IBECA Notice of Funding Opportunity.docx

IBECA NOFO – FY21

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

BUREAU OF SOUTH AND CENTRAL ASIAN AFFAIRS

Notice of Funding Opportunity

Funding Opportunity Title: Improving the Business Environment in Central Asia (IBECA) Funding Opportunity Number: SFOP0008900 Deadline for Applications: June 30, 2022 Assistance Listing Number: 19.108 Total Amount Available: $1,975,000

A. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs of the U.S. Department of State announces an open competition for organizations to submit applications to carry out the “Improving the Business Environment in Central Asia (IBECA)” program. Please follow all instructions below.

Priority Region: This project may be implemented in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.

Program Objectives:

U.S. investment in Central Asia faces significant barriers due to issues such as the limited number of private enterprises and the dominance of the public sector, underdeveloped markets, challenging regulatory climates, and a lack of projects ready for investment. Limited U.S. investment in the region has contributed to economic development and investment options that are detrimental to Central Asian countries, through substandard quality, opaque financing, unfavorable debt structure, and the potential for corruption. The COVID-19 pandemic made Central Asian countries even more vulnerable to predatory business practices, and potential effects from the Russian invasion of Ukraine on the region may pose additional problems. Promoting long-term, sustainable, private sector-led economic development in Central Asia is a U.S. priority addressed both bilaterally and through regional coordination, including through the C5+1 diplomatic platform. Success hinges upon significant institutional and regulatory reforms, private sector capacity building, networking and transaction facilitation efforts.

This project aims to provide fair and sustainable alternatives to detrimental investment and economic development by creating momentum around critical markets and supporting business environment reforms, building the private sector’s capacity to lead long-term economic growth by improving access to finance, and by potentially identifying specific credit-worthy projects.

The goals of the project are as follows:

· Promote institutional and regulatory reforms to improve the business environment.

· Expand and identify opportunities for transparent, sustainable, and inclusive private sector-led economic development in Central Asia and strengthen capacity of the private sector to take advantage of alternative, positive investment partnerships.

· Build Central Asia’s economic security and regional economic integration by identifying business opportunities that U.S. and other international financial institutions and investors may support.

· Build the Capacity of the Private Sector in Central Asia, including Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), to develop investment opportunities and effectively apply for financing and other forms of USG assistance and private sector investment.

The Project will aim to reduce barriers to foreign investments, strengthen regional economic security, and build private sector resilience. This Project proposes a comprehensive approach to improve the business enabling environment in Central Asia in the following ways:

· Promoting Institutional and Regulatory Reforms to improve the business climate and build institutional frameworks that support inclusive private sector-led economic growth and investments through technical assistance and capacity building, complementing Government-to-Government diplomatic engagement

· Building the Capacity of the Private Sector in Central Asia, including Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), to develop investment opportunities and effectively apply for financing and other forms of USG assistance and private sector investment. (SMEs are enterprises with potential to grow and create new jobs, as well as those that provide goods and services to others. As a general guideline, a small enterprise typically has 10 to 49 employees (FTE) and a medium enterprise has 50 to 249 employees (FTE), however the key distinguishing factor is the enterprise’s role in achieving sustainable economic growth.)

· Developing Regional Network of C5+1 Experts that support each other and work together to address challenges to enabling the business environment in Central Asia.

· Conducting Market Assessments of Key Industries and sectors that present high potential for U.S. investments and financing opportunities, and Identifying Viable Investments and leveraging transaction facilitation services to expand the pipeline of viable investment opportunities for Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) and U.S. private investors.

Applicants should design a balanced program to address these elements. Applicants may consider partnering with U.S. or foreign organizations, including from the private or non-profit sectors, to carry out specific elements of the project; however, the applicant must be an organization described below in part C.1, with partners operating on a sub-grant or on a contractual basis. The project may be carried out in any or all of the Central Asian states noted above (see Priority Region), but preference will be given to applicants who will work in multiple countries, and where appropriate, whose program design supports the development of regional connectivity and approaches. Proposed projects should identify how they will include the participation of individuals and businesses led by women or by persons from marginalized communities. Applicants must demonstrate an awareness of other relevant programming in the region, whether funded by the U.S. government or other donors, and explain how their proposed programming will complement these other efforts.

Participants and Audiences:

Promoting Institutional and Regulatory Reforms: Target audiences may be staff of non-government or semi-governmental organizations that will benefit from capacity building in policy design and policy advocacy in economic policy, business, investment, and trade development, or the like, to enable them to advocate effectively for legal and regulatory changes. Secondary audiences may include academics and specialized journalists.

Building the Capacity of the Private Sector: Target audiences may be business development personnel of private sector companies, including Small and Medium Enterprises, who will benefit from management education in such areas as business plan development, corporate finance, and investment management. Audiences may also be university faculties of management or other educational or training institutions who will benefit from updated study in these or related areas and who would sustain the work of the project by providing training to the private sector following the conclusion of the project.

Conducting Market Assessments and Identifying Viable Investments: These elements should be connected to the private sector capacity building components described above. Applicants should describe how the market sectors will be identified for assessment and how the enterprises identified will be assisted in connecting with potential international investors.

B. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION

Length of performance period: 24 to 36 months Number of awards anticipated: One award Award amounts: The award may be a maximum of $1,975,000 Total available funding: $1,975,000 Type of Funding: FY21/22 Economic Support Funds under the Foreign Assistance Act Anticipated program start date: No later than September 30, 2022

This notice is subject to availability of funding.

Funding Instrument Type: Grant

Program Performance Period: Proposed programs should be completed in 36 months or less.

C. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

1. Eligible Applicants

The following organizations are eligible to apply:

· U.S. and foreign Not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks and civil society/non-governmental organizations

· U.S. and Foreign Public and private educational institutions

2. Cost Sharing or Matching: Not required.

3. Other Eligibility Requirements

In order to be eligible to receive an award, all organizations must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI). The UEI will be generated when the organization registers in SAM.gov. Please see Section D.3 for information on how register in SAM.gov. Individuals are not required to have a UEI or be registered in SAM.gov.

NOTE: As of April 2022, a DUNS number is no longer required to apply for a federal assistance award.

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

D. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

1. Address to Request Application Package

Application forms required below are available at www.grants.gov and SAMS Domestic.

2. Content and Form of Application Submission

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

Content of Application Please ensure the following:

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

· All documents are in English.

· All budgets are in U.S. dollars.

· All pages are numbered.

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

· All Microsoft Word documents are single-spaced, 12-point 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)

· SF-424A (Budget Information for Non-Construction programs)

· SF-424B (Assurances for Non-Construction programs) (Note: The SF-424B is only required for individuals and for organizations not registered in SAM.gov.)

2. Summary Page: 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 (20 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 program, including program 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 U.S. Embassy 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

· Program 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.

· Program Activities: Describe the program activities and how they will help achieve the objectives.

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

· Key Personnel: Names, titles, roles and experience/qualifications of key personnel involved in the program. What proportion of their time will be used in support of this program?

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

· Program Monitoring and Evaluation Plan: An M&E Plan 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.

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

5. Attachments:

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

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

· Risk Assessment: Provide an assessment of known and potential risks to the success of the project or affecting the applicant’s ability to carry out the project, including harm to the reputation or security of the applicant, its partners or sub-awardees, or its beneficiaries, and steps that will be taken to mitigate or counter the risks (maximum 3 pages).

· Organizations-wide Policies Preventing Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA): SCA policy has zero tolerance for inaction regarding allegations of sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA) occurring in relation to a federal award, and advocates for a survivor-centered approach to addressing such misconduct. Please submit copies of any organization-wide policies and procedures on Preventing Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA)4 or explain how the Applicant organization plans to develop such policies. If not already explained in its policies and procedures, the Applicant must outline in its proposal how it will work with any sub-grantees or beneficiary organizations who do not yet have PSEA policies and procedures to develop and apply them over the course of the program.

· (Optional) Security Plan: Describe the applicant’s contingency planning for anticipating, preventing, and responding to security threats and challenges arising from the country context and/or sensitivities of the program that may affect the implementer, its partners, beneficiary organizations and their staffs and members, and other audiences.

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

· Official permission letters, if required for program activities.

· Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM.gov)

Required Registrations:

Any applicant listed on the Excluded Parties List System (EPLS) in the System for Award Management (SAM) is not eligible to apply for an assistance award in accordance with the OMB guidelines at 2 CFR 180 that implement Executive Orders 12549 (3 CFR, 1986 Comp., p. 189) and 12689 (3 CFR, 1989 Comp., p. 235), “Debarment and Suspension.” Additionally, no entity listed on the EPLS can participate in any activities under an award. All applicants are strongly encouraged to review the EPLS in SAM to ensure that no ineligible entity is included.

All organizations applying for grants (except individuals) must obtain these registrations. All are free of charge:

· www.SAM.gov registration (which will generate a UEI)

· NCAGE/CAGE code

Step 1: Foreign organizations should apply for an NCAGE code. U.S.-based organizations should proceed to Step 2.

NCAGE application: Application page here: https://eportal.nspa.nato.int/AC135Public/scage/CageList.aspx Instructions for the NCAGE application process:

https://eportal.nspa.nato.int/AC135Public/Docs/US%20Instructions%20for%20NSPA%20NCAGE.pdf

For NCAGE help from within the U.S., call 1-888-227-2423 For NCAGE help from outside the U.S., call 1-269-961-7766 Email NCAGE@dlis.dla.mil for any problems in getting an NCAGE code.

Step 2: Register in SAM.gov by logging onto: https://www.sam.gov. When the registration is complete the organization will be issued a SAM.gov-generated UEI. SAM registration must be renewed annually.

For U.S.-based organizations, registration in SAM.gov will generate both a UEI and a CAGE code.

NOTE: As of April 2022, a DUNS number is no longer required.

3. Submission Dates and Times

Applications are due no later than June 30, 2022 @ 23:59 EST

4. Funding Restrictions Activities that are not typically allowed include, but are not limited to:

· The provision of humanitarian assistance;

· English language instruction;

· Development of high-tech computer or communications software and/or hardware;

· Purely academic exchanges or fellowships;

· External exchanges or fellowships lasting longer than six months;

· Off-shore activities that are not clearly linked to in-country initiatives and impact or are not necessary per security concerns;

· Activities aimed primarily at research and evaluation that do not incorporate training or capacity-building for local civil society;

· Micro-loans or similar small business development initiatives;

· Initiatives directed towards a diaspora community rather than current residents of targeted countries.

5. Other Submission Requirements

All application materials must be submitted electronically through www.Grants.gov or SAMS Domestic.

E. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

1. Criteria

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

Quality and Feasibility of the Program Idea – 20 points: The program idea is well developed, with detail about how program activities will be carried out. The proposal includes a reasonable implementation timeline. The program identifies regional approaches and supports building regional connectivity.

Organizational Capacity and Record on Previous Grants – 20 points: 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.

Program Planning/Ability to Achieve Objectives – 15 points: Goals and objectives are clearly stated and program approach is likely to provide maximum impact in achieving the proposed results.

Budget – 10 points: 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.

Monitoring and Evaluation plan – 15 points: 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 – 10 points: Program activities will continue to have positive impact after the end of the program.

Support of Equity and Underserved Communities – 10 points: Proposals should clearly demonstrate how the program will support and advance equity and engage underserved communities in program administration, design, and implementation.

2. Review and Selection Process

A review committee will evaluate all eligible applications.

3. Federal Awardee Performance & Integrity Information System (FAPIIS)

For any Federal award under a notice of funding opportunity, if the Federal awarding agency anticipates that the total Federal share will be greater than the simplified acquisition threshold on any Federal award under a notice of funding opportunity may include, over the period of performance (see §200.88 Simplified Acquisition Threshold), this section must also inform applicants:

i. That 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 designated integrity and performance system accessible through SAM (currently FAPIIS) (see 41 U.S.C. 2313);

ii. That an applicant, at its option, may review information in the designated integrity and performance systems accessible through SAM and comment on any information about itself that a Federal awarding agency previously entered and is currently in the designated integrity and performance system accessible through SAM;

iii. That the Federal awarding agency will consider any comments by the applicant, in addition to the other information in the designated integrity and performance system, in making a judgment about the applicant's integrity, business ethics, and record of performance under Federal awards when completing the review of risk posed by applicants as described in §200.206 Federal awarding agency review of risk posed by applicants.

F. FEDERAL AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION

1. Federal Award Notices

The grant award or cooperative agreement will be written, signed, awarded, and administered by the Grants Officer. The assistance award agreement is the authorizing document, and it will be provided to the recipient for review and signature by email. The recipient may only start incurring program expenses beginning on the start date shown on the grant award document signed by the Grants Officer.

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

Issuance of this NOFO does not constitute an award commitment on the part of the U.S. government, nor does it commit the U.S. government to pay for costs incurred in the preparation and submission of proposals. Further, the U.S. government reserves the right to reject any or all proposals received.

Payment Method: Payments under the award will be made through the Payment Management System.

2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

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

These include:

· 2 CFR 25 - UNIVERSAL IDENTIFIER AND SYSTEM FOR AWARD MANAGEMENT

· 2 CFR 170 - REPORTING SUBAWARD AND EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION INFORMATION

· 2 CFR 175 - AWARD TERM FOR TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS

· 2 CFR 182 - GOVERNMENTWIDE REQUIREMENTS FOR DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE (FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE)

· 2 CFR 183 - NEVER CONTRACT WITH THE ENEMY

· 2 CFR 600 – DEPARTMENT OF STATE REQUIREMENTS

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

In accordance with the Office of Management and Budget’s guidance located at 2 CFR part 200, all applicable Federal laws, and relevant Executive guidance, the Department of State will review and consider applications for funding, as applicable to specific programs, pursuant to this notice of funding opportunity in accordance with the following: NOTE:

· Guidance for Grants and Agreements in Title 2 of the Code of Federal Regulations (2 CFR), as updated in the Federal Register’s 85 FR 49506 on August 13, 2020, particularly on:

· Selecting recipients most likely to be successful in delivering results based on the program objectives through an objective process of evaluating Federal award applications (2 CFR part 200.205),

· Prohibiting the purchase of certain telecommunication and video surveillance services or equipment in alignment with section 889 of the National Defense Authorization Act of 2019 (Pub. L. No. 115—232) (2 CFR part 200.216),

· 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),

· 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

· Terminating agreements in whole or in part to the greatest extent authorized by law, if an award no longer effectuates the program goals or agency priorities (2 CFR part 200.340).

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

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

3. Reporting

Reporting Requirements: Recipients will be required to submit financial reports and program reports. The award document will specify how often these reports must be submitted. Applicants should anticipate providing quarterly performance and financial reports.

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.

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.

G. FEDERAL AWARDING AGENCY CONTACTS

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

H. OTHER INFORMATION

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

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

Equipment: Describe any machinery, furniture, or other personal property that is required for the program, which has a useful life of more than one year (or a life longer than the duration of the program), and costs at least $5,000 per unit.

Supplies: List and describe all the items and materials, including any computer devices, that are needed for the program. If an item costs more than $5,000 per unit, then put it in the budget under Equipment.

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

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

Indirect Costs: These are costs that cannot be linked directly to the program activities, such as overhead costs needed to help keep the organization operating. If your organization has a Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate (NICRA) and includes NICRA charges in the budget, attach a copy of your latest NICRA. Organizations that have never had a NICRA may request indirect costs of 10% of the modified total direct costs as defined in 2 CFR 200.68.

“Cost Sharing” refers to contributions from the organization or other entities other than the U.S. Embassy. It also includes in-kind contributions such as volunteers’ time and donated venues.

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