GEL-ICS NOFO.docx

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

BUREAU OF CYBERSPACE AND DIGITAL POLICY (CDP)

Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO): Global Emerging Leaders in International Cyberspace Security (GEL-ICS)

This is the announcement of funding opportunity number DFOP0016603

Federal Assistance Listing/Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number: 19.665

Type of Solicitation: Open Competition

Deadline for Applications: 11:59 PM EDT on Monday, 15 July 2024

Total Funding: $900,000 USD

Funding Type I: FY 23 Economic Support Funds (ESF)

FADR Data Element 1: PS.4/Global

Anticipated Number of Awards: 1

Type of Award: Cooperative Agreement

Period of Performance: 18 months

Anticipated Time to Award: August 2024 (Pending availability of funds)

Deadline for Questions: 11:59 PM EST on 20 June 2024

Eligibility Category:

· U.S.- based non-profit/non-governmental organizations subject to sections 501 (c)(3) and 501 (c)(6) of the U.S. tax code

· Public International Organizations (PIOs)

· For-profit organizations or businesses.

Type of Applicant: Organizations only. Individuals not eligible to apply.

Number of Applications: One (1) per applicant organization.

This notice is subject to availability of funding.

Section A: Project Description

The U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy (CDP) announces an open competition for organizations with the capacity and interest to carry out the project outlined in this announcement.

Pending the availability of funds, CDP anticipates awarding one (1) cooperative agreement of up to $900,000.00 USD. CDP reserves the right to award more or less funding or make no award as is in the best interest of the US Government.

A1. Background

Recognizing the growing role of technology as a cross-cutting national security issue, the State Department created the Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy (CDP) in April 2022 to lead and coordinate U.S. diplomacy on cyber and digital policy. The bureau addresses the national security challenges and economic opportunities presented by cyberspace and digital technologies and promotes standards and norms that are fair, transparent, and support the rights-respecting use of technology. Through robust engagement in multilateral organizations, bilateral diplomacy with partners round the world, and encouragement of responsible state behavior in cyberspace, CDP empowers U.S. leadership in cyber, digital, and technology diplomacy.

CDP deploys foreign assistance to strengthen international cooperation, create new partnerships, promote economic growth and development, and assist in the defense of our foreign partners to uphold an open, interoperable, secure, and reliable Internet.

Calibrated cyber and digital policies help form the backbone of our deeply interconnected world, are vital to U.S. national and economic security, and are required to fully harness the transformative power of technology. As citizens around the world eagerly seek increased Internet connectivity to access the tremendous opportunities afforded by digital transformation, the United States is working to ensure this connectivity is secure, meaningful, governed fairly, and serves the interests of its users. Foreign assistance programs aim to advance an affirmative vision of technology as a tool that supports collective security, prosperity, and democratic values.

More information on CDP is available at https://www.state.gov/bureaus-offices/deputy-secretary-of-state/bureau-of-cyberspace-and-digital-policy/.

The Digital Connectivity and Cybersecurity Partnership (DCCP) is a global, interagency initiative led by CDP and the U.S. Department of State to promote an open, interoperable, secure, and reliable Internet. DCCP provides foreign assistance to partner nations to promote investments in secure, diverse, and resilient information and communication technologies (ICT) infrastructure; support the adoption of inclusive, rights-respecting, multi-stakeholder models of internet governance; grow global markets for trusted ICT goods and services; and enhance cybersecurity. CDP foreign assistance programming follows these core tenets of DCCP. More information on DCCP is available at https://www.state.gov/digital-connectivity-and-cybersecurity-partnership/.

The Global Emerging Leaders in International Cyberspace Security (GEL-ICS) Fellowship is designed to equip leaders from foreign partners and governments with the knowledge and global connections to be effective advocates of the UN-affirmed framework of responsible state behavior in cyberspace.

The Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy (CDP) at the U.S. Department of State seeks to build on the success of the GEL-ICS Fellowship, which began in 2023, by growing a diverse, global network of future cyber policy leaders who share the U.S. and other likeminded partners’ vision for cyberspace. This award will support the 2025 cohort, comprising 20-25 government officials who will engage in a year-long program. The first component will be a two-week U.S. visit in spring 2025, in which fellows will visit Washington, D.C., New York City, and San Francisco to engage with U.S. and international leaders from government, industry, and civil society. Following the visit, the program will host a series of six thematic webinars on international cyberspace policy to support continuing education and foster networking among the fellows and stakeholders. The program will culminate when all fellows reconvene near the end of the program on the margins of a global cyber and technology policy conference.

Ideal candidates are mid-level or emerging leaders in ministries of foreign affairs or other relevant agencies who have demonstrated the potential to exert enduring diplomatic influence on international cyberspace issues as government officials and represent diverse backgrounds and expertise. Military, defense, intelligence, and law enforcement officials are not eligible. Previous technical experience or employment specifically on cyber or technology issues is not required. English-language proficiency is a requirement.

GEL-ICS alumni form a global cohort of proponents for a stable and secure cyberspace for future generations. Cyberspace and digital policy issues have become central features in foreign policy, impacting national security interests, economic prosperity, and democratic values. Diplomacy relies on international networks of policy experts and policymakers to uphold an open, interoperable, secure, and reliable Internet and a stable cyberspace for future generations.

A2. Strategic Program Goals and Objectives

This project should contribute to the following two CDP strategic goals and objectives outlined in the Functional Bureau Strategy, and one DCCP Pillar.

CDP Strategic Goals and Objectives:

Bureau Goal 1: Advance cyber and digital policies that align with U.S. national interests and foreign policy objectives.

Objective 1.1: Deepen relationships with existing U.S. allies and partners, forge new partnerships, and engage with a range of countries to advance a common vision for the Internet and digital technologies.

DCCP Pillar:

Pillar 4: Enhance Cybersecurity by increasing adoption and implementation of cybersecurity best practices.

A3. Project Goals, Objectives, Expected Outcomes, Activities, Indicators, and Sustainability

The GEL-ICS program will build a cohesive group of leaders working on issues in cyberspace who are committed to the UN-affirmed Framework of Responsible State Behavior and will be equipped with the necessary knowledge and global connections to be effective advocates and champions of the Framework through the fellowship and other activities.

Project Objective 1: Position each cohort to form the core of a global network of future cyber influencers supportive of the UN-affirmed Framework of Responsible State Behavior.

Expected Outcomes

· A cohesive cohort of fellows committed to continuing connections with other fellows and their contacts at the U.S. Department of State and CDP.

· An engaged alumni group that is interested in mentoring and/or continuing to network with successive cohorts.

*Applicant should insert additional outcomes as needed.

Activities To achieve the expected project outcomes, the project must include the following, but not limited to:

· Under the guidance of the CDP team, coordinate and execute a two-week visit for the fellows in spring of 2025 to the United States, which comprise creating itineraries to include engagements with cyber leaders/agencies/entities in government and the multistakeholder communities for stops in Washington, D.C., New York, and San Francisco.

· Under the guidance of the CDP team, coordinate and execute six virtual webinars for the fellows after the trip to the United States in the summer and early fall of 2025 to include identifying and coordinating with guest speakers. To encourage networking across cohorts, invite alumni from previous cohorts to some virtual events.

· Under the guidance of the CDP team, coordinate and execute a trip in fall of 2025 to an international cyber and technology conference that will serve as the concluding event of the 2025 GEL-ICS cohort.

· Maintain and enhance a dedicated virtual platform or platforms (e.g., Teams, WhatsApp, Canvas, etc.) to bolster engagement for both current and previous fellows. These platforms and the data they contain must be transferrable to the U.S. Department of State control at the end of the agreement’s period of performance.

Project Objective 2: Increase participant knowledge and understanding of the Framework and its elements, and appreciation of the value its implementation provides to participants' countries and to global peace and stability.

Expected Outcomes

· Fellows will demonstrate increased knowledge about the Framework and its application to international conduct in cyberspace and will be able to identify how to promulgate or apply this knowledge in their home countries.

Activities To achieve the expected project outcomes, the project must include the following, but not limited to:

· Detailed surveys measuring fellows’ knowledge of the relevant issues. At a minimum these surveys should be conducted before and after the U.S. trip as well as after the program completion.

· Feedback on the webinar series must be obtained via quick surveys following each webinar

· Annual check-ins to facilitate data collection from alumni cohorts must be part of the overall program. These check-ins must include questions about individual and national progress and how the knowledge obtained during the fellowship is being applied within the fellows’ home countries. The implementer should strive to collect data on specific programs, projects, policies, or initiatives that the fellows’ advanced or contributed to as a result of their GEL-ICS participation.

Project Objective 3: Grow and strengthen (in numbers and expertise) the likeminded community by forging stronger ties between the USG and individuals likely to wield influence on approaches to cyber issues in their respective countries in the present and future.

Expected Outcomes Achievement of Project Objective 3 is expected to result in the following outcomes:

· Fellows will serve as trusted and reliable interlocutors between their governments and the USG.

Activities To achieve the expected project outcomes, the project must include the following:

· A detailed plan for continued alumni engagement, to include a method of tracking fellows’ relevant cyber diplomacy activity as a POC or interlocutor for the government, must be devised.

Performance Indicators:

In addition to project-specific indicators to monitor key milestones and progress to keep the project on track, implementers will report against relevant indicators within the performance management plan CDP established under the auspices of the Digital Connectivity and Cybersecurity Program (DCCP). At a minimum, implementers will be required to report on the following indicators and milestones for the duration of this project (DCCP indicators are noted):

· Indicator 1 (DCCP 4.13): Number of countries improving implementation of the UN-affirmed Framework of Responsible State Behavior in Cyberspace components due to USG support. (outcome)

· Indicator 3: (DCCP 4.12) Number of institutions with new or improved cybersecurity or cyberspace security capacity, policies, or procedures due to USG assistance. (output)

· Indicator 2: (DCCP 4.3) Number of USG supported fora held to convene key stakeholders for technical assistance or to discuss cybersecurity or cyberspace security issues or best practices. (output)

· Indicator 3: Number of participants who enroll in virtual networking platforms associated with the project.

· Indicator 4: Number of participants reporting or demonstrating increased knowledge in implementer-administered knowledge checks following program activities (webinars and trips).

· Milestone Measure 1: Implementers will report progress on meeting participation by all fellows in all three stages of the program, including the U.S. visit, webinars, and graduation international trip, to include enrollment numbers and percentages for each phase.

· Milestone Measure 2: Implementers will delineate and report progress on meeting specified benchmarks for participants’ continued engagement on virtual platforms.

Qualitative Reporting: Information from fellows about how they have applied the Framework tenets on an individual, sub-national, or national level. This includes any programs, projects, policies, strategies or initiatives to advance and support the Framework that the fellows’ developed or contributed to using the knowledge gained from their GEL-ICS participation or as a result of their GEL-ICS participation.

Upon final award, CDP and the selected partner will meet to discuss a final set of standard and project-specific indicators.

Sustainability Applicants should describe the plan for continuing the project beyond the grant period, or the availability of other resources, if applicable. Include ways project activities will ensure sustainability.

A4. Key Considerations

The following list of program considerations is provided to help applicant(s) develop a responsive, robust proposal. Strong preference will be given to applicant(s) that:

· Demonstrate administrative and technical capacity and experience in administering successful and similar projects with a global participant base.

· Demonstrate thoughtful project design to address the key objectives and activities for the target audiences described in the NOFO.

· Demonstrate thoughtful monitoring and evaluation and report results.

· Prove existing, collaborative, and successful partnerships with U.S. and foreign partners on issues and engagements related to cybersecurity and digital policy.

· Demonstrate adherence to ethical best practices including “do no harm” and gender equity.

All applicants will also be required to address the entirety of Section A.3 within this NOFO in their completion of the Draft Scope of Work attached to this NOFO (see Section D.2.1, item #5).

Section B: Federal Award Information

Organizations may submit one application per organization in response to this NOFO. If more than one application is submitted by an organization, only the first application received will be reviewed for eligibility and funding.

The U.S. government reserves the right to: (a) reject any or all applications, (b) accept other than the lowest cost application, (c) accept more than one application, and (d) waive irregularities in applications received.

The U.S. government may make award(s) based on 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), to enter 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.

CDP anticipates awarding a cooperative agreement. The final determination on award mechanism will be made by the Grants Officer.

The authority for this funding opportunity is found in the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (FAA), as amended. Several funding restrictions apply, to include country applicant restrictions. Must at a minimum include citations for authorizing statutes and regulations (see on Cover Page).

To maximize the impact and sustainability of the award(s) that result(s) from this NOFO, CDP reserves the right to execute a non-competitive continuation amendment(s). The total duration of any award, including potential non-competitive continuation amendments, shall not exceed 54 months, or four and a half years. Any non-competitive continuation is contingent on availability of funds, and satisfactory performance of the program. A non-competitive continuation is not guaranteed, and the Department of State reserves the right to exercise or not exercise this option.

The distinction between grants and cooperative agreements revolves around the existence of “substantial involvement.” Cooperative agreements require greater federal government participation in the project. If a cooperative agreement is awarded, CDP will undertake reasonable and programmatically necessary substantial involvement. Examples of substantial involvement could include but are not limited to:

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

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

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

· Approval of the recipient’s budget or plan of work prior to the award.

· Review participant training program acceptance and rejection letters.

Section C: Eligibility Information

C1. Eligible Applicants

CDP welcomes applications from U.S.-based non-profit organizations subject to section 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(6) status of the U.S. tax code; Public International Organizations (PIOs);) for-profit organizations or businesses.

Applications submitted by for-profit entities may be subject to additional review following the Merit Review 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.

C2. Cost Sharing or Matching

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.

C3. Other To be eligible to receive an award, all organizations must have a unique entity identifier (UEI), as well as a valid registration on SAM.gov. Please see Section D3.2 for information on how to obtain these registrations.

Applicants must be organizations, and only one application will be considered for each applicant organization. If more than one application is submitted by the same organization, only the first received will be reviewed for eligibility and funding.

Applicants must have existing, or the capacity to develop, active partnerships with local in-country partners, entities, and relevant stakeholders and have demonstrable experience in administering successful and preferably similar projects. If including, describe previous relevant experience, and/or any other factors required for an applicant to be considered eligible.

Please note, any applicant listed on the Excluded Parties List System in 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 on the Excluded Parties List System in SAM.gov can participate in any activities under an award. All applicants are strongly encouraged to review the Excluded Parties List System in SAM.gov to ensure that no ineligible entity or person is included in their application.

Section D: Application and Submission Information

D1. Address to Request Application Package

Application forms, and other required materials are available at Grants.gov (http://www.grants.gov) and MyGrants (https://mygrants.servicenowservices.com) under the announcement title “Global Emerging Leaders in International Cyberspace Security (GEL-ICS),” and funding opportunity number “DFOP0016603”. Once the NOFO deadline has passed, the Department of State may not discuss this competition with any applicant until the proposal review process has been completed. If requesting reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities or for security reasons, please contact the CDP point of contact listed in Section G. Please note that reasonable accommodations do not include deadline extensions.

D2. Content and Form of Application Submission For all application documents, please ensure:

· The proposal clearly addresses the goals and objectives of this funding opportunity

· All documents are in English (original documents that are in another language must be accompanied by an English translation)

· All budgets are in U.S. dollars

· For documents subject to page limitations, 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

· Captions and footnotes may be 10-point Calibri font

Any prospective applicant who has questions concerning the contents of this NOFO should submit them by email to the contacts listed in Section G. Any updates about this NOFO will also be posted on Grants.gov.

D2.1 Application Requirements Complete applications must include the following:

1. Completed and signed SF-424, SF-424A, as well as SF-424B, if applicable.

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

3. Cover Page and Executive Summary (not to exceed three [3] pages, preferably as a Word Document). Includes the organization name, project title, target country or countries, and name and contact information for the application’s main point of contact and brief section that clearly outlines the (1) the problem statement addressed by the project (2) research-based evidence justifying the applicant’s approach, and (3) quantifiable project outcomes and impacts.

4. Proposal Narrative (not to exceed seven [7] pages, preferably as a Word Document). Please note the ten-page limit does not include the following:

· SF-forms listed above

· Cover Page and Executive Summary

· Scope of Work

· Project Design and Logic Model

· Project Performance Monitoring and Evaluation Plan

· Detailed Budget

· Budget Narrative – If the Budget includes subawards, please include a separate Budget Narrative for each organization.

· Timeline

· Key Personnel Summary, CVs or Resumes (per person)

· Contingency Plan

· Additional Required Attachments (Audit, NICRA, etc.)

· Gender Inclusion Analysis

The Proposal Narrative must include the following:

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

· Problem Statement: Clear, concise, and well-supported statement that summarizes the problem and how the applicant’s unique project/approach will address it and support CDP’s Strategic Goals and Objectives.

· Project Goal: The goal describes the larger outcomes intended.

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

· Specific: Detailed and specifies what will be achieved

· Measurable: Has associated metrics or measurements of success

· Attainable: Appropriately challenging, objectives can be reasonably attained given the available resources

· Relevant: Aligns with the policy/program goal and is appropriate for the country or beneficiary audience

· Time-Bound: Achievable within the timeframe of the project

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

· Future Funding or Sustainability: Applicant’s plan for continuing the project beyond the grant period, or the availability of other resources, if applicable. Include ways project activities will ensure sustainability.

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

5. Scope of Work (SOW). Applicants should use the Project Draft Scope of Work Template (see Tab 1) provided and attached to this NOFO. The SOW should provide a summary of the applicant’s unique approach to the following as indicated in Section 4) Proposal Narrative:

· Project Goal

· Project Objectives

· Project Activities

· Project Indicators: Applicants should also identify key indicators and milestones to measure progress towards program goals and project objectives. Methods for collecting and monitoring project indicators should be described and those responsible for doing so identified.

· Sustainability

6. Project Logic Model (preferably as a Word Document). Building out a logic model with an accompanying theory of change can be helpful when planning and designing a program, project or activity. These tools can be used to visually depict or outline how and why a project will work—i.e., the rationale behind your project approach. Detailing how a project’s planned activities lead to certain outcomes can often help applicants understand the assumptions within the approach. Detailing factors outside your control, such as policy shifts, within a logic model can identify areas that should be included within your project’s risk analysis. It details planned activities, the immediate services or product of project activities (outputs), and the expected changes or benefits that occur after activities have been implemented (outcomes). Applicants should specify objectives, identify what resources (inputs) are needed, outline proposed activities (outputs) and beneficiaries, and illustrate how activities lead to desired results in the theory of change. Applicants are encouraged to use the attached Project Logic Model Template but are welcome to use their own templates so long as they provide the requisite information for thorough review of the proposed project. See Tab 2 - Project Logic Model template.

7. Draft Project Performance Monitoring and Evaluation Plan (preferably as a Word Document). This document details how a project’s performance monitoring and evaluation system will be carried out and by whom. It:

· Explains how the project’s performance toward its objectives will be tracked over time.

· Identifies which performance indicators the project will report against, the indicator type, baseline values, performance targets, and data sources or collection methods.

· 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).

· Identifies what, if any, external evaluations will be conducted.

A sample Project Performance Monitoring and Evaluation Plan Template (see Tab 3) is provided as an attachment to this NOFO. Applicants are encouraged to refer to the Defining M&E Terms in the Project Design and Logic Model template for concise explanations of M&E terms and definitions used by the Department of State. The final will be due 30 days post award.

8. Detailed Budget (Excel workbook strongly preferred; please do not provide as a PDF). Include three (3) columns containing the request to CDP, any cost sharing contribution, and the total budget. A Summary Budget should also be included using the OMB-approved budget categories (see SF-424A as a sample) in a separate tab. Costs must be in U.S. Dollars. Detailed line-item budgets for sub-grantees should be included as additional tabs within the Excel workbook (if available at the time of submission). Please see the attached Project Budget Guidelines for New Awards (see Tab 4) for more information.

9. Budget Narrative (preferably as a Word Document). Justify each line-item in the budget and explain how the amounts were derived, consistency with the applicants’ documented policies, as well as the source and description of all proposed costs (and cost-share, if applicable). The narrative should complement the budget rather than repeat information provided in the budget. For example, the narrative should provide details on the purpose of costs, reasonability of costs, cost price analysis, explain allocations, explain any yearly variances, and tie expenses to project activities and/or objectives where appropriate. Sources of all cost-share offered in the application should be identified and explained in the budget narrative. See Tab 4 of Project Detailed Budget Template and Project Budget Narrative Template (see Tab 5) for more information.

10. Timeline (not to exceed one [1] page per year of proposed performance period, preferably as a Word Document or Excel Sheet). The timeline of the overall proposal should include activities, and monitoring and evaluation efforts outlined in either a monthly or quarterly format. It should also include sufficient time for project closeout to conduct and finalize internal/external evaluations and allow any sub-recipients time for final reporting.

11. Summary of Key Personnel and Subject Matter Experts (not to exceed two [2] pages, preferably as a Word Document). This can represent staff within your organization or outside of your organization (subgrantee, consultants, contractors), who are integral to the success of the project. Provides names, titles, roles, and bios that highlight relevant experience/qualifications of key personnel involved in the project.

12. Contingency Plan (not to exceed three (3) pages) for proposed activities should the originally planned activities not be able to be implemented. 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 2CFR200.433 – Contingency provisions. Plans must not include un-allocable or unallowable expenses and must not result in a larger Total Award Value than the identified as the “competition ceiling.” CDP/SPC requires prior approval by the Grants Officer of the “plan” before any activities can take place, or costs can be incurred against the “plan.”

13. Additional Required Attachments:

· Audit An audit or an explanation for the lack of an audit is required. Please review the bulleted items below carefully.

· If your organization meets the threshold as defined in 2 CFR 200 Subpart F, then your organization must submit a pdf of its most recent single audit.

· If your organization does not currently meet the 2 CFR 200 requirement and has not had a single audit within its most recent three fiscal years, then your organization must submit its most recent (within the preceding three fiscal years) independent financial audit, preferably a pdf.

· If your organization has not been independently audited within its three most recent fiscal years, then it must explain the reason for the lack of an audit and provide an independent confirmation of the adequacy of its internal controls.

· NICRA If your organization has a Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA) and includes NICRA charges in the budget, your latest NICRA letter should be included as a PDF file. This document will not be reviewed by the Merit Review Panel but will be used by project and grant team if the submission is recommended for funding. Organizations that have previously established indirect cost rates must submit timely indirect cost proposals to their cognizant agency as required by Appendix III & IV of 2 CFR 200. If indirect cost proposals have not been submitted for re-negotiation, as required, out-of-date NICRAs may not be considered. If your proposal involves subawards to organizations charging indirect costs, please submit their NICRA, if applicable.

· Letters of support or official permission letters from project partners describing the roles and responsibilities of each partner, for any partner or partners identified in the proposal whose role is central to the project achieving its objectives. No letter of support is required for goods or services that are widely available commercially unless an identified provider is offering no-cost or uniquely favorable terms that will not be available commercially.

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

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

D.2.2 Additional Information Requested for Those Receiving Conditional Notification Letter

Successful applicants must submit, after Conditional Notification Letter, but prior to issuance of a federal award:

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

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

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

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

· Other requested information or documents included in the Conditional Notification Letter or subsequent communications prior to issuance of a federal award.

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

D3. Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and System for Award Management (SAM)

All organizations, whether based in the United States or in another country, must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and an active registration with 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.

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 and advise proposed sub-grantees to do so as well.

· 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 issued through SAM.gov. Once the UEI number is received continue with the remainder of the SAM.gov registration.

· Organizations based outside of the United States that do not pay employees within the United States do not need an EIN from the IRS but do need a UEI number – obtained by registering as an entity in SAM.gov.

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.

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. 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 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: https://www.fsd.gov/gsafsd_sp?id=kb_article_view&sysparm_article=KB0016380&sys_kb_id=194695221bfe4d983565ed3ce54bcbbb&spa=1

Please note, guidance on SAM.gov and the guidance on GSA’s website about requirement for registering in SAM.gov is subject to change at any time. Applicants should review the website frequently for the most up-to-date guidance.

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):

https://eportal.nspa.nato.int/Codification/CageTool/home

D3.1 SAM.gov and UEI Exemptions

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

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

· For an applicant, if the federal awarding agency makes a determination that there are exigent circumstances that prohibit the applicant from receiving a unique entity identifier and completing SAM.gov 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.gov 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 Section G of 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.

D3.2 Registering in MyGrants and Grants.gov All application submissions must be made electronically via Grants.gov or MyGrants (https://mygrants.servicenowservices.com/ilms/). Both systems require registration by the applying organization. Please note that the Grants.gov registration process can take ten (10) business days or longer, even if all registration steps are completed in a timely manner. Instructions for registering and submitting applications in each system are provided below.

MyGrants:

Applicants using MyGrants for the first time should complete their “New Organization Registration.” To register with MyGrants, go to: https://mygrants.servicenowservices.com and click “create an account”.

Please note that establishing an account in MyGrants may require the use of smartphone for multi-factor authentication (MFA). If an applicant does not have accessibility to a smartphone during the time of creating an account, please contact the helpdesk and request instructions on MFA for Windows PC.

Organizations must remember to save a screen shot of the checklist showing all documents submitted in case any document fails to upload successfully.

MyGrants Help Desk:

For assistance with MyGrants accounts and technical issues related to the system, please contact the ILMS help desk by phone at +1 (888) 313-4567 (toll charges apply for international callers) or through the Self Service online portal that can be accessed from https://afsitsm.service-now.com/ilms/home. Customer support is available 24/7.

Grants.gov:

Applicants who do not submit applications via MyGrants may submit via Grants.gov. Please be advised that completing all the necessary registration steps for obtaining a username and password from Grants.gov can take ten (10) business days or longer.

Please refer to the Grants.gov website for definitions of various “application statuses” and the difference between a submission receipt and a submission validation. Applicants will receive a validation e-mail from Grants.gov upon the successful submission of an application. Validation of an electronic submission via Grants.gov can take up to two business days. Additionally, organizations must remember to save a screenshot of the checklist showing all documents submitted in case any document fails to upload successfully.

Grants.gov Helpdesk:

For assistance with Grants.gov, please call the Contact Center at +1 (800) 518-4726 or email support@grants.gov. The Contact Center is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, except federal holidays. A full list of federal holidays can be found here.

D4. Submission Dates and Times Applications are due no later than 11:59 PM Eastern Daylight Time (EDT), on Monday, 15, July 2024 on Grants.gov (https://www.grants.gov/), or MyGrants (https://mygrants.servicenowservices.com), under the announcement title “Global Emerging Leaders in International Cyberspace Security (GEL-ICS),” and funding opportunity number “DFOP0016603”.

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

D5. Funding Limitations, Restrictions, and other Considerations CDP will not consider applications that reflect any type of support for any member, affiliate, or representative of a designated terrorist organization. Please refer the link for Foreign Terrorist Organizations: https://www.state.gov/foreign-terrorist-organizations/

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

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

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

D6. Other Submission Requirements It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that it has an active registration in MyGrants or Grants.gov. Applicants are required to document that the application has been received by MyGrants or Grants.gov in its entirety. CDP bears no responsibility for disqualification that result from applicants not being registered before the due date, for system errors in either MyGrants or Grants.gov, or other errors in the application process.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to save a screen shot of the checklist showing all documents submitted in case any document fails to upload successfully.

Faxed, couriered, or emailed documents will not be accepted. Reasonable accommodations may, in appropriate circumstances, be provided to applicants with disabilities or for security reasons. Applicants must follow all formatting instructions in the applicable NOFO and these instructions.

CDP encourages organizations to submit applications during normal business hours (Monday – Friday, 9:00AM-5:00PM Eastern Daylight Time). If an applicant experiences technical difficulties and has contacted the appropriate helpdesk but is not receiving timely assistance (i.e., if you have not received a response within 48 hours of contacting the helpdesk), you may contact the CDP point of contact listed in in Section G for further assistance.

Section E: Application Review Information

E1. Proposal Review Criteria

The selected CDP review panel will evaluate each application individually against the following criteria, listed below in order of importance, and not against competing applications. Please use the below criteria as a reference, but do not structure your application according to the sub-sections.

Quality of Project Design (25 points)

· The project idea is well developed and responsive to the policy and program objective(s) in the NOFO.

· The applicant clearly defines the problem; it’s causes; stakeholders; and existing research/data; the approach taken to solve the problem; realistic milestones to indicate progress.

· The project’s potential contribution to solving the problem is addressed in the problem statement.

Organizational Capacity (25 points)

· The application demonstrates an institutional record of successful projects in the content area proposed and relevant experience in the proposed country/territory/region.

· The organization has expertise in its stated field and has adequate staffing to manage the proposed project.

· The application demonstrates the organization’s capacity for responsible fiscal management of donor funding.

Project Planning and Ability to Achieve Objectives (20 points)

· Goals and objectives are clearly stated, and project approach illustrates logical and plausible pathways to achieving project outcomes.

· Proposed project activities are feasible, practical, and/or experiential in nature to encourage innovation.

· Key assumptions and risks have been identified and their potential influences described.

· If similar activities have taken place, the applicant explains how proposed activities will produce new impact and not simply duplicate past efforts.

Monitoring & Evaluation Plan (10 points)

· The proposal demonstrates a sound plan for monitoring appropriate indicators to oversee the project’s timely progress toward stated objectives, capture key project results, and to assess and mitigate any challenges encountered in implementation.

· Includes output and outcome indicators, explains how and when those will be measured, and by whom.

Budget & Budget Narrative (10 points)

· The budget justification is a detailed and realistic financial expression of the proposed project and does not include estimated costs that are not allocable, reasonable, or allowable.

·…