Kenya Counterterrorism Criminal Justice Support Notice of Funding Opport... (2) (2).docx

NOTICE OF FUNDING OPPORTUNITY

Bureau of Counterterrorism (CT)

Catalog of Federal Domestic

Closing Date for Submission of Applications: June 5, 2017, 11:59 PM Eastern Time Eligibility Category: U.S. based non-profit/non-governmental organizations (NGOs) having a 501(c) (3) status with the IRS; overseas non-governmental organizations; and public international organizations. For-profit and commercial firms are not eligible to apply. Individuals are not eligible to apply.

Funding Activity Category: Other

E-mailed or faxed proposal packages will not be considered Number of Applications: One (1) application per project; applicants may submit separate proposals for as many projects as they wish

This funding opportunity is posted on Grants.gov and may be amended and questions from potential applicants will be posted. Applicants should regularly check the website for the most recent information pertaining to this NOFO.

CT Bureau bears no responsibility for data errors resulting from transmission or conversion processes associated with electronic submissions.

www.sam.gov registration is required for receiving a Federal assistance award. See the Proposal Submission Instructions (PSI) for more information.

All applicants must provide a Unique Entity Identifier, or Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS), when submitting application on Grants.gov.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The United States Department of State’s Bureau of Counterterrorism and Countering Violent Extremism (CT) announces a Notification of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to support counterterrorism programming in the criminal justice sector in Kenya. Subject to the availability of funds, CT intends to issue awards between $395,000 and $790,000 in FY 16 funds for project periods of up to two years. The anticipated start date for this activity is September 2017 and CT intends to support six awards as a result of this NOFO.

CT reserves the right to fund any or none of the applications submitted and reserves the right to reduce, revise, or increase proposal budget in accordance with the needs of the project and the availability of funds. The authority for this NOFO is found in the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended. The CFDA Number for this funding opportunity is 19.701.

This NOFO consists of this cover letter plus the following sections:

I. Funding Opportunity Description II. Award Information and Application Evaluation and Scoring III. Eligibility information IV. Agency Contacts

The complete solicitation package also includes the mandatory Proposal Submission Instructions, which includes Application and Submission Instructions and Application Review Information.

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

This funding opportunity is posted on Grants.gov and may be amended. See the Application and Submission Instructions for further details. Potential applicants should regularly check the website to ensure they have the latest information pertaining to this and related NOFOs.

Questions concerning this NOFO should be submitted in writing via email to the Bureau of Counterterrorism laverymm@state.gov, subject line: Kenya NOFO Query, and your organization’s name. Responses to questions will be made available to all potential applicants and posted on Grants.gov.

I. FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

BACKGROUND

In East Africa, the threat posed by al-Shabaab and other violent extremists in the Horn of Africa continues to evolve. Despite significant blows to its organizational leadership and territorial control in Somalia, al-Shabaab has expanded its regional activities, increasing attack plotting in Kenya and elsewhere. Violent extremist messaging and recruitment continue to find traction among certain communities within Kenya. Allegations of human rights abuses by security forces, lack of access to justice, and the sociopolitical marginalization of minority populations are frequently cited as the primary drivers of violent extremism.

CT seeks proposals for a series of projects to enhance the capacity of a wide range of Kenyan criminal justice sector actors to handle terrorism cases. Criminal justice sector reform and strengthening is a key pillar of a comprehensive and sustainable counterterrorism strategy. The Department of State seeks to support criminal justice and rule of law efforts to advance the following overarching counterterrorism objectives in Kenya: improve the capacity of and collaboration between law enforcement and prosecutors to process terrorism-related cases; develop frameworks and mechanisms for alternative sentencing to reflect the severity of the terrorism-related offense and in partnership with the judiciary, corrections, and social services;

expand capacity and partnerships of civil society and social service institutions to support newly released terrorism offenders or suspects; and increase access to justice through traditional and nontraditional mechanisms and facilitate more just and trusting relationships between at-risk communities and criminal justice system actors.

Criminal justice sector project proposals should also meet the following criteria:

· Have a clear counterterrorism and/or countering violent extremism focus;

· Focused on a particular geographic region and/or population segment identified as susceptible to terrorism and violent extremism, and

· Have an explicit objective addressing one or more justice-related drivers of terrorism and violent extremism. This explicit objective should be expressed through a program or a specific component of a larger program designed based on an assessment or analysis of the justice-related drivers of terrorism and violent extremism that impact the particular geographic region or population segment.

PROJECT 1: COUNTERTERRORISM TRAINING INSTITUTE FOR PUBLIC

PROSECUTORS (Award ceiling $691,250)

The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) has grown exponentially since its inception as an independent office in 2013. The ODPP operates in all 47 counties of Kenya and over 600 new prosecutors have joined its ranks in recent years. While the ODPP is comprised of well-educated and competent personnel, the office does not currently have the capacity to facilitate or maintain technical training for all its prosecutors, particularly for complex criminal cases such as terrorism. Training and capacity to adjudicate terrorism cases can be inconsistent. A well trained, skilled ODPP is essential for the speedy and just adjudication of terrorism cases.

CT seeks proposals to develop a Public Prosecutor Training Institute to enhance the capacity of the ODPP to systematically and sustainably train its prosecutor corps on adjudicating terrorism cases. While establishing formal, physical space for the Institute may be a foundational component of this project, applicants should focus on the development of an institutional framework, training model, and curriculum development which incorporates adult learning best practices. Submissions must make significant links and leverage existing educational institutes and programming from Kenyan universities and law schools. Applicants should also identify ways to engage other criminal justice actors in trainings, such as law enforcement and the judiciary.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION AND GUIDELINES

The project will take place entirely in Kenya. The successful applicant will be issued a Cooperative Agreement, with substantial involvement from CT in the grantee’s management of this program and will be expected to coordinate closely with the CT Resident Legal Advisor and support her/his guidance on implementation. As such, CT will closely work with the grantee to provide direction on targets of potential assistance, including but not limited to, the selection of projects and sub-award mechanisms. If project involves training of law enforcement personnel, recipients will be required to coordinate with the Department of State to ensure compliance with the human rights vetting requirements under the Leahy Law.

Submissions must:

· Outline experience and expertise in developing and implementing training institutions and materials

· Detail experience working with criminal justice actors and/or government institutions

· Articulate a comprehensive understanding of the criminal justice sector in Kenya and current capacities and challenges faced by prosecutors

· Highlight structural, administrative, and training frameworks and how the applicant will coordinate with the ODPP and RLA to ensure the office’s needs are included and met

· Identify local institutional partners and their specific roles in the Institution

· Articulate how the applicant will garner public and professional legitimacy for the Institution and enable its sustainability

Previous experience working with criminal justice sector actors is required; experience in East Africa strongly preferred.

PROJECT 2: PRE-TRIAL DETENTION ALTERNATIVE MECHANISM FOR AT-RISK

SUSPECTS (Award Ceiling: $790,000)

The Government of Kenya is keenly concerned about radicalization taking place in its prisons. A multitude of factors contribute to this phenomenon, and overcrowded prisons are of critical concern. Upwards of 50 percent of Kenya’s prison population has not been convicted and is awaiting trial. These individuals languish for months and even years in detention before the case is adjudicated and may be collocated with violent criminals and members of terrorist organizations. The current arrangement is untenable for prison management, but more pressing, is ripe for the radicalization or recruitment of potentially innocent or low-level offenders aggrieved by their situation and surrounded by violent extremist messaging.

CT invites proposals to support the Government of Kenya reduce prison radicalization by developing a mechanism for pre-trial detention that insulates detainees from those who would espouse radical rhetoric and provide opportunities for education and legal training to assist in one’s defense. Proposals should develop a rehabilitative framework for pre-trial detainees accused of terrorism offenses that establishes a religious tolerance program for first-time, non-violent offenders and at-risk juveniles. Frameworks should utilize and strengthen existing intake assessment tools, probationary structures, and must work closely with law enforcement, Prison Services, and Probation and Aftercare systems and personnel. Family and community engagement should be a critical component to each proposal as well as public messaging and sensitization on the purpose and value of pre-trial detention alternatives.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION AND GUIDELINES

The successful applicant will be issued a Cooperative Agreement and will be expected to coordinate closely with CT and U.S.G. interagency partners. The project will take place entirely in Kenya. If project involves training of law enforcement personnel, recipients will be required to coordinate with the Department of State to ensure compliance with the human rights vetting requirements under the Leahy Law.

Submissions must:

· Demonstrate expertise and experience developing essential criminal justice mechanisms, including alternatives to incarceration, in conflict or terrorism-affected contexts

· Explain experience working with government institutions

· Display keen understanding of the Kenya’s probationary structures and key institutions, strengths, and challenges as they related to terrorist and at-risk suspects

· Outline a clear pre-trial detention framework and engagement plan for key criminal justice system actors and institutions

· Include community engagement and public sensitization plans

· Clearly articulate how the framework and its deployment will support immediate counterterrorism objectives and address longer-term drivers of violent extremism

PROJECT 3: PUBLIC DEFENDERS NETWORK FOR TERRORIST AND AT-RISK SUSPECTS (Award Ceiling: $493,750)

The presumption of innocence until proven guilty and the provision of legal counsel to those who cannot afford it are fundamental tenets of a functioning adversary system and rights guaranteed by the Kenyan Constitution and Kenyan law However, many people in Kenya’s criminal justice system do not receive legal counsel. Extremist groups may manipulate grievances over lack of justice and equality under the law to recruit and mobilize support from terrorist and at-risk suspects. It is therefore essential to ensure that criminally accused receive the best representation and fairest treatment under the law possible. Furthermore, competent public defense is essential to complete a successful and fair plea agreement, a standard U.S. practice that will be vital to relieving Kenya’s backlogged caseload and gaining cooperation of terrorist suspects.

CT seeks proposals to develop a network of public defenders to provide legal counsel and represent terrorist suspects and other detained persons identified as at-risk for violent extremism who cannot afford private counsel. The network should be based in Nairobi and possibly Mombasa and produce a roster of volunteer representatives to be deployed to current and future cases. Submissions should leverage existing networks and institutions, including governmental, supporting legal aid and work in close coordination with government agencies. Proposals should include, among other activities, an element of technical training, case mentoring where necessary, and provisions for personal security of the defender. Support funds for strategic litigation may be considered.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION AND GUIDELINES

The successful applicant will be issued a grant and will be expected to coordinate closely with CT and U.S.G. interagency partners. The project will take place entirely in Kenya.

Submissions must:

· Demonstrate expertise in legal aid in developing and/or locations with acute terrorism threats

· Narrate clear understanding of the nexus between Kenya’s terrorism and violent extremism threats and the challenges facing its criminal justice system

· Detail experience working in Kenya on issues of legal aid, criminal justice, and/or rule of law

· Identify current legal aid organizations, networks, and institutions in Kenya and how the project will utilize these existing efforts

· Summarize plans for network mobilization and sustainment and communicate a clear training approach and framework

· Outline law enforcement and local government engagement strategy

PROJECT 4: LEGAL AND SOCIAL SERVICES REFERRAL NETWORK FOR CT-RELATED HUMAN RIGHTS CASES (Award Ceiling $691,250)

Human rights abuses are commonly cited as a key driver of violent extremism in Kenya. Unfortunately, allegations of human rights abuses, real or perceived, are all too often associated with the government’s effort to combat recruitment and operations by al-Shabaab and other violent extremist groups. Individuals wrongfully arrested or detained as terrorist suspects are vulnerable to violent extremist organizations who seek to exploit grievances against the criminal justice system and feelings of injustice and vengeance. Accountability and expedient justice for counterterrorism-related human rights allegations are vital to strengthening the rule of law in Kenya and addressing justice-related grievances that drive violent extremism. The Government of Kenya is committed to better accountability, however, does not currently have the capacity to provide social service support or legal aid for all concerned persons. Marginalized groups often lack the means and access to justice to pursue accountability and the expression of their civil rights.

CT invites proposals to develop a social services referral network for counterterrorism-related human rights cases. The referral mechanism should focus on acquitted terrorist suspects released from prison and address services such as legal aid, education, mental health, job counseling, and religious and family support. Proposals should detail how this network will utilize existing networks and initiatives, governmental and community-based and how it will work with Kenyan law enforcement, Prison Services, and Probation and Aftercare Services. Critical to this project is the provision of legal aid services for counterterrorism-related human rights cases, related to detention or otherwise. Activities may include developing or strengthening legal aid networks, developing a roster of legal representatives, and case-based mentoring. CT welcomes creative approaches to strengthening legal aid including public-private exchanges. Funds to support strategic litigation may be considered. This network should have bases in or reach to at-risk locations Nairobi, Northeast Counties, and the Coast.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION AND GUIDELINES

The successful applicant will be issued a grant and will be expected to coordinate closely with CT and U.S.G. interagency partners. The project will take place entirely in Kenya.

Submissions must:

· Display expertise in legal aid and/or social service provision in conflict or terrorism-affected locations

· Exhibit a command of the human rights concerns and challenges in Kenya relating to counterterrorism, including significant cases, and specific governmental and non-governmental efforts to improve accountability

· Outline a framework for developing the referral network and legal aid services

· Include creative approaches to strengthening legal aid for counterterrorism-related human rights cases and to providing robust and sustained legal aid to high-priority cases

· Explain how the program will engage law enforcement and government and navigate political sensitivities and potential security concerns related to this work

· Include an element of public messaging on the scope and purpose of the referral service

PROJECT 5: JUSTICE SECTOR OUTREACH (Award Ceiling: $493,750)

The perceptions within minority communities are of an inequitable, unresponsive justice sector and limited of access to justice. These have been cited as a significant grievances and risk factors for violent extremism in Kenya, particularly within minority communities. These grievances can be easily manipulated by extremist groups for support and recruitment. This program will take a preventative approach to countering violent extremism by bridging the gap between justice sector actors and at-risk communities and developing the capacity of the justice system to strengthen mutual understanding and accountability. This program will facilitate “town halls” and dialogues with judges, prosecutors, and investigators to educate at-risk communities about the criminal justice system and work together to develop local mechanisms to increase access to justice. Additional activities may include, but are not limited to, capacity building for judicial sector actors to improve due process and understanding of prevailing issues within minority communities as well as training civil society organizations and educational institutions on the criminal justice system and/or civil rights. Proposals should emphasize people-to-people interactions between judicial sector actors and marginalized or minority communities to bring a human face to and localize the justice system.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION AND GUIDELINES

The successful applicant will be issued a grant and will be expected to coordinate closely with CT and U.S.G. interagency partners. The project will take place entirely in Kenya.

Submissions must:

· Demonstrate expertise and experience working in judicial sector support and/or expanding access to justice in developing nations

· Exhibit previous experience working in sub-Saharan Africa and display a strong comprehension of Kenya’s threat environment, social issues, and institutions

· Demonstrate experience designing and building integrated community outreach and education programs that are targeted to address local drivers or risk factors of extremism in areas where radicalization towards violence is possible

· Outline a framework and implementation plan for a concept community-based mechanism to expand access to justice

· Describe how capacity building resources and training materials will be adapted to the Kenyan context

· Identify intended location(s) of work and how the program will prioritize the participation of minority communities and women

· Incorporate best practices for preventing violent extremism into program framework and implementation plan

· Show history of working closely with local government and institutions

Previous program experience in Kenya and East Africa strongly preferred.

PROJECT 6: RESEARCH ON EXPERIENCES IN THE KENYAN CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM AND RATES OF VIOLENT EXTREMISM (Award Ceiling: $395,000 - $592,500)

CT solicits proposals to research the impact of Kenya’s criminal justice system on rates of recruitment and public support of al-Shabaab and other violent extremist organizations. The purpose of this research is to bring greater granularity to the link between justice-related grievances, a commonly cited driver, and violent extremism and inform new and future programming. Applications should focus on the experience of individuals, particularly those from at-risk communities, who have gone through the criminal justice system- from arrest to sentencing and detention- and attitudes towards violent extremist organizations or values of these individuals, their families, and wider communities. Research may also capture sentiments towards the government, broader Kenyan society, and perceptions of justice after experience with the criminal justice system. Research should emphasize quantitative data. Potential geographic locations include Nairobi, Northeast Counties, and the Coast.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION AND GUIDELINES

The successful applicant will be issued a grant and will be expected to coordinate closely with CT and U.S.G. interagency partners. The project will take place entirely in Kenya.

Submissions must:

· Narrate expertise in conducting research in conflict-affected countries

· Outline experience researching issues of criminal justice, terrorism, and/or violent extremism

· Demonstrate clear understanding of justice-related drivers of violent extremism and challenges facing the criminal justice system in Kenya

· Clearly articulate research question and intended methodology

· Explain how the project will navigate the sensitivities of criminal justice and violent extremism in marginalized communities and support Do No Harm principles

· Identify target locations and communities

BUDGET GUIDANCE

Please refer to 2 CFR for detailed guidance. Allowable project costs may include the following:

· Personnel Costs (to include Project Management)

· Equipment Costs

· Travel Costs

· Life-support costs

DESIRED RESULTS AND ILLUSTRATIVE INDICATORS

The recipient will develop a Performance Monitoring Plan (PMP) with project outcomes, deliverables, and performance indicators, including both the quantitative and qualitative indicators that will be used for quarterly, annual, and end-of-project reporting against targets and key performance indicators. In this, the recipient will develop outcome and output indicators as well as illustrative targets that the recipient will be responsible for conducting baseline measurements, as well as monitoring and reporting during and after the project. The recipient should review these and either confirms the illustrative targets adding numerical and other target details as appropriate, or propose alternative targets. The recipient should propose additional outputs, indicators, and/or targets as necessary and articulate how they will obtain the baseline data necessary to show progress. Output and outcome indicators should be clearly linked to project goals, objectives, and tasks. The recipient is expected to identify targets for these indicators based on what it can reasonably achieve within the performance period of the project and on the expected overall project results described above.

CT will regularly monitor the project’s performance to assess whether project activities are on track and targets are being achieved.

The recipient should be aware that the U.S. Government may create new indicators or modify indicators prior to award, in order to ensure compliance with broader monitoring and evaluation frameworks for ongoing country programming under development.

Outcome and output indicators and illustrative targets that should be used as a starting point for designing the project are provided below. The recipient should review these, identify sources of baseline data (identify the current level and the amount of change needed to be significant or propose how this information would be identified at the start of the project) and either confirm the illustrative targets or propose alternative targets, as appropriate, in the PMP. Applicants should include a list of illustrative output, outcome, and impact indicators and associated targets.

The recipient will be required to collect baseline data for all the indicators within the first month of the project. In addition, applicants should define certain terms included in the outcomes and indicators at the very beginning of the project so that it is possible to measure the change during and at the end of the project. Such baseline information will be critical for both monitoring and evaluation of project progress and results.

II. AWARD INFORMATION AND APPLICATION EVALUATION AND SCORING

The U.S. government may issue six resulting from this NOFO to those responsible applicants whose application conforming to this NOFO are the most responsive to the objectives set forth in this NOFO. The U.S. government may (a) reject any or all applications, (b) accept other than the lowest cost application, (c) accept more than one application, (d) accept alternate applications, and (e) waive informalities and minor irregularities in applications received.

Applicants should note that the following criteria will: 1) serve as a standard against which all applications will be evaluated; and 2) serve to identify the significant matters that should be addressed in all applications. The U.S. Government will award grants to the applicant whose offer represents the best value to the U.S. Government on the basis of technical merit, cost, and organizational capacity. In addition, each application will be evaluated and scored on the Proposal Components using a 30-point scale by a peer review committee of Department of State.

Based on applications that responsive to the requirements outlined above, the review panel will use the following criteria when rating proposals:

-- Program Narrative (5 Points) Projects should note how activities directly contribute to the specific goals of each project. The proposal should demonstrate a logical approach and show how the project objectives and tasks are linked and how they will be achieved and measured during the project period. Proposed projects should address long-term institutional and/or organizational development with an emphasis on moving towards sustainability.

-- Plan for Measuring Program Effectiveness (5 Points) Output and outcome indicators should be clearly linked to project goals and objectives. The project should demonstrate the capacity for engaging in both periodic monitoring and end of project evaluation to articulate the effectiveness of the intervention.

-- Organizational Capability and Record of Performance (5 Points) CT will consider the demonstrated past performance of prior recipients and the demonstrated potential of new applicants. Proposed personnel and organizational resources should be adequate and appropriate to achieve the project's goals. Roles and responsibilities of primary staff should be clear.

-- Budget Detail and Cost Effectiveness (5 Points) The overhead and administrative components of the proposal should be necessary and appropriate to the execution of the project. The presentation of each line-item and corresponding budget narrative should demonstrate that the organization’s efforts will be consistent with sound financial management practices. Cost sharing is considered beneficial. If cost share is offered, it must be shown and discussed in the required budget categories.

-- Key Personnel (5 Points) Key personnel should have professional experience and /or academic knowledge in criminal justice systems, alternative justice systems, legal aid and social services, violent extremism, and applied research as it applies to the respective project objective.

-- Monitoring and Evaluation Approach (5 Points) Applicants should outline on one page their basic approach to monitoring and evaluating their programs, including methods of reporting and recording programmatic successes and challenges. Proposals should include follow-up monitoring activities within the proposed period of performance to determine effectiveness of program implementation. Though not required, CT strongly supports the inclusion of third party evaluators as part of the project proposals.

APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION:

Please refer to the Proposal Submission Instructions (PSI) for more information and complete instructions on how to apply to this NOFO, including information on proposal’s content and formatting. Please use both the PSI and the announcement to ensure that the proposal submission is in full compliance with the requirements. Proposal submissions that do not meet all of the requirements outlined in the NOFO and PSI will NOT be considered.

FEDERAL AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION:

Pursuant to 2 CFR 200.400g, it is U.S. Department of State policy not to award profit under assistance instruments.

Issuance of this NOFO does not constitute an award commitment on the part of the U.S. government, nor does it commit the U.S. government to pay for costs incurred in the preparation and submission of an application. In addition, a final award of any resultant award agreement cannot be made until funds have been fully appropriated, allocated, and committed through internal CT procedures. While it is anticipated that these procedures will be successfully completed, potential applicants are hereby notified of these requirements and conditions for award. Applications are submitted at the risk of the applicant. All preparation and submission costs are at the applicant’s expense.

It is the responsibility of the recipient of this NOFO to ensure that it has been recorded as received by Grants.gov in its entirety. The Department bears no responsibility for data errors resulting from transmission or conversion processes associated with electronic submissions.

The Federal award signed by the Grants Officer is the only authorizing document.

Reporting Requirements Recipients will, at a minimum, be required to submit Quarterly Progress Reports (including the SF-PPR as the cover page) and Quarterly Financial Reports (SF-425) describing key activities undertaken during the preceding month towards accomplishment of the stated objectives. Progress Reports will compare actual to planned performance and indicate the progress made in accomplishing each assistance award task/goal noted in the grant agreement and will contain analysis and summary of findings, both quantitative and qualitative, for key indicators. Financial Reports provide a means of monitoring expenditures and comparing costs incurred with progress.

NOTE: It is Department of State policy that English is the official language of all documents. If reports or any supporting documents are provided in both English and a foreign language, it must be stated in each version that the English language version is the controlling version.

Mandatory disclosures (2 CFR 200.113) The non-federal entity or applicant for a federal award must disclose, in a timely manner, in writing to the federal awarding agency or pass-through entity all violations of federal criminal law involving fraud, bribery, or gratuity violations potentially affecting the federal award. Non-federal entities that have received a Federal award including the term and condition outlined in Appendix XII of the 2 CFR 200—Award Term and Condition for Recipient Integrity and Performance Matters are required to report certain civil, criminal, or administrative proceedings to SAM. Failure to make required disclosures can result in any of the remedies described in §200.338 Remedies for noncompliance, including suspension or debarment.

Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System (FAPIIS) A federal awarding agency, prior to making a federal award will review and consider any information about the applicant that is in the designated integrity and performance system accessible through SAM (currently FAPIIS) (see 41 U.S.C. 2313). Applicant, at its option, may review information in the designated integrity and performance systems accessible through SAM and comment on any information about itself that a Federal awarding agency previously entered and is currently in the designated integrity and performance system accessible through SAM. Federal awarding agency will consider any comments by the applicant, in addition to the other information in the designated integrity and performance system, in making a judgment about the applicant's integrity, business ethics, and record of performance under Federal awards when completing the review of risk posed by applicants as described in §200.205 Federal awarding agency review of risk posed by applicants.

OTHER INFORMATION

Applicant organizations must demonstrate commitment to non-discrimination with respect to beneficiaries and adherence to equal opportunity employment practices. Non-discrimination includes equal treatment without regard to race, religion, ethnicity, gender, and political affiliation. Applicants are reminded that U.S. Executive Orders and U.S. law prohibits transactions with or support to individuals or organizations associated with terrorism.

Proposals that reflect any type of support for any member, affiliate, or representative of a designated to terrorist organization or narcotics trafficker, including elected members of government, will NOT be considered.

III. ELIGIBLITY INFORMATION

(1) Eligible Entities: Applicants that are eligible to apply are U.S. based non-profit/non-governmental organizations (NGOs) having a 501(c) (3) status with the IRS; overseas NGOs; and public international organizations. In particular, submissions from potential implementers with deep experience implementing complex security assistance programs are welcome.

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

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

For-profit and commercial firms are not eligible to apply. Individuals are not eligible to apply.

IV. AGENCY CONTACTS

Any prospective applicant desiring an explanation or interpretation of this NOFO must request it in writing by the deadline for questions specified in the cover letter to allow a reply to reach all prospective applicants before the submission of their applications. Any information given to a prospective applicant concerning this NOFO will be furnished promptly to all other prospective applicants as a Questions and Answers amendment to this NOFO, if that information is necessary in submitting applications or if the lack of it would be prejudicial to any other prospective applicants.

Please be sure to check Grants.gov for any updates or amendments to the NOFO and to see published Questions and Answers regarding the NOFO.

Any questions concerning this NOFO must be submitted in writing by email to Meg Lavery in the Bureau of Counterterrorism at laverymm@state.gov, subject: Kenya NOFO Query, and your organization’s name by the deadline for questions indicated at the top of this NOFO’s cover letter.