guyana nofo.docx

Notice of Funding Opportunity

Announcement Type: New Award

Funding Opportunity Number: WHA-15-GR-004-WHA/Guyana-05272015

Public Opportunity Title: Capacity Building to Aid the Government of Guyana in Achieving Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) Candidacy.

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 19.750

Number of Awards: One (1)

Issuance Date: May 27, 2015

Deadline for Receipt of Questions: June 19, 2015, 5:00 PM EST

Closing Date and Time for Submission: Complete proposal package must be received by June 27, 2015, 5:00 PM, EST, via email at OudkerkW@state.gov.

Funding Activity Category: Energy and Governance

Grant Program: Fiscal Transparency Innovation Fund (FTIF)

Assistance Type: Grant

Eligibility Category: US non-profit organizations having a 501, (c)), (3) status with IRS; overseas-based non-governmental organizations (NGOs); U.S. and overseas higher educational institutions.

Est. Project Start Date: August/September 2015

Est. Project End Date: 12 months from start date of the project

Cost Sharing Requirement: None

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The United States Department of State, Embassy Georgetown, announces a notification of funding opportunity (NOFO) to support the Government of Guyana’s Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative candidacy with up to $297,000 in FY 2015 Economic Support Funds for a project period not to exceed 12 months. The anticipated start date for this activity is August/September 2015 and one (1) award is anticipated as a result of this NOFO.

The goal of this capacity-building project is to prepare Guyana to submit its application for EITI candidacy by no later than August 2016 — a date set internally by Guyana’s Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment in a draft work plan. To achieve this, the grant recipient would utilize FTIF funds to imbed a single technical advisor or multiple technical advisors with different skill sets within the Ministry to help Guyana complete the steps necessary for EITI candidacy. These steps would include developing and publishing a work plan and implementation schedule, identifying sources of funding for EITI implementation, reviewing Guyana’s legal framework to identify potential obstacles to EITI implementation, reviewing Guyana’s laws to ensure compatibility with EITI implementation and reporting processes, obtaining full agreement from the extractive industry to participate in EITI, establishing a Guyana-specific EITI website and conducting outreach activities to obtain broader public buy-in for EITI. The technical advisor(s) would also assist with capacity building for the multi-stakeholder group, other engaged ministries, and parliamentarians, and help in develop EITI reporting templates and guidelines.

Embassy Georgetown reserves the right to fund any or none of the proposals submitted and to determine the resulting level of funding for the award. The authority for this NOFO is found in the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended.

Eligible organizations interested in submitting an application are encouraged to read this NOFO thoroughly to understand the type of project sought and the application submission requirements and evaluation process.

For information/clarification regarding this NOFO, please contact:

Wynette Oudkerk U.S. Embassy Georgetown Tel. (592) 225-4900 Ext. 4213 OudkerkW@state.gov.

NOTICE OF FUNDING OPPORTUNITY

The United States Department of State Embassy Georgetown is seeking applications to implement a program entitled “ Capacity Building to Aid the Government of Guyana in Achieving Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) Candidacy.” The authority for this Request for Application (NOFO) is found in the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended.

Pursuant to 2 CFR 200.400 g ,it is U.S. Department’s of State policy not to allow profit under federal assistance instruments. All reasonable, allocable, and allowable expenses, both direct and indirect, which are related to the award and are in accordance with applicable cost standards (2 CFR 200), the Mandatory Standard Provision, Allowable Costs, may be paid under the grant agreement pending formal approval from the awarding agency. NOTE: overseas-based nonprofit organizations are legally required to comply with the 2 CFR 200.

Subject to the availability of funds, Embassy Georgetown intends to issue an award in an amount not to exceed $297,000 in total funding. The award will be funded from Embassy Georgetown allocated funds for a project period not to exceed one year. The anticipated start date is August/September 2015. One (1) award is anticipated as a result of this NOFO. Embassy Georgetown reserves the right to fund any or none of the applications submitted and will determine the resulting level of funding for the award.

Eligible organizations interested in submitting an application are encouraged to read this NOFO thoroughly to understand the type of project sought and the application submission requirements and evaluation process.

To be eligible for award, the applicant must submit all required information in its application, including the requirements found in any attachments to this grants.gov opportunity. This NOFO consists of this cover letter plus the following Sections:

Questions regarding proposal submission instructions of this NOFO should be submitted in writing to Wynette Oudkerk via email at OudkerkW@state.gov.

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 an application. In addition, final award of any resultant grant agreement cannot be made until funds have been fully appropriated, allocated, and committed through internal Embassy Georgetown procedures. While it is anticipated that these procedures will be successfully completed, potential applicants are hereby notified of these requirements and conditions for award. Applications are submitted at the risk of the applicant. All preparation and submission costs are at the applicant's expense.

Sincerely, Chargé d’Affaires

SECTION I – FUNDING OPPORTUNITYDESCRIPTION

BACKGROUND

Guyana, the third-poorest nation in the Western Hemisphere, sits atop a vast and largely untapped wealth of natural resources. Explosive growth in extractive industries — including a record-high for gold production in 2013 — has also made Guyana one of the fastest-growing economies in the Caribbean region in recent years. Mining has become the main driver of new job creation and foreign exchange in the country, and extractive commodities in general comprise the bulk of Guyanese exports to the United States.

In addition, the U.S. Geological Survey estimates that the Guyana-Suriname Basin is Latin America’s third largest undiscovered oil and gas deposit, with a 50 percent probability of holding 13.9 billion barrels of oil and 36.8 trillion cubic feet of natural gas. Guyana’s portion of these off-shore reserves is estimated at 2.2 billion barrels of oil and 6 trillion cubic feet of natural gas. Multinational oil companies such as ExxonMobil, Shell Oil, Anadarko Petroleum and Repsol are currently undertaking exploratory work in Guyanese waters and are increasingly bullish about the potential for drilling.

However, managing these natural resources for the benefit of all Guyanese has proven an immense challenge for the country’s government. Recognizing the need for greater transparency and accountability in the extractive industries sector, the Government of Guyana has stated its intention to sign on to the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), an international standard for ensuring that revenues from the sale of a nation’s natural resources benefit all the citizens of that nation. The government started initial discussions with the EITI International Secretariat in 2010 but these stalled out. The two bodies re-engaged in 2012, leading to the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding to move Guyana toward EITI candidacy. In February 2013, the government established a 19-member multi-stakeholder group as a pre-condition of EITI candidacy. In January 2014 it solicited bids for a study to examine feasibility and scoping aspects of EITI implementation.

Despite these advances, Guyana’s progress over the past several years has been slowed by a lack of technical expertise on EITI within the agencies overseeing the administration of natural resources. In a letter to Former Ambassador to Guyana D. Brent Hardt dated Jan. 22, 2014, Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment Robert Persaud wrote that Guyana would welcome U.S. government assistance in capacity building to prepare for EITI candidacy. In recent communications with Charge d’ Affaires Bryan Hunt, the Minister has again underscored his ministry’s technical shortcomings and has requested USG assistance in increasing his ministry’s technical capacity in the oversight of the oil and gas sector.

To support Guyana in its bid for EITI candidacy, the U.S. Department of State has allocated up to $297,000 to imbed a single technical advisor or multiple technical advisors within the Ministry responsible for Natural Resources.

PROJECT PURPOSE

The purpose of the project is to assist Guyana in its bid for Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) candidacy

PROJECT GOALS

The goal of this capacity-building project is to enable Guyana to submit its application for EITI candidacy by August 2016.

PROJECT OBJECTIVES

IMPLEMENTATION MECHANISM

Embassy Georgetown intends to implement the project through a grant award. Embassy Georgetown is focusing on creating local capacity on Energy Governance, and thus applicants should incorporate local engagement and capacity building in their proposal.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The project is comprised of the following objectives and corresponding activities:

Objective 1:

Develop greater capacity within government, industry, and civil society stakeholders to comply with the requirements of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative.

Activity 1: Serve as the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment’s principal advisor on the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, providing advice and technical assistance as required by the Minister.

Activity 2: Conduct technical workshops with the identified Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative stakeholder group to increase understanding of the parameters of the initiative.

Activity 3: Implement trainings with relevant government departments to include the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry overseeing natural resources, Ministry of Agriculture, and the Office of the Attorney General to explain the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative candidacy process.

Activity 4: Hold workshops with civil society representatives to increase awareness of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative and their role in the candidacy process.

Activity 5: Conduct conferences and workshops with industry groups to include the Private Sector Commission, the Guyana Manufacturers and Services Association, the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association, and other relevant industry groups in the petroleum, mining, and forestry sectors to create better understanding of and support for Guyana’s participation in the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative.

Objective 2:

Implement legislative and regulatory changes necessary for Guyana to participate in the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative.

Activity 1: Review all laws and regulations related to disclosure of government revenue streams from and government contracts in the extractive industries sectors particularly petroleum, mining, and forestry. Provide advice as to changes that may be necessary for Guyana to conform with the principles of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative.

Activity 2: Present review findings to the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative industry stakeholders group and relevant line ministries to seek feedback and to discuss proposed parameters for legislative/regulatory changes.

Activity 3: In concert with staff of relevant ministries (Finance, Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment, and Attorney General’s Office), prepare draft regulations and proposed legislation to address any deficiencies in existing regulations. Assist in the organization and conduct of public hearings on draft regulations and proposed legislation with relevant stakeholders.

Activity 4: Conduct workshops with relevant members of parliament -- particularly those serving on Select Committees with responsibility for oversight of Finance, Agriculture, and Natural Resources and Environment – to sensitize them on the requirements of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative and to make them aware of legislative changes that will be necessary for Guyana’s participation.

Objective 3:

Enable the Government of Guyana to develop an acceptable candidacy document and work plan for submission to the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative Secretariat by 2016.

Activity 1: In consultation with relevant line ministries (Finance, Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment, and Attorney General’s Office), as well as the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative stakeholder group, prepare candidacy document and work plan for Guyana that meets the standards of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative Secretariat.

Activity 2: Hold workshops for relevant civil society, parliamentary, and industry stakeholders to review the proposed submission, build consensus, and make any necessary revisions.

Activity 3: Work with the Ministry of Finance and relevant parliamentary committees to ensure that funding for the implementation of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative program in Guyana is identified and allocated.

Activity 4: Work with the Ministry overseeing natural resources, as well as the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative stakeholders group and any other relevant Government of Guyana entities, to establish preliminary implementation mechanisms to include a Guyana-specific Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative website and an agreed upon reporting framework.

Activity 5: Assist the Government of Guyana in preparing its final submission presentation to the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative Secretariat.

CROSS-CUTTING AND ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES

1. Program Expansion .

In the event of a successful project, Embassy Georgetown will consider the option of expanding the project to other areas in the region, subject to availability of future funding. Applicants are strongly encouraged to demonstrate how their project might leverage funding through other organizations.

DESIRED RESULTS AND ILLUSTRATIVE INDICATORS

By August 2016, the contracted organization is expected to enhance Guyana’s capacity to submit a strong application for EITI candidacy. Signing on to EITI will give Guyana a universally understood transparency and accountability regime with which to govern its extractive industries sector in advance of any potential boom in revenues related to the discovery of off-shore oil.

The recipient will develop a project-level Performance Monitoring plan (PMP) with annual and end-of- project targets and results anticipated for key performance indicators. The following table shows indicators that will be measured, as well as illustrative targets, upon which the recipient will be responsible for monitoring and reporting during and after the project. In addition, Embassy Georgetown will regularly monitor the project’s performance to assess whether project activities are on track and targets are being achieved.

Outcome indicators for the project are provided below. The recipient is expected to identify targets for these indicators based on what it can reasonably achieve within the performance period of the project, and based on the expected overall project results described above. SAMPLE:

Output indicators and illustrative targets for the project are provided below. The recipient should review these and either confirm the illustrative targets or propose alternative targets, as appropriate.

The recipient may propose additional outputs, indicators, and/or targets as appropriate. The recipient will be required to collect baseline data for all the PMP indicators during the first year of the project. In addition, certain terms included in the outcomes and indicators will need to be defined at the very beginning of the project so that it is possible to measure the change during and at the end of the project. Examples of such are “capacity”, “spread effect”, etc. Baseline information will be critical for both monitoring and evaluation of project progress and results.

[END OF SECTION I]

SECTION II – AWARD INFORMATION

The U.S. government may issue one award resulting from this NOFO to applicants whose application(s) are the most responsive to the objectives set forth in this NOFO. The U.S. government may (a) reject any or all applications, (b) accept other than the lowest cost proposal.

The U.S. government may make award on the basis of initial applications received without discussions or negotiations. Therefore, each initial application should contain the applicant's best terms from a cost and technical standpoint. The U.S. government reserves the right (but is not under obligation to do so) to enter into discussions with one or more applicants in order to obtain clarifications, additional detail, or to suggest refinements in the program description, budget, or other aspects of an application.

[END OF SECTION II]

SECTION III – ELIGIBLITY INFORMATION

To be eligible for a federal assistance award, in addition to other conditions of this NOFO, organizations must have a commitment to non‐discrimination with respect to beneficiaries and adherence to equal opportunity employment practices. Non‐discrimination includes equal treatment without regard to race, religion, ethnicity, gender, and political affiliation.

Applicants are reminded that U.S. Executive Orders and U.S. law prohibits transactions with, and the provision of resources and support to, individuals and organizations associated with terrorism. It is the legal responsibility of the Recipient to ensure compliance with these Executive Orders and laws. This provision must be included in any sub‐awards issued under this grant award.

(2) Embassy Georgetown encourages applications from potential new partners.

[END OF SECTION III]

SECTION IV – PROPOSAL SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS

Embassy Georgetown urges prospective applicants to have a valid DUNS number as well as active Central Contractor Registration (www.sam.gov).

Applicant organizations that do not have DUNS number, may obtain one at no cost by calling the toll-free DUNS request line at 1-866-705-5711 or visiting the D&B website at: https://iupdate.dnb.com/iUpdate/viewiUpdateHome.htm

NOTE: Organizations must obtain a DUNS number prior to completing the www.sam.gov registry process.

Applicant organizations can obtain assistance for SAM.gov registration by using the following link: https://www.fsd.gov or calling 1-866-606-8220 (U.S. calls)/or 1-324-206-7828 (international calls).

NCAGE Code - Special Requirements for Non-U.S. Applicants

Non-U.S. organizations must first obtain a North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) CAGE (NCAGE) Code from the appropriate source. Organizations may request an NCAGE code using the following link: https://eportal.nspa.nato.int/AC135Public/scage/CageList.aspx

TECHNICAL FORMAT REQUIREMENTS

For all application documents, please ensure:

A) All pages are numbered, including budgets and attachments, B) All documents are formatted to 8 ½ x 11 paper, and C) All Microsoft Word documents are single-spaced, 12 point Times New Roman font, with a minimum of 1-inch margins.

Complete applications must include the following for proposal submissions:

1. Completed and signed SF-424, SF-424a [and SF424b,] submitted to grants.gov, as well as, if applicable, your organization’s most recent audit.

2. Table of Contents (not to exceed one [1] page in Microsoft Word) that includes a page-numbered contents page, including any attachments.

3. Executive Summary (not to exceed two [2] pages in Microsoft Word) that includes:

a) Target country(ies),

b) Name and contact information for the project’s main point of contact,

c) Statement of work or synopsis of the program, including a concise breakdown of the project’s objectives, activities, and expected results,

d) total amount of funding requested and program length, and

e) Brief statement on how the project is innovative, sustainable, and will have a demonstrated impact.

4. Proposal Narrative (not to exceed ten [10] pages in Microsoft Word). Please note the ten page limit does not include the Table of Contents, Executive Summary, Attachments, Detailed Budget, Budget Narrative or NICRA. Applicants are encouraged to submit multiple documents in a single Microsoft Word, (i.e., Table of Contents, Executive Summary, Proposal Narrative, and Budget Narrative in one file).

5. Budget Narrative ( in Microsoft Word) that includes an explanation and justification for each line item in the detailed budget spreadsheet, as well as the source and a description of all cost-share offered. For ease of review, Embassy Georgetown recommends applicants order the budget narrative as presented in the detailed budget. Personnel costs should include a clarification of the roles and responsibilities of key staff and percentage of time devoted to the project. The budget narrative should communicate to Embassy Georgetown any information that might not be readily apparent in the budget, not simply repeat with words what is stated numerically in the budget.

6. Detailed Line-Item Budget (preferably in Microsoft Excel) that includes three [3] columns including the request to Embassy Georgetown, any cost sharing contribution, and total budget (see below for more information on budget format). A summary budget should also be included using the OMB approved budget categories (see SF-424 as a sample). Costs must be in U.S. dollars.

7. Attachments (not to exceed nine [9] pages total, preferably in Microsoft Word) that include the following in order:

a) Page 1-2: Monitoring and Evaluation Plan (see below for more information on this section).

b) Page 3: Roles and responsibilities of key program personnel with short bios that highlight relevant professional experience. This relates to the organization’s capacity. Given the limited space, CVs are not recommended for submission.

c) Page 4: Timeline of the overall proposal. Components should include activities, evaluation efforts, and program closeout.

d) Page 5-7: Additional optional attachments. Attachments may include further timeline information, letters of support, memoranda of understanding (MOU)/agreement, etc. For applicants with a large number of letters/MOUs, it may be useful to provide a list of the organizations or government agencies that support the program rather than the actual documentation.

8. If your organization has a negotiated indirect cost rate agreement (NICRA) and will include NICRA charges in the budget, your latest NICRA must be included as a .pdf file. This document will not be reviewed by the panelists, but rather used by program and grant staff if the submission is recommended for funding and therefore does not count against the submission page limitations, as described above. If your proposal involves sub-grants to organizations charging indirect costs, please submit the applicable NICRA also as a .pdf file (see below for more information on indirect cost rates). Specify if your organization elects to charge the de minimi rate of 10% of the modified total direct costs.

Note: Embassy Georgetown retains the right to request additional documentation for those items not included on this form.

INFORMATION ON STANDARD FORMS

Please see Tab D for instructions for completion of Standard Forms 424, 424A, and 424B.

OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET (OMB) CIRCULARS

Organizations should be familiar with 2 CFR 200, cost accounting principles. For a copy of the OMB Circular cited, please contact Government Publications or download from http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title02/2cfr200_main_02.tpl.Overseas-based nonprofit organizations are legally required to comply with 2 CFR 200.Public international organizations retain their privileges and immunities as such, but are encouraged to address this OMB Circular.

AUDITS

The recipient’s proposal should include the cost of an audit that:

1) Complies with the requirements of 2 CFR 200 Subpart F “Audit Requirements;”

2) Complies with the requirements of American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) Statement of Position (SOP) No. 92-9, "Audits of Not-for-Profit Organizations Receiving Federal Awards;"

3) Complies with AICPA Codification of Statements on Auditing Standards AU Section 551, "Reporting on Information Accompanying the Basic Financial Statements in Auditor-Submitted Documents," where applicable. When the U.S. Department of State is the largest direct source of Federal financial assistance (i.e., the cognizant Federal Agency) and indirect costs are charged to Federal grants, a supplemental schedule of indirect cost computation is required;

4) A non-Federal entity that expends $750,000 or more during the non-Federal entity's fiscal year in Federal awards must have a single or program-specific audit conducted for that year in accordance with the provisions of 2 CFR 200 subpart F.

The audit costs shall be identified by 2 CFR 200.425.

INDIRECT COST-RATE

An organization with a negotiated indirect cost rate agreement (NICRA) negotiated with a cognizant federal government agency, other than the U.S. Department of State, must include a copy of the indirect cost rate agreement. Applicants should indicate in the proposal budget how the rate is applied and if any of the rates will be cost-shared. Per 2 CFR 200.414. a non-Federal entity that has never received a negotiated indirect cost rate, except for those non-Federal entities described in Appendix VII to Part 200—States and Local Government and Indian Tribe Indirect Cost Proposals, paragraph D.1.b, may elect to charge a de minimi rate of 10% of modified total direct costs (MTDC) and provide an explanation, in the budget narrative, of the base application. As described in 2 CFR 200.403, costs must be consistently charged as either indirect or direct costs, but may not be double charged or inconsistently charged as both. If chosen, this methodology once elected must be used consistently for all Federal awards until such time as a non-Federal entity chooses to negotiate for a rate, which the non-Federal entity may apply to do at any time.

TAB A: PROPOSAL GUIDELINES

Proposals should include the following components:

· Introduction and Problem Statement

· Planned Activities

· Indicators

Problem Statement and Rationale: Describe the problem and how the project will achieve or contribute to achieving a sustainable solution and a measurable outcome. The applicant should explain the extent of existing assistance within the particular geographic area, and how the proposed intervention may complement (or differ from) other similar interventions. The implementer should also explain, as necessary, the particular experience and qualifications they bring to the project. The rationale should also reflect understanding of the priorities and policies of the bureau/post or program with which this agreement is associated.

Planned Activities and Indicators: Describe the planned activities, and relevant stakeholders for implementation. The implementer should highlight key stakeholders and their expected role in the project, along with any contingencies. The implementer should list assumptions that are dependent on the ultimate success of the project. This could include elements like geographic location, coordination efforts with other international organizations, or political will from host governments, private sector, and NGOs. As appropriate, limited contingency possibilities should be included in the proposal, in case the initial planning assumptions are not met. In the proposal, there should be a clearly defined link between each of the following elements as delineated:

Problem Statement Planned Activities/Inputs Process Indicators Output Indicators Outcome Indicators Impact

Process Indicators measure the activity that has been completed. Please delineate the specific activities to be conducted, such as workshops, roundtables, trainings, forums, exchanges, policy dialogues, etc. All indicators must include targets.

Output Indicators, otherwise known as deliverables associated with the agreement, should be included. Unlike process indicators, outputs are what is produced, and are often tangible. At this level, it is the measurement of ability, knowledge, skills, or access. All indicators must include targets.

Outcome Indicators measure the change in system or behavior or practice. Expected outcomes are the results that come from a series of activities that are necessary to achieve impact. All indicators must include targets.

All indicators must include measurable, numerical targets, which should serve as the foundation for monitoring and evaluation efforts. Ultimately, proposed activities and achievement of indicator targets will lead to impact.

TAB B: PROGRAM MONITORING AND EVALUATION PLAN

Embassy Georgetown will work with recipient organizations to implement the appropriate monitoring and evaluation plan that meets both the needs of Embassy Georgetown and the implementing partner. Incorporating a well-designed monitoring and evaluation component into a project is one of the most efficient methods of documenting the progress and potential success of a program. Successful monitoring and evaluation depend on the following:

· Setting objectives that are specific, measurable, attainable, results-focused, and placed in a reasonable time frame (SMART);

· Linking project activities to stated objectives;

· Developing key performance indicators that measure realistic progress towards the objectives.

Embassy Georgetown expects implementing organizations will track participants or partners as appropriate and be able to respond to key evaluation questions, including satisfaction with the program/training, information learned as a result of the program/training, changes in attitude and behavior as a result of the program, and effects of the program on institutions in which participants work or partner with. Applicants should include the monitoring and evaluation process in their timeline.

Recipients will be required to provide reports with an analysis and summary of their findings, both quantitative and qualitative, in their regular progress reports to Embassy Georgetown.

The monitoring and evaluation plan should include, at a minimum, the following elements:

· A results “Logic Model” planning document.

· Indicators, as described in Tab A, as well as details on how each indicator will be measured, frequency of the measurements, units of measure, etc. Provide indicators at the output and outcome levels. Monitoring and evaluation plans should include a chart component that clearly delineates indicators and targets. All indicators must include measurable, numerical targets.

· Establish, where possible, performance baseline data and expected performance targets for each indicator/outcome. In some cases, the baseline may be zero.

· Describe monitoring and evaluation tools, such as rapid assessment surveys, site visits, key stakeholder interviews, etc., that will be used.

· Plans should describe how the project’s impact and effectiveness will be monitored and evaluated throughout the project.

Format for Evaluation Plan Activity: Training Course

Activity: Government Roundtable

Sample “Logic Model” Planning Tool

Note: Outcomes, outputs, and activities should include numerical, measurable targets. A Logic Model is a useful tool for planning, and utilized when designing monitoring and evaluation methodology and frameworks.

Impact: Improved Food Security for 50,000 households in Country X

Outcome 1 Improved production and productivity of female and male producers

Outcome 2 Increased adoption of appropriate nutrition practices, by female and male beneficiaries

Output 1.1 Farmer Field Schools Established

Output 1.2 Improved access to input supply systems/services

Output 2.1 Home Gardens Established

Output 2.2 Improved knowledge of nutrition practices

Activities Train producers on FFS methodology

Conduct agro-forestry training

Develop and translate materials

Conduct meetings with suppliers

Distribute new seed varietals

Organize and hold supply fairs

Train producers on how to develop home gardens

Distribute new seeds

Train producers in food conservation and preparation

TAB C: BUDGET GUIDELINES

Complete budgets will provide a detailed line-item budget outlining specific cost requirements for proposed activities. A minimum of three columns should be used to delineate the bureau funding request, cost-share by applicant, and total project funding. Complete applications will include a budget narrative to clarify and justify individual line-items (i.e. calculations of how the costs were derived per month or year, their necessity, and overall contribution to the program’s cost-effectiveness, please use the attached budget template.

The three-column proposal line item budget should include the following components, in the suggested format below:

A. PERSONNEL

a) Primarily Headquarters-Based Personnel

b) Primarily Field-Based Personnel

Subtotal Personnel

B. FRINGE BENEFITS

Subtotal Fringe Benefits

C. TRAVEL

a) Monitoring Travel

b) Field Travel

Activity 1: Workshop

Activity 2: Town Hall Meeting

Subtotal Travel

D. EQUIPMENT

a) Primarily H.Q.-Based Equipment (if applicable)

d) Primarily Field-Based Equipment

Subtotal Equipment

E. SUPPLIES

a) Primarily H.Q.-Based Supplies (if applicable)

b) Primarily Field-Based Supplies

Subtotal Supplies

F. CONTRACTUAL

a) Sub-grants

b) Consultant Fees

Subtotal Contractual

H. OTHER

a) Other Direct Costs

Subtotal Other

I. TOTAL DIRECT CHARGES

(Sum of A-H Subtotals)

J. INDIRECT CHARGES

a) Indirect Costs/NICRA (X% of costs)

Subtotal Indirect Charges

K. TOTAL COSTS (Sum I-J)

Note: This budget is designed to serve as an example of the format for complete budget submissions and is NOT exhaustive. Individual line items included in each applicant’s budget should reflect specific program activities. (pax = participants)

The Embassy reserves the right to reduce, revise, or increase proposal budgets in accordance with the needs of the Embassy’s program and availability of funds.

As mentioned above, the detailed budget should also include an accompanying budget notes document that explains and justifies each line item, in the suggested format below:

LINE-ITEM BUDGET –

A. Personnel – Identify staffing requirements by each position title and brief description of duties. For clarity, please list the annual salary of each position, percentage of time and number of months devoted to the project. (e.g., Administrative Director: $30,000/year x 25% x 8.5 months; calculation: $30,000/12 = $2,500 x 25% x 8.5 months = $5,312.).

B. Fringe Benefits - State benefit costs separately from salary costs and explain how benefits are computed for each category of employee - specify type and rate.

C. Travel - Staff and any participant travel:

1) international airfare

2) in-country travel

3) domestic travel in Country X., if any

4) per diem/maintenance: includes lodging, meals and incidentals for both participant and staff travel. Rates of maximum allowances for U.S. and foreign travel are available from the following website: http:/www.policyworks.gov/. Per diem rates may not exceed the published U.S. government allowance rates; however, institutions may use per diem rates lower than official government rates.

5) staff refers to grantee staff only, and not sub-grantee staff or contractors

D. Equipment – please provide justification for any equipment purchase/rental, defined as tangible personal property having a useful life of more than one year and an acquisition cost of $5000 or more unit cost.

E. Supplies - list items separately using unit costs (and the percentage of each unit cost being charged to the grant) for photocopying, postage, telephone/fax, printing, and office supplies (e.g., Telephone: $50/month x 50% = $25/month x 12 months).

F. Contractual –

a) Sub-grants. For each sub-grant/contract please provide a detailed line-item budget breakdown explaining specific services. Please provide a sub-grant budget using the approved OMB budget format. (See Tab C: Budget Guidelines, above.)

b) Consultant Fees. For example lecture fees, honoraria, travel, and per diem for outside speakers or independent evaluators: list number of people and rates per day (e.g., 2 x $150/day x 2 days).

G. Other - these will vary depending on the nature of the project. The inclusion of each should be justified in the budget narrative. All costs must be allowable, allocable, and reasonable, and consistent with OMB guidelines. Line items such as “Miscellaneous,” “Contingency Fund,” and “Reserve Fund” are not permitted.

H. Indirect Charges - See 2 CFR 200.414 , "Indirect Costs”

Cost Share/Cost-Effectiveness –Cost sharing is not required. Explanation of contributions should be included, whether cash or in-kind. Assign a monetary value in U.S. dollars to each in-kind contribution. If the proposed project is a component of a larger program, identify other funding sources for the proposal and indicate the specific funding amount to be provided by those sources. In addition, it is recommended that budget narratives address the overall cost-effectiveness of the proposal, including leveraging of institutional or other resources. Cost sharing or matching refers to a portion of project or program cost that is not borne by the Federal Government. Grantees must follow cost sharing or matching policy as stipulated in 2 CFR 200.306. Cost sharing amounts proposed will be incorporated as part of the allowable budget items. If selected for an award, your organization will have to provide the minimum amount of cost sharing as stipulated in the budget approved by the Grants Officer. If your organization does not meet its cost share amount stipulated in the approved budget by the end of the period of performance the Embassy will have the option to (1) reduce its contribution in proportion to your organization’s contribution in the event that you do not provide the minimum amount of cost sharing stipulated in the budget or (2) hold your organization accountable for the amount specified in the approved budget.

BUDGET CONDITIONS AND RESTRICTIONS:

The Embassy does not pay for the following:

· Publication of materials for distribution within the U.S.;

· Administration of a project that will make a profit;

· Expenses incurred before or after the specified dates of award period of performance, TBD. (unless prior written approval received);

· Projects designed to advocate policy views or positions of foreign governments or views of a particular political faction;

· Alcoholic beverages;

· Costs of entertainment, including amusement, diversion, and social activities and any associated costs are unallowable, except where these costs that might have a programmatic purpose and are authorized either in the approved budget for the Federal award or with prior written approval of the Federal awarding agency;

· Land;

· Construction.

The Embassy may make conditions and recommendations on proposals to enhance proposed programs. Conditions and recommendations are to be addressed by the applicant before approval of the award. To ensure effective use of Embassy Georgetown funds, conditions or recommendations may include requests to increase, decrease, clarify and/or justify costs.

TAB D: GUIDELINES FOR STANDARD FORMS

SF-424 – Complete all fields except fields noted as “Leave Blank” below.

1. Type of Submission: Application

2. Type of Application: New

3. Date Received: Leave blank. This will automatically be assigned

4. Applicant Identifier: Leave blank 5a. Federal Entity Identifier: Leave blank 5b. Federal Award Identifier: Leave blank

6. Date Received by State: Leave blank. This will automatically be assigned

7. State Application Identified: Leave blank. This will automatically be assigned 8a. Enter the legal name of the applicant organization.

8b. Employer/Taxpayer ID Number: N/A.

8c. Organizational DUNS: Organizations can request a DUNS number at http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform 8d. Enter the full address of the applicant 8e. Enter the name of the primary organizational unit (and department or division, if applicable) that will undertake the assistance activity, if applicable 8f. Enter the name, title, organization, and contact information of person to be contacted on matters involving this application

9. Select an applicant type (type of organization)

10. Enter: Embassy Georgetown

11. Enter: N/A

12. Enter the Funding Opportunity Number and title. This number will already be entered on electronic applications.

13. Enter the Competition Identification Number and title. This number will already be entered on electronic applications.

14. Areas Affected by Project: List the country or countries where project activities will take place in alphabetical order.

15. Enter the title of the proposed project (if necessary, delete pre-printed wording) 16a. Enter congressional district of Applicant.

16b. Enter: 00 Program: Leave blank

17. Enter a start date of August 1, 2015 and a projected end date

18. Enter the amount requested for the project under “Federal” (18a); enter any cost-share under “Applicant” (18b).

19. Enter “c”

20. Select the appropriate box. If you answer “yes” to this question you will be required to provide an explanation.

21. Enter the name, title, and contact information of the individual authorized to sign for the application.

SF-424A – Please review the detailed instructions below BEFORE completing this form online

Section A - Budget Summary - Complete Row 1 1a. Enter: CARSI Program (This is the only grant program that needs to be entered) 1b. Enter: N/A 1c-d. Leave these fields blank 1e. Enter the amount of federal funds you are requesting for this project 1f. Enter the amount of any other funds you will receive towards this project 1g. Enter the total cost of this project Rows 2, 3, and 4 should be left blank.

Section B - Budget Categories – Enter total project costs in each category in Column 1 as described below. In Column 5, the form should automatically show the sum. Columns 2, 3, and 4 should be left blank.

6a-h. Enter the amount for each object class category (Include cost share).

6i. Enter the sum of 6a-6h 6j. Enter any indirect charges 6k. Enter the sum of 6i and 6j

7. Enter any program income that will be earned as a result of the project. If there is none leave this section blank.

Section C - Non-Federal Resources(Only complete this section if your project includes an applicant cost share or funds from other sources-cost share is not required) 8a. Under Grant Program enter: U.S. Embassy XX 8b. Enter your cost share amount 8c. Enter the amount of any other funding sources for this project 8d. Leave blank 8e. Enter the total amount for all non-federal resources (the form should automatically show this sum) Rows 9, 10, and 11 should be left blank.

Section D - Forecasted Cash Needs

13. In the first column enter the amount of federal funds you expect to expend in the project’s first year. Forecasted cash needs by quarter are not required.

14. In the first column enter the amount of non-federal funds you expect to expend in the project’s first year. Forecasted cash needs by quarter are not required.

15. In the first column enter the sum of 13 and 14 (the form should automatically show this sum). Forecasted cash needs by quarter are not required.

Section E - Budget Estimates of Federal Funds Needed for Balance of the Project 16a. Under Grant Program enter: CARSI Program 16b.Enter the amount of federal funds you expect to expend in year two of theproject.

16c. Enter the amount of federal funds you expect to expend in year three of the project.

16d. and 16e. Leave blank Rows 17, 18, 19 should be left blank.

20. Enter the total amount for each year (The form should automatically show this sum.)

Section F - Other Budget Information

21. Enter: Direct Charges– Leave Blank

22. Enter: Indirect Charges – If Indirect Charges are shown in Section B 6, enter the type of Indirect Rate used (Provisional, Predetermined, Final, or Fixed)

23. Enter any comments

[END OF SECTION IV]

SECTION V – APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

The technical applications will be evaluated in accordance with the Technical Evaluation Criteria set forth below. Applicants shall organize the narrative sections of their technical applications in the same order as the selection criteria. Technical evaluation of applications will be based on the extent and appropriateness of proposed approaches and feasibility of achieving the strategic objectives, in accordance with the following criteria.

If award is not made on the initial applications, Embassy Georgetown may request clarification and supplemental materials from applicants whose applications have a reasonable chance of being selected for award. The entry into discussion is to be viewed as part of the evaluation process and shall not be deemed by Embassy Georgetown or the applicants as indicative of a decision or commitment upon the part of Embassy Georgetown to make an award to the applicants with whom discussions are being held.

I. TECHNICAL EVALUATION CRITERIA

A technical evaluation committee, using the criteria shown in this Section, will evaluate the technical applications. The various functional elements of the technical criteria are assigned weighted scores, so that the applicants will know which areas require emphasis in the preparation of applications.

Where technical applications are considered essentially equal, cost may be the determining factor. Applicants should note that these criteria serve as the standard against which all applications will be evaluated and serve to identify the significant matters which applicants should address in their applications.

The relative importance of each criterion is indicated by the number of points assigned. A total of 100 points is possible.

Quality of Program Idea Rating ( 20) – Rating:

1. Responsive to the solicitation (5 points)

2. Appropriate in the country/regional context (10)

3. Exhibits originality, substance, and precision (5)

4. Prioritizes innovation but is feasible (5)

Program Planning/Ability to Achieve Objectives ( 25) – Rating:

· Includes a clear articulation of how the proposed program…