Investigative Journalism Training NOFO - DOS-DKR-ESF5-FY23-01.pdf

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF STATE

UNITED STATES EMBASSY DAKAR

NOTICE OF FUNDING OPPORTUNITY (NOFO)

This is the announcement of notice of funding opportunity:

NOFO Title: Investigative Journalism Training on IUU Fishing and Illicit Trafficking

NOFO Number: DOS-DKR-ESF5-FY23-01

Federal Assistance Listing/Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number: 19.989

Type of Award: Grant

Total Funding: $250,000.00 USD FY2022 Economic Support Funds (ESF); Program Area DR.5.2 - Professional and Institutional Capacities of Media

Anticipated Number of Awards: 1

Period of Performance: 12 months

Type of Solicitation: Open Competition

Eligibility Category: U.S.-based non-profit/non-governmental organizations subject to section 501(c) (3) of the U.S. tax code; foreign-based non-profit organizations/nongovernment organizations (NGO); Public International Organizations; Foreign Public Organizations; and private, public, or state institutions of higher education.

Questions Deadline: 0559 AM EDT, Washington, D.C. on Monday, 21 AUG 2023/ 0959 AM Senegal on Monday, 21 AUG 2023

Application Deadline: 0559 AM EDT, Washington, D.C. on Monday, 28 AUG 2023/ 0959 AM Senegal on Monday, 28 AUG 2023

Anticipated Award Signing: September 2023

This notice is subject to availability of funding.

A. PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The U.S. Department of State, U.S. Embassy in Dakar, Senegal, announces an Open Competition for organizations interested in submitting applications for projects that will train regional journalists in investigative journalism specific to combatting Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing and illicit trafficking of humans, wildlife and forestry products.

Overall, grant-making authority for this project is contained in the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended.

A.1 Background

This funding opportunity aligns with State-USAID Joint Regional Strategy (JRS) for Africa Objective 3.2, to “promote and protect fundamental human rights for all people, including marginalized populations by improving equality and inclusion to advance human rights, bolster civil society capacity, and support independent and professional media,” and Objective 4.2, to “accelerate equitable, inclusive, and accessible actions to address the climate crisis, build the capacity to adapt, and foster resilience to climate related environmental changes.” It also supports the U.S. Strategy Towards Sub-Saharan Africa’s aim to Foster Open Societies by working “with African governments, civil society, and publics to increase transparency and accountability, including by supporting investigative journalism, combating digital authoritarianism, and enshrining laws, reforms, and practices that promote shared democratic norms.”

U.S. Embassy Darkar’s goal is to help foster greater public awareness of IUU Fishing and illicit trafficking that degrade livelihoods of coastal communities and ecosystems and impede local participation in and the development of related commercial sectors and promote respect for the rule of law. This program aligns with the Mission Integrated Country Strategy (ICS) Goal to Strengthen maritime law enforcement capacity, enhance maritime domain awareness, and counter illicit transnational maritime activities consistent with international law. Furthermore, this aligns with strategic goals under the Maritime Security and Fisheries Enforcement (SAFE) Act which provides a whole-of-government approach to counter IUU fishing and related threats to maritime security.

The U.S. is committed to combating illegal unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing around the world. The Maritime SAFE Act established an interagency mechanism to strengthen maritime security and combat IUU fishing. The Department of State directed diplomatic missions to stand up regional working groups to include relevant U.S. agencies at the Mission(s) to increase cooperation. U.S. Embassy Dakar leads the Regional IUU Fishing Working Group which includes countries belong to the 18 sovereign states that make up the Gulf of Guinea, in addition to Cape Verde, Gambia, Guinea Bissau, Mauritania, and Senegal. The overarching purpose of the regional working group is to support a whole-of-government approach to counter IUU fishing and related threats to maritime security.

The West African subregion that includes Cape Verde, Gambia, Guinea Bissau, Mauritania, and Senegal is an epicenter for IUU fishing. In addition, the West African subregion is increasingly suffering from continued illicit trafficking of humans, wildlife and forestry products. Multiple actors are contributing to mounting challenges to the region’s artisanal fishing and forest communities. IUU fishing is depleting the availability of fish resources for local economic actors particularly among women and youth, severely degrading marine ecology, and the region’s ability to develop its blue economy. Similar impacts are affecting forest communities where criminal actors supply illicit timber and wildlife, demand for which is partly tied to foreign interests. Global enterprises have also engaged in human trafficking in the region. Together, these dynamics exacerbate current high unemployment, contribute to migration, and inhibit governments from developing existing and future economic activities that would directly benefit citizens.

While countries in the West African subregion face challenges in monitoring their coastal waters, they are somewhat capable of interdicting vessels and actors engaging in suspicious or illegal activity in their waters and forests. U.S. Embassy Dakar has identified three specific local challenges contributing to IUU fishing and trafficking in the region. In many cases foreign actors can take advantage of legal loopholes to obtain and operate under locally flagged ships and thus go undetected by authorities. Interlocutors suspect a network of local officials and businesses collaborate to facilitate the provision of local flags for vessels which allow foreign companies to engage in IUU fishing without recourse. The general population is unaware of the presence and acute negative impact IUU fishing and illicit trafficking have on the present economy and the associated impediments to economic growth. While civil society and fishing associations are aware of the dangers, the lack of general public awareness reduces pressure to motivate governments to implement necessary laws and policies and to dismantle corrupt networks. Local fishing association representatives have noted that few judges are trained in maritime law. Judicial systems’ limited capacity and ability to process cases contribute to continued illegal activity. As a result, IUU fishing cases rarely proceed to litigation that would result in the prosecution of malign actors and dismantling of networks.

Led by U.S. Embassy Dakar, this funding opportunity will be a new project for the West African subregion.

This regional one-time multiple day training will take place in Senegal.

A.2 Goals

Projects should increase public awareness by training at least 18 journalists from Cape Verde, Gambia, Guinea Bissau, Mauritania, and Senegal, via a one-time multiple day training in Senegal, in investigative journalism specific to IUU fishing and trafficking of humans, wildlife and forestry products. Projects should include the selection of participants and all logistics necessary to attend the training. Training must be delivered with interpretation in English, French and Portuguese. Written course material must also be provided in the designated three languages.

Projects should be designed to achieve the following:

Objective 1: Provide journalists an in-depth understanding of the impact and trends related to Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing and the illicit trafficking of humans, wildlife and forestry products.

Objective 2: Provide journalists techniques and best practices to publish or produce written or audio-visual products as well as effective methods to release information.

A.3 Expected Results

Projects should provide the necessary skills and techniques that will improve the knowledge of these issues and tradecraft of journalists to report on them. Journalists should become empowered and use the knowledge acquired in the training to publish or produce, by their own volition, written or audio-visual products that uncover IUU fishing and illicit trafficking to create public awareness, expose networks and reveal malign actors.

A.4 Main Activities To achieve the goals and expected results, the project should include the following:

• Train journalists in investigative journalism in Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing and the illicit trafficking of humans, wildlife and forestry products.

• Training sessions led by experts in investigative journalism providing techniques and best practices to journalists to publish or produce written or audio-visual products as well as effective methods to release information.

A.5 Performance Indicators All projects should aim to have impact that leads to:

• The number of participants trained on IUU fishing and illicit trafficking activities.

• The number of participants trained in investigative journalism in techniques and best practices to publish or produce written or audio-visual products as well as effective methods to release information.

Competitive proposals must demonstrate the applicant’s ability to:

• Show sufficient organizational capacity to undertake the activities outlined in this NOFO.

All applicants will be required to address A. Project Description in the Investigative Journalism Training Draft Scope of Work (SOW) attachment (see Section D.2.1.6).

B. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION

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

The U.S. Government may: (a) reject any or all applications, (b) accept more than one application, and (c) waive irregularities in applications received.

The U.S. Government may make award(s) based on initial applications received, without discussions or negotiations. Therefore, each initial application should contain the applicant's best terms from a cost and technical standpoint. The U.S. Government reserves the right to enter discussions with one or more applicants in order to obtain clarifications, additional detail, or to suggest refinements in the project description, budget, or other aspects of an application.

U.S. Embassy Dakar anticipates awarding a grant.

The authority for this funding opportunity is found in the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended (FAA).

To maximize the impact and sustainability of the award that results from this NOFO, U.S.

Embassy Dakar retains the right to execute non-competitive continuation amendment(s). The total duration of any award, including potential non-competitive continuation amendments, shall not exceed 54 months, or four and a half years. Any non-competitive continuation is contingent on performance and pending availability of funds. A non-competitive continuation is not guaranteed, and the Department of State reserves the right to exercise or not to exercise this option.

C. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

C.1 Eligible Applicants

U.S. Embassy Dakar welcomes applications from U.S.-based non-profit/non-governmental organizations subject to section 501(c) (3) of the U.S. tax code; foreign-based non-profit organizations/nongovernment organizations (NGO); Public International Organizations; Foreign Public Organizations; and private, public, or state institutions of higher education.

Please see 2 CFR 200.307 for regulations regarding program income.

C.2 Cost Sharing or Matching

Providing cost sharing, matching, or cost participation is not an eligibility factor or requirement for this NOFO and providing cost share will not result in a more favorable competitive ranking.

C.3 Other Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must have existing, or the capacity to develop, active partnerships with local in-country partners, entities, and relevant stakeholders and have successfully administered similar projects.

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

In order to be eligible to receive an award, all organizations must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) number issued via www.SAM.gov as well as a valid registration on www.SAM.gov. Please see Section D.3 for more information. Individuals are not required to have a UEI or be registered in SAM.gov.

Applicants, including U.S. affiliates of international organizations must provide a valid Unique Entity Identification (UEI), and completed SAM.gov registration when submitting applications via email to U.S. Embassy Dakar to Aysa Miller at MillerAM@state.gov in response to this NOFO. Applicants that do not have a valid UEI and completed SAM.gov registration will NOT be eligible for consideration. Implementing partners/sub-recipient organizations are required to have a valid UEI number.

D. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

D.1 Address to Request Application Package

Applicants can find application forms and other materials needed to apply on GRANTS.gov (www.GRANTS.gov) and U.S. Embassy Dakar’s website (https://sn.usembassy.gov) under the announcement title “Investigative Journalism Training on IUU Fishing and Illicit Trafficking” funding opportunity number “DOS-DKR-ESF5-FY23-01.” Please contact the U.S. Embassy Dakar point of contact listed in Section G if requesting reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities or for security reasons. Please note that reasonable accommodations do not include deadline extensions.

D.2 Content and Form of Application Submission

For all application documents, please ensure:

• All documents are in English and all costs are in U.S. Dollars. If an original document within the application is in another language, an English translation must be provided (please note the U.S. Department of State, as indicated in 2 CFR 200.111, requires that English is the official language of all award documents). If any document is provided in both English and a foreign language, the English language version is the controlling version;

• All pages are numbered, including attachments with the exception of Excel documents;

• All documents are formatted to 8 ½ x 11 paper; and, http://www.sam.gov/ http://sam.gov/ mailto:MillerAM@state.gov http://sam.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/ https://sn.usembassy.gov/

• All documents are single-spaced, 12-point Calibri font, with 1-inch margins. Captions and footnotes may be 10-point Calibri font. Font sizes in charts and tables, can be reformatted to fit within 1 page width.

D.2.1. Application Requirements

Complete applications must include the following:

1. Completed and signed SF-424, SF-424A, and SF-424B forms.

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

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

4. Table of Contents

5. Proposal Narrative* (not to exceed ten (10) pages). *Please note the ten-page limit does not include the following:

• SF-424

• SF-424A

• SF-424B

• SF-LLL (if applicable)

• Cover Page/Executive Summary

• Table of Contents

• Scope of Work (Investigative Journalism Training on Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing and Illicit Trafficking of Humans and Forestry products Scope of Work (SOW) required template provided as an attachment)

• Performance Monitoring & Evaluation Narrative and Plan (sample template provided as an attachment)

• Timeline

• Gender and Inclusion Analysis

• Detailed Budget (sample template provided as an attachment)

• Budget Narrative (sample template provided as an attachment) o If the Budget includes subawards, please include a separate

Budget Narrative for each organization.

• NICRA Letter

• Single Audit or recent independent financial audit

• Key Personnel Summary

• CV or Resume of Key Personnel

• Contingency Plan

• Security Plan

• Additional Attachments (if applicable):

o Letters of support from program partners o Official permission letters, if required for project activities o Letter of Disclosure for proposed consultants/personnel o Letter(s) of Institutional Support

The Proposal Narrative must include the following:

• Introduction to the Organization: A description of past and present operations, showing ability to carry out the project, including information on all relevant or similar type projects from previous grants from the U.S.

Embassy and/or U.S. Government agencies.

Using the Draft Scope of Work, (Investigative Journalism Draft Scope of Work (SOW) (see Section D.2.1.6) provided as an attachment to this NOFO by U.S.

Embassy Dakar, the Proposal Narrative should address the applicant’s unique approach to the following:

• Project Methods and Design: A description of how the project is expected to work to solve the stated problem and achieve the goal.

• Project Goal: The “goal(s)” describe the larger outcome intended

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

▪ Specific: Detailed and specifies what will be achieved

▪ Measurable: have associated metrics or measurements of success

▪ Attainable: appropriately challenging, objectives can be reasonably attained give the available resources

▪ Relevant: align with the policy/program goal and appropriate within the country or beneficiary audience

▪ Time-Bound: achievable within the timeframe of the program

• Project Activities: Describe specific actions taken under each Objective.

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

• Project Management Plan: Describe the proposed management structure for this project. Include a description of the responsibilities of all principal organizations and staff involved, reporting relationships, authority, and lines of communication within and between each of these organizations.

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

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

Include ways program activities will ensure sustainability.

• Risk Analysis* - identify the internal and external risks associated with the proposed project, rate the likelihood of the risks, rate the potential impact of the risks on the project, and identify actions that could help mitigate the risks.

6. Scope of Work (SOW) (Applicants should use the (Investigative Journalism Training Draft Scope of Work (SOW) template provided by U.S. Embassy Dakar and attached to this NOFO.) SOW should provide a summary of the applicant’s unique approach to the following as indicated in Section 5 Proposal Narrative:

• Project Goal

• Project Objectives

• Project Activities

• Project Indicators

Required (Investigative Journalism Training Draft Scope of Work (SOW) template is provided as an attachment to this NOFO.

7. Performance Monitoring & Evaluation Narrative and Plan (see provided sample template):

a. Performance Monitoring & Evaluation Narrative details how a project’s performance monitoring and evaluation system will be carried out and by whom.

It explains how the project’s performance toward its objectives will be tracked over time. It should provide a clear description of the approach and data collection strategies and tools to be employed (e.g., pre- and post-test surveys, interviews, focus groups). The description should also include how the applicant will track and document whether activities occurred (outputs) and the results or changes caused by these activities (outcomes). If the project includes work with local partners or sub-partners, explain how performance monitoring and evaluation efforts will be coordinated amongst these organizations. Explain if an external evaluation will be included. Evaluations, internal or external, should be systematic studies that use research methods to address specific questions about project performance. They should provide a valuable supplement to ongoing monitoring activities. Evaluation activities generally include baseline assessments, mid-term and final evaluations.

b. Performance Monitoring & Evaluation Plan should draw on the objectives, activities and expected changes from the Scope of Work, and link those areas to indicators. The Program Monitoring & Evaluation Plan is generally structured as a table with output-based and outcome-based indicators. It explains how data will be collected (data collection methods) to show that certain changes occurred. It outlines baselines (where your project is starting) and quarterly targets (what you would like to achieve) for each indicator.

The project should monitor and report on performance indicators that are specific, measurable, achievable, reasonable, and time-bound. Establish, where possible, performance baseline data and expected performance targets for each expected result and include details on what sources of data will be used to document performance, how the indicators will be measured, frequency of measurement, and units of measure. Where possible, indicators should also allow for sex disaggregation. Indicators should reflect key project outputs or outcomes that reflect the primary goals or objectives of the project and that the implementer can collect with high quality data.

A sample Performance Monitoring & Evaluation Narrative and Plan Template is provided as an attachment to this NOFO.

8. Timeline (not to exceed one (1) page, preferably as a Word Document or Excel Sheet). The timeline of the overall proposal should include activities and monitoring and evaluation efforts outlined in either in a monthly or quarterly format.

Activities, Monitoring

Evaluation, Etc.

(Oct-Dec 2023)

OR

October 2023

(Jan-Mar 2024)

OR

November 2023

(Apr-May 2024)

OR

December 2023

Activity X X X

Indicator X X X X

Activity Z X X

Etc.

9. Gender and Inclusion Analysis (not to exceed two (2) pages, preferably as a

Word Document). Provide a concise analysis of relevant gender norms, equity and equality for underserved communities and marginalized populations, power relations, and conflict dynamics in target countries. Potential domains of analysis include institutional practices and barriers, cultural norms, gender roles, access to and control over assets and resources, and patterns of decision-making. Applicants should briefly explain how they have integrated findings from their analysis into project design and/or other proposal documents, including a plan for regularly reviewing and updating the gender and inclusion analysis with local partners/beneficiaries, and making any necessary adjustments to program implementation.

10. Detailed Budget (must be an Excel workbook) that includes three (3) columns containing the request to U.S. Embassy Dakar for U.S. share of cost, any cost sharing contribution, and the total budget. A Summary Budget should also be included using the OMB-approved budget categories (see SF-424A as a sample) in a separate tab. Costs must be in U.S. Dollars. Detailed line-item budgets for sub-grantees should be included as additional tabs within the Excel workbook (if available at the time of submission).

For more information, Budget Guidance and Template for New Awards (FY2023) is provided as an attachment to this NOFO.

Use of the Detailed Budget template (Budget Guidance and Template for New Awards (FY2023)) is not required, however, the submitted budget must follow OMB budget categories. If an applicant’s budget does not follow OMB budget categories, the application will be deemed technically ineligible and will not be considered for funding.

11. Budget Narrative (preferably as a Word Document; (no maximum page limit).

Justify each line-item in the budget and explain how the amounts were derived, consistent with the applicant’s documented policies, as well as the source and description of all proposed costs (and cost-share, if applicable). The Budget Narrative should complement the budget rather than repeat information provided in the budget. For example, the narrative should provide details on the purpose of costs, reasonability of costs, cost price analysis, explain allocations, explain any yearly variances, and tie expenses to program activities and/or objectives where appropriate. Sources of all cost-share offered in the application should be identified and explained in the budget narrative.

Personnel costs must include a clarification of the roles and responsibilities of all staff, base salary, and percentage of time devoted to the project (also known as level of effort). The Budget Narrative should support the activities described in the proposal and provide additional information that might not be readily apparent in the Detailed Budget, not simply repeat what is represented numerically in the budget, i.e., salaries are for salaries or travel is for travel.

If the Detailed Budget includes subawards, please include a separate Budget Narrative for each organization. Please note that subaward organizations must have a SAM.gov unique entity identifier (UEI) number (certain exceptions apply).

For ease of review, it is highly recommended that applicants order the Budget

Narrative in the same order as the Detailed Budget.

See Tab 1 of Budget Guidance and Template for New Awards (FY2023), provided as an attachment, for more information.

A sample Budget Narrative Template is provided as an attachment to this NOFO.

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

13. Single Audit: a PDF file copy of your organization’s most recent single audit is required, if your organization meets the threshold as defined in 2 CFR 200 Subpart F. If your organization has not had a recent single audit (within your organization’s previous 3 fiscal years), you must submit your organization’s most recent independent financial audit.

14. Key Personnel Summary: (not to exceed two (2) pages, preferably as a Word Document). Include short bios that highlight relevant professional experience.

Provides names, titles, roles, and experience/qualifications of key personnel involved in the project. Note the location where key staff will be based and percentage of their time (level of effort) that will be used in support of this program.

15. CV or Resume of Key Personnel: (no maximum page limit per CV or Resume).

Include name, work history and experience or qualifications of key personnel who are proposed for the project.

16. Security Plan (not to exceed three (3) pages). Address any issues involving in-person events and recruitment for said events, and safety for any online programs or communications, including independent IT security audits (to include a vulnerability assessment) of any proposed web application or platform.

Organization’s Security Plan should demonstrate consideration of the risks identified in the Proposal Narrative risk analysis. Costs may also be identified within the Detailed Budget and Budget Narrative. Applicants are also encouraged to include contingency plans for in-person or online activities.

17. Contingency Plan (not to exceed three (3) pages). The Contingency Plan, for proposed activities should the originally planned activities not be able to be implemented, should be submitted as an additional annex. Applicants should demonstrate consideration of the risks identified in the Proposal Narrative risk analysis and include specific alternative activities or locations as part of the Contingency Plan. Any proposed “plan” must comply with 2CFR200.433 – Contingency provisions. Plans must not include unallocable or unallowable expenses and must not exceed the notified Total Funding. U.S. Embassy Dakar requires prior approval by the Grants Officer of the “contingency reserve” before any activities can take place, or costs can be incurred against the “contingency reserve.”

18. Additional Attachments:

• Letters of support from project partners describing the roles and responsibilities of each partner, if applicable/pre-identified

• Official permission letters, if required for project activities

• Letter of Disclosure for proposed consultants/personnel (if applicable) of potential conflicts of interest, employment with a local/state/Federal government.

• Letter(s) of Institutional Support to indicate that your organization’s leadership is providing their support of the application.

Applications that do not include the elements listed above will be deemed technically ineligible.

To ensure that all applications receive a balanced evaluation, the Merit Review Panel will review from the first page of each section up to the page limit and no further.

D.2.2 Additional Information Requested of Successful Applicants Receiving Notification of Intent

Successful applicants must submit, after notification of intent to make a Federal award, but prior to issuance of a Federal award:

● Written responses and revised application documents addressing conditions and recommendations from the Merit Review Panel;

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

• A completed copy of the U.S. Department of State’s Financial Management Survey, if receiving U.S. Government funding for the first time;

• Submission of required banking information to U.S. Embassy Dakar at request of Grants Officer Representative or Financial Management Officer for new vendor creation in U.S. Department of State financial management systems;

• Other requested information or documents included in the notification of intent to make a Federal award or subsequent communications prior to issuance of a Federal award.

D.3 Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM.gov)

Required Registrations:

All prime organizations, whether based in the United States or in another country, must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and an active registration with SAM.gov before submitting an application. U.S. Embassy Dakar may not review applications from or make awards to applicants that have not completed all applicable UEI and SAM.gov requirements. A UEI is one of the data elements mandated by Public Law 109-282, the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act (FFATA), for all Federal awards.

Note: As of April 2022, a DUNS number is no longer required for federal assistance applications.

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

Note: The process of obtaining or renewing a SAM.gov registration may take anywhere from 4-8 weeks. Please begin your registration as early as possible.

• Organizations based in the United States or that pay employees within the United States will need an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and a UEI number prior to registering in SAM.gov.

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

• Please note that as of November 2022 and February 2022 respectively, organizations based outside of the United States that do not intend to apply for U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) awards are no longer required to have a NATO Commercial and Government Entity (NCAGE) code or CAGE code to apply for non-DoD foreign assistance funding opportunities. If an applicant organization is mid-registration and wishes to remove a CAGE or NCAGE code from their SAM.gov registration, the applicant should submit a help desk ticket (“incident”) with the Federal Service Desk (FSD) online at www.fsd.gov using the following language: “I do not intend to seek financial assistance from the Department of Defense. I do not wish to obtain a CAGE or NCAGE code. I understand that I will need to submit my registration after this incident is resolved in order to have my registration activated.”

https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.fsd.gov%2Fgsafsd_sp%3Fid%3Dgsafsd_kb_articles%26sys_id%3Dc81018e71b1601d0937fa64ce54bcb57&data=05%7C01%7Cfjeldkk%40state.gov%7C0cc4e2b471f44abcd32308db093ecead%7C66cf50745afe48d1a691a12b2121f44b%7C0%7C0%7C638113937577534024%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=W2ShcazZBQbanYGj0cLOTnUJwv%2BGL4xfwr83%2BycQY2E%3D&reserved=0 https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.fsd.gov%2F&data=05%7C01%7Cfjeldkk%40state.gov%7C0cc4e2b471f44abcd32308db093ecead%7C66cf50745afe48d1a691a12b2121f44b%7C0%7C0%7C638113937577534024%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=t32ANWzgpiB93pMWoq%2BFCSHz4YJY9QF1S1iQzCsS6RM%3D&reserved=0

Organizations based outside of the United States and that DO NOT plan to do business with the DoD should follow the below instructions:

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

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

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

NCAGE Homepage:

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

NCAGE Code Request Tool (NCRT):

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

All prime organizations must, at all times during which they have an active Federal award or application under consideration by any Federal awarding agency, maintain an active SAM.gov registration with current information. SAM.gov requires all entities to renew their registration once a year to maintain an active registration status in SAM.gov. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure it has an active registration in SAM.gov and to maintain that active registration. If an applicant has not fully complied with the requirements at the time of application, the applicant may be deemed technically ineligible to receive an award and use that determination as a basis for making an award to another applicant.

D.3.1 Exemptions

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

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

• For an applicant, if the Federal awarding agency makes a determination that there are exigent circumstances that prohibit the applicant from receiving a unique entity identifier and completing SAM registration prior to receiving a Federal award. In these instances, Federal awarding agencies must require the recipient to obtain a unique entity identifier and complete SAM registration within 30 days of the Federal award date.

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

Organizations requesting exemption from UEI or SAM.gov requirements must email the point of contact listed in the NOFO in Section G at least two weeks prior to the deadline stated in the NOFO and provide a justification for their request. UEI/SAM.gov Exemption must be approved by a warranted Grants Officer before the application can be deemed eligible for review.

D.4 Submission Dates and Times

Applications are due no later than 0559 AM EDT, Washington, D.C. on Monday, 28 AUG 2023/ 0959 AM Senegal on Monday, 28 AUG 2023 to U.S. Embassy Dakar via email to Aysa Miller at MillerAM@state.gov under the announcement “Investigative Journalism Training on IUU Fishing and Illicit Trafficking” funding opportunity number “DOS-DKR-ESF5-FY23-01.”

Late applications are neither reviewed nor considered. Known system errors caused by U.S.

Embassy Dakar’s email system that are outside of the applicant’s control will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Applicants should not expect a notification from U.S. Embassy Dakar confirming receipt of their application.

D.5 Funding Limitations, Restrictions, and other Considerations

U.S. Embassy Dakar will not consider applications that reflect any type of support for any member, affiliate, or representative of a designated terrorist organization. Please refer the link for Foreign Terrorist Organizations: https://www.state.gov/foreign-terrorist-organizations/ Project activities whose direct beneficiaries are foreign militaries or paramilitary groups or individuals will not be considered for U.S. Embassy Dakar funding given purpose limitations on funding.

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

mailto:MillerAM@state.gov https://www.state.gov/foreign-terrorist-organizations/ https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2017-title22/html/USCODE-2017-title22-chap32-subchapIII-partI-sec2378d.htm

In addition, funds cannot be made available to any individual or organization that has committed serious human rights abuse.

Organizations should be cognizant of these restrictions when developing project proposals as these restrictions will require appropriate due diligence of project beneficiaries and collaboration with U.S. Embassy Dakar to ensure compliance with these restrictions. Project beneficiaries subject to due diligence vetting will include any individuals or entities that are beneficiaries of foreign assistance funding or support.

D.6 Other Submission Requirements

All application submissions must be made via email to U.S. Embassy Dakar to Aysa Miller at MillerAM@state.gov. Faxed or couriered documents will not be accepted. Reasonable accommodations may, in appropriate circumstances, be provided to applicants with disabilities or for security reasons.

Applicants must follow all formatting instructions in the applicable NOFO and these instructions.

U.S. Embassy Dakar encourages organizations to submit applications during normal business hours (Monday – Thursday, 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM, FRIDAY 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM Dakar time).

E. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

E.1 Proposal Review Criteria

The U.S. Embassy Dakar Merit Review Panel will evaluate each application individually against the following criteria, listed below in order of importance, and not against competing applications. Please use the below criteria as a reference, but do not structure your application according to the sub-sections.

Quality and Project Design – 30 points: The program idea is well-developed and responsive to the policy and program objective of the NOFO. The applicant describes the project’s potential contribution to solving the problem addressed in the problem statement. The application clearly: defines the problem, it’s causes, stakeholders, and existing research/data; the approach taken to solve the problem; and realistic milestones to indicate progress

Organizational Capacity – 25 points: The applicant demonstrates an institutional record of successful projects in the content area proposed. The applicant demonstrates experience (e.g., has previously worked and/or has established contacts/partners) in the proposed country/territory/region. The organization has expertise in its stated field and has adequate staffing to manage the proposed project. The applicant demonstrates capacity for responsible fiscal management of donor funding (e.g., successful management of a previous grant or sub-award, single audit findings, exclusions, etc.).

Project Planning/Ability to Achieve Objectives – 20 points: Goals and objectives are clearly stated and project approach is likely to provide maximum impact in achieving the proposed results. The applicant proposes activities that are feasible, and are also practical, and/or experiential in nature to encourage innovation. The applicant addresses how the project will engage or obtain support from relevant stakeholders and/or identifies local partners. Project logic is sound showing plausible pathways to achieve project outcomes. Key assumptions and risks have been identified and their potential influences described. The applicant acknowledges if activities similar to those proposed are already taking or have taken place previously and provides an explanation as to how proposed new activities will not duplicate or merely add to existing/recent activities.

Monitoring & Evaluation/Sustainability – 10 points: Applicant demonstrates ability to measure project success against key indicators and provides milestones to indicate progress toward goals outlined in the proposal. The project includes output and outcome indicators and shows how and when those will be measured and who will be responsible for them. The applicant clearly details how activities will result in benefits that will continue beyond the funding period.

Detailed Budget & Budget Narrative – 10 points: The budget justification is detailed, accounting for all necessary expenses to achieve proposed activities. Costs are reasonable in relation to the proposed activities and anticipated results and provide detail of calculations, including estimation methods, quantities, unit costs, labor in-put and responsibilities, procurement practice and policy information, and other similar quantitative detail.

Support of Equity and Underserved Communities – 5 points: Proposals should clearly demonstrate how the project will support and advance equity and engage underserved communities in project administration, design, and implementation.

E.2 Review and Selection Process

The Department of State is committed to ensuring a competitive and standardized process for awarding funding. Applications will be screened initially in a Technical Eligibility Review stage to determine whether applicants meet the eligibility requirements outlined in section C and have submitted all required documents outlined in section D. Applications that do not meet these requirements will not advance beyond the Technical Eligibility Review stage and will be deemed ineligible for funding under this NOFO.

All applications that are deemed eligible will proceed to the Merit Review Panel consisting of U.S. Government subject matter and/or country-specific experts and will be rated on a 100-point scale. U.S. Embassy Dakar reserves the right to request the assistance of non-U.S.

Government Subject Matter Experts (SMEs), if appropriate to the solicitation. Point values for individual elements of the application are presented Section E.1 Proposal Review Criteria.

Merit Review Panel Reviewers’ ratings, and any resulting recommendations, are advisory. Merit Review Panel Reviewers may provide conditions and recommendations on applications to enhance the proposed project, which must be addressed by the applicant before further consideration of the award.

The Merit Review Panel’s recommendations may be subject to a final review and high-level approval at the discretion of the U.S. Embassy Dakar senior level official and will be influenced by whether the application meets the Department of State’s programmatic goals and objectives, how it supports the Department’s overarching foreign policy priorities, and the geographic distribution of the top-ranking applications. The decision for the final award determination rests with the Grants Officer.

E.2 Responsibility/Qualification Information in SAM.gov (formerly, FAPIIS)

The Department of State anticipates that the Federal share announced under this NOFO may be greater than the simplified acquisition threshold over the period of performance (see §200.01 Simplified Acquisition Threshold) and is therefore informing all applicants that:

1. The Department of State, prior to making a Federal award with a total amount of

Federal share greater than the simplified acquisition threshold, is required to review and consider any information about the applicant that is in the U.S. government designated integrity and performance system accessible through SAM.gov (see 41 U.S.C. 2313);

2. An applicant, at its option, may review and comment on any information about itself that a Federal awarding agency previously entered. Currently, federal agencies create integrity records in the integrity module of the Contractor Performance Assessment and Reporting System (CPARS) and these records are visible as responsibility/qualification records in SAM.gov;

3. The Department of State 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

F.1 Federal Award Notices

U.S. Embassy Dakar will provide a separate notification to applicants on the result of their applications. Successful applicants will receive a letter electronically via email requesting that the applicant respond to the Merit Review Panel’s conditions and recommendations. This notification is not an authorization to begin activities and does not constitute formal approval or a funding commitment.

Final approval is contingent on the applicant successfully responding to the review Merit Review Panel’s conditions and recommendations; being registered in required systems; and completing and providing any additional documentation requested by U.S. Embassy Dakar or the Grants Officer. Final approval is also contingent on Congressional Notification requirements being met and final review and approval by the U.S. Department of State’s warranted Grants Officer.

The notice of Federal award signed by the U.S. Department of State’s warranted Grants Officer is the sole authorizing document. 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 awarded, the notice of Federal award will be provided to the applicant’s Authorizing Designated Official via email to be electronically countersigned.

The Recipient must request payment under this award by completing form SF-270—Request for Advance or Reimbursement and submitting the form to the Grants Officer. Unless otherwise stipulated, the Recipient may request payments on a reimbursement or advance basis.

Advance payments must be limited to the minimum amounts needed and be timed to be in accordance with the actual,…