FY24 ACW NOFO_SFOP0010112.pdf

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation

Office of Cooperative Threat Reduction (ISN/CTR) Notice of Funding Opportunity

Funding Opportunity Title: Countering Proliferator State Advanced Conventional

Weapons Proliferation Funding Opportunity Number: SFOP0010112 Deadline for Applications: January 31, 2024, 11:59PM EDT Assistance Listing Number: 19.033 Total Amount Available: $10,000,000

A. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Department of State’s Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation, Office of Cooperative Threat Reduction (ISN/CTR) is pleased to announce an open competition for assistance awards through this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). ISN/CTR sponsors foreign assistance activities funded by the Nonproliferation, Antiterrorism, Demining and Related Programs (NADR) and other accounts, and focuses on mitigating weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and WMD-related delivery systems proliferation and security threats from non-state actors and proliferator states.

ISN/CTR builds foreign partner capacity to counter proliferator states’ advanced conventional weapons (ACW) procurement and proliferation networks. Proliferator states such as the Russian Federation use the sale of its weapons systems to exert malign influence, exacerbate regional conflicts, and develop strategic defense dependencies. The Russian Federation’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine has increased its own demand for additional weapon systems and critical defense technologies. Because of Russia’s inability to produce them locally, Russian weapons systems require the import of advanced Western electronics and components. The Russian Federation’s war in Ukraine has also clearly demonstrated the corruption, failures, and deficiencies inherent in the Russian defense sector. This is causing the Russian Federation to become increasingly dependent on other proliferator states such as the People’s Republic of China (PRC).

The “no limit partnership” between the PRC and Russia also raises concerns of the PRC’s support to assist Russia in circumventing international sanctions regimes. Russia’s war in Ukraine also presents PRC with an opportunity to advance its own ACW export market share, as Russia is increasingly unable to meet defense export contracts or attract new orders. The PRC also uses the development and export of ACW as part of its strategy of self-reliance to enable its military modernization efforts. Like Russia, the PRC’s export of ACW can be used to create strategic dependencies in buyer countries and is seen as a tool of statecraft.

Both the PRC and Russia use private military companies (PMCs) to extend their security, economic, and political influence in especially vulnerable countries. These mercenary security entities often operate contrary to international norms and country laws. These entities are also used by Russia and the PRC to exert malign influence, destabilize regions, and exploit natural resources. In fact, the Russian Federation has relied heavily on soldiers from PMSC Wagner to carry out military operations in support of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Program Objectives:

ISN/CTR Areas of Focus Related to ACW:

1. Private Military Companies (PMCs): ISN/CTR’s FY24 foreign capacity building efforts will engage a range of stakeholders including government officials, financial watchdogs, military and law enforcement officials, civil society, and journalists to raise awareness of the risks of doing business with illicit Russian and PRC PMCs. These engagements will provide partners with recent case studies, open-source training tools, procurement best practices, and research methodologies to identify PMCs involved in extralegal acts, and their deleterious effects on sovereignty and economic transparency. Engagements should also include the economic, reputational, sanctions, and natural resource costs of doing business with PMCs.

ISN/CTR is seeking proposals that:

• Promote implementation of international PMC procurement best practices, including adoption of standards outlined in the Montreux document and International Code of Conduct Association (ICOCA).

• Perform open-source research on the beneficial ownership structures, subsidiaries, lenders, financiers, aviation and maritime vehicles used, and logistics providers of PMC groups designated by the U.S. or others.

• Provide actionable, open-source data on PMC deployments, modes of transport, financing, subsidiary, and logistics networks facilitating PMC deployments to foreign public and private sector enforcement officials.

• Assist partners to implement strengthen due-diligence measures when procuring PMC services.

• Assist key defense, security, law enforcement, and private sector entities to professionalize and standardize best practices during the solicitation, procurement, and oversight processes when obtaining PMC services.

• Help partners understand the economic sovereignty, sanctions, and natural resource risks of procuring illicit PMC services.

• Support the development of sustainable and local networks to share best-practices and due-diligence models.

Engagement Countries:

AF: Angola, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chad, Cote d’Ivoire, DRC, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guinea, Kenya, Liberia, Madagascar, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, EUR: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Serbia, Ukraine, NEA: Algeria, Libya

ACW: Countering Russian Procurement Networks: The Russian Federation’s defense sector remains heavily reliant on Western technologies for its ACW proliferation, specifically in the fields of microelectronics, semiconductors, and machine tools. Sanctions against Russian procurement networks have led Russia to adapt its networks and pivot into new or more permissive jurisdictions. ISN/CTR’s FY24 capacity-building work looks to engage private sector technology suppliers, distributors, and wholesalers, public sector financial intelligence units, enforcement agencies, and investigative journalists, to counter these illicit networks.

ISN/CTR is seeking proposals that:

• Use commercially-available and open-source data to develop and disseminate reports that help identify components, front companies, and illicit procurement pathways for military-related items that advance Russian proliferation.

• Provide concrete, actionable information to private and public sector enforcement officials to prevent Russia's access to technologies and resources that could advance its military operations in Ukraine.

• Conduct capacity building engagements that enhance partners’ ability to develop open-source data on illicit and high-risk financial networks, suspicious corporate activities, and trade flows of military applicable components to Russian and Russian-linked entities.

• Engage private sector technology suppliers, distributors, and wholesalers on Russian illicit procurement practices, Know Your Customer’s Customer [KYC(C)], and specific commodities (such as polymers, printed circuit boards, Surface Mount Technology (SMT) equipment, etc.) that Russia may be seeking to advance its military capabilities.

• Engage major microelectronic, semiconductor, and machine tool manufacturers to raise awareness on the risk of Russian entities seeking to invest or engage in joint ventures with primary or sub-tier supply chain companies involved in the design, production, or sale of these technologies.

• Improve private-public partnership, data sharing, and other types of collaboration.

Engagement Countries:

AF: Angola, Cameroon, Cote d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Ghana, Liberia, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, EAP: Japan, Philippines, Republic of Korea, Singapore, Taiwan, Vietnam, EUR: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Croatia, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Greece, Lithuania, Netherlands, Montenegro, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Türkiye, United Kingdom, Ukraine NEA: Algeria, Oman, Qatar, United Arab Emirates

SCA: India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Turkmenistan, WHA: Argentina, Brazil, Ecuador, Mexico, Panama, Peru

ACW: Addressing Strategic Defense Dependencies: When foreign governments procure weapons systems from the Russian Federation, it binds those countries into long-term contracts and dependencies with Russian political, economic, and security stakeholders.

Additionally, these long-term contracts are a significant source of revenue for the Russian Federation that can then funds its malign activities and aggressive actions, such as the invasion of Ukraine. International sanctions against Russia and subsequent delays in Russian ACW exports has created a unique opportunity for countries that have historically relied on Russian weapons systems to begin to diversify their own defense needs away from Russia. The inherent corruption in the Russian defense sector, and its clear demonstration as an unreliable trade partner presents a critical opportunity to support defense diversification away from the Russian Federation.

ISN/CTR is seeking proposals that:

• Develop and disseminate technical reports focused on the hidden costs of doing business with Russian defense firms (to include repairs, spare-parts, corruption, long-term deals that bind countries to strategic reliance in international forum, inflated costs over time), and ACW functional and operational limitations.

• Develop technical analyses for partner countries on defense-related infrastructure, manufacturing, human capital, supply chains, and machine tooling to explore diversification opportunities.

• Analyze Russian weapons systems for operational effectiveness, and their true-costs that include repair, spare parts, and maintenance.

• Support technical engagements with defense decision-makers, manufacturers, and think tanks to provide detailed analyses and off-ramping considerations.

• Potentially include embedding senior weapons and defense industrial complex experts in foreign defense, security, and think tank organizations to provide technical consultation services on diversification research and opportunities.

• Focus on countries with historical ties to, and dependencies on, Russian weapons systems.

Engagement Countries:

AF: Angola, Cameroon, Cote d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Ghana, Liberia, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, EAP: Japan, Philippines, Republic of Korea, Taiwan, Vietnam, EUR: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Croatia, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Greece, Lithuania, Netherlands, Montenegro, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Türkiye, United Kingdom, Ukraine NEA: Algeria,, Oman, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, SCA: India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Turkmenistan

WHA: Argentina, Brazil, Ecuador, Mexico, Panama, Peru

ACW: Counter PRC ACW Exports: The increasing transfer of resources to Russia through PRC-linked entities has become a growing lifeline for Russia that supports its military industrial complex, and its further aggression in Ukraine. There is a concern that PRC-linked entities are an increasing means for Russia to circumvent sanctions and strengthen Russian ACW production capacities. Analyzing and exposing global PRC-linked defense networks using open-source data allows public and private sector stakeholders to avoid potential business venture risks, and helps to ensure compliance with international sanctions. In addition, the PRC uses the development and export of ACW as part of its strategy of self-reliance in the production of high-end technologies that enable its own military modernization efforts. Russia’s war in Ukraine also presents the PRC with an opportunity to advance its ACW export market share, as Russia is increasingly unlikely to meet defense contracts or attract new ones.

ISN/CTR is seeking proposals that:

• Develop and disseminate commercially available, open-source information to identify high-risk PRC defense networks and exports to include: the methods, vessels, and aircraft facilitating these transactions, and the trade restrictions and sanction risks associated with transacting with these entities.

• Raise awareness in the public and private sector on designated PRC defense entities seeking to establish business operations or joint ventures in foreign countries for ACW export purposes.

• Supports key business consultation firms to provide peer-to-peer engagements with foreign private sector partners to limit corporate risks and exposure to PRC defense firms.

• Engage national and regional bodies, such as The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) or African Union, on the risks of PRC ACW proliferation and the unscrupulous nature and destabilizing impact of these activities.

• Engage public and private sector stakeholders on the risks of engaging with PRC-linked defense exporters.

• Engage national and regional African stakeholders on developing and strengthening national and multilateral frameworks to inhibit facilitators of PRC ACW proliferation.

• Support the development of technical analyses and reports that demonstrate the “true costs” and sanctions risks associated with PRC ACW exports.

• Support the dissemination of reports focusing on the hidden costs of doing business with PRC defense firms (to include long-term deals that bind countries to political capture in international forum), and ACW functional and operational limitations.

Engagement countries:

AF: Angola, Cameroon, Cote d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Ghana, Liberia, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, EAP: Japan, Philippines, Republic of Korea, Taiwan, Vietnam, EUR: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Croatia, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Greece, Lithuania, Netherlands, Montenegro, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Türkiye, United Kingdom, Ukraine NEA: Algeria, Oman, Qatar, United Arab Emirates SCA: India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Turkmenistan WHA: Argentina, Brazil, Ecuador, Mexico, Panama, Peru

B. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION

Length of performance period: Twelve (12) Months Award amounts: Awards should range between $50,000 to a $300,000 per project Total available funding: $10,000,000 Type of Funding: FY24/25 Nonproliferation, Anti-Terrorism, Demining and Related Activities Funds under the Foreign Assistance Act.

Anticipated project start date: October 1, 2024 Funding Instrument Type: Cooperative agreement. Cooperative agreements are different from grants in that bureau staff are more actively involved in the grant implementation. The CTR office will play an active role in developing and shaping the materials developed and implanted during this award. CTR will also help identify participants.

Project Performance Period: Proposed projects should be completed in 12 months or less.

This notice is subject to availability of funding.

Funding Instrument Type: Cooperative agreements. Cooperative agreements are different from grants in that bureau/embassy staff are more actively involved in the grant implementation.

Program Performance Period: Proposed programs should be completed in 12 or less.

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

• Federally funded research and development centers (FFRDCs)

• For-profit organizations Public International Organizations and Governmental institutions

2. Cost Sharing or Matching

Cost sharing is not required and will play no role in when the project is being evaluated.

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.

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

D. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

1. Address to Request Application Package

Required application forms are available at grants.gov.

2. 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 proposal clearly addresses the goals and objectives of this funding opportunity.

• All documents are in English

• All budgets are in U.S. dollars

• All pages are numbered

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

• All Microsoft Word documents are single-spaced, 12 point Calibri font, with a minimum of 1-inch margins.

Proposal documents Mandatory documents o SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance – organizations) o Project Proposal: Please follow the directions to complete the proposal template included in the application package.

o Consolidated Project List o Budget Detail

Optional documents o SF-424B (Only required for organizations not registered in

SAM.gov) o SF -LLL (DISCLOSURE OF LOBBYING ACTIVITIES) o Copy of most recent approved NICRA http://www.sam.gov/ o Summary Page o DEIA standalone document (Separate from DEIA plan information included in project proposal)

2. Summary Page: Cover sheet stating the applicant name and organization, proposal date, program title, program period proposed start and end date, and brief purpose of the program.

3. Proposal (3 pages per project maximum): The proposal should contain sufficient information that anyone not familiar with it would understand exactly what the applicant wants to do. Use the project proposals template posted with this NOFO.

5. Budget Detail: Use the spreadsheet template included with the NOFO to describe each of the budget expenses in detail. See section H. Other Information: Guidelines for Budget Submissions below for further information.

6. Consolidated Project List: Please use the provided template to identify all key information about the project. Each project included with this proposal should have its own line on the spreadsheet.

7. Attachments (Optional)

• 1-page CV or resume of key personnel who are proposed for the program

• If your organization has a Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA) and includes NICRA charges in the budget, your latest NICRA should be included as a PDF file.

• Standalone DEIA Statement in compliance with the optional proposal document, format included in with the guidance posted with the NOFO.

• SF-LLL form

3. Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM.gov) (NOTE: This section is required and not optional. )

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.”

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 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=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 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

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.

4. Submission Dates and Times

Applications are due no later than 31 January 2024 at 11:59pm (EDT).

5. Funding Restrictions

Legal restrictions prevent ISN/CTR from providing assistance to Burma, China, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, South Sudan, Sudan, and Syria.

Under Section 635b of the Foreign Assistance Act, CTR is able to provide awards to for-profit corporations, so long as the for profit does not benefit in profit from the implementation of the award.

6. Other Submission Requirements

All application materials must be submitted through www.Grants.gov unless you are a U.S.

Government entity applying for Inter-Agency Agreement (IAA) funding. If you are applying for an IAA please submit proposals to the relevant program team and ISN-CTR- BUDGET@state.gov.

E. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

1. Criteria Applicants should note that the following criteria serve as a standard against which all project proposals will be evaluated and identify significant considerations that should be addressed in all proposals. ISN/CTR will award a cooperative agreement to the applicant(s) whose offer represents the best overall value to the government from both a technical and cost perspective.

ISN/CTR will evaluate proposals against the stated criteria. Criteria are listed in descending order of importance.

• Proposed Activity or Activities: Applicants should clearly describe what they propose to do and how they will do it. The proposed project(s) must directly relate to meeting the specified objectives and applicants should include specific information on how they will systematically meet ISN/CTR’s global threat reduction mission. ISN/CTR will evaluate the project proposal in terms of how well it addresses the issues at hand, relevance and feasibility of the proposed activities, the timeline for completion, and the extent to which the impact of the project will continue beyond the conclusion of the period of performance.

• Organizational Capability: Applicants must demonstrate how their resources, capabilities, and experience will enable them to achieve the stated goals and objectives in an international technical context. The proposal(s) must identify all key partners and organizations that will be involved in implementation of this project.

• Budget: Proposed costs will be evaluated for feasibility, fiscal control practices, and efficiency. ISN/CTR must be able to determine that proposed costs are reasonable, allowable, and allocable to the proposed project activities.

ISN/CTR will evaluate the budget to determine if the overall costs are realistic for the work to be performed, if the costs reflect the applicant’s understanding of the allowable cost principles established by 2CFR200, and if the costs are consistent with the program narrative.

• Impactful and Measurable Engagements: Although complex nonproliferation objectives demand persistent engagement with partner countries, discrete projects should individually advance progress toward a particular objective. Proposals should describe the end-state the project aims to achieve, along with specific, measurable, and realistic benchmarks by which to gauge progress toward that end state. Compelling project proposals will establish milestones to be met during the implementation period, and describe observable progress in meeting the program goals described above.

• Diversity and Inclusion: ISN/CTR values collaboration and promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion with all stakeholders by creating an environment that is open to equal opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran or disabled status. Implementers are welcome but not required to submit with their proposal a plan for how the implementer intends to further ISN/CTR’s diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) objectives through their programming.

Submitted plans will be evaluated separate to the overall evaluation of projects and

• Cyber Security: Implementer shall be required to establish and follow policy and procedures for an effective implementation of security controls using NIST 800-53 (Rev. 5 or higher)), System and Information Integrity Policy (SI-1) as follows:

a. Identification and Authentication: Implement multifactor authentication for network access and local access.

b. Access Controls: Implement security controls for information sharing, remote access and wireless access including: Monitoring, controlling, and protecting remote and wireless access to information by auditing information systems components (e.g., workstations, notebook computers, smartphones, and tablets).

c. Incident Handling: Monitor and report any and all security incidents including breaches to ISN/CTR directly within 48 hours of the incident and include a risk assessment of the security access controls.

2. Review and Selection Process

A review committee will evaluate all eligible applications, final funding decision will be made by ISN/CTR Office Director and Deputy Director.

3. Responsibility/Qualification Information in SAM.gov (formerly, FAPIIS)

i. 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 U.S. government designated integrity and performance system accessible through SAM.gov (see 41 U.S.C. 2313);

ii. An applicant, at its option, may review and comment on any information about itself that a Federal awarding agency previously entered. 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;

iii. 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.

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.

Payment Method: Payment Management System or SF-270 on a monthly basis.

2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

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

• 41 USC 4712 - Enhancement of contractor protection from reprisal for disclosure of certain information

• 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:

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

• 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:

o 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), o 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), o 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), o 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 o 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).

In accordance with the Executive Order on Advancing Racial Equity and Underserved Communities, proposals should demonstrate how the program advances equity with respect to race, ethnicity, religion, income, geography, gender identity, sexual orientation, and disability. The proposal should also demonstrate how the program will further engagement in underserved communities and with individuals from underserved communities. Proposals should demonstrate how addressing racial equity and underserved communities will enhance the program’s goals and objectives, as well as the experience of participants.

The support of underserved communities will be part of the review criteria for this opportunity. Therefore, proposals should clearly demonstrate how the program will support and advance equity and engage underserved communities in program administration, design, and implementation.

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.

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 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=81a5f41de81c46a9844617d93a9db081&mc=true&node=pt2.1.200&rgn=div5 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=81a5f41de81c46a9844617d93a9db081&mc=true&node=pt2.1.200&rgn=div5 https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.whitehouse.gov%2Fbriefing-room%2Fpresidential-actions%2F2021%2F01%2F20%2Fexecutive-order-advancing-racial-equity-and-support-for-underserved-communities-through-the-federal-government%2F&data=04%7C01%7CReisigAR%40state.gov%7C0dbdd75a0a664b32ef2508d8fb59f8f5%7C66cf50745afe48d1a691a12b2121f44b%7C0%7C0%7C637535711126807160%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=Hk82GX1SCF8LaoHg%2B2vrmdCRK6gGWYwQXU9CB6cLb5E%3D&reserved=0 https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.whitehouse.gov%2Fbriefing-room%2Fpresidential-actions%2F2021%2F01%2F20%2Fexecutive-order-advancing-racial-equity-and-support-for-underserved-communities-through-the-federal-government%2F&data=04%7C01%7CReisigAR%40state.gov%7C0dbdd75a0a664b32ef2508d8fb59f8f5%7C66cf50745afe48d1a691a12b2121f44b%7C0%7C0%7C637535711126807160%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=Hk82GX1SCF8LaoHg%2B2vrmdCRK6gGWYwQXU9CB6cLb5E%3D&reserved=0 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.

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.

G. FEDERAL AWARDING AGENCY CONTACTS

If you have any questions about the grant application process, please contact: CTRSpecialProjectsProposals@state.gov

Direct any NOFO submission (non-programmatic) questions to:

Office of Cooperative Threat Reduction Budget Team ISN-CTR-BUDGET@state.gov

H. 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.

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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 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.