_Mozambique NOFO FINAL July 26.pdf

NOTICE OF FUNDING OPPORTUNITY (NOFO)

Bureau of African Affairs

U.S. Department of State

Announcement Type: New Announcement

Funding Opportunity Title: Building Capacity to Counter Violent Extremism in

Mozambique

Catalog of Federal Domestic

Assistance (CFDA) Number: 19.979

Award Amount: $400,000

Proposals that exceed this amount will be deemed not competitive

Number of Awards: One (1)

Cost Sharing Requirement: Not Required

Assistance Type: Cooperative Agreement

Funding Type: Discretionary

Authority: Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 as amended

Source of Funding Economic Support Funds (ESF)

Funding Activity Category: Other

NOFO Issuance Date: July 26, 2019

Closing Date for Submission of Complete proposal packages must be submitted through

Applications: www.grants.gov by August 21, 11:59 pm EST

Electronic Requirement: Yes

E-mailed, faxed or mailed proposal packages, or individual documents, that failed to transmit during application submission will NOT be considered.

Deadline for Receipt of Questions: August 14, 5:00 pm, EST

Eligibility Category: U.S.-based non-profit/non-governmental organizations having a 501(c) (3) status with the IRS; Commercial

Entities; For-Profit Organizations; Overseas non-governmental non-profit organizations; Foreign Public

Entities and Public International Organizations.

http://www.grants.gov/

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

Type of Applicant: Organizations. Individuals are not eligible to apply.

Number of Applications: One (1) per applicant organization.

Note: Organizations may form consortia and submit a combined proposal. However, only one organization may be designated as the lead applicant. The lead applicant must meet the eligibility criteria listed in this NOFO.

Anticipated Award Date: The successful applicant will receive notification within approximately four-to-five weeks of the closing of this announcement. The U.S. Department of State is under no obligation to fund any of the proposals submitted under this funding opportunity.

Est. Project Start Date: September 2019

Est. Project End Date: March 2021

Project Duration: 18 months

This funding opportunity is posted on www.grants.gov and may be amended. Answers to questions from potential applicants will be posted as attachments to this NOFO. Applicants should regularly check the www.grants.gov website for the most recent information pertaining to this NOFO. Department of State bears no responsibility for data errors resulting from transmission or conversion processes associated with electronic submissions via www.grants.gov. Incomplete application packages will not be considered. Missing e-mailed, faxed or mailed documents will NOT be considered.

Applicants, including U.S. affiliates of international organizations incorporated in the U.S., must provide a Unique Entity Identifier, or Data Universal Numbering System

(DUNS), and completed www.sam.gov registration when submitting application on www.grants.gov in response to this NOFO.

Applicants that do not have a valid DUNS number and completed www.sam.gov registration will NOT be eligible for consideration.

It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the application package has been received by Grants.gov in its entirety. Incomplete applications will be considered ineligible.

Individual e-mailed or faxed documents that failed to transmit during application submission will not be considered.

http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.sam.gov/ http://www.sam.gov/

The decision for the final eligibility and award determination rests with the Grants Officer.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The United States Department of State’s Bureau of African Affairs (AF) announces a Notice of

Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for organizations interested in submitting proposals to support the capacity building of civil society organizations (CSOs) to counter violent extremism (CVE) in

Mozambique.

Pending availability of funds and satisfactory performance, including compliance with the award’s terms and conditions, AF may consider adding funds to the award. AF intends to support one (1) award as a result of this NOFO.

Department of State reserves the right to fund any or none of the proposals submitted and reserves the right to reduce, revise, or increase the budget in accordance with the needs of the project and the availability of funds.

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

This NOFO consists of the following sections:

I. Funding Opportunity Description

II. Award Information and Application Evaluation and Scoring

III. Eligibility Information

IV. Agency Contacts

Eligible organizations interested in submitting an application are encouraged to review this

NOFO thoroughly to understand the type of project sought and the application submission requirements and review process as outlined in this NOFO.

I. FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

BACKGROUND

The threat of violent extremism continues to pose major security challenges to the U.S. and the global community. As outlined in the most recent version of the National Strategy for

Counterterrorism of the United States of America (October 2018), “counterterrorism remains a top priority for this Administration.” It emphasizes that “unless we counter terrorist radicalization and recruitment, we will be fighting a never-ending battle against terrorism in the homeland, overseas, and online. Our strategy, therefore, will champion and institutionalize prevention and create a global prevention architecture with the help of civil society, private partners, and the technology industry.” The new Africa Strategy (December

2018) builds on the latter point by highlighting our national interest in helping African allies to build the capacities to counter these threats.

https://www.dni.gov/files/NCTC/documents/news_documents/NSCT.pdf https://www.dni.gov/files/NCTC/documents/news_documents/NSCT.pdf

Mozambique is becoming increasingly susceptible to the spread of violent extremism. Since

October 2017, the northern province of Cabo Delgado has experienced attacks in the eight districts of Moçímboa da Praia, Ibo, Palma, Macomia, Nangade, Ancuabe, Meluco, and

Quissanga. Existing, but limited, research and assessments highlight that high levels of poverty and unemployment, as well as a rapidly growing youth population, are enabling the spread of violent extremist ideologies. In northern Mozambique, communities struggle from a limited understanding of violent extremism, including how to recognize recruitment and undertake effective interventions.

PROJECT’S GOALS

The goal of this program is to build the capacity of Mozambican CSOs to counter violent extremism, and to build a network that will serve to educate and advocate for effective CVE strategies, interventions, and initiatives.

PROJECT’S DESCRIPTION AND OBJECTIVES

The ‘Building Capacity to Counter Violent Extremism in Mozambique’ project has 3 key objectives:

Objective 1: Enhance CSOs’ ability to identify the drivers and interventions to mitigate violent extremism in their communities.

Objective 2: Provide CSOs with the tools and support to initiate effective, community-based CVE interventions, including project and financial management skills.

Objective 3: Develop a network of CSOs that will serve to educate on and advocate for effective CVE strategies and programs to the government and the public.

Successful applicant will be issued a cooperative agreement with substantial involvement from

AF in the Recipient’s implementation of this program and will be expected to coordinate closely with the DC-based AF program manager, as well as key staff in Embassies overseas. As such, AF will work closely with the recipient to provide direction and facilitate discussion with relevant Embassies on targets of potential assistance.

II. AWARD INFORMATION AND APPLICATION EVALUATION AND

SCORING

Department of State/AF will issue an award to the applicant whose proposal represents the best value to the U.S. Government on the basis of technical merit, efficient use of U.S.

Government funds, and satisfactory organizational capacity.

The Department of State reserves the right to make an award on the basis of initial application received with or without discussion or negotiations. Therefore, applications should contain the applicants’ best terms from both cost and technical standpoints. The implementing partners (sub-recipients) of the primary recipient will be subject to

Department of State approval.

Leahy Vetting Requirement: Leahy vetting is required when training or assistance is provided to foreign security forces, including when such assistance is provided under a grant or cooperative agreement. Leahy Vetting requirements will be fully outlined in the final award Agreement. However, as noted below, training or assistance to foreign security forces is not permitted under this award.

Military and Law Enforcement: In developing proposals, programming should not involve any military or paramilitary forces or members, nor should programming involve any foreign law enforcement or intelligence services.

It is Department of State policy that English is the official language and U.S. dollar is the controlling currency. Proposal and related supporting documents must be English and accompanying budget in U.S. dollars.

Eligible applications will be evaluated by an independent review panel consisting of subject matter experts from other DOS bureaus/or offices, U.S. Embassies, and/or other USG agencies. Final approval resides with the DOS Grants Office.

The following criteria will serve as a standard which all eligible applications will be evaluated against. Each eligible application will be evaluated and scored on the review criteria using a 100-point scale.

The review panel will apply the following criteria when rating proposals:

1. Quality of Program Idea – 20 Points

The proposal is responsive to a call for programming designed to build CSO capacity as it relates to CVE in the context of Mozambique – and identifies relevant local and international dynamics and drivers against which programming will be designed;

The proposal clearly states a theory of change;

The proposal outlines a vision for a “whole of society” approach – meaning the key sectors and actors (e.g. women, religious leaders, youth) who will be the program’s key beneficiaries and protagonists;

The proposal directly connects proposed activities with the desired outcomes, tying back to the project objectives.

2. Project Planning/Ability to Achieve Objectives – 20 Points

The proposal provides a detailed work plan of proposed project activities and includes a clear articulation of how these activities will contribute to the overall project’s goals and objectives;

The proposal demonstrates a willingness to be flexible and the ability to adapt based on

AF’s feedback over the course of the program;

The proposal articulates activities that are placed in a reasonable time frame, relevant to the program, and attainable.

3. Organizational Capability and Record of Performance – 20 Points

The proposal demonstrates a proven record of successful projects and past performance in Africa, preferably Mozambique, in the areas of capacity building assistance and CVE;

The proposal articulates past performance and experience in working with host governments, local organizations, and communities, particularly on, and preferably in, Mozambique;

The proposal clearly defines the roles and responsibilities of primary staff under this program;

The proposal addresses how the project will engage or obtain support from relevant stakeholders.

4. Cost Effectiveness – 10 Points

The administration of the proposal budget, including salaries and honoraria, are explained and justified for the work involved;

All budget items are allocable, reasonable and necessary, and linked to program objectives and demonstrate efficient use of U.S. Government funds.

NOTE: This NOFO does not require cost-share. Applicants may voluntarily offer cost share; however, cost share will not be factored in during proposal review.

5. Project Monitoring and Evaluation – 20 Points

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

o Narrative explaining how M&E will be carried out and who will be responsible for

M&E activities;

o Logical Framework listing by project objectives the output- and outcome-based performance indicators with baselines (if available) and quarterly and cumulative targets; data collection tools; data sources; types of data disaggregation, if applicable; and frequency of data collection.

6. Sustainability of Impact – 10 Points

Clearly indicates how U.S. Government financing for this program will result in long-term capacity building for CVE in Mozambique.

Outlines possibilities for institutionalization of the capacity building functions with a local organization, university, etc.

Reference other donors who may be able to lend support after the end of the life of the project.

APPLICATION SUBMISSION INFORMATION:

Please refer to the Proposal Submission Instructions (PSI) for additional application submission instructions, including information on required documents and format. Please follow both, the

PSI and the NOFO, to ensure that the proposal package submission is in full compliance with the requirements. Proposal submissions that do not meet all of the requirements outlined in this

NOFO and PSI will not be considered.

In addition to the application submission information provided in the PSI, please see additional details regarding items for submission:

Proposal Narrative

The proposal narrative should be organized into the following components:

1) Introduction

2) Conflict/Context Analysis

Successful applicants under this funding opportunity will describe an approach based on a context and conflict analysis. Please provide background on the conflict/context in which the proposed program will be operating.

3) Theory of Change

Provide a theory of change for your program that describes the connections between the program’s activities, key intermediate outcomes, objectives, and the long-term goal.

4) Planned Activities/Implementation Plan

Please address the following points:

a. Program Goal and Objectives: Fully explain the program’s goal and objectives. The overarching goal should outline what the overall activities and objectives should be building towards. The objectives of the program should describe where you expect to be by the end of your program. The objectives should be measurable, results-focused, and achievable within the timeframe of the program.

b. Activities: All activities should be clearly developed and sufficiently detailed to understand the resource and time requirements, and how they contribute to the objectives and goals.

Please identify: target areas for activities; target participant groups or selection criteria for participants; how the program will engage relevant stakeholders; and local partners as appropriate.

c. Identified CSOs: This program is intended to work with CSOs that are already in existence in Mozambique, and is not a platform for creating new CSOs. Therefore, the proposal should address how the program will engage or obtain support from relevant CSOs.

d. Resources and Timeline for Activities: Demonstrate how the proposed activities build upon one another and are logically sequenced to achieve the desired outcomes. The applicant must submit a plan that sets out a realistic outline of tasks and deliverables, anticipated time frames, challenges, opportunities and due dates, and persons responsible for achieving each task. This should be a narrative description.

e. Do No Harm: List any significant risks of harm to implementers, participants, beneficiaries or their communities, or of exacerbating conflict or creating new conflicts, which may result from this program. Include specific risks to women and girls. Consider how resources or skills provided might be misused, create grievances among non-recipients, or cause key actors to react in harmful ways. Explain how these risks will be minimized.

f.

5) Sustainability of Impact

Clearly indicate how U.S. Government financing for this program will be result in long-term capacity building for CVE in Mozambique. Outline the possibilities for institutionalization of capacity building functions as well as the other donors who may be able to lend support after the project is completed.

6) Past Performance

Provide a description of the applicant organization, including a proven record of successful projects and past performance in Africa, preferably Mozambique, in the areas of capacity building assistance and CVE. Describe past performance and experience in working with host governments, local organizations, and communities, particularly on, and preferably in, Mozambique. The roles and responsibilities of primary staff under this program should be defined, and the proposal should demonstrated how the program will engage or obtain support from relevant stakeholders.

7) Performance Monitoring and Evaluation Plan

The Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Plan should include the following:

Narrative explaining how M&E will be carried out and who will be responsible for

M&E activities;

Logical Framework (use provided template) listing by project objectives the output-and outcome-based performance indicators with baselines (if available) and quarterly and cumulative targets; data collection tools; data sources; types of data disaggregation, if applicable; and frequency of data collection.

FEDERAL AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION:

Issuance of this NOFO does not constitute a commitment on the part of the Department of State to issue an award nor does it commit the U.S. Government to pay for costs incurred in the preparation and submission of an application. Furthermore, award cannot be issued until funds have been fully appropriated, allocated, and committed through internal DOS procedures. While it is anticipated that these procedures will be successfully completed, potential applicants are hereby notified of these requirements. All preparation and submission costs are at the applicant’s expense.

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

2 CFR §200.501 requires domestic/US non-federal entities that expend $750,000, or more, in federal assistance during organization’s fiscal year to have a single or program-specific audit conducted for that year. In addition, the entity must report the collected audit data elements on the form SF-SAC and submit it to the FAC. Any findings such as material weaknesses, significant deficiencies, or material non-compliance are reported on the SF-SAC.

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

REPORTING REQUIREMENTS:

Recipient will be required to submit Quarterly Progress and Quarterly Financial Reports

(SF-425), unless special conditions apply, describing key activities undertaken during the reporting period towards accomplishment of the stated objectives. Financial Reports provide a means of monitoring expenditures.

NOTE: It is Department’s of State policy that English is the official language of all award documents. If reports or any other 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. U.S. dollar is the controlling currency. Financial reports must be submitted in U.S. dollars.

OTHER INFORMATION:

Mandatory disclosures (2 CFR 200.113)

Non-federal entity, recipient 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 Terms and Conditions for Recipient Integrity and

Performance Matters -- are required to report certain civil, criminal, or administrative proceedings to www.sam.gov .

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 www.sam.gov (currently FAPIIS) (see 41 U.S.C. 2313). Applicant, at its option, may review information in the designated integrity and performance systems accessible through www.sam.gov 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 www.sam.gov. Federal awarding agency will consider any comments by the applicant, in addition to the other information in the designated integrity and performance

Applicant organizations must demonstrate adherence to equal opportunity employment practices and commitment to non-discrimination with respect to beneficiaries. 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.

http://www.sam.gov/

Proposals that reflect any type of support for any member, affiliate, or representative or a designate to terrorist organization or narcotics trafficker, including elected members of government, will NOT be considered. This provision must be included in any sub‐ awards/sub-contracts issued under this award.

III. ELIGIBLITY INFORMATION

See the cover page, Eligibility Category.

Applicants must demonstrate expertise with training in sensitive environments, preferably in regions prone to terrorist activity. Applicants should also demonstrate in-depth understanding of

Mozambique’s cultural context and governance structures. Previous experience working in

Mozambique is preferred.

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 on page 1 (cover page). Information given to a prospective applicant concerning this NOFO will be furnished promptly to all other prospective applicants as a ‘Questions and Answers’ attachment to this NOFO.

Any questions concerning this NOFO should be submitted in writing, by email, to AF to

Kristin Caspar (CasparKA@state.gov) and Margot Shorey (ShoreyMA@state.gov) along with the project’s title as outlined in the NOFO; the funding opportunity number; and applicant’s legal name and organizational status.

mailto:CasparKA@state.gov mailto:ShoreyMA@state.gov