Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)

Leveraging Academic Institutions and

Judicial Professional Bodies to Document

TNR

The Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor

Department of State

Opportunity number: DFOP0019426

Application deadline: August 20, 2026 at 11:59PM EDT

Contents

A. Basic Information

B. Eligibility

C. Program Description

D. Application Contents and Format

E. Submission Requirements and Deadlines

F. Application Review Information

G. Award Notices

H. Post-Award Requirements and Administration

I. Other Information

U.S Department of State

Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor

Notice of Funding Opportunity

A. Basic Information

1. Overview

Funding Opportunity Title Leveraging Academic Institutions and Judicial

Professional Bodies to Document TNR

Funding Opportunity

Number

DFOP0019426

Announcement Type This is the initial announcement.

Deadline for Applications August 20, 2026 at 11:59PM EDT

Assistance Listing Number 19.345

Length of performance period

18 to 24 months

Number of awards anticipated

One cooperative agreement

Award amounts Awards may range from a minimum of

$1,973,359 to a maximum of $1,973,359.

Total available funding $1,973,359 pending availability of funds

Type of Funding FY25 Democracy Fund

Anticipated project start date September 30, 2026

Funding Instrument Type: Cooperative Agreement

Cooperative agreements include substantial involvement of the bureau or embassy in program implementation of the project. An FAA can also include substantial involvement. Examples of substantial involvement are included in section C below.

Project Performance Period: Proposed projects should be completed in 18-36 months or fewer.

The Department of State will entertain applications for continuation grants funded under these awards beyond the initial budget period on a non-competitive basis subject to availability of funds, satisfactory progress of the program, and a determination that continued funding would be in the best interest of the U.S.

Department of State.

This notice is subject to availability of funding.

2. Executive Summary

Priority Region: Global

Executive Summary

The U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor

(DRL) announces an open competition for proposals for programs that partner with academic institutions and judicial professional associations to assist academics and practitioners in crafting tools to identify, document, and respond to instances of transnational repression (TNR). The partner should publish information identifying new perpetrators and methods they use to assist policymakers in responding to this rising trend.

B. Eligibility

1. Eligible Applicants

The following organizations are eligible to apply:

1. Not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks and civil society/non-governmental organizations

2. Public and private educational institutions

3. For-profit organizations

2. Cost Sharing or Matching

The provision of cost sharing, matching, or cost participation is not required to submit an application to this NOFO and will not improve competitive ranking of an application. Any budget items proposed for cost share must be allowable per 2

CFR 200, Subpart E—Cost Principles.

3. Other Eligibility Requirements

All organizations must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) issued via SAM.gov as well as a valid registration in SAM.gov. Please see Section D.3 for more information. Individuals are not required to have a UEI or be registered in

SAM.gov.

C. Program Description

1. Goals and Objectives

Goal: Academics and judicial practitioners systematically identify, document, and respond to TNR, thereby expanding the evidence base on TNR perpetrators and tactics within these sectors.

Objective 1: Evidence-based tools are deployed that enable practitioners to systematically identify, document, and analyze instances of TNR, resulting in a measurable increase in reported cases with actionable evidence.

Illustrative activities:

• Conduct needs assessments with judicial practitioners and academics to identify gaps in current TNR detection capabilities

• Design and deliver training curricula for judges, lawyers, and academics.

• Host workshops on recognizing indicators of TNR alongside “wargaming”

TNR scenarios and case studies

• Establish peer review mechanisms for documented cases

Objective 2: The program will produce and disseminate comprehensive research publications that identify previously undocumented TNR perpetrators and/or previously unreported emerging methods of TNR, directly informing policy responses and increasing awareness among targeted communities and policymakers.

• Commission academic research studies on emerging TNR trends

• Conduct comparative analysis of tactics across different regions and perpetrator types

• Analyze legal cases and victim testimonies to identify patterns and methods

• Publish articles in peer-reviewed journals or reports on TNR trends and perpetrators

• Host academic conferences and policy roundtables to present findings

Objective 3: Academic institutions and judicial associations establish sustainable networks and protocols that increase coordination between academic, legal, and policy communities.

• Establish a consortium of globally based academic institutions and judicial associations

• Integrate TNR modules into academic curricula

• Facilitate dialogues between practitioners and policymakers

• Support the development of legislative proposals addressing TNR threats

• Establish advisory committees linking academic research to TNR policy implementation

Competitive proposals will include:

• How the applicant’s teaming approach will bring a variety of knowledge, skills, and abilities from around the globe to contribute to the success of this activity.

• Budget line items to include emergency expenses if program staff, partner organizations, or beneficiaries are targeted for TNR as a result of this program.

2. Substantial Involvement

As a cooperative agreement, this program will entail substantial involvement by

DRL. Substantial involvement may include, but is not limited to, the following:

• DRL’s active participation in shaping overall program strategy and approach.

DRL will approve the project workplan and key personnel.

• DRL will help coordinate and deconflict with other donor- and USG-funded

TNR efforts.

• At start up, DRL will review proposed digital and physical security practices, including content of risk assessments, secure communications, and other protocols to protect participants’ identities and safety. Protocols will be collaboratively reviewed and may be revised over the life of the award to meet changing operational contexts and participant practices.

• Subaward and Subcontract selection: DRL will review and approve all subaward and subcontract agreements before they are finalized.

• Ongoing consultations: DRL will participate in monthly check‑ins with implementing partner(s) to monitor program progress.

The specific review and approval points and procedures for DRL’s substantial involvement will be negotiated with the successful applicant prior to award issuance and reflected in the final award.

D. Application Contents and Format

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

Content of Application

Please ensure:

• The 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 fit 8 ½ x 11 paper, and

• All Microsoft Word documents are single-spaced, 12 point Times New

Roman font, with a minimum of 1-inch margins.

The following documents are required:

1. Mandatory application forms

1. SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance – organizations) at:

https://www.grants.gov/forms/forms-repository/sf-424-family

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

3. SF-424B (Assurances for Non-Construction programs) https://www.grants.gov/forms/forms-repository/sf-424-family

4. Summary Page (optional)

Cover sheet stating the applicant’s name and organization, proposal date, program title, program period proposed start and end date, and brief purpose of the program.

5. Proposal (15 pages maximum)

The proposal should contain sufficient information so that anyone not familiar with it can understand exactly what the applicant wants to do. You may use your own proposal format, but it must include all the items below.

• Proposal Summary: Short narrative that outlines the proposed project, including project objectives and anticipated impact.

• Introduction to the Organization or Individual applying: A description of past and present operations, showing ability to carry out the program, including information on all previous grants from the Department of State and/or U.S.

government agencies.

• Problem Statement: Clear, concise and well-supported statement of the problem to be addressed and why the proposed program is needed

• Project Goals and Objectives: The “goals” describe what the program is intended to achieve. The “objectives” refer to the intermediate accomplishments on the way to the goals. These should be achievable and measurable.

• Project Activities: Describe the program activities and how they will help achieve the objectives.

• Project Methods and Design: A description of how the program is expected to work to solve the stated problem and achieve the goal. Include a logic model as appropriate.

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

• Key Personnel: Resumes are not required at this time. Instead, provide only the selection criteria your program will apply throughout the grant period of performance when filling key positions.

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

• Project Monitoring and Evaluation Plan: This is an important part of successful grants. Throughout the timeframe of the grant, how will the activities be monitored to ensure they are happening in a timely manner, and how will the program be evaluated to make sure it meets the goals of the grant?

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

• Security Plan: Safety and security of program partners and participants is imperative. As such, applicants are required to include a security plan with sections for operational security, online security, and where applicable a software development security plan that details measures that will be taken to enhance the safety and security of individuals who participate in in-person and/or digitally based programs. The security plan should describe the applicant’s insurance provisions for itself and its sub-recipients and consultants for political risk, travel, kidnapping and ransom, cyber-threats, and other areas as needed for the specific award. Applicants should include a brief statement on contingency plans for in-person or online activities in the event activities are disrupted or delayed due to security issues.

6. Budget Justification Narrative

After filling out the SF-424A Budget (above), use a separate file to describe each of the budget expenses in detail. See section I. Other Information: Guidelines for

Budget Submissions below for further information.

7. Attachments

• Key personnel position descriptions. Resumes are not required at this time.

Instead, provide only the selection criteria your program will apply throughout the grant period of performance when filling key positions.

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

• If your organization has a Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA) and includes NICRA charges in the budget, include your latest NICRA as a

PDF file.

• Official permission letters, if required for program activities.

• Other documents a required listed below:

Successful applicant(s) may be required to submit the following documents prior to award. Please do not include any of these documents in your application.

Organizational Policies o Personnel Policy o Employee Handbook o Travel Polices o Procurement Polices o Sub-Award Manual o Sample Sub-Award Agreement (if applicable

Financial Management Policies/ SOP o Completion of the Financial Management Survey

E. Submission Requirements and Deadlines

1. Address to Request Application Package

Application forms required above are available at https://www.grants.gov/forms/.

2. Department of State Contacts

If you have any questions about the grant application process, please contact:

DRL-PRU-Solicitation@state.gov.

3. Unique entity identifier and System for Award Management (SAM.gov)

Required Registrations

All organizations, whether based in the United States or in another country, must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and an active registration in SAM.gov. 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. An applicant must maintain an active registration while it has a proposal under review by the Department and must continue to keep the registration active for the entire duration of the period of performance of any Federal award that results from this

NOFO.

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

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 prior to registering in SAM.gov.

https://www.grants.gov/forms/ mailto:DRL-PRU-Solicitation@state.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 prior to registering in SAM.gov.

• 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 to apply for non-DoD foreign assistance funding opportunities. If an applicant organization is mid-registration and wishes to remove an 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 an NCAGE code. I understand that I will need to submit my registration after this incident is resolved in order to have my registration activated.”

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):

NCAGE Code Request Tool (nato.int)

Exemptions

An exemption from the UEI and sam.gov registration requirements may be permitted on a case-by-case basis. See 2 CFR 25.110 for a full list of exemptions.

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 https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Feportal.nspa.nato.int%2FAC135Public%2Fscage%2FCageList.aspx&data=05%7C01%7Cfjeldkk%40state.gov%7C0cc4e2b471f44abcd32308db093ecead%7C66cf50745afe48d1a691a12b2121f44b%7C0%7C0%7C638113937577534024%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=v3TLT8F%2FNfk5SuTcI2zw7SMhV4HK542OhP9XDx4ln%2BY%3D&reserved=0 https://eportal.nspa.nato.int/Codification/CageTool/home https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-I/part-25/subpart-A/section-25.110

Organizations requesting exemption from UEI or SAM.gov requirements must email the point of contact listed in the NOFO at least two weeks prior to the deadline in the NOFO providing justification of their request. Approval for a

SAM.gov exemption must come from the warranted Grants Officer before the application can be deemed eligible for review.

4. Submission Dates and Times

Applications are due no later than August 20, 2026 at 11:59PM EDT

5. Funding Restrictions

i. Funding Restrictions for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency

(UNRWA)

None of the funds awarded resulting from this Notice of Funding

Opportunity may be made available for subawards, direct financial support, or otherwise used to provide any payment or transfer to United Nations

Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA).

None of the funds awarded under this grant may be made available to encourage, mobilize, publicize, or manage mass-migration caravans towards the United States southwest border. Funds may not be made available for legal counseling on the U.S. asylum process; and/or for referrals to legal representation in the United States.

Funds may only be used for cash cards for use in the country in which they are provided or to facilitate assisted voluntary returns and other purposes that do not encourage, mobilize, publicize, or manage mass migration caravans towards the United States southwest border. The provision of humanitarian assistance is permitted.

ii. Certification Regarding Compliance with applicable Federal anti-discrimination laws

If the place of performance or delivery of any award made under this NOFO will be within the United States, applicants are advised that they will be required to certify the following at the time of award:

1) Its compliance in all respects with all applicable Federal anti-discrimination laws is material to the government’s payment decisions for purposes of section 3729(b)(4) of title 31, United States Code and;

2) It does not operate any programs promoting Diversity, Equity, and

Inclusion that violate any applicable Federal anti-discrimination laws. A program promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion means a program whose purpose is to promote preferences based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origins, such as in training or hiring.

iii. Certification Regarding Compliance with 20 U.S.C. 1011f and any other applicable foreign funding disclosure requirements.

Applicants are advised that IHEs must certify the following at the time of award, and that this certification requirement must be included in any subaward agreements to IHEs:

1) Its compliance in all respects with section 1011f of title 20, United

States Code, and any other applicable foreign funding disclosure requirements is material for purposes of section 3729 of title 31, United States Code, and for receipt of appropriate Federal grant funds.

iv. Certification of Trafficking in Persons Compliance and Compliance Plan

Applicants are advised that they will be required to certify the following at the time of award for awards where the estimated value of services to be performed outside the United States exceeds $500,000:

1) To the best of the Recipient’s knowledge, neither the Recipient, nor any subrecipient, contractor, or subcontractor of the

Recipient or any agent of the recipient or of such a subrecipient, contractor, or subcontractor, is engaged in any of the activities described in 2 CFR 175.105(a);

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-175

The recipient has implemented a Trafficking in Persons compliance plan to prevent activities described in 2 CFR 175(a) and is compliant with this plan; and the compliance plan must follow the minimum requirements described in 2 CFR

175(b)(5).

2) That the Recipient has and will implement procedures to prevent activities described in 2 CFR 175.105(a) and to monitor, detect, and terminate any subrecipient, contractor, subcontractor, or employee of the recipient engaging in these activities.

Recipients do not need to submit a copy of the plan. However, they must provide it to the Grants Officer upon request, and as appropriate, must post the useful and relevant contents of the plan or related materials on their website and at the workplace. Recipients must re-certify on an annual basis for the entire award period of performance.

v. Prohibition on Unmanned Aircraft Systems Manufactured or Assembled by American Security Drone Act-Covered Foreign Entities

a) Definitions.

American Security Drone Act-covered foreign entity means an entity included on a list developed and maintained by the Federal

Acquisition Security Council (FASC) and published in the System for

Award Management (SAM) at https://www.sam.gov

FASC-prohibited unmanned aircraft system means an unmanned aircraft system manufactured or assembled by an American Security

Drone Act-covered foreign entity.

Unmanned aircraft means an aircraft that is operated without the possibility of direct human intervention from within or on the aircraft.

Unmanned aircraft system means an unmanned aircraft and associated elements (including communication links and the components that https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-175 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-175 https://www.sam.gov/ control the unmanned aircraft) that are required for the operator to operate safely and efficiently in the national airspace system.

a) Prohibition.Recipients of funding under this Notice of Funding

Opportunity (including subawards and subcontracts issued by the recipient) will be prohibited from:

(1) delivering any FASC-prohibited unmanned aircraft system, which includes unmanned aircraft (i.e., drones) and associated elements.

(2) Operating a FASC-prohibited unmanned aircraft system in the performance of the award; and

(3) Using Federal funds for the purchase or operation of a FASC-prohibited unmanned aircraft system.

a) Exemptions, exceptions, and waivers. The prohibitions described above will not apply if the agency determines that an exemption, exception, or waiver applies, and the award indicates that such a determination has been made. [See sections 1823 through 1825 and

1832 of Public Law 118-31 ( 41 U.S.C. 3901 note prec.) for statutory requirements pertaining to exemptions, exceptions, and waivers.].

vi. Promoting Human Flourishing in Foreign Assistance (PHFFA)

Applicants for foreign assistance awards should be aware of requirements in 2 CFR

Part 602, 603, and 604.

These policies are referred to collectively as the Promoting Human Flourishing in

Foreign Assistance (PHFFA) Policy.

602: The award term imposes certain abortion-related requirements on foreign nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), United States NGOs, public international organizations, foreign governments, and parastatals.

603: The award term imposes certain requirements relating to gender ideology on foreign nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), United States NGOs, international organizations, foreign governments, and parastatals.

https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fuscode.house.gov%2Fview.xhtml%3Freq%3Dgranuleid%3AUSC-prelim-title41-section3901%26num%3D0%26edition%3Dprelim&data=05%7C02%7CCarbullidoCC%40state.gov%7C237266465ee34b736eaf08de3442d869%7C66cf50745afe48d1a691a12b2121f44b%7C0%7C0%7C639005658853841398%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=vOOQC%2FqEnM0FmwOBiz0sKQU2rkL0QZZz6YPZDhMeP3o%3D&reserved=0 https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/01/27/2026-01519/protecting-life-in-foreign-assistance https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/01/27/2026-01516/combating-gender-ideology-in-foreign-assistance

604: The award term imposes certain requirements relating to discriminatory equity ideology on foreign nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), United States

NGOs, international organizations, foreign governments, and parastatals.

The Department recognizes there are costs associated with these policies. Potential one-time and recurring costs the Department identifies for recipients and grantees are for familiarization with the policy, development and delivery of organizational training and implementation guidance, routine compliance monitoring, and recordkeeping and reporting requirements.

6. Other Submission Requirements

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

F. Application Review Information

1. Review Criteria

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

Quality and Feasibility of the Program Idea: The program idea is well developed, with detail about how program activities will be carried out. The proposal includes a reasonable implementation timeline. The proposal does not include any activities contrary to any standing Executive Orders. For a full list, see https://www.federalregister.gov/.

Organizational Capacity and Record on Previous Grants: The organization has expertise in its stated field and has the internal controls in place to manage federal funds. This includes a financial management system and a bank account. If sub-awards are proposed, applicant demonstrates experience managing subawards.

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

https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/01/27/2026-01517/combating-discriminatory-equity-ideology-in-foreign-assistance-rules https://www.grants.gov/ https://www.federalregister.gov/

Budget: The budget justification is detailed. Costs are reasonable in relation to the proposed activities and anticipated results. The budget is realistic, accounting for all necessary expenses to achieve proposed activities.

Monitoring and evaluation plan: Applicant demonstrates it is able to measure program success against key indicators and provides milestones to indicate progress toward goals outlined in the proposal. The program includes output and outcome indicators and shows how and when those will be measured.

Sustainability: Program activities will continue to have positive impact after the end of the program.

2. Indirect Costs

If two or more applications receive equivalent scores based on the evaluation criteria outlined in this NOFO, preference will be given to the applicant with the lower indirect cost rate, as consistent with Executive Order 14332, Section

4(b)(iii). This preference will only be applied as a tie-breaking mechanism and does not supersede the primary evaluation criteria.

3. Review and Selection Process

DRL strives to ensure that each application receives a balanced evaluation by a

DRL review panel. A review committee will evaluate all technically eligible applications against the criteria outlined above. In most cases, the DRL review panel includes representatives from DRL and the appropriate Department of

State regional bureau (to include feedback from U.S. embassies). In some cases, additional panelists may participate, including from other Department of

State bureaus or offices; U.S. government departments, agencies, or boards;

representatives from partner governments; or representatives from entities that are in a public-private partnership with DRL. At the end of the panel’s discussion about an application, the review panel votes on whether to recommend the application for approval by the DRL Assistant Secretary. If more applications are recommended for approval than DRL can ultimately fund, the review panel will rank the recommended applications in priority order for consideration by the DRL Assistant Secretary. The Grants Officer

Representative (GOR) for the eventual award does not vote on the panel. All panelists must sign non-disclosure agreements and conflicts of interest agreements.

DRL review panels 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. To ensure effective use of

DRL funds, conditions or recommendations may include requests to increase, decrease, clarify, and/or justify costs and project activities.

4. Risk Review

i. Risk factors

Under the merit review as required by 2 CFR 200.206, prior to making a

Federal Award the Department will review and consider the following risk factors:

a. Financial stability

b. Management systems and standards

c. History of performance

d. Audit reports and findings

e. Ability to effectively implement requirements

f. Organizational capacity to manage DRL funds, including prior USG grant experience and adequate staffing levels for award oversight.

ii. Responsibility/Qualification Information in SAM.gov

The federal awarding agency, prior to making a federal award with a total amount of federal share greater than the simplified acquisition threshold, is required to review and consider any information about the applicant that is in the U.S. government designated integrity and performance system accessible through SAM.gov (see 41 U.S.C. 2313)

An applicant can review and comment on any information in the responsibility/qualification records available in SAM.gov.

Before making decisions in the risk review required by 2 CFR 200.206, the

Department will consider any comments by the applicant, along with information available in the responsibility/qualification records in SAM.gov.

G. Award Notices

The award or cooperative agreement will be written, signed, awarded, and administered by the Grants Officer. The award agreement is authorizing documents, and it will be provided to the recipient for review and countersignature.

The recipient may only start incurring project expenses beginning on the start date shown on the award document signed by the Grants Officer.

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

Issuance of this NOFO does not constitute an award commitment on the part of the

U.S. government, nor does it commit the U.S. government to pay for costs incurred in the preparation and submission of proposals. Further, the U.S. government reserves the right to reject any or all proposals received.

Unsuccessful applicants: Unsuccessful applicants will be notified by September

30, 2026, via email.

Payment Method: Payments under this award will be made through the U.S.

Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Payment Management System

(PMS).

Recipients may not draw down funds without the affirmative authorization of the

Department of State. In addition, recipients must submit, with each PMS payment request, a detailed explanation justifying the request.

Recipients may not draw down funds without the affirmative authorization of the

Department of State. In addition, recipients must submit, with each PMS payment request, a detailed explanation justifying the request.

H. Post-Award Requirements and Administration

1. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

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

In accordance with the Office of Management and Budget’s guidance located at

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

• Guidance for Grants and Agreements in Title 2 of the Code of Federal

Regulations (2 CFR), as updated in the Federal Register’s 89 FR 30046 on

April 22, 2024, particularly on:

o Selecting recipients most likely to be successful in delivering results based on the program objectives through an impartial process of evaluating Federal award applications (2 CFR part 200.205), 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) (§§ 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), and o Terminating agreements pursuant to the U.S. Department of State

Standard Terms and Conditions, including, to the greatest extent authorized by law, if an award no longer effectuates the program goals or agency priorities (2 CFR part 200.340). For the avoidance of doubt, the Department has sole discretion over the determination that an award no longer effectuates program goals or agency priorities, and this provision permits awards to be terminated at the Department’s convenience, including when it determines that the award no longer advances the national interest.

• 2 CFR 25 - UNIVERSAL IDENTIFIER AND SYSTEM FOR AWARD

MANAGEMENT

• 2 CFR 170 - REPORTING SUBAWARD AND EXECUTIVE

COMPENSATION INFORMATION

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• 2 CFR 175 - AWARD TERM FOR TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS

• 2 CFR 182 - GOVERNMENTWIDE REQUIREMENTS FOR DRUG-

FREE WORKPLACE (FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE)

• 2 CFR 183 - NEVER CONTRACT WITH THE ENEMY

• 2 CFR 600 – DEPARTMENT OF STATE REQUIREMENTS

• U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE STANDARD TERMS AND

CONDITIONS

• Recipients must comply with all applicable Executive Orders A searchable list can be found in the Federal Register: https://www.federalregister.gov/

2. Reporting

Reporting Requirements: Applicants should be aware of the post-award reporting requirements for federal assistance awards as reflected in 2 CFR 200

Appendix XII - Award Term and Condition for Recipient Integrity and

Performance Matters.

DRL awards require that all reports (financial and progress) are uploaded to the federal award file in MyGrants on a quarterly basis. The Federal Financial

Report (FFR or SF-425) is the required form for financial reports and must be submitted in PMS, and a copy of the report submitted in PMS then uploaded to the award file in MyGrants. Progress reports uploaded to the award file in

MyGrants must include a narrative as described below as well as Program

Indicators (or other mutually agreed upon format approved by the Grants

Officer), including standard (F) framework indicators and DRL framework indicators. F and DRL framework indicators will be reviewed and negotiated during the final stages of issuing an award on a project-by-project basis.

Narrative progress reports should reflect the focus on measuring the project’s progress on the overarching objectives and should be compiled according to the objectives, outcomes, and outputs as outlined in the award’s Scope of Work

(SOW) and in the Monitoring & Evaluation Narrative. An assessment of the overall project’s achievements should be included in each progress report.

Where relevant, progress reports should include the following sections:

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• Relevant contextual information;

• Explanation and evaluation of significant activities of the reporting period and how the activities reflect progress toward achieving objectives, including meeting benchmarks/targets as set in the approved M&E Plan. In addition, attach the M&E Plan, comparing the target and actual numbers for the indicators;

• Any qualitative impact or success stories from the project, when possible;

• Copy of baseline, mid-term, and/or final evaluation report(s) conducted by an external evaluator; if applicable;

• Relevant supporting documentation or products related to the project activities (such as articles, meeting lists and agendas, participant surveys, photos, manuals, etc.) as separate attachments;

• Description of how the recipient is pursuing sustainability, including looking for sources of follow-on funding;

• Any problems/challenges in implementing the project and a corrective action plan with an updated timeline of activities;

• Reasons why established goals were not met;

• Data for the required F and/or DRL framework indicator(s) for the quarter as well as aggregate data by fiscal year;

• Program Indicators or other mutually agreed upon format approved by the

Grants Officer;

• Proposed activities for the next quarter; and,

• Additional pertinent information, including analysis and explanation of cost overruns or high unit costs, if applicable.

Recipients will be required to submit financial reports and program reports.

The award document will specify what reports are required and how often these reports must be submitted.

Foreign Assistance Data Review: As required by Congress, the Department of

State must make progress in its efforts to improve tracking and reporting of foreign assistance data through the Foreign Assistance Data Review (FADR).

The FADR requires tracking of foreign assistance activity data from budgeting, planning, and allocation through obligation and disbursement. Successful applicants will be required to report and draw down federal funding based on the appropriate FADR Data Elements, indicated within their award documentation. In cases of more than one FADR Data Element, typically program or sector and/or regions or country, the successful applicant will be required to maintain separate accounting records.

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.

3. Branding and Marking

The Department of State, its programs, and U.S. Government funding and assistance should be easily identifiable to the Department's global audiences.

Recipients of federal assistance awards must follow the branding guidance published at Guidance for Contracts and Grants - U.S. Department of State

Brand System. Branding policy exceptions are outlined in the U.S. Department of State Foreign Affairs Manual 10 FAM 416, Policy Exceptions.

For more information, visit: https://brand.america.gov/

1. Other Information

Guidelines for Budget Justification

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

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

Equipment: Describe any machinery, furniture, or other personal property that is required for the program, which has a useful life of more than one year (or a life longer than the duration of the program), and costs at least $10,000 per unit.

Supplies: List and describe all the items and materials, including any computer devices, that are needed for the program. If an item costs more than $10,000 per unit, then put it in the budget under Equipment.

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

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

Indirect Costs: These are costs that cannot be linked directly to the program activities, such as overhead costs needed to help keep the organization operating.

If your organization has a Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate (NICRA) and includes

NICRA charges in the budget, attach a copy of your latest NICRA. Organizations that have never had a NICRA may request indirect costs of 15% of Modified Total

Direct Costs as defined in 2 CFR 200.1.

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

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