Global Coalition Against TNR NOFO.pdf

Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)

Global Coalition Against Transnational

Repression

Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor, Department of State

Opportunity number: DFOP0019327

Application deadline: Wednesday August 12, 2026, 11:59PM ET

Contents

A. Basic Information

B. Eligibility

C. Program Description

D. Application Contents and Format

E. Submission Requirements and Deadlines

F. Application Review Information

G. Award Notices

H. Post-Award Requirements and Administration

I. Other Information

U.S Department of State

Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor

Notice of Funding Opportunity

A. Basic Information

1. Overview

Funding Opportunity Title Global Coalition Against Transnational Repression

Funding Opportunity Number DFOP0019327

Announcement Type Initial Announcement

Deadline for Applications Wednesday August 12, 2026, 11:59PM ET

Assistance Listing Number 19.345

Length of performance period 24 to 36 months

Number of awards anticipated 1 award

Award amounts Awards may range from a minimum of $2,000,000 to a maximum of $2,960,039

Total available funding $2,960,039 pending availability of funds

Type of Funding FY25/26 Democracy Funds under the Foreign Assistance

Act

Anticipated project start date September 30, 2026

Funding Instrument Type: Cooperative agreement. Cooperative agreements include substantial involvement of the bureau or embassy in program implementation of the project. An

FAA can also include substantial involvement. Examples of substantial involvement are included in section C below.

Project Performance Period: Proposed projects should be completed in 36 months or fewer.

This notice is subject to availability of funding.

2. Executive Summary

Priority Region: Global

Executive Summary

The U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DRL) announces an open competition for proposals for programs that will establish a new global program to counter transnational repression (TNR) by strengthening coordination and building capacity among partner governments, law enforcement agencies, and civil society organizations.

Transnational repression occurs when authoritarian regimes reach across international borders to silence, intimidate, harass, or harm members of diaspora communities, dissidents, journalists, and human rights defenders in other countries. These tactics threaten the safety and fundamental rights of individuals worldwide, including Americans and residents of partner countries.

This program will improve international awareness, coordination, and responses of partner governments, law enforcement agencies, and civil society organizations to counter transnational repression (TNR) through a multi-stakeholder approach. This program will organize regional convenings (roadshows) that facilitate Track 1.5 dialogues among government officials, law enforcement personnel, and civil society representatives to develop holistic strategies for addressing TNR. The implementer will develop educational toolkits and mitigation strategies to better equip stakeholders to identify TNR tactics, protect members of targeted communities, and investigate and hold perpetrators accountable. The program will establish information-sharing and coordination platforms that enable partner governments, law enforcement bodies, and civil society to share intelligence on TNR cases, trends, and effective responses across borders.

Through sustained engagement and capacity building, this program will create a coordinated global network capable of preventing TNR incidents, supporting victims, and holding perpetrators accountable, thereby protecting the fundamental rights of members of diaspora communities, U.S. citizens, dissidents, and human rights defenders worldwide.

B. Eligibility

1. Eligible Applicants

The following organizations are eligible to apply:

• Not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks and civil society/non-governmental organizations

• Public and private educational institutions

• For-profit organizations (only if allowed by appropriation - not for PD funds)

• Individuals

2. Cost Sharing or Matching

The provision of cost sharing, matching, or cost participation is not required to submit an application to this NOFO and will not improve competitive ranking of an application. Any budget items proposed for cost share must be allowable per 2 CFR 200, Subpart E—Cost

Principles.

3. Other Eligibility Requirements

All organizations must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) issued via SAM.gov as well as a valid registration in SAM.gov. Please see Section D.3 for more information. Individuals are not required to have a UEI or be registered in SAM.gov.

C. Program Description

1. Goals and Objectives

Program Goal: To establish a coordinated international response to transnational repression through a “Global Roadshow” by facilitating collaboration and information-sharing among partner governments, law enforcement agencies, and civil society organizations to identify, prevent, and respond to TNR threats, thereby improving protections and safety of diaspora communities, dissidents, and human rights defenders worldwide.

Objective 1: Partner governments, law enforcement agencies, and civil society organizations collaborate effectively through established networks and shared strategies to counter TNR across borders.

Illustrative activities:

• Organize 8-12 regional multi-stakeholder convenings (roadshows) bringing together government officials, law enforcement, and civil society for Track 1.5 or similar cross-functional dialogues

• Facilitate working group meetings and virtual exchanges to maintain ongoing collaboration between convenings

• Establish communities of practice connecting law enforcement officials, policymakers, and civil society across partner countries to build trust and enable rapid coordination and joint responses to TNR incidents

• Support the development of bilateral and multilateral coordination mechanisms for cross-border TNR cases

Objective 2: Strengthened stakeholders possess the knowledge, skills, and resources necessary to recognize TNR tactics, protect vulnerable populations, investigate and hold accountable perpetrators, and implement effective responses.

Illustrative activities:

• Develop comprehensive educational toolkits covering TNR threat assessment frameworks, legal frameworks, and model legislation

• Create law enforcement training materials on investigative techniques, evidence collection, and cross-border cooperation procedures

• Produce victim protection protocols and best practices for supporting those targeted by

TNR

• Develop civil society toolkits including documentation guides, advocacy strategies, and safety protocols

• Conduct baseline assessments of partner countries' TNR vulnerabilities and response capabilities

• Provide technical assistance to partner countries in implementing tailored mitigation strategies

• Deliver on-demand training workshops or other learning modalities with government officials, law enforcement, and civil society

Objective 3: Establish information-sharing networks by convening governments, law enforcement, and civil society to routinely share intelligence on TNR cases, trends, and best practices, enabling consistent enforcement and coordinated responses.

Illustrative activities:

• Create a secure information-sharing platform for participating governments and vetted stakeholders

• Develop and maintain a case study database documenting TNR incidents, tactics, and responses

• Facilitate regular virtual exchanges and coordination meetings among network participants

• Produce periodic trend analysis reports on TNR tactics, perpetrator networks, and emerging threats

• Coordinate with existing international mechanisms (INTERPOL, regional law enforcement networks) to enhance information flow

• Establish protocols and standards for information sharing that protect sensitive data and victim confidentiality

• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of information-sharing mechanisms and adapt based on user feedback.

Program Requirements:

Competitive applications will include:

• A focus on:

o Target countries (countries that are primary targets of TNR by authoritarian regimes) o Strategic regional partners (willing to cooperate and build enforcement capacity) o Areas home to significant vulnerable diaspora communities o Countries with a demonstrated willingness to cooperate on TNR issues o Areas of strategic geographic positioning for the United States and/or regional influence o Countries with existing law enforcement and judicial capacity that can be enhanced

• Risk analysis, Security Plan and Contingency Plan o Assessment of potential TNR threats to program staff, participants, and beneficiaries o Digital and physical security protocols, including secure communications and data protection measures o Procedures to protect participants' identities and confidentiality o Risk mitigation strategies tailored to the operational context o Emergency response procedures if program staff or beneficiaries become targets for TNR as a result of this program o Contingency measures for adapting program activities in response to changing threat environments or security incidents

• Budget line items include emergency expenses if program staff or beneficiaries become targets for TNR as a result of this program.

• The proposal should include how it will engage relevant stakeholders to meet objectives

• DRL expects this program to include at least 20% of the overall budget dedicated to subawards and/or other teaming arrangements with local partners.

o At least two local partners should be identified, applicants should describe the division of labor among the applicant and any local partners.

o The applicant must describe its approach for working with informal, non-registered networks and coalitions.

o If a local partner(s) is identified, applicants should describe the division of labor among the applicant and any local partners.

• Proposals should demonstrate the organization’s expertise and previous experience in administering programs, preferably similar programs targeting the requested program area or similarly challenging environments. The applicant must describe its grantmaking abilities, such as the expected speed and size of grants that can be expected to be made within the first 90 days of this award.

All programs should aim to have impact that leads to reforms and have the potential for sustainability beyond DRL resources. DRL’s preference is to avoid duplicating past efforts by supporting new and creative approaches. This does not exclude from consideration projects that improve upon or expand existing successful projects in a new and complementary way.

2. Substantial Involvement

The award will be a cooperative agreement. DRL will be substantially involved in the planning and implementation of the project. The organization that is awarded this program will collaborate with DRL on overall programmatic planning and implementation and report programmatic challenges as they arise through all phases of the project. The Department of State will be substantially involved in carrying out the following aspects of this cooperative agreement:

Award Startup Phase:

• Within 30 days of activation of this award, the recipient will schedule and participate in an orientation meeting with DRL to discuss reporting requirements, finalize award agreement attachments, address best practices for implementation, and discuss the primary conditions and obligations of performance of this award.

• DRL will approve a detailed work plan and timeline of activities for this program.

• The work plan and timeline are due to DRL within 45 days of the award. Requirements for the work plan will be addressed at the initial orientation meeting.

Award Implementation Phase:

• Communicate to DRL during regular check-in meetings whether any changes are needed to the annual work plan.

• Changes that amount to significant revision of components of the work plan must be communicated to DRL at least 90 days in advance and require DRL written approval.

This includes changes to the proposed target countries or specific issues to be addressed through this program.

• Secure written approval from DRL prior to disclosing the source of funding for this award to any external interlocuter, including other donors, and will take steps to ensure program participants and organizational members do not disclose the funding source without prior authorization.

• At least 14 days in advance of in-person activities or advocacy events in all countries other than the United States, the recipient will secure written DRL approval. DRL will in turn suggest and provide relevant points of contact across the Department, civil society, and other networks as needed to ensure maximal program effectiveness and impact.

• DRL will approve any subawards issued through this program, along with the accompanying scope of work and budget materials. The grantee will consult with DRL during the course of the project to ensure subaward issuance and management is conducted in full compliance with relevant sections of 2 CFR 200 and in alignment with the overall award scope of work.

• DRL and the recipient shall coordinate to ensure program deconfliction and coordinate programs as they engage with USG entities, noting that U.S. foreign assistance funds cannot be used to advocate or lobby the U.S. government. The recipient will notify and consult with DRL before meeting with law enforcement agencies in the United States or other countries.

• The specific review and approval points and procedures for DRL’s substantial involvement will be negotiated with the successful applicant prior to award issuance and reflected in the final award.

D. Application Contents and Format

Please follow all instructions below carefully. Proposals that do not meet the requirements of this announcement or fail to comply with the stated requirements will be ineligible.

Content of Application

Please ensure:

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

• All documents are in English

• All budgets are in U.S. dollars

• All pages are numbered

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

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

The following documents are required:

1. Mandatory application forms

• SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance – organizations) or SF-424-I (Application for Federal

Assistance --individuals) at: https://www.grants.gov/forms/forms-repository/sf-424-family

• SF-424A (Budget Information for Non-Construction programs) https://www.grants.gov/forms/forms-repository/sf-424-family

• SF-424B (Assurances for Non-Construction programs)

2. Summary Page (optional)

Cover sheet stating the applicant’s name and organization, proposal date, program title, program period proposed start and end date, and brief purpose of the program.

3. Proposal Narrative (15 pages maximum)

The proposal should contain sufficient information that anyone not familiar with it would understand exactly what the applicant wants to do. You may use your own proposal format, but it must include all the items below.

• Proposal Summary: Short narrative that outlines the proposed project, including project objectives and anticipated impact.

• Introduction to the Organization or Individual applying: A description of past and present operations, showing ability to carry out the program, including information on all previous grants from the State Department and/or U.S. government agencies.

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

• Project Goals and Objectives: The “goals” describe what the program is intended to achieve. The “objectives” refer to the intermediate accomplishments on the way to the goals.

These should be achievable and measurable.

• Project Activities: Describe the program activities and how they will help achieve the objectives.

• Project Methods and Design: A description of how the program is expected to work to solve the stated problem and achieve the goal. Include a logic model as appropriate.

• Proposed Project Schedule and Timeline: The proposed timeline for the program activities. Include the dates, times, and locations of planned activities and events.

• Key Personnel: Resumes are not required at this time. Instead, provide only the selection criteria your program will apply throughout the grant period of performance when filling key positions.

• Project Partners: List the names and type of involvement of key partner organizations and sub-awardees.

• Project Monitoring and Evaluation Plan: This is an important part of successful grants.

Throughout the timeframe of the grant, how will the activities be monitored to ensure they are happening in a timely manner, and how will the program be evaluated to make sure it is meeting the goals of the grant?

• Future Funding or Sustainability Applicant’s plan for continuing the program beyond the grant period, or the availability of other resources, if applicable.

• Security Plan: Safety and security of program partners and participants is imperative. As such, applicants are required to include a security plan with sections for operational security, online security, and where applicable a software development security plan that details measures that will be taken to enhance the safety and security of individuals who participate in in-person and/or digitally based programs. The security plan should describe the applicant’s insurance provisions for itself and its sub-recipients and consultants for political risk, travel, kidnapping and ransom, cyber-threats, and other areas as needed for the specific award. Applicants should include a brief statement on contingency plans for in-person or online activities in the event activities are disrupted or delayed due to security issues.

4. Budget Justification Narrative

After filling out the SF-424A Budget (above), use a separate file to describe each of the budget expenses in detail. See section I. Other Information: Guidelines for Budget Submissions below for further information.

5. Attachments

• Key personnel position descriptions. Resumes are not required at this time. Instead, provide only the selection criteria your program will apply throughout the grant period of performance when filling key positions.

• Letters of support from program partners describing the roles and responsibilities of each partner.

• If your organization has a Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA) and includes

NICRA charges in the budget, include your latest NICRA as a PDF file.

• Official permission letters, if required for program activities.

E. Submission Requirements and Deadlines

1. Address to Request Application Package

Application forms required above are available at MyGrants and https://www.grants.gov/forms/.

2. Department of State Contacts

If you have any questions about the grant application process, please contact: DRL-PRU-

Solicitations@state.gov.

3. Unique entity identifier and System for Award Management (SAM.gov)

Required Registrations

All organizations, whether based in the United States or in another country, must have a Unique

Entity Identifier (UEI) and an active registration in 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. An applicant must maintain an active registration while it has a proposal under review by the Department and must continue to keep the registration active for the entire duration of the period of performance of any Federal award that results from this

NOFO.

The 2 CFR 200 requires subrecipients to obtain a UEI. Please note the UEI for subrecipients is not required at the time of application but will be required before an award is processed and/or directed to a subrecipient.

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.

mailto:DRL-PRU-Solicitations@state.gov mailto:DRL-PRU-Solicitations@state.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) and a UEI prior to registering in SAM.gov.

• Organizations based outside of the United States and that do not pay employees within the United States do not need an EIN from the IRS but do need a UEI prior to registering in SAM.gov.

• Organizations based outside of the United States that do not intend to apply for U.S.

Department of Defense (DoD) awards are no longer required to have a NATO

Commercial and Government Entity (NCAGE) code to apply for non-DoD foreign assistance funding opportunities. If an applicant organization is mid-registration and wishes to remove an NCAGE code from their SAM.gov registration, the applicant should submit a help desk ticket (“incident”) with the Federal Service Desk (FSD) online at www.fsd.gov using the following language: “I do not intend to seek financial assistance from the Department of Defense. I do not wish to obtain an NCAGE code. I understand that I will need to submit my registration after this incident is resolved in order to have my registration activated.”

Organizations based outside of the United States and that DO NOT plan to do business with the

DoD should follow the below instructions:

Step 1: Proceed to SAM.gov to obtain a UEI and complete the SAM.gov registration process. SAM.gov registration must be renewed annually.

Organizations based outside of the United States and that DO plan to do business with the DoD in addition to Department of State should follow the below instructions:

Step 1: Apply for an NCAGE code by following the instructions on the NSPA NATO website linked below:

NCAGE Homepage:

https://eportal.nspa.nato.int/AC135Public/sc/CageList.aspx

NCAGE Code Request Tool (NCRT):

NCAGE Code Request Tool (nato.int)

Exemptions

An exemption from the UEI and sam.gov registration requirements may be permitted on a case-by-case basis. See 2 CFR 25.110 for a full list of exemptions.

Organizations requesting exemption from UEI or SAM.gov requirements must email the point of contact listed in the NOFO at least two weeks prior to the deadline in the NOFO providing a justification of their request. Approval for a SAM.gov exemption must come from the warranted

Grants Officer before the application can be deemed eligible for review.

https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.fsd.gov%2Fgsafsd_sp%3Fid%3Dgsafsd_kb_articles%26sys_id%3Dc81018e71b1601d0937fa64ce54bcb57&data=05%7C01%7Cfjeldkk%40state.gov%7C0cc4e2b471f44abcd32308db093ecead%7C66cf50745afe48d1a691a12b2121f44b%7C0%7C0%7C638113937577534024%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=W2ShcazZBQbanYGj0cLOTnUJwv%2BGL4xfwr83%2BycQY2E%3D&reserved=0 https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.fsd.gov%2F&data=05%7C01%7Cfjeldkk%40state.gov%7C0cc4e2b471f44abcd32308db093ecead%7C66cf50745afe48d1a691a12b2121f44b%7C0%7C0%7C638113937577534024%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=t32ANWzgpiB93pMWoq%2BFCSHz4YJY9QF1S1iQzCsS6RM%3D&reserved=0 https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Feportal.nspa.nato.int%2FAC135Public%2Fscage%2FCageList.aspx&data=05%7C01%7Cfjeldkk%40state.gov%7C0cc4e2b471f44abcd32308db093ecead%7C66cf50745afe48d1a691a12b2121f44b%7C0%7C0%7C638113937577534024%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=v3TLT8F%2FNfk5SuTcI2zw7SMhV4HK542OhP9XDx4ln%2BY%3D&reserved=0 https://eportal.nspa.nato.int/Codification/CageTool/home https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-I/part-25/subpart-A/section-25.110

4. Submission Dates and Times

Applications are due no later than Wednesday August 12, 2026, 11:59PM ET

5. Funding Restrictions

i. Funding Restrictions for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA)

None of the funds awarded resulting from this Notice of Funding Opportunity may be made available for subawards, direct financial support, or otherwise used to provide any payment or transfer to United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA).

ii. Prohibition on Funding Activities that Encourage Mass-Migration Caravans towards the

United States Southwest Border:

None of the funds awarded under this grant may be made available to encourage, mobilize, publicize, or manage mass-migration caravans towards the United States southwest border. Funds may not be made available for legal counseling on the United

States asylum process; and/or for referrals to legal representation in the United States.

Funds may only be used for cash cards for use in the country in which they are provided or to facilitate assisted voluntary returns and other purposes that do not encourage, mobilize, publicize, or manage mass migration caravans towards the United States southwest border. The provision of humanitarian assistance is permitted.

iii. Certification Regarding Compliance with applicable Federal anti-discrimination laws

If the place of performance or delivery of any award made under this NOFO will be within the United States, applicants are advised that they will be required to certify the following at the time of award:

1) Its compliance in all respects with all applicable Federal anti-discrimination laws is material to the government’s payment decisions for purposes of section 3729(b)(4) of title 31, United States Code and;

2) It does not operate any programs promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion that violate any applicable Federal anti-discrimination laws. A program promoting

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion means a program whose purpose is to promote preferences based on race, color religion, sex, or national origins, such as in training or hiring.

iv. Certification Regarding Compliance with 20 U.S.C. 1011f and any other applicable foreign funding disclosure requirements.

Applicants are advised that IHEs must certify the following at the time of award, and that this certification requirement must be included in any subaward agreements to IHEs:

1) Its compliance in all respects with section 1011f of title 20, United States

Code, and any other applicable foreign funding disclosure requirements is material for purposes of section 3729 of title 31, United States Code, and for receipt of appropriate Federal grant funds.

v. Certification of Trafficking in Persons Compliance and Compliance Plan

Applicants are advised that they will be required to certify the following at the time of award for awards where the estimated value of services to be performed outside the

United States exceeds $500,000:

1) To the best of the Recipient’s knowledge, neither the Recipient, nor any subrecipient, contractor, or subcontractor of the Recipient or any agent of the recipient or of such a subrecipient, contractor, or subcontractor, is engaged in any of the activities described in 2 CFR 175.105(a);

The recipient has implemented a Trafficking in Persons compliance plan to prevent activities described in 2 CFR 175(a) and is compliant with this plan; and the compliance plan must follow the minimum requirements described in 2 CFR 175(b)(5).

2) That the Recipient has and will implement procedures to prevent activities described in 2 CFR 175.105(a) and to monitor, detect, and terminate any subrecipient, contractor, subcontractor, or employee of the recipient engaging in these activities.

Recipients do not need to submit a copy of the plan. However, they must provide it to the Grants Officer upon request, and as appropriate, must post the useful and relevant contents of the plan or related materials on their website and at the workplace. Recipients must re-certify on an annual basis for the entire award period of performance.

vi. Promoting Human Flourishing in Foreign Assistance (PHFFA)

Applicants for foreign assistance awards should be aware of requirements in 2 CFR Part

602, 603, and 604.

These policies are referred to collectively as the Promoting Human Flourishing in

Foreign Assistance (PHFFA) Policy.

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-175

602: The award term imposes certain abortion-related requirements on foreign nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), United States NGOs, public international organizations, foreign governments, and parastatals.

603: The award term imposes certain requirements relating to gender ideology on foreign nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), United States NGOs, international organizations, foreign governments, and parastatals.

604: The award term imposes certain requirements relating to discriminatory equity ideology on foreign nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), United States NGOs, international organizations, foreign governments, and parastatals.

The Department recognizes there are costs associated with these policies. Potential one-time and recurring costs the Department identifies for recipients and grantees are for familiarization with the policy, development and delivery of organizational training and implementation guidance, routine compliance monitoring, and recordkeeping and reporting requirements.

6. Other Submission Requirements

All application materials must be electronically through www.Grants.gov or MyGrants

F. Application Review Information

1. Review Criteria

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

Quality and Feasibility of the Program Idea: The program idea is well developed, with detail about how program activities will be carried out. The proposal includes a reasonable implementation timeline. The proposal does not include any activities contrary to any standing

Executive Orders. For a full list, see https://www.federalregister.gov/.

Organizational Capacity and Record on Previous Grants: The organization has expertise in its stated field and has the internal controls in place to manage federal funds. This includes a financial management system and a bank account. If sub-awards are proposed, applicant demonstrates experience managing subawards.

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

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

https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/01/27/2026-01519/protecting-life-in-foreign-assistance https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/01/27/2026-01516/combating-gender-ideology-in-foreign-assistance https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/01/27/2026-01517/combating-discriminatory-equity-ideology-in-foreign-assistance-rules https://www.federalregister.gov/

Monitoring and evaluation plan: Applicant demonstrates it is able to measure program success against key indicators and provides milestones to indicate progress toward goals outlined in the proposal. The program includes output and outcome indicators and shows how and when those will be measured.

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

2. Indirect Costs

If two or more applications receive equivalent scores based on the evaluation criteria outlined in this NOFO, preference will be given to the applicant with the lower indirect cost rate, as consistent with Executive Order 14332, Section 4(b)(iii). This preference will only be applied as a tie-breaking mechanism and does not supersede the primary evaluation criteria.

3. Review and Selection Process

A review committee will evaluate all eligible applications.

DRL strives to ensure that each application receives a balanced evaluation by a DRL review panel. A review committee will evaluate all technically eligible applications against the criteria outlined above. In most cases, the DRL review panel includes representatives from

DRL and the appropriate Department of State regional bureau (to include feedback from U.S.

embassies). In some cases, additional panelists may participate, including from other

Department of State bureaus or offices; U.S. government departments, agencies, or boards;

representatives from partner governments; or representatives from entities that are in a public-private partnership with DRL. At the end of the panel’s discussion about an application, the review panel votes on whether to recommend the application for approval by the DRL Assistant Secretary. If more applications are recommended for approval than DRL can ultimately fund, the review panel will rank the recommended applications in priority order for consideration by the DRL Assistant Secretary. The Grants Officer Representative

(GOR) for the eventual award does not vote on the panel. All panelists must sign non-disclosure agreements and conflicts of interest agreements.

DRL review panels may provide conditions and recommendations on applications to enhance the proposed project, which must be addressed by the applicant before further consideration of the award. To ensure effective use of DRL funds, conditions or recommendations may include requests to increase, decrease, clarify, and/or justify costs and project activities.

4. Risk Review

i. Risk factors

Under the merit review as required by 2 CFR 200.206, prior to making a Federal Award the

Department will review and consider the following risk factors:

a. Financial stability

b. Management systems and standards

c. History of performance

d. Audit reports and findings

e. Ability to effectively implement requirements

f. Organizational capacity to manage DRL funds, including prior USG grant experience and adequate staffing levels for award oversight.

ii. Responsibility/Qualification Information in SAM.gov

The Federal awarding agency, prior to making a Federal award with a total amount of Federal share greater than the simplified acquisition threshold, is required to review and consider any information about the applicant that is in the U.S. government designated integrity and performance system accessible through SAM.gov (see 41 U.S.C. 2313)

An applicant can review and comment on any information in the responsibility/qualification records available in SAM.gov.

Before making decisions in the risk review required by 2 CFR 200.206, the Department will consider any comments by the applicant, along with information available in the responsibility/qualification records in SAM.gov.

G. Award Notices

The award or cooperative agreement will be written, signed, awarded, and administered by the

Grants Officer. The award agreement is the authorizing document, and it will be provided to the recipient for review and counter-signature. The recipient may only start incurring project expenses beginning on the start date shown on the award document signed by the Grants Officer.

If a proposal is selected for funding, the Department of State has no obligation to provide any additional future funding. Renewal of an award to increase funding or extend the period of performance is at the discretion of the Department of State.

Issuance of this NOFO does not constitute an award commitment on the part of the U.S.

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

Unsuccessful applicants: Unsuccessful applicants will be notified by September 30, 2026, via email.

Payment Method:

Payments under this award will be made through the U.S. Department of Health and Human

Services (HHS) Payment Management System (PMS).

Recipients may not draw down funds without the affirmative authorization of the Department of

State. In addition, recipients must submit, with each PMS payment request, a detailed explanation justifying the request.

H. Post-Award Requirements and Administration

1. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

Before submitting an application, applicants should review all the terms and conditions and required certifications which will apply to this award, to ensure that they will be able to comply.

These include:

In accordance with the Office of Management and Budget’s guidance located at 2 CFR part

200, all applicable Federal laws, and relevant Executive guidance, the Department of State will review and consider applications for funding, as applicable to specific programs, pursuant to this notice of funding opportunity in accordance with the following:

• Guidance for Grants and Agreements in Title 2 of the Code of Federal Regulations (2

CFR), as updated in the Federal Register’s 89 FR 30046 on April 22, 2024, particularly on:

o Selecting recipients most likely to be successful in delivering results based on the program objectives through an impartial process of evaluating Federal award applications (2 CFR part 200.205), o Promoting the freedom of speech and religious liberty in alignment with

Promoting Free Speech and Religious Liberty (E.O. 13798) and Improving Free

Inquiry, Transparency, and Accountability at Colleges and Universities (E.O.

13864) (§§ 200.300, 200.303, 200.339, and 200.341), o Providing a preference, to the extent permitted by law, to maximize use of goods, products, and materials produced in the United States (2 CFR part 200.322), and o Terminating agreements pursuant to the U.S. Department of State Standard Terms and Conditions, including, to the greatest extent authorized by law, if an award no longer effectuates the program goals or agency priorities (2 CFR part 200.340).

For the avoidance of doubt, the Department has sole discretion over the determination that an award no longer effectuates program goals or agency priorities, and this provision permits awards to be terminated at the Department’s convenience, including when it determines that the award no longer advances the national interest.

• 2 CFR 25 - UNIVERSAL IDENTIFIER AND SYSTEM FOR AWARD

MANAGEMENT

• 2 CFR 170 - REPORTING SUBAWARD AND EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

INFORMATION

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• 2 CFR 175 - AWARD TERM FOR TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS

• 2 CFR 182 - GOVERNMENTWIDE REQUIREMENTS FOR DRUG-FREE

WORKPLACE (FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE)

• 2 CFR 183 - NEVER CONTRACT WITH THE ENEMY

• 2 CFR 600 – DEPARTMENT OF STATE REQUIREMENTS

• U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE STANDARD TERMS AND CONDITIONS

• Recipients must comply with all applicable Executive Orders A searchable list can be found in the Federal Register: https://www.federalregister.gov/

2. Reporting

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

Applicants should be aware of the post-award reporting requirements for federal assistance awards as reflected in 2 CFR 200 Appendix XII - Award Term and

Condition for Recipient Integrity and Performance Matters.

DRL awards require that all reports (financial and progress) are uploaded to the federal award file in MyGrants on a quarterly basis. The Federal Financial Report (FFR or SF-425) is the required form for financial reports and must be submitted in PMS, and a copy of the report submitted in PMS then uploaded to the award file in MyGrants. Progress reports uploaded to the award file in MyGrants must include a narrative as described below as well as Program Indicators (or other mutually agreed upon format approved by the Grants

Officer), including standard (F) framework indicators and DRL framework indicators. F and

DRL framework indicators will be reviewed and negotiated during the final stages of issuing an award on a project-by-project basis.

Narrative progress reports should reflect the focus on measuring the project’s progress on the overarching objectives and should be compiled according to the objectives, outcomes, and outputs as outlined in the award’s Scope of Work (SOW) and in the Monitoring & Evaluation

Narrative. An assessment of the overall project’s achievements should be included in each progress report. Where relevant, progress reports should include the following sections:

• Relevant contextual information;

• Explanation and evaluation of significant activities of the reporting period and how the activities reflect progress toward achieving objectives, including meeting benchmarks/targets as set in the approved M&E Plan. In addition, attach the M&E

Plan, comparing the target and actual numbers for the indicators;

• Any qualitative impact or success stories from the project, when possible;

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• Copy of baseline, mid-term, and/or final evaluation report(s) conducted by an external evaluator; if applicable;

• Relevant supporting documentation or products related to the project activities (such as articles, meeting lists and agendas, participant surveys, photos, manuals, etc.) as separate attachments;

• Description of how the recipient is pursuing sustainability, including looking for sources of follow-on funding;

• Any problems/challenges in implementing the project and a corrective action plan with an updated timeline of activities;

• Reasons why established goals were not met;

• Data for the required F and/or DRL framework indicator(s) for the quarter as well as aggregate data by fiscal year;

• Program Indicators or other mutually agreed upon format approved by the Grants

Officer;

• Proposed activities for the next quarter; and,

• Additional pertinent information, including analysis and explanation of cost overruns or high unit costs, if applicable.

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

Foreign Assistance Data Review: As required by Congress, the Department of State must make progress in its efforts to improve tracking and reporting of foreign assistance data through the Foreign Assistance Data Review (FADR). The FADR requires tracking of foreign assistance activity data from budgeting, planning, and allocation through obligation and disbursement. Successful applicants will be required to report and draw down federal funding based on the appropriate FADR Data Elements, indicated within their award documentation. In cases of more than one FADR Data Element, typically program or sector and/or regions or country, the successful applicant will be required to maintain separate accounting records.

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

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

3. Branding and Marking

The Department of State, its programs, and U.S. Government funding and assistance should be easily identifiable to the Department's global audiences.

Recipients of federal assistance awards must follow the branding guidance published at

Guidance for Contracts and Grants - U.S. Department of State Brand System. Branding policy exceptions are outlined in the U.S. Department of State Foreign Affairs Manual 10

FAM 416, Policy Exceptions.

For more information, visit: https://brand.america.gov/ https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/retrieveECFR?gp=&SID=027fb85899500d580fc71df69d11573a&mc=true&n=pt2.1.200&r=PART&ty=HTML%20-%20ap2.1.200_1521.i#ap2.1.200_1521.xii https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/retrieveECFR?gp=&SID=027fb85899500d580fc71df69d11573a&mc=true&n=pt2.1.200&r=PART&ty=HTML%20-%20ap2.1.200_1521.i#ap2.1.200_1521.xii https://brand.america.gov/document/547370#/-/guidance-for-contracts-and-grants https://fam.state.gov/fam/10fam/10fam0410.html https://fam.state.gov/fam/10fam/10fam0410.html https://brand.america.gov/

I. Other Information

Guidelines for Budget Justification

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

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

Equipment: Describe any machinery, furniture, or other personal property that is required for the program, which has a useful life of more than one year (or a life longer than the duration of the program), and costs at least $10,000 per unit.

Supplies: List and describe all the items and materials, including any computer devices, that are needed for the program. If an item costs more than $10,000 per unit, then put it in the budget under Equipment.

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

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

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

Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate (NICRA) and includes NICRA charges in the budget, attach a copy of your latest NICRA. Organizations that have never had a NICRA may request indirect costs of 15% of Modified Total Direct Costs as defined in 2 CFR 200.1.

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

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

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