FY25 CTR NOFO_NSEP_ Final 241025.pdf

United States Department of State

INTERNATIONAL SECURITY AND NONPROLIFERATION OFFICE OF

COOPERATIVE THREAT REDUCTION

Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)

Funding Opportunity Title: Nonproliferation Scientist Engagement Program

Funding Opportunity Number: DFOP0016994

Assistance Listing Number: 19.033

Solicitation Type: Open Competition

Type of Award: Grant; Cooperative Agreement; IAA

Application Deadline: 11:59 PM EST on 17 January 2025

Total Funding Ceiling: $6,000,000

Funding Authority: Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended (FAA); Funds with additional authorities may be used.

Cost Sharing: Not Required

Anticipated Number of Awards: Five (5) awards (dependent on amounts) Awards may range from a minimum of $100,000 to a maximum of $2,000,000

Period of Performance: 15 months

Question Submission Deadline: 11:59 PM EST on 10 January 2025

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/non-government organizations (NGO); federally funded research and development centers (FFRDCs); public International Entities; Foreign Public

Entities; 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.

Table of Contents

Section A: Funding Opportunity Description

A.1. Background

A.2. Problem Statement

A.3. Project Goal

A.4. Objectives

A.5. Expected Outcomes

A.6. Performance Indicators

A.7. Key Considerations

A.8. Substantial Involvement (if applicable)

Section B: Federal Award Information

B.1. Available Funding

B.2. Award Management

Section C. Eligibility Information

C.1 Eligible Applicants

C.2. Cost-Sharing or Matching

C.3. Other Eligibility Criteria

Section D: Application and Submission Information

D.1. Address to request Application Package ............ Error! Bookmark not defined.

D.2. Content and Form of Application Submission .... Error! Bookmark not defined.

D.3. Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and System for Award Management (sam.gov)25

D.3.1 Exemptions

D.4. Submission Dates and Times

D.5. Funding Limitations, Restrictions, and Other Considerations

Section E: Application Review Information

E1. Proposal Review Criteria

E.2. Review and Selection Process

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

Section F: Federal Award Administration Information

F.1. Federal Award Notices

Section G: Federal Awarding Agency Contact

G.1. Contacts

G.2. Question Submission Deadline

Section H: Other information

H.1. Conflict of Interest

H.2. Freedom of Information Act

H.5. Monitoring Site Visits

H.6. Privacy Disclosure

H.8. Background Information on BUREAU

SECTION A: FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

A.1. Background

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. An underlying aim of all ISN/CTR’s efforts is long-term sustainability to maximize programmatic impact while minimizing the need for foreign partners to rely on outside financial or technical assistance.

A.2. Problem Statement

Russia’s further invasion of Ukraine in 2022 displaced thousands of Ukrainian and other émigré scientists, technicians, and engineers (STEs) from their place of employment and/or income stream. Many have world-class dual-use science and technology expertise (nuclear, chem, bio, missile, emerging technology, and related disciplines) that makes them attractive to proliferator states and other malign actors. These experts are now financially vulnerable to exploitation.

ISN/CTR created the Nonproliferation Scientist Engagement Program (NSEP) to provide near-term capacity-building and other support to these civilian STEswith dual-use relevant expertise who are geographically displaced or otherwise rendered financially vulnerable to proliferator state exploitation due to Russia’s further invasion of Ukraine. The NSEP focuses narrowly on that subset of civilian

STEs who have scientific or engineering expertise that could be redirected and exploited by proliferator states or rogue actors to support nuclear, biological, chemical, or missile programs that could be used to attack the United States and our allies and partners. In addition to Ukraine, many of these STEs are located in countries such as Armenia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, and other Caucasian or Central

Asian countries.

A.3. Project Goal

The goal of NSEP is to prevent proliferator state exploitation of Ukrainian and other émigré civilian sSTEs with dual-use expertise who are affected by Russia’s further invasion of Ukraine by reducing these experts’ vulnerability to exploitation by proliferator states and other malaign actors. To do so, NSEP address potential financial insecurity through peaceful civilian fellowships and research grants to continue their work in their current locations, without the need for relocation;

improving their career stability through microgrants to enhance their ability to network with civilian collaborators, publish, and present their work at conferences; and increasing their capacity to protect their sensitive knowledge and intellectual property from proliferator state exploitation. The program has a strong nonproliferation focus and is not intended to support the rebuilding of Ukraine’s science sector writ large. The program does not engage Ukrainian or other émigré scientists located in the United States.

A.4. Objectives

In Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25), the Nonproliferation Scientist Engagement Program will fund activities that align with and support one or more of the objectives below.

Proposals should clearly indicate which of the objectives the work is intended to support.

FELLOWSHIPS/ RESEARCH GRANTS

• Providing virtual fellowships and similar opportunities for Ukrainian dual-use STEs to supplement their income on a temporary basis in support of peaceful civilian research, writing, publication, and engagement that can occur on a virtual and/or hybrid basis or otherwise without requiring travel or relocation. The program seeks to provide twelve-month virtual fellowships and similar opportunities, based on applications submitted and assessed on a competitive basis, to supplement Ukrainian experts’ income while they pursue specific, longer-term civilian research, writing, publication, and engagement activities. Fellowships are intended for both individuals and/or groups of STEs and should have an ISN/CTR-approved scope of peaceful civilian work, with funding provided directly by the implementer to the Ukrainian scientists performing the work, based on monthly reports submitted or similar deliverables. ISN/CTR relies on its implementing organizations to leverage their own networks to identify and conduct outreach to Ukrainian partners; solicit applications; identify subject matter experts to review proposals, provide recommendations, and act as collaborators for selected proposals; administer the fellowship program and funding; and conduct monitoring and provide reporting to ISN/CTR. This line of effort is exclusively focused on Ukrainian scientists with dual-use relevant expertise who are located primarily but not exclusively in Ukraine.

• Implementing sustainable, peaceful research grants for émigré dual-use

STEs to supplement their income on a temporary basis and foster long-term sustainable collaboration with local research institutes in third country locations where these emigres are currently based without requiring further travel or relocation. These fellowships are intended to embed groups of émigré STEs with local research institutes for responsible, secure, safe, and supervised peaceful research in these institutes, and can also include nationals of the local host institute. These fellowships should have an ISN/CTR-approved scope of peaceful civilian work, with funding provided directly by the implementer to the émigré scientists performing the work, based on quarterly reports submitted or similar deliverables.

ISN/CTR relies on its implementing organizations to conduct targeted outreach to émigré STE partners; solicit applications; identify subject matter experts to review proposals, provide recommendations, and act as collaborators for selected proposals; administer the fellowship program and funding; and conduct monitoring and reporting to ISN/CTR. This line of effort is exclusively focused on émigré scientists with dual-use relevant expertise in Central Asia, the Caucuses, and elsewhere. This program will

NOT fund individuals or activities located within the Russian Federation or employed by the Government of the Russian Federation.

KNOWLEDGE SECURITY AND OTHER CAPACITY BUILDING TRAINING

• Strengthening Ukrainian or émigré STE’s capacity to conduct knowledge security best practices to safeguard dual-use knowledge from inadvertent disclosure, protect their sensitive intellectual property, and implement individual cybersecurity best practices to mitigate the risk of online exploitation from proliferator states. This capacity-building may be conducted via virtual or hybrid formats, either synchronous or asynchronous, in locations where Ukrainian or émigré dual-use STEs are clustered. Implementers will be responsible for leveraging their own networks to identify and conduct outreach to Ukrainian or émigré participants, participant registration, agenda and curriculum development and delivery, all logistical arrangements, event implementation, project monitoring and reporting to ISN/CTR. Cybersecurity-related capacity-building should be tailored to the needs of individual STEs; the NSEP does not fund work to strengthen the cybersecurity of CBRN institutes, materials, or facilities.

MICROGRANTS

• Enhancing Ukrainian or émigré STE’s ability to network with civilian collaborators, present their work at conferences, and publish their research for peaceful, non-military applications through administering targeted microgrants. These microgrants are intended to support Ukrainian or émigré civilian STEs ability to travel to civilian scientific conferences to present their research or publish their work and meet with collaborators.

The microgrants can cover travel and lodging to conferences, related conference fees, publishing fees, and other related expenses. Implementers will be responsible for leveraging their own networks to identify and conduct outreach to Ukrainian or émigré STE partners; soliciting applications; administering the microgrant program and funding; and conducting monitoring and reporting to ISN/CTR.

OTHER INNOVATIVE PROGRAMMING

• Designing and delivering other innovative cooperative programming to address the nonproliferation mission described in this NOFO.

A.5. Expected Outcomes

NSEP expected outcomes include:

• Safe, supervised, and peaceful civilian research carried out by Ukrainian and other émigré civilian STEs with dual-use relevant expertise, rather than relying upon financial support from proliferator states for WMD research and development.

• Ukrainian and other émigré STEs establish connections with civilian collaborators to advance their research and stay relevant in their fields.

• Ukrainian and other émigré STEs apply the knowledge and skills received in

ISN/CTR-funded training on knowledge security, know-your-collaborator, and individual cybersecurity best practices to avoid proliferator state exploitation.

A.6. Performance Indicators

NSEP performance indicators include:

• Percentage of Ukrainian and other émigré STEs that reported increased financial security as a result of receiving an ISN/CTR-funded fellowship or grant.

• Number of new professional contacts established by Ukrainian or émigré

STEs with civilian collaborators as a result of ISN/CTR-funded microgrants.

• Percentage of Ukrainian or émigré STEs who report using/applying knowledge security and cybersecurity skills gained from ISN/CTR-funded training.

A.7. Key Considerations

• Leveraging Technical and Other Expertise: The program may incorporate experts from U.S. and international technical organizations, national laboratories, academia, non-governmental and intergovernmental organizations, and industry in its relevant activities. ISN/CTR seeks to facilitate long-term collaboration between Ukrainian and/or émigré STEs and foreign partners but does not seek to displace STEs from their current employment or location.

• Tailored Engagement Strategies: ISN/CTR sponsors projects that are relevant to each Ukrainian and/or émigré STE’s needs, capabilities, location, and circumstances. These activities do not use a one-size-fits-all approach.

Instead, they are tailored based on the technical and human capacity of the community involved, as well as cultural and policy considerations and build upon previous engagements and relationships from ISN/CTR or other experts.

• Utilizing Innovative Technology: To sustain developments made during trainings and to provide consistent, regular support throughout project implementation, ISN/CTR encourages the use of online training modules readily accessible outside a traditional work environment and virtual communication for capacity building.

• Concrete Impact: The program seeks to move beyond generic awareness-raising and one-off engagement to adopt, implement, and sustain best practices. To accomplish the project objective, ISN/CTR is open to a variety of approaches, including leveraging private sector capabilities. Proposals that provide specific and feasible approaches to sustainability, rather than platitudes or vague references, are highly encouraged.

• Note: This program engages a specific subset of experts with scientific or engineering expertise on dual-use knowledge security, peaceful civilian employment, and professional development to avert proliferator state exploitation or redirection for illicit WMD programs. To this end, ISN/CTR will evaluate each proposal, and each project during implementation, based on the strength of its proposed structure of engagement activities and established milestones, seeking work that will continue throughout the period of the project and utilize hybrid activities where necessary to ensure the effectiveness of the ongoing training effort.

A.8. Substantial Involvement

ISN/CTR will be involved in the project development and planning. ISN/CTR staff will work closely with the implementer to select participants, grant awards, and review event agendas to ensure that they align with the proficiency level, needs and interests of each ISN/CTR partner country audience. ISN/CTR will approve foreign participants, advise on training logistical implementation and will consult on all aspects of event logistical planning and all participants including process and lead-time required for obtaining U.S. visas.

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 final application received, and time stamped by grants.gov will be reviewed for eligibility. Each application can include multiple projects that will be evaluated independently.

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 as 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.

B.2. Award Management

The successful applicant will need to routinely collaborate with ISN/CTR 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

ISN/CTR 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); federally funded research and development centers (FFRDCs); Public International Organizations;

Foreign Public Organizations; 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.

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.

Voluntary cost-share: Should the applicant choose to contribute voluntary cost-share but does not meet the minimum amount of the voluntary cost-sharing stipulated in the applicant’s budget, DOS’ contribution may be reduced in proportion to the applicant’s contribution.

C.3. Other Eligibility Criteria

Any applicant with an exclusion in the Exclusions section of the System for Award

Management (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 in the Exclusions section of SAM.gov can participate in any activities under an award. All applicants are strongly encouraged to review the

Exclusions section 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 grants.gov under the announcement title “Countering the Russian Federation’s Sanctions Evasion Activities” funding opportunity number “DFOP0016994”.

Please contact the ISN/CTR 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.

https://sam.gov/ https://sam.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/

D.2. Content and Form of Application Submission

ISN/CTR is looking for one proposal package per application. Each package can include multiple standalone projects that can each be evaluated independently.

Each proposed project should have a unique set of the following documents:

Project Narrative, Budget Documents, Program Monitoring and Evaluation

Narrative and Plan, and Key Personnel. Each proposal packet will include one of the following documents that incorporate information on all proposed projects:

SF-424, SF-424A, SF-424B (Optional), SF-LLL (if Applicable), Cover Page/Executive

Summary, Security Plan, Contingency Plan, Timeline, and Racial Equity and

Underserved Communities Analysis. 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. 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, 14-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.

• 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 program team identified in section G.1 and ISN-CTR-BUDGET@state.gov.

Complete applications must include the following, where applicable:

https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.grants.gov%2F&data=05%7C02%7CPattisonTE%40state.gov%7C35e984aeaa6f450d06b508dce47bec4e%7C66cf50745afe48d1a691a12b2121f44b%7C0%7C0%7C638636468094971073%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=NCzTw2%2FBzrW4lUl0PnwRlcLma10oDNq%2BS3nOeIj0JaU%3D&reserved=0 mailto:ISN-CTR-BUDGET@state.gov

One document per proposal

1. Completed and signed SF-424 and SF-424A

2. OPTIONAL SF-424B forms (strongly encouraged for FPEs/PIOs)

3. 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).

4. 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, 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.

5. 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, as applicable. Please see “Sample

Timeline” included as an attachment to the NOFO.

6. Racial Equity and Underserved Communities Analysis In accordance with the Executive Order on Advancing Racial Equity and Underserved

Communities, proposals must demonstrate how the program advances equity with respect to race, ethnicity, religion, income, geography, gender identity, sexual orientation, and disability. The proposal must 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 programs’ goals and objectives, as well as the experience of participants. The support of underserved communities will be 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 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.

A Racial Equity and Underserved Community analysis, (not to exceed two

(2) pages, preferably as a Word document) helps consider the different ways in which activities might impact and be impacted by the community, country, and region where activities take place. This analysis should seek to highlight what strategies for integration and inclusion were used to develop the proposed project or projects. Below is an illustrative list of questions to help with the gender and inclusion analysis. Recipients are NOT REQUIRED to respond to every question or duplicate this chart in their proposal.

Findings from the applicants’ analysis should be accounted for at the design phase and integrated throughout proposal documents, as appropriate.

Domain Consideration Cross-Cutting Questions

Laws, Policies, Regulations, and

Institutional

Practices

Are there any laws or policies that address inequality or discrimination, current or past?

How could treatment under the law, and by official policies and institutions in the country, impact engagement with intended audiences?

Have you engaged or consulted with the communities or people with whom you want to work?

What do local equality groups think about the work?

Have they flagged any potential concerns or unintended consequences?

Who would benefit from or be burdened by your proposal? Is anyone better off?

Cultural Norms, Beliefs and Gender

Roles

What is expected of OR what responsibilities are held by different genders?

What stereotypes exist and how do they affect engagement in activities?

How do gender roles and responsibilities, inside and outside the home, impact equitable participation?

Who decides, influences, and exercises control over material, human, intellectual, and financial resources in the family, community and country?

Access to and

Control over Assets and Resources

Do men and women have equal control over and the capacity to use resources – assets, income, education, social benefits, services, technology – and information necessary to be an active and productive participant in society?

Are resources accessible to all people regardless of physical, socioeconomical status.

7. Security Plan (not to exceed three (3) pages if proposal includes in person engagements): Addresses any issues involving in-person events and recruitment for said events, and safety for any online programs or communications including independent IT security audits (to include a vulnerability assessment) of any proposed web application or platform.

Organization’s Security Plan should demonstrate consideration of the risks identified in the submitted risk assessment. Costs may also be identified within the budget and budget narrative. Applicants are also encouraged to include contingency plans for in-person or online activities.

8. Contingency Plan (not to exceed three (3) pages): Outlines activities in the event that the originally planned activities are unimplementable. The

Contingency Plan should be submitted as an additional annex. Applicants should demonstrate consideration of the risks identified in the submitted risk assessment and include specific alternative activities or locations as part of the Contingency Plan. Any proposed “plan” must comply with 2 CFR

200.433 – Contingency provisions. Plans must not include unallocable or unallowable expenses and must not result in a larger Total Award Value than the identified “competition ceiling.” ISN/CTR requires prior approval by the Grants Officer of the “plan” before any activities can take place, or costs can be incurred against the “plan.”

9. Attachments (if applicable):

• CVs or resumes

• List of USG funded awards active in the last twenty-four (24) months with references and award numbers

One document per project (Individual project documents can be combined if you are including multiple projects in your proposal)

10. Project Narrative (not to exceed three (3) pages per project, preferably as a

Word document). Please note the 3-page limit does not include the Cover

Page/Executive Summary, Detailed Budget, Budget Narrative, Key

Personnel, Timeline or Attachments. Applicants are encouraged to combine multiple documents into a single Word document (i.e. Cover Page/Executive

Summary, and Proposal Narrative into one file). The Narrative must include the following:

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

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

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

d. Program Goal: The goal describes the broader, long-range outcome or concept intended. Goals do not include timelines or methods for achievement. Rather, goals are general statements of a desired result.

Programs generally have one goal that is only one sentence.

e. Program Objective(s): Objectives unlike goals, are brief, clear statements that describe what will be done within a specific timeframe to help achieve or advance a goal. Objectives are applicant focused, and should be SMART:

1. Specific: Detailed and specifies what will be achieved

2. Measurable: have associated metrics or measurements of success

3. Attainable: appropriately challenging, objectives can be reasonably attained given the available resources

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

5. Time-Bound: achievable within the timeframe of the program

f. Program Activities: Describe how the activities or actions under objective(s) will be carried out. Should be clearly developed and sufficiently explain the resources and time requirements identified

(inputs) and things done or produced (outputs). Where appropriate, identify target areas, or where actions are happening, participant groups or selection criteria for participants; how relevant stakeholders will be engaged; actions taken by consultants, sub-recipients or vendors as appropriate/relevant. Demonstrate how the activity will support and advance equity and engage underserved communities in program administration, design, and implementation.

g. Outcomes: The results or effects of the objective(s). What are the detailed, measurable statements that outline the end results?

Outcomes are target-audience focused. What will the benefitting individuals, countries or audiences have learned, accomplished or be able to do after the project has been completed? Collectively, outcomes advance or further the program goal.

h. 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.

i. Future Funding or Sustainability – Applicants’ plan for continuing the program beyond the grant period, or the availability of other resources, if applicable. Include ways program activities will ensure sustainability.

11. Budget Documents: This is a two (2) component submission requirement.

(1) Detailed Line-Item Budget: Entities and organizations not recognized as FFRDCs, FPEs, or PIOs are required to submit detailed budget information according to the OMB cost categories (see SF-

424A as an example). Budget expenses should be submitted preferably as one Excel workbook and include three (3) columns describing the request to ISN/CTR, any required or voluntary cost sharing, and the total budget. Costs must be in whole U.S. dollars. The attached Budget Guidance Template is the preferred format for submission. Detailed line-item budgets for sub-grantees should be included as additional tabs within the Excel workbook (if available at the time of submission).

(2) Budget Narrative: Entities and organizations not recognized as

FFRDCs, FPEs, or PIOs are required to submit narrative information, preferably as a Word document, that explain the methodology considerations for each specific line identified in the Excel document.

The budget narrative should support the activities described in the proposal and provide additional information that might not be readily apparent in the detailed line-item budget. Do not simply repeat what is represented numerically in the budget, i.e. salaries are for salaries or travel is for travel. If the detailed budget includes sub-awards, please include a separate budget narrative for each sub-award budget. Provide details on the purpose of costs, reasonability of costs, cost price analysis, allocation methodology, explain any yearly variances in unit prices, and tie expenses to program activities and/or objectives where appropriate. Information should describe prices used when costs have been averaged for the purposes of the calculation; when or if there is a reduction in a typical cost due to leveraging other resources; when costs are inflated due to specific considerations; or when untypical costs are included due to special circumstances. Provide information on considerations such as translations, multi-media approaches as also described in the proposal narrative, procurement by local vendors or the need to import due to unavailability, specific needs of different audiences, costs related to country limitations, etc.

Budget Documents for Foreign Public Entities/Public International

Organizations: Entities and organizations recognized as FFRDCs, FPEs, or PIOs are not required to submit detailed budget information according to the OMB cost categories. (1) A detailed budget, preferably as an excel document broken down by activity may be provided instead. Costs must be in U.S. dollars. (2) A budget narrative, preferably as an Excel workbook, an activity based detailed budget with information identifying lines associated with labor (inclusive of contractual or consultancy staff), participant support costs, travel, and other activity related expenses as appropriate for each activity identified. While 2 CFR 200, Subpart E—Costs Principles does not apply to FPEs and PIOs, it should be used as a guide to assist in determining reasonableness. Budget narrative information, preferably as a Word document, should explain the methodology considerations https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200#subpart-E for each activity and other cost considerations or special circumstances that are helpful in determining reasonableness.

12. Program Monitoring and Evaluation Narrative and Plan/Tracker: This is a two (2) component submission requirement.

(1) Monitoring and Evaluation Narrative: Preferably a one-page Word document, the narrative 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 and provides 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.

(2) Monitoring and Evaluation Plan/Tracker - Preferably as an Excel workbook, the tracker contains the M&E plan that should draw on the objectives, activities and expected changes from the logic model, 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 quarterly targets

(what you would like to achieve) for each indicator. Please see “Sample

Monitoring Indicator Tracker” included as an attachment to the NOFO.

a. Note: If recommended for funding, the panel and/or bureau may negotiate the inclusion of additional Department of State Foreign

Assistance indicators. These indicators assist the bureau in tying projects to larger bureau program objectives for Department’s

Managing for Results framework. More information on this policy framework and access to the foreign assistance master indicator list is on the Foreign Assistance Resource Library. After award issuance, the

M&E plan will accompany performance reports to document progress on indicators.

13. Key Personnel (not to exceed two (2) pages, preferably as a Word document): Represents staff within your organization or outside of your organization (subgrantee, consultants, contractors), carrying out administrative and/or technical responsibilities, who are integral to the success of the program. Includes 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, inserting CVs are not recommended but may be submitted in as an attachment. Generally limited to 3-5 individuals.

Optional DEIA Plan

Summary

In furtherance of the policies set forth in Executive Orders 13985, 14020, and

14035, ISN/NP invites FY25 applicants to supplement their applications with brief descriptions of how, to the extent feasible, their proposals would advance

ISN/CTR’s diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) objectives, as described below. The submission of this supplemental information, referred to as a DEIA Plan, is a voluntary component of the proposal process.

ISN/CTR DEIA Lines of Effort/Objectives

DEIA Plans should address the following categories, the pursuit of which should not take precedence over a proposal’s core goals. See Section A for goal and objectives of this NOFO.

https://www.state.gov/foreign-assistance-resource-library/

• Support staff DEIA: Consider a diverse pool of potential implementers and sub-implementers to engage as diverse and inclusive a population as is feasible

• SME DEIA: To the extent possible, consider a diverse population of subject matter experts to deliver training, lead discussions, and present technical information. This may include engaging local and regional experts as trainers. (Note: applicants should not discuss proposals directly with local partners without the explicit approval of ISN.)

• Audience DEIA: Consider how to engage a diverse, representative cross-section of the target-audience population while taking into account the objectives of the engagement. This might include considering local representation disparities that are not immediately apparent to those from another culture.

• Accessibility: Consider how to actively reduce or eliminate obstacles that would impede participation by people with disabilities.

Plan contents and submission

Applicants may use DEIA Plans to describe how proposals will achieve one or more of the DEIA objectives identified above. Plans need not include specific performance targets, but they should outline any concrete steps or key partners the implementer would leverage to achieve the objectives. Plans may also include information about the applicant’s past performance on DEIA-related metrics, both as an employer and as an implementer, and any country specific gender analysis to be conducted. Plans may consist of two separate elements as noted below;

implementers can submit one or both elements as part of their proposal. The first element is the project-specific DEIA statement, and the second element is the standalone DEIA summary document.

The first element is project specific language to be integrated into their project proposal consistent with the objectives above. This could consist of actions to be completed as part of the project, demographic targets for participants, key partners that will assist with delivery/implementation, and outside any organization to be engaged if the project is funded. Integrated DEIA Plans should be no more 250 words per project. If the applicant chooses to integrate DEIA

Plans into their proposals, they should do so in accordance with the template provided as part of the Notice for Funding Opportunity.

The other element is a standalone document (one per proposal). The standalone

DEIA Plan should identify proposal-wide actions, highlight past performance, highlight staffing information that will impact the performance of the projects, or articulate examples of previous steps taken consistent with the objectives above.

Standalone document should be no longer than one page on standard letter paper with one-inch margins and 12-point Calibri font. The terms diversity, equity, inclusion are defined in EO 14035.

D.3. Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and System for Award Management (sam.gov)

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. ISN/CTR 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.

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.

http://www.sam.gov/ http://www.sam.gov/

● 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 and UEI number is required and issued through SAM.gov. 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 (if 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. SAM registration must be renewed annually.

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 https://eportal.nspa.nato.int/AC135Public/scage/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/CAGE Code, proceed to SAM.gov to obtain a UEI an 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 use that determination will be used as a basis for making an award to another applicant.

Note: SAM.gov is not the same as 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. This guidance and instruction are to the best of our knowledge at the time of posting this solicitation. Where guidance in this https://eportal.nspa.nato.int/Codification/CageTool/home 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 the requirements listed above may be permitted under the following circumstances:

• For any applicant or recipient: if the federal awarding agency determines that it must protect information about the entity from disclosure if it is in the national security or foreign policy interests of the United States, or to avoid jeopardizing the personal safety of the applicant or recipient's staff or clients.

• For a foreign organization or foreign public entity applying for or receiving a federal award or subaward for a project or program performed outside the

United States valued at less than $25,000: if the federal awarding agency deems it to be impractical for the entity to comply with the requirement(s).

This exemption must be determined by the federal awarding agency on a case-by-case basis while utilizing a risk-based approach and does not apply if subawards are anticipated.

• 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…