standardized logos/branding guidelines for TechCamp promotional materials

• Initiate and participate in promotional activities, to include promotion of the TechCamp through the U.S. Mission to Morocco’s social media platforms and media engagements.

• Identify/approve a venue for the in-person event.

• Review and approve proposed final TechCamp activity/workshop/site visit topics and formats.

Program Performance Period: Proposed programs should be completed in 18 months or less.

The Department of State will entertain applications for continuation grants funded under these awards beyond the initial budget period on a non-competitive basis subject to availability of funds, satisfactory progress of the program, and a determination that continued funding would be in the best interest of the U.S. Department of State.

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

• U.S. and third-country organizations or nationals are not eligible for awards under this program unless in partnership with a Moroccan NGO.

D. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

• To apply, please complete the Applicant Organizational Information form, Project

Narrative Application (in English), the Budget Proposal template (in USD), as well as the

SF424, SF424A, and SF424B forms.

• A copy of the final registration papers for the organization and a copy of RIB certificate should be included

• Proposals must include a narrative statement describing the organization’s experience in implementing similar events, as well as interest in cultural heritage programming.

• Budgets must follow the budget template and should be submitted in U.S. Dollars (please use $1 = 9.00 MAD as exchange rate)

• If other partners are willing to support the proposed activity, please list them as well as their contribution.

• The following documents must be submitted to Rabatgrants@state.gov no later than

Sunday, July 25, 2021.

o Applicant Organizational Information form o Project Narrative Application o Budget Proposal (USD) o Final registration papers for the organization ل نهائي( ص )و o Copy of RIB certificate o SF424 (Application for Federal Assistance) – Must be signed o SF424A (Budget information) o SF424B (Assurances) – Must be signed

For any questions, please contact: Rabatgrants@state.gov mailto:Rabatgrants@state.gov mailto:contact: Rabatgrants@state.gov

Eligibility Requirements:

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 (except individuals) 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%20NCA

GE.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.

If you encounter any error, please contact the SAM Federal Service Desk to report problem at https://www.fsd.gov/clients. There is a standard (not toll free) number that customers can use

334-206-7828.

https://sam.gov/ https://sam.gov/ http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform https://eportal.nspa.nato.int/AC135Public/scage/CageList.aspx https://eportal.nspa.nato.int/AC135Public/Docs/US%20Instructions%20for%20NSPA%20NCAGE.pdf https://eportal.nspa.nato.int/AC135Public/Docs/US%20Instructions%20for%20NSPA%20NCAGE.pdf https://www.sam.gov/

E. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

1. Criteria

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

Quality and Feasibility of the Program Idea: The program idea is well developed, with detail about how program activities will be carried out. The proposal includes a reasonable implementation timeline, including for recruitment of participants, trainers, and resident assistants/chaperones. Goals and objectives are clearly stated, and program outline is likely to provide maximum impact in achieving the proposed results.

Organizational Capacity and Record on Previous Grants: The organization has expertise in its stated fields and has the internal controls in place to manage federal funds. This includes a financial management system and a bank account.

Program Planning/Ability to Achieve Objectives: Goals and objectives are clearly stated, and program approach is likely to provide maximum impact in achieving the proposed results.

Budget: The budget justification is detailed. Costs are reasonable in relation to the proposed activities and anticipated results. The budget is realistic, accounting for all necessary expenses to achieve proposed activities.

Monitoring and evaluation plan: 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.

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

2. Review and Selection Process

The Public Affairs Section will evaluate all eligible applications. The evaluation process will consist of two stages. First, a technical review will be completed to ensure that proposals and organizations meet the criteria set forth above. Second, a Grant Review Committee comprised of personnel from the Embassy will evaluate eligible proposals based on the criteria identified above.

F. FEDERAL AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION

1. Federal Award Notices

The grant award or cooperative agreement 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 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 NOFO does not constitute an award commitment on the part of the U.S.

government, nor does it commit the U.S. government to pay for costs incurred in the preparation and submission of proposals. Further, the U.S. government reserves the right to reject any or all proposals received.

2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

Terms and Conditions: 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 200, 2 CFR 600, Certifications and Assurances, and the Department of State Standard

Terms and Conditions, all of which are available at:

https://www.statebuy.state.gov/fa/pages/home.aspx

Note the U.S Flag branding and marking requirements in the Standard Terms and Conditions.

3. Reporting

Reporting Requirements: Recipients will be required to submit financial reports and program reports. The award document will specify how often these reports must be submitted.

Applicants should be aware of the post award reporting requirements reflected in 2 CFR 200

Appendix XII—Award Term and Condition for Recipient Integrity and Performance Matters.

Foreign Assistance Data Review: As required by Congress, the Department of State must make progress in its efforts to improve tracking and reporting of foreign assistance data through the

Foreign Assistance Data Review (FADR). The FADR requires tracking of foreign assistance activity data from budgeting, planning, and allocation through obligation and disbursement.

Successful applicants will be required to report and draw down federal funding based on the appropriate FADR Data Elements, indicated within their award documentation. In cases of more than one FADR Data Element, typically program or sector and/or regions or country, the successful applicant will be required to maintain separate accounting records.

https://www.statebuy.state.gov/fa/pages/home.aspx https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/retrieveECFR?gp=&SID=027fb85899500d580fc71df69d11573a&mc=true&n=pt2.1.200&r=PART&ty=HTML%20-%20ap2.1.200_1521.i#ap2.1.200_1521.xii https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/retrieveECFR?gp=&SID=027fb85899500d580fc71df69d11573a&mc=true&n=pt2.1.200&r=PART&ty=HTML%20-%20ap2.1.200_1521.i#ap2.1.200_1521.xii

G. OTHER INFORMATION

Guidelines for Budget Justification

Personnel and Fringe Benefits: Describe the wages, salaries, and benefits of temporary or permanent staff who will be working directly for the applicant on the program, and the percentage of their time that will be spent on the program.

Travel: Estimate the costs of travel and per diem for this program, for program staff, consultants or speakers, and participants/beneficiaries. If the program involves international travel, include a brief statement of justification for that travel.

Equipment: Describe any machinery, furniture, or other personal property that is required for the program, which has a useful life of more than one year (or a life longer than the duration of the program), and costs at least $5,000 per unit.

Supplies: List and describe all the items and materials, including any computer devices, that are needed for the program. If an item costs more than $5,000 per unit, then put it in the budget under Equipment.

Contractual: Describe goods and services that the applicant plans to acquire through a contract with a vendor. Also describe any sub-awards to non-profit partners that will help carry out the program activities.

Other Direct Costs: Describe other costs directly associated with the program, which do not fit in the other categories. For example, shipping costs for materials and equipment or applicable taxes. All “Other” or “Miscellaneous” expenses must be itemized and explained.

Indirect Costs: These are costs that cannot be linked directly to the program activities, such as overhead costs needed to help keep the organization operating. If your organization has a

Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate (NICRA) and includes NICRA charges in the budget, attach a copy of your latest NICRA. Organizations that have never had a NICRA may request indirect costs of 10% of the modified total direct costs as defined in 2 CFR 200.68.

“Cost Sharing” refers to contributions from the organization or other entities other than the U.S.

Embassy. It also includes in-kind contributions such as volunteers’ time and donated venues.

Alcoholic Beverages: Please note that award funds cannot be used for alcoholic beverages