INL Nicaragua NOFO - FY22 - Strengthening Nicaraguan Communities Capacity to Resist Drugs(1).pdf

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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL)

Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)

Announcement Type: Request for Federal Assistance Award Applications

Funding Opportunity Title:

Strengthening Nicaraguan Communities’ Capacity to

Resist Drugs

Funding Opportunity Number: SFOP0008967

Program: Central America Regional Security Initiative

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance

(CFDA) Number:

19.704 - Counternarcotics

Total Funding Available: $325,000 U.S. Dollars

Application Ceiling: Up to $325,000 U.S. Dollars

Application Floor: At least $300,000 U.S. Dollars

Anticipated Number of Awards: One award

Initial Project Implementation Length: 12 months

Estimated Project Start: September 2022

NOFO Issuance Date: May 12, 2022

Deadline for Submission of Questions: June 13, 2022 by 11:59 PM EST via email

Deadline for Submission of Applications: July 12, 2022 by 11:59 PM EST via www.grants.gov

Assistance Type: Grant

Applicant Types and

Eligibility Categories:

Organizations only.

Refer to Section C: Eligibility Information for more information.

INL Points of Contact:

Cheryl Price (PriceCH@state.gov)

Michael Trolese (TroleseMW@state.gov)

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BUREAU MISSION

The mission of the State Department’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement

Affairs (INL) is to keep Americans safe by countering crime, illegal drugs, and instability abroad. The

INL Bureau is at the forefront of responding to these challenges, uniting these overarching themes through our foreign assistance programs, diplomatic engagement, and policy coordination.

INL’s foreign assistance programs are essential to advancing U.S. policy objectives. INL programs advance the following strategic goals:

1. Disrupt and reduce illicit drug markets and transnational crime to protect American lives and U.S. national security.

2. Combat corruption and illicit financing to strengthen democratic institutions, advance rule of law, and reduce transnational crime and its enablers.

3. Strengthen criminal justice systems to support stable, rights-respecting partners.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

A. PROJECT DESCRIPTION

B. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION

C. ELIGILIBITY INFORMATION

D. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

E. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

F. AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION

APPENDIX A: PERFORMANCE MONITORING PLAN

APPENDIX B: PROJECT RISK ANALYSIS

APPENDIX C: BUDGET AND BUDGET NARRATIVE

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A. PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Overview: The Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs of the U.S.

Department of State announces an open competition for organizations to submit applications to carry out a project to reduce drug demand among Nicaraguan youth in one of the following regions in Nicaragua: Managua, Rivas, North Caribbean region, or South Caribbean region.

Country Context

Nicaragua is a transit country for drug trafficking organizations using maritime and air routes to smuggle illicit drugs from South America toward the United States. The country’s long coastlines, porous border crossings, and sparsely populated Caribbean region provide a favorable environment for moving contraband. Studies have also shown higher rates of drug use in the Caribbean

Autonomous Regions of Nicaragua. The Nicaraguan National Police (NNP) and the Ministry of

Governance, through a National Council Against Organized Crime, are the primary government institutions responsible for drug prevention but have limited presence and impact in vulnerable and underserved departments in Nicaragua. Geographic logistical challenges coupled with limited technical capacity impede Nicaragua’s capability to effectively confront illicit drug trafficking and consumption within its borders. A challenging operating environment – the government of

Nicaragua has closed many non-governmental organizations (NGOs) – has constrained the capacity of local civil society to engage on these issues and reduce demand for drugs.

U.S. Response

INL recognizes the devastating consequences of drug use that affect the economic and social sectors of society. Each year hundreds of thousands of people around the globe die from drug abuse, and millions more are victims of addiction and drug-fueled violence. Through INL, the U.S.

government has responded boldly to this global challenge with innovative, standard-setting drug demand reduction programs. The specific goals of INL’s International Demand Reduction Program include decreasing drug use, delaying the onset of drug use, and reducing drug-related violence and criminal behavior. The U.S. government supports Central America’s counter-narcotics and law enforcement efforts to foster sustainable citizen security to advance social welfare and safety of vulnerable communities around the world. INL supports this mission by combining forces with other U.S. government and international agencies, taking a regional approach to widespread problems.

US Embassy Managua Response

Since 2013, U.S. Embassy Managua has funded numerous programs to increase drug awareness and youth development throughout Nicaragua. A U.S.-based NGO partnered with an NGO in

Managua, Masaya, Granada, Leon, Chinandega, and Matagalpa, to execute a demand reduction program, mostly utilizing the Keep’n It REAL (Dale se REAL in Spanish) curriculum. Another

INL-funded program through a U.S.-based NGO enhances the support of Nicaraguan NGOs and community members from Chinandega, Leon, Managua, Rivas and Masaya involved in the rehabilitation and reintegration of youth gang members into society. From 2015 to 2021, INL implemented drug and violence prevention programs that targeted 25 of the most at-risk communities in Managua and Masaya. The project used a community-based approach training over

1,300 parents, 7,400 youth, and community leaders to improve family dynamics and communication, teach values and responsible decision-making, and provide education on drug and violence prevention. On the Caribbean Coast, INL funded a mass media campaign to create

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Priority Region/Countries: Nicaragua – Applicants should select one of the following regions to target in their proposal: Managua, Rivas, North Caribbean region, or South Caribbean region.

Problem Statement: Limited information about drug use in Nicaragua makes it difficult to assess the scope of the drug problem, but an INL-funded study in 2021 showed high rates of drug use in the communities of Managua, Rivas, the South Caribbean, and the North Caribbean. The survey found that marijuana is the most popular drug among 16- to 26-year-olds. Other drugs included cocaine, crack, inhalants, and heroin. Although a small number reported using heroin, those respondents reported using heroin at a slightly higher consumption rate when compared to other drug users. Drug users are predominantly males living in more populated areas and in areas with relatively easy access to drugs. Respondents reported first using drugs before the age of 16. Higher education levels corresponded to lower drug usage rates, while respondents who also reported smoking and drinking alcohol had a higher likelihood of also reporting drug usage. The recent study found that communities discriminate against drug users within their communities. Additionally, recovering drug users experience almost as much discrimination as drug users.

Project Vision: The project will play an integral role in sustaining engagement with Nicaraguan society by building resilience and capacity to prevent drug use through inclusive cooperation.

Moreover, the project seeks to reduce drug consumption in regions with high rates of drug use through material investments and capacity-building programs in underserved areas and communities.

Project Goal(s) and Objectives: The project aims to raise awareness of the dangers of drug use, reduce stigmatization of prior drug users, and provide Nicaraguan youth with tools and knowledge to prevent and reduce drug abuse in their communities.

Objective 1: Educate and empower youth from one of the target regions (Managua, Rivas, South

Caribbean, or North Caribbean) on effective drug prevention, life skills, and responsible decision-making, resulting in lower levels of illicit activities.

Objective 2: Building stronger communities by engaging with stakeholders serving vulnerable youth.

Objective 3: Develop an awareness campaign via radio and/or social media promoting drug prevention messaging and reducing the stigma and discrimination experienced by those seeking to recover from drug use.

Project activities and deliverables:

Objective 1: Educate and empower youth from one of the target regions (Managua, Rivas, South Caribbean, or North Caribbean) on effective drug prevention, life skills, and responsible decision-making, resulting in lower levels of illicit activities.

Activity 1: Identify and develop a drug prevention curriculum for use in capacity building workshops for youth between the ages 12 and 26.

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The manual should include topics such as risk factors, prevention strategies, responsible decision making, and life skills, and should also identify available resources for recovering addicts, including rehabilitation options. Note: Once the award is finalized, INL may provide curriculum the implementer can use in the training workshops. The implementing partner will have the flexibility to modify the material to the needs of the target audience.

Activity 2: Carry out a series of capacity building drug prevention workshops. The project should monitor the progress of participants, measuring their knowledge retention, behavioral changes, and capacity to resist drug use.

o Educate 200 younger youth (12 to 15 years old) not engaged in drug use on prevention strategies, life skills, risk factors, and responsible decision making.

o Educate 300 older youth (16 to 26 years old), prioritizing those who use drugs, on prevention strategies, risk factors, life skills, and responsible decision making.

Activity 3: Provide vocational training opportunities for 100 youth participants from the capacity building workshops, prioritizing youth rehabilitating from drug use or those who have previously had to deal drugs due to socio-economic drivers.

Activity 4: Offer recreational and sports activities as an alternative to meet youths’ socio-emotional needs.

Activity 5: Create a peer support network among youth leaders identified in the capacity building workshops. Empower these youth leaders to take a proactive leadership role in their communities by supporting their initiatives in drug demand reduction activities.

Objective 2: Building stronger communities by engaging with stakeholders serving vulnerable youth.

Activity 1: Train key stakeholders (NGOs, faith-based organizations, community leaders, and the youth leaders identified in Objective 1) on effective strategies to reduce illicit drug consumption in their communities.

Activity 2: Conduct monthly capacity building workshops over a six-month period for parents of vulnerable youth, educating them on effective parenting strategies to reduce drug use in their homes and their communities. Invite organizations working with drug addicts to share successful stories of individuals who have recovered from drug use.

Activity 3: Conduct two forums with expert speakers addressing the impact and consequences of widespread drug abuse in communities.

Objective 3: Develop an awareness campaign via radio and/or social media promoting drug prevention messaging and reducing the stigma and discrimination experienced by those seeking to recover from drug use.

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Activity 1: Carry out an awareness raising communication campaign to properly address and reduce stigma and encourage help-seeking among drug users, reaching 50,000 people for a duration of eight months.

Activity 2: Conduct four video forums showcasing documentary movies based on real life stories about drug use, followed by a discussion among youth participants.

Activity 3: During the final quarter, organize an English-language presentation for INL and other

U.S.-government stakeholders. The purpose of the presentation is to raise awareness of the INL-funded program and provide an update on the achievements of the projects, the implementation challenges, and other relevant issues.

Note: Proposals should include a brief contingency plan in the event socio-political conditions in

Nicaragua complicate in-person program activities and operations, necessitating an increase in virtual engagement.

Participants and Audiences: The project’s primary audience should be youth (ages 12 to 26) at risk of drug use and youth who are using drugs. Studies show that drug use is highest among males. The project should also target other stakeholders (NGOs, community leaders, and youth leaders) in vulnerable communities, training them in effective drug prevention strategies.

Project Expansion: If the project is successful, INL will consider the option of an award modification to expand the project to other regions in Nicaragua, subject to availability of future funding. Applicants may include in their proposal a brief section outlining how additional funds could potentially be used to expand work into additional activities or countries in future years.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to demonstrate how their project might leverage funding through other organizations.

B. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION

Applicants are encouraged to reference the table on the first page(s) of this NOFO to determine the basic federal award information (e.g., project length, amount of funding available, anticipated number of awards, assistance type, etc.). Additional award information is included in this section, although specific aspects of the award(s) issued from this NOFO may differ from program to program.

1. Project Implementation Period

The initial project implementation length is the amount of time (e.g., months) applicants should plan to implement the project. If a range of months is listed, applicants should propose a realistic project length within that range.

INL may extend the project implementation period, contingent on INL priorities, good performance of the recipient, Department of State management approvals, and funding availability. INL projects shall not exceed five (5) total years of project implementation.

2. Assistance Type

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The type of assistance is determined by scope of INL’s involvement in the implementation of the project. Refer to the table on the first page(s) of the NOFO to determine whether this particular project will be a grant or cooperative agreement.

For cooperative agreements, INL may be substantially involved in the following ways:

• Approval of the recipient’s annual work plans, including: planned activities for the following year, travel plans, planned expenditures, event planning, and changes to any activity to be carried out under the Cooperative Agreement;

• Approval of specified key personnel;

• Approval of sub-award recipients (if any), and concurrence on the substantive provisions of the sub-awards; and coordination with other cooperating agencies; and

• Approval of Monitoring and Evaluation Plan

• Other country- or project-specific approvals will be included in the award documents.

3. Funding Notices

This award will be supported with International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement

(INCLE) funds under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961. This notice is subject to availability of funding.

Length of performance period: 12 months

Anticipated program start date: September 2022

Number of awards anticipated: One award (dependent on amounts)

Award amounts: awards may range from a minimum of $300,000 to a maximum of $325,000

Total available funding: $325,000

Type of Funding: FY2021 INCLE funds

C. ELIGILIBITY INFORMATION

1. Eligible Applicant Types

The following organizations are eligible to apply:

• U.S.-based non-profit/non-governmental organizations (NGOs);

• U.S.-based educational institutions subject to section 501(c)(3) of the U.S. tax code;

• Foreign-based non-profits/non-governmental organizations (NGOs);

• Foreign-based educational institutions

2. Cost Sharing or Matching

Cost share is the portion of project costs not borne by the U.S. government. Cost share is recommended but not required for this project. Applicants must be able to ensure cost share is accounted for/tracked through accounting systems and/or supporting documentation (such as Personnel Activity Records, proof of voluntary hours, proof of any purchases for materials being included as cost share, etc.)

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Any cost share proposed must be appropriately captured within the SF-424A, budget, and budget narrative.

3. Other Eligibility Requirements

• In order to be eligible to receive an award, all organizations must have a unique entity identifier (also known as UEI), as well as a valid registration on www.SAM.gov.

Individuals are not required to have a unique entity identifier or be registered in SAM.gov.

Refer to Section D for additional guidance.

• Applicants are only allowed to submit one proposal per organization. Organizations may form a consortium and submit a combined proposal, however one organization should be designated as the lead applicant and other organization(s) listed as sub-recipient partner(s).

• To be eligible to receive a federal assistance award, organizations must have a commitment to non‐discrimination with respect to beneficiaries and adherence to equal opportunity employment practices. INL is committed to an anti-discrimination policy in all of its programs and activities. INL welcomes applications irrespective of an applicant’s race, ethnicity, color, creed, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or other status.

• 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.

Note: Public International Organizations (PIOs) and For-Profit Organizations are excluded from applying to this grant announcement.

D. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

Applicants should carefully follow all instructions in this section to ensure their application is formatted properly and includes all required documents. Proposals that do not meet the requirements of this announcement or fail to comply with the stated requirements will be deemed ineligible for review.

1. How to Apply and Submit Questions

This opportunity is posted on www.grants.gov, along with all required application forms and, where applicable, templates for application documents. Applications and all supporting documents must be submitted via www.grants.gov. INL reserves the right to reject any applications submitted through improper channels.

Applicants are encouraged to closely review the NOFO and email questions to the INL points of contact by the deadline listed on the first page(s) of this document. After the question deadline has passed, INL will respond to all questions publicly through a Questions & Answers document uploaded to the Related Documents tab of this opportunity.

2. Required Application Documents http://www.grants.gov/

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All documents in the following list must be included in your application, unless explicitly listed as optional. If a document includes a page limit, please adhere to that limit in your application.

Applicants that do not submit all required documents will be notified via email of their ineligibility after the application deadline.

Standard Application Forms

SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance – Organizations)

Must be signed by an authorized signatory of the applicant’s organization.

SF-424A (Budget Information for Non-Construction Programs)

SF-424B (Assurances for Non-Construction Programs) – Optional

The SF-424B is only required for applicants who are not registered in SAM.gov.

Project Proposal

The proposal should contain sufficient information that anyone not familiar with it would understand exactly what the applicant is proposing to do. The following documents may be submitted separately or combined into one document. If combined, please be sure to adhere to the page limits for each section.

Proposal Narrative – Maximum 20 pages

Applicants may use their own proposal template, but it must include all the sections below.

Refer to Appendix A for additional guidance on drafting a proposal narrative.

Cover Page: include organization name, project title, requested number of months, target country(ies), point(s) of contact, and requested funding amount.

Table of Contents: list all documents and attachments with page numbers.

Executive Summary: Provide a synopsis of the project.

Project Context: Include an analysis of the issue to be addressed, including why it is important to address, what the main causes of the issue are, and who has power to effect change on the issue; suggested approaches and solutions (with evidence to support suggestions); and suggestions for revision to NOFO goals and objectives if needed.

Theory of Change & Implementation Plan: Describe the implementation plan

(specific activities to implement suggested solutions); explain how or why they should result in accomplishment of the project goals and objectives (i.e., the theory of change). Projects should be designed such that activities, if implemented according to plan, should result in achievement of program objectives; and objectives, if achieved, should result in achievement of program goals. The Theory of Change should clearly demonstrate this causal logic. Finally, discuss likely challenges to implementation, including any risks of harm to project implementers or participants, along with mitigation strategies.

Gender, Equity, and Inclusion Analysis: Include in your proposal an analysis that addresses the ways in which women, gender diverse persons, and members of other marginalized and underrepresented groups (as specified in the “Participants and Audiences” section above) might affect and be affected differently by your work, including a consideration of their safe and meaningful participation.

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Strengthen your proposal by incorporating the results of this gender, equity and inclusion analysis into your project design. Include a description of how you will minimize any inequities and identified potential risks.

Description of Prior Work: Provide brief descriptions, including outcomes and deliverables, of any similar projects the organization has implemented.

Future Funding Plan/Sustainability: Briefly discuss the plan for ensuring the sustainability of the project (i.e., that the project continues to have impact beyond the grant period) or note if sustainability is unlikely without continued support.

Applicants may also include a brief section outlining how additional funds could potentially be used to expand work into additional activities or countries beyond the initial project period.

Performance Monitoring Plan

See Appendix A for more details and instructions. Applicants MUST submit the following:

• Change Map (see template) or equivalent

• Illustrative Performance Indicator Reference Sheet (see template)

Note 1: If full performance monitoring information is not available at the time of the proposal, applicant should indicate that the indicators and associated information are notional. If selected, a final version of the documents will be required as an early deliverable.

Project Risk Analysis

A template is included under the Related Documents section of this NOFO announcement on www.grants.gov. Refer to Appendix B for additional guidance on drafting a Project

Risk Analysis.

Timeline

Outline key milestones in the project, project start-up, and closeout, programmatic activities, and monitoring and evaluation activities (e.g., monitoring trips or semi-annual reviews). May be a written schedule and/or a GANTT chart.

Organization, Staff, and Partners

The following documents may be submitted separately or combined into one document. If combined, please be sure to adhere to the page limits for each section.

Biographical Information of Applicant Organization – Maximum four pages

Introduce the applicant organization, including biographical information such as mission statement, organization size, relevant office location(s), etc.

Provide a summary description of past and present operations, demonstrating the applicant’s ability to carry out the project

Describe any experience the organization has in the target country or region

Confirm whether the organization is a registered business entity within the target country or region

List of Key Personnel – Maximum 3 pages

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Names, titles, responsibilities, and relevant experience or qualifications of key personnel involved in the management of the project

Partner Information – Maximum 3 pages

Introduce and provide relevant information about key partner organizations and sub-awardees

Briefly describe the division of labor and/or distinct roles and responsibilities among the applicant organization and its partners

If proposing a sub-grantee, please briefly describe the applicant organization’s experience related to managing sub-recipients

Letters of Support – Optional

If desired, applicants may submit letters of support from project partners, host government entities, or other relevant stakeholders

Project Budget and Cost Documents

Summary and Detailed Budgets

A proposal budget must be submitted in spreadsheet format (e.g., Microsoft Excel). A template is located under the Related Documents section of this NOFO announcement on www.grants.gov for applicants as a reference. Refer to Appendix C for additional guidance on drafting a proposal budget.

One tab of the spreadsheet shall contain the Summary Budget, which lists the

OMB-approved budget categories and total estimated cost per category

One tab of the spreadsheet shall contain the Detailed Budget, which breaks down the OMB-approved budget categories into individual line items and provides detailed cost estimates per line item

If applicable, federal costs and recipient cost share must be reported in separate columns

Budget Narrative

The Budget Narrative is a companion document to the summary and detailed budgets, and must be submitted in word document format. A template is included under the Related

Documents section of this NOFO announcement on www.grants.gov. Refer to Appendix

C for additional guidance on drafting a Budget Narrative.

The Budget Narrative should communicate to INL any budgetary information that is not readily apparent in the detailed budget. Rather than simply repeating with words what is stated numerically in the budget, the Budget Narrative should explain the logic behind the amount budgeted for each line item

If applicable, proposed recipient cost share must be included in the Budget

Narrative, including reference to the source of the cost share

NICRA – Optional

If the applicant has an approved Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement

(NICRA) and includes NICRA charges in the budget, a copy of the organization’s most-recent NICRA must be included in the application

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If the applicant is proposing a sub-grantee that has an approved NICRA, and includes NICRA charges in the sub-award budget, a copy of the sub-grantee organization’s most-recent NICRA must be included in the application

Applicant Management Capabilities

INL must assess each potential applicant for organizational risks related to the financial and programmatic management of a federal assistance project.

History of U.S. Government Federal Assistance Awards

This document outlines the applicant organization’s experience with implementing U.S.

government-funded federal assistance awards, including current and completed projects.

The list should include the awarding agency, point of contact, name of the project, start and end dates, and amount of the award.

If the applicant has never received a U.S. federal assistance award, please list other projects the organization has implemented, including the information requested in the bullet above.

Organizational Audit

If the applicant organization is required to undergo an audit (per regulations outlined in 2 CFR 200.500 – Subpart F), a complete copy of the organization’s most-recent audit must be submitted

If the applicant organization is not required to undergo an audit (per the regulation cited above), a brief explanation must be submitted with the application. This explanation shall include confirmation that the organization is under the threshold for which an audit is required and/or plans for the organization to undergo an audit in the future.

Responses to the Pre-Award Risk Survey in reference to the Organizational Audit does not satisfy this requirement. Please provide the required explanation in addition to the Pre-Award Risk Survey.

INL Applicant Pre-Award Risk Survey

This risk survey reviews the applicant organization’s financial capacity, policies, and infrastructure. A template is included under the Related Documents section of this NOFO announcement on www.grants.gov.

Please take note of the questions within the survey that request additional documentation. These documents must be included in the application.

3. Document Formatting

Applicants must ensure that their application documents conform to the following requirements:

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 inch paper, and

All Word documents are, at minimum, single-spaced with 12 point Times New Roman font and 1-inch margins

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4. Required Entity and Account Registrations for Applicants

All prospective applicant organizations must register and/or maintain active registration in the systems outlined below in order to submit an application to this NOFO.

Organizations that are first-time applicants may need to register and/or create accounts in these systems. INL encourages prospective applicants to initiate these registrations as soon as possible.

Applicants that have previously applied to other opportunities may already have registrations and/or accounts in the necessary systems, though applicants should ensure their registrations are active.

Registration in these systems is free of charge; Applicants will never be asked to pay a fee to register or submit an application in these systems.

Unique Entity Identifier

Organizations must have a UEI which will be automatically assigned by SAM.gov.

• If your organization does not have a UEI already, you may obtain one by calling 1-866-

705-5711 or submitting a request at http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform.

Effective April 4, 2022, the DUNS Number will be replaced by the Unique Entity Number (UEI) as the primary means of entity identification for all federal awards U.S. government wide. For more information, please go to the following link: https://www.fsd.gov/gsafsd_sp

NCAGE Code

Organizations physically located outside the United States and its territories must also register for an NCAGE code. This request can be completed simultaneously with a UEI request. (Note:

CAGE codes for US-based entities will be automatically assigned in SAM.gov).

• NCAGE application: https://eportal.nspa.nato.int/AC135Public/scage/CageList.aspx

• NCAGE application instructions:

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

20NCAGE.pdf

Help with NCAGE Code registration issues:

• Call 1-888-227-2423 (callers within the U.S.)

• Call 1-269-961-7766 (callers outside the U.S.)

• Email NCAGE@dlis.dla.mil

System for Award Management (SAM.gov)

Prior to submitting an application in grants.gov, organizations must register in SAM.gov and/or ensure that their SAM.gov registration is active. Organizations are required to renew their

SAM.gov registration annually.

• Initiate the registration or renewal process at https://www.SAM.gov. Select “Entity

Registration” to begin the registration or renewal request.

• First-time applicants should initiate the SAM.gov registration after receiving their UEI and, if applicable, NCAGE Code (for foreign organizations). CAGE codes will be automatically assigned to US-based organizations.

http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform https://www.fsd.gov/gsafsd_sp https://eportal.nspa.nato.int/AC135Public/scage/CageList.aspx https://eportal.nspa.nato.int/AC135Public/Docs/US%20Instructions%20for%20NSPA%20NCAGE.pdf https://eportal.nspa.nato.int/AC135Public/Docs/US%20Instructions%20for%20NSPA%20NCAGE.pdf mailto:NCAGE@dlis.dla.mil https://www.sam.gov/

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Any applicant listed on the Excluded Parties List System (EPLS) in SAM.gov is not eligible to apply for an assistance award. 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.gov to ensure that no ineligible entity is included in their proposal.

NOTE: As of April 2021, any new or renewed SAM.gov registrations were given a Unique Entity

Number (UEI). UEI does not expire, however you must renew your SAM.gov registration annually.

For more information regarding the transition from UEI(DUNS) to UEI(SAM), please click on the following link: https://www.fsd.gov/gsafsd_sp

Grants.gov

To submit an application to this NOFO, applicants must register in grants.gov.

• Go to www.grants.gov and select “Register” from the banner at the top of the page.

• This should be the last step of the entity registration processes, completed after obtaining a UEI number, NCAGE/CAGE Code (if applicable), and SAM.gov registration.

Help with grants.gov registrations and application submission:

• Go to the grant.gov support page at https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/support.html

• Call +1 800-518-4726

• Email support@grants.gov

It is the responsibility of each applicant to ensure that its application was submitted in www.grants.gov correctly. INL bears no responsibility for errors resulting from transmission or conversion processes associated with application submissions. If applicants are unable to resolve technical issues in the system, they should email the INL points of contact listed on the first page(s) of this NOFO with an explanation of the issue and proof of attempts to resolve it (e.g., emails with grants.gov support). INL Grants Office will then determine whether the applicant is allowed to submit application materials via email.

E. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

1. Technical Evaluation Criteria

A technical evaluation committee, using the criteria shown in this Section, will evaluate the 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.

https://www.fsd.gov/gsafsd_sp http://www.grants.gov/ https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/support.html mailto:support@grants.gov

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Quality of Program Idea (Total Possible Points - 25):

• Responsive to the solicitation (5)

• Appropriate in the country/regional context (5)

• Exhibits originality, substance, and precision (5)

• Prioritizes innovation but is feasible (5)

• In countries where similar activities are already taking place, provides an explanation as to how new activities will not duplicate or merely add to existing activities (5)

Program Planning/Ability to Achieve Objectives (Total Possible Points – 25):

• Includes a clear articulation of how the proposed program activities contribute to the overall program objectives (4)

• Provides a comprehensive quarterly work plan for project activities that demonstrates substantive undertakings within the logistical capacity of the organization (4)

• Objectives are clear, specific, attainable, measurable results-focused and placed in a reasonable time frame (3)

• Addresses how the program will engage or obtain support from relevant stakeholders and identifies local partners where appropriate (2)

• Describes the division of labor among the direct applicant, any partners and any potential subgrantees (2)

• Proposal clearly articulates understanding of the security situation/operating environment and plans for ensuring safety of participants (2)

• Risk assessment is thorough and realistic, addresses challenges in the operating environment, and proposes adequate strategies to mitigate risks to the project (8)

Program Monitoring and Evaluation (Total Possible Points - 15):

The Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Plan includes:

• Narrative explaining how monitoring and evaluation will be carried out and who will be responsible for monitoring and evaluation activities (5)

• Table listing by program objectives the output- and outcome-based performance indicators with baselines and (yearly and cumulative) targets; data collection tools; data sources; types of data disaggregation, if applicable; and frequency of monitoring and evaluation (7)

• An external midterm and/or final evaluation or justification for why one is not included

(3)

Multiplier Effect/Sustainability of Impact Rating (Total Possible Points - 10):

• Clearly delineates how elements of the program will have a multiplier effect (5)

• Clearly delineates how impact will be sustainable beyond the life of the grant (5)

Institution’s Record and Capacity Rating – Total Possible Points: 10

• The applicant demonstrates an institutional record of successful programs in the proposed country/region and program area (3)

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• Professional experience of staff and institutional resources are adequate and appropriate to achieve the project’s objectives (3)

• The roles and responsibilities are clearly delineated among staff and partners (2)

• Applicant is a current/former INL grantee and it successfully manages/managed the project OR the applicant has not worked with INL previously and demonstrates experience in managing similar-sized projects (2)

Cost Effectiveness/Cost Sharing (Total Possible Points - 15):

• Activity-related costs are realistic, appropriate, and clearly linked to project objectives (5)

• Personnel costs (e.g., staff salaries, contractor rates, and honoraria) are reasonable given the amount of work and oversight needed to manage the project (5)

• Administrative costs (e.g., staff travel, supplies, office costs) are necessary, justified, and in good proportion to direct activity costs (5)

2. Review and Selection Process

INL first reviews all submitted applications for technical eligibility, based on the list of required documents in Section D: Application and Submission Information. All technically eligible applications are then passed to a review committee, which will evaluate the applications against the Technical Evaluation Criteria listed in the previous sub-section. The application(s) selected by the review committee are then presented to INL management and the Grants Officer for approval.

INL will notify successful applicant(s) via email and pass along any conditions, recommendations, or questions from the review committee. INL will notify unsuccessful applicants via email after an award has been issued to the successful applicant(s); therefore this notification process may take several months.

INL reserves the right to fund any number of applications or none of the applications submitted and will determine the resulting level of funding for each award(s).

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

For all awards with a federal total exceeding $250,000, INL is required to review and consider any information about the applicant in FAPIIS.

Organizations are able to review 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.gov. INL 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 conducting pre-award due diligence.

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F. 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 DS-1909 award agreement is the authorizing document and will be provided to the recipient for review and signature via email or SAMS Domestic. The recipient may only start incurring program expenses beginning on the official project start date, unless pre-award costs are authorized in the award agreement.

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 neither constitutes 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.

2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

Before submitting an application, applicants should review all the terms and conditions and that will apply to this award to ensure that they will be able to comply. These include, but may not be limited to:

• 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 200 – UNIFORM ADMINISTRATIVE REQUIREMENTS, COST PRINCIPLES,

AND AUDIT REQUIREMENTS FOR FEDERAL AWARDS

• 2 CFR 600 – DEPARTMENT OF STATE REQUIREMENTS

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

INL will review and consider applications 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. This may include, but is not limited to:

• 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:

https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=81a5f41de81c46a9844617d93a9db081&mc=true&node=pt2.1.25&rgn=div5 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=81a5f41de81c46a9844617d93a9db081&mc=true&node=pt2.1.25&rgn=div5 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=81a5f41de81c46a9844617d93a9db081&mc=true&node=pt2.1.170&rgn=div5 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=81a5f41de81c46a9844617d93a9db081&mc=true&node=pt2.1.170&rgn=div5 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=81a5f41de81c46a9844617d93a9db081&mc=true&node=pt2.1.175&rgn=div5 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=81a5f41de81c46a9844617d93a9db081&mc=true&node=pt2.1.182&rgn=div5 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=81a5f41de81c46a9844617d93a9db081&mc=true&node=pt2.1.182&rgn=div5 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=81a5f41de81c46a9844617d93a9db081&mc=true&node=pt2.1.183&rgn=div5 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=a363a071d9b62ad7f4b21566c542cd7a&mc=true&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title02/2cfr200_main_02.tpl https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=a363a071d9b62ad7f4b21566c542cd7a&mc=true&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title02/2cfr200_main_02.tpl https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=81a5f41de81c46a9844617d93a9db081&mc=true&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title02/2chapterVI.tpl https://www.state.gov/about-us-office-of-the-procurement-executive/

19 | P a g e o 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) o 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 (2 CFR part 200.216) 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) (2 CFR parts 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) o 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)

3. Program-Specific Requirements

Vetting

22 CFR 140 requires Post to check whether certain individuals have been convicted of a narcotics offense or have engaged in drug trafficking. This regulation requires vetting of key individual(s) within a recipient entity selected or designated by the USG funding agency, who may be expected to control or benefit from a specific activity, program, or agreement (for example, the principal operating officer) when the assistance is more than $100,000 (including assistance to foreign government entities and non-U.S. non-governmental organizations, but not assistance to U.S. non-governmental organizations (22 C.F.R.140).

Note: Due to USG policy, INL programs are restricted from providing material, training, or financial assistance to the Government of Nicaragua.

4. Reporting Requirements

Recipient Reports

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

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. Recipient(s) will be required to report and draw down federal funding based on the appropriate FADR Data Elements, indicated 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

20 | P a g e within their award documentation. In cases of more than one FADR Data Element, the successful applicant will be required to maintain separate accounting records.

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APPENDIX A: PERFORMANCE MONITORING PLAN

Monitoring is the ongoing collection and analysis of information to inform project management and decision making. A monitoring plan is an agreement between stakeholders about how, when, and by whom the intervention’s results will be measured, and how measurement will inform decisions.

Requirements for INL Performance Monitoring are met through three documents:

1. Change Map;

2. Performance Indicator Reference Sheet; and

3. Performance Monitoring Reports.

The Change Map shows the links between project goals, objectives, and activities, as well as which goal, objective, or activity each indicator is intended to monitor. A complete Change

Map is a required component of a project proposal, though all elements can be modified over the life of the project.

The Performance Indicator Reference Sheet (PIRS) provides detailed information for each indicator, including baseline and target values. An illustrative PIRS, defining three indicators and using notional data as needed, is a required component of a project proposal. A complete

PIRS, with full information for every indicator, is required as an early project deliverable. The

PIRS may be modified as needed over the life of the project.

The Performance Monitoring Reports provide information throughout the life of the project about the progress of project implementation and performance against indicator targets. INL and the Grantee will agree upon the quarterly reporting procedures and templates when the

Statement of Work is finalized. No documents related to the Performance Monitoring Reports are needed at the time of the proposal.

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APPENDIX B: PROJECT RISK ANALYSIS

Risks are unavoidable – all programs inherently contain both internal and external risks. However, with proper identification and management, risks can be prepared for, minimized or mitigated. The purpose of a risk analysis is to identify the internal and external risks associated with the proposed project in the application, rate the likelihood of the risks, rate the potential impact of the risks on the project, and identify actions that could help mitigate the risks. A risk analysis should not be considered a one-time exercise or a static document.

INL defers to organizations to conduct adequate risk analysis and remediation for all of its operations and advises that risk analysis and remediation occur throughout the life of a program and should result in revisions to risk analysis documents and processes as necessary. Applicants should incorporate all assumptions and external factors identified in the Monitoring Plan and Proposal

Narrative…