NOFO Access programs 2024-2026.pdf

Department of State Embassy of the United States in Dushanbe, Tajikistan Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)

Program Office: Public Diplomacy Section, Embassy Funding Opportunity Title: English Access Scholarship Program Announcement Type: Cooperative Agreement Funding Opportunity Number: STI40024CA0001 Deadline for Applications: June 30, 2024 (11:59 p.m. U.S. Eastern time) Assistance Listing Number: 19.900 - Assistance for Europe, Eurasia, and Central Asia Total Amount Available: $200,000

CONTACT INFORMATION

• For questions relating to Grants.gov, please call the Grants.gov Contact Center at 1-800-518-4726.

• For assistance with the requirements of this solicitation, contact EnglishProgramsDushanbe@state.gov

• To inquire about the process for obtaining a Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA) contact Donald Hunter at HunterDS@state.gov.

In order to be eligible to receive an award under this NOFO, organizations must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) number issued via www.SAM.gov as well as a valid registration on www.SAM.gov. Please begin the registration processes immediately to ensure the registrations are completed well in advance of the submission deadline. The process can require several weeks for the registrations to be validated and confirmed. See Section D: Submission Requirements for further details.

Due to the volume of applicants and inquiries, Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) does not accept letters of intent, concept papers, or requests for meetings or phone calls prior to application.

It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the application package has been received in its entirety. Incomplete applications will be considered ineligible. Applicants are urged to begin the application process well before the submission deadline. No exceptions will be made for organizations that have not completed the necessary steps.

mailto:EnglishProgramsDushanbe@state.gov https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/country/pakistan.html http://www.sam.gov/

A. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Executive Summary:

The U.S. Embassy Public Diplomacy Section in Dushanbe, Tajikistan is soliciting proposals for a cooperative agreement to administer the English Access Scholarship program, that meets the specifications stated below. The implementer must be a legally recognized non-governmental organization, that meets U.S. and Tajikistan technical and legal requirements to develop and implement Public Diplomacy Programs as specified in Section C.

Background:

Launched in 2004, the English Access Scholarship Program (hereafter known as “Access Program” or “Access”) is a two-year global scholarship program supported by the U.S. Department of State and managed by the U.S. Embassy of Tajikistan that provides a foundation of English language skills to bright, underserved students, primarily aged 14 to 15. This two-year, 360-hour program exposes participants to U.S. culture, global citizenship, and democratic values through English language scholarships, Consisting of both in-class and off-site activities, the program curricula must integrate the four pillars of the Access Program: global citizenship themes, U.S. culture and values, 21st-century skills, and English language instruction.

Project description:

The goal of the Access Program is to equip talented students who possess a minimal knowledge of English with effective communication and critical thinking skills through meaningful interaction, cooperative learning strategies, and real-life contexts. Additionally, Access seeks to prepare students for conversational English language skills with native and non-native speakers of English through a variety of experiential learning activities. Selected participants must be bright, economically disadvantaged students with a beginning level of English. Participants should commit to enroll in classes during the full two-year program.

Students are expected to graduate with certificates of completion from the U.S.

Embassy in Tajikistan at the end of their two-year program. The Program is divided into two distinct phases: (1) 360 hours of after school classroom instruction, consisting of a minimum 6 hours per week and maximum 2 hours per day as well as (2) off-site activities that are cohesive and clearly linked to the curriculum described below.

The program curriculum must focus on the Media Literacy and Civic Engagement themes. These themes remain relevant in both urban and rural areas of Tajikistan and the youth will learn to analyze, evaluate, and expand their access to alternative sources of information through the in-class and off-site activities on Media Literacy. It also aims to engage youth in more active civic lifestyles based on critical thinking skills, sharing and production skills, informed decision-making, and active participation.

Media literacy improves citizens' understanding of fundamental rights such as communication, as well as the balance between these rights and ethical obligations at the personal and collaborative levels. By tying these values to the concept of global citizenship, media literacy education encourages youth to respect and support the rights of others.

Program Design

When designing an Access program, providers should take into consideration the time needed to recruit and train teachers and to select students for the program prior to beginning instruction. In addition, the purchase of textbooks and supplies will be an important part of program planning. The U.S. Embassy recommends using four levels (Starter, Elementary, Pre-Intermediate and Intermediate) of American Headway Textbooks.

Access Teacher Community of Practice (CoP)

It is highly recommended that providers plan for and budget to pay teachers to attend at least two hours per month of teacher professional development through the free Access Teacher Community of Practice (CoP). The Access Teacher CoP is an online resource for teachers to receive professional development focused on model lesson plans as well as webinars with guest speakers on American culture.

Professional Development

Before Access instruction begins, providers should provide and budget for training for teachers on all four pillars of the Access Program. For example, training on global citizenship themes and U.S. culture and values can be facilitated through webinars on the Access Teacher CoP, while training on TESOL methodology and 21st-century skills may be incorporated through Online Professional English Network (OPEN) courses or in-person trainings organized by the U.S. Embassy's Regional English Language Office. It is recommended that teachers engage in professional development on the CoP throughout the two-year program.

By the end of this program, Access students will learn skills that help them gain them access to better jobs, educational opportunities, and the ability to participate in and compete for future exchanges and study in the United States, such as through FLEX, TechGirls, UGRAD, Fulbright, etc.

The Successful Provider will be Responsible for the Following Tasks:

• Collaborate with the U.S. Embassy to integrate program goals in curriculum and program design.

• Partner with the U.S. Embassy to select high-quality teachers and appropriate students for the program.

• Support professional development needs for Access teachers.

• Deliver instruction and programmatic activities.

• Regularly monitor and evaluate program implementation to ensure high-quality programming.

• Inform U.S. Embassy about significant program developments, challenges, and highlights.

• Send invitations to the relevant U.S. Embassy staff alerting them to special events, as well as opportunities to visit and speak.

• Submit success stories of Access Program students to relevant U.S. Embassy staff, in a timely manner, for use on social media.

• Maintain program and financial documentation to comply with auditing and U.S. Government regulation.

Project Audience(s): Youth (9th grade students, typically ages 14-15) with beginner-level English speaking skills from low-income communities most affected by labor migration and vulnerable to extremist ideas (rural areas of Khatlon such as the villages surrounding the cities of Kulob, Danghara, Qubodiyon, and Shahrituz as well as districts of the Dushanbe Republican Subordination including Tursunzoda, Rudaki, Obigarm and others which are predominantly in Tajikistan’s remote areas).

By targeting 9th grade students (typically ages 14-15) from undeserved/migrant families, with some interest in volunteerism/community/ sustainability and environment/technology/women’s empowerment. The program will help these Tajik youth consider and build the skills needed for future careers which are needed to develop Tajikistan’s domestic economy.

Project Goal: To support socio-economic empowerment of Tajik youth by improving English language proficiency of 9th grade students from underserved communities through participation in a two-year English language training program focused on media literacy and civic engagement.

Project Objectives:

• Objective 1: Increase English language reading, writing, listening and speaking skills on themes of media literacy and civic engagement up to 50 program participants through in-class instruction and off-site civic engagement/volunteer activities.

• Objective 2: Strengthen students’ understanding of global citizenship, U.S.

culture, values through experiential learning activities, leadership and civic engagement skills. For example: through volunteerism, community service activities, and engaging in issues that impact their local community.

• Objective 3: Improve the ability of students to critically analyze media content, identify disinformation and credible sources through media literacy training and simulated disinformation exercises.

All proposals should:

• Proposals should include both Cost Proposal and Technical Proposal.

[Attachments 1 and 2];

• Address how the project will contribute to achievement of objectives listed above;

• Enumerate specific outputs and outcomes to be achieved by the end of the project, using the Monitoring & Evaluation Performance Monitoring Plan (PMP) [Attachment 3];

• Describe pedagogical approach that will be used to teach Access students;

• Describe in detail the process for selecting and recruiting students;

• Describe how students of different English language levels will be organized in the program;

• Describe how students will be motivated and encouraged to attend all Access sessions;

• Describe how parents/community will be informed and involved in the Access program;

• Demonstrate competency to manage all financial and oversight aspects of the project, including participant costs;

• Cost Proposal should have a detailed breakdown of costs for the two-year project including purchasing of books/materials, students’ transportation and snacks, project administration, admin costs, etc. On average, costs associated with one student in the framework of the two-year project are approximately $1,000. Each project can include up to 50 students. Projects that involve higher numbers of students with lower costs are encouraged.

• English Access Scholarship Program Handbook [Attachment 5];

B. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION

Length of performance period: 2-year program Number of awards anticipated: 1 award per grantee for two or more sites.

Award amounts: awards may range from a minimum of $24, 000 to a maximum of $50, 000.

Total available funding: approximately $1,000 per student Award Ceiling: $50,000 Award Floor: $24,000 Type of Funding: FY23/24 Assistance for Europe, Eurasia, and Central Asia under the Foreign Assistance Act) Anticipated start date: November 30, 2024

The Public Diplomacy Section of Embassy Dushanbe reserves the right to award less or more than the amount of funds described in the absence of worthy applications or under such other circumstances as they may deem to be in the best interest of the U.S. government, pending the availability of funds and approval of the designated Grants Officer.

This notice is subject to availability of funding.

Funding Instrument Type: Cooperative agreement.

The Embassy will be substantially involved in carrying out the following aspects of this cooperative agreement:

- Serves as the primary point of contact for providers throughout the program.

- Approves proposals, program reports, and expenses.

- Reviews and approves Access program announcements.

- Helps the provider in the selection process of students, program coordinators and teachers.

- Helps the provider in the recruitment of participants.

- Assists during the development of the curriculum of English language, leadership and professional skills, and exposure to U.S. culture and democratic values and Intensive sessions.

- Participates in the Opening and Closing ceremonies of the program.

- Visits program sites.

-Oversees program implementation and financial compliance.

- Provides general support such as connecting with Fulbright English Teaching Assistants and English Language Fellows; access to American Spaces; facilitating connections with FLEX alumni, USANT regional representatives and representatives from the United World Colleges.

- Promotes the success stories of the project results.

The Embassy will be involved in the areas mentioned above or others as needs may come up.

Program Performance Period: Proposed programs should be completed in 2-years or less.

Support for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA): Access programs should consider strategies for expanding the pool of individuals/organizations/beneficiaries to afford opportunities for as diverse and inclusive population as is feasible to bring diverse perspectives based on religion, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, sex characteristics, national origin to implementation of the program.

C. ELIGIBILTY INFORMATION

1. Eligible Applicants

The following organizations are eligible to apply:

• Non-governmental organizations

• Public Organizations

Post has determined the target audience from Khatlon and Districts of Republican Subordination, but the applications from all four regions of Tajikistan will be accepted and considered. Applicants are only allowed to submit one proposal per organization for two or more sites. If more than one proposal is submitted from an organization, all proposals from that institution will be considered ineligible for funding.

To be eligible for consideration, every applicant must be currently engaged and/or implementing an English language teaching program. Service providers from remote areas of Tajikistan are encouraged to apply to run the program activities in more than one site.

2. Cost Sharing or Matching

Cost sharing or matching is not required for this funding opportunity.

3. Other Eligibility Requirements

In order to be eligible to receive an award, all organizations must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) number issued via www.SAM.gov as well as a valid registration on www.SAM.gov. Please see Section D for more information.

4. This opportunity will not support:

• Projects relating to partisan political activity;

• Charitable or development activities;

• Construction projects;

• Projects that support specific religious activities;

• Fund-raising campaigns;

http://www.sam.gov/

• Lobbying for specific legislation or programs

• Scientific research or surveys;

• Commercial projects;

• Projects intended primarily for the growth or institutional development of the organization;

• Projects that duplicate existing projects; or

• Illegal activities

D. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

1. Address to Request Application Package

Application forms required below are available at U.S. Embassy in Tajikistan (usembassy.gov), grants.gov.

2. Content and Form of Application Submission

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.

Applicants must ensure:

• Proposal clearly addresses the goals, audiences, and objectives of this notice.

• All documents are in English.

• All budgets are in U.S. dollars.

• All parts of the cost and technical proposals thoroughly filled out.

• All applicant authorized signatures are provided where indicated on the various, required forms.

Special Characters in Submissions: Grants.gov does not accept all UTF-8 special characters in file attachment names. Applicants are able to enter all special characters from the UTF-8 character set when submitting applications and information to Grants.gov. However, if the grantor's system is not yet compatible with these special characters, the grantor system may produce garbled or missing text in the application. As a result, the application may be rejected.

https://tj.usembassy.gov/ https://tj.usembassy.gov/

The following documents and components are required and must be included in the applicant’s submission:

Section 1. Mandatory application forms

• SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance – organizations)

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

• SF-424B (Assurances for Non-Construction programs) (note: the SF-424B is only required for individuals and for organizations not registered in SAM.gov)

All submissions must include the SF-424 Application for Federal Assistance and the SF-424A Budget Information—Non-Construction.

These forms and the instructions for completing them are available at http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms.html under the heading “SF- 424 Family.” NOTE: The SF-424B is required only for those applicants who have not registered in SAM.gov. An authorized signature by the applicant must be provided on this form.

Section 2. Technical Proposal: (8 pages) The proposal should contain sufficient information that anyone not familiar with it would 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 program, including program objectives and anticipated impact.

• Organizational Description and Capacity: A description of past and present operations, showing ability to carry out the program, including information on all previous grants from the U.S. Embassy and/or U.S. government agencies as well as experience with and expertise in areas related to those described in the NOFO. You may use the attached Applicant Organization Information Survey form to provide this information (Attachment 4).

• Program Methods, Design, Activities, and Deliverables: A description of how the program is expected to work to solve the stated problem and achieve the goal. Describe the program activities and how they will help achieve the objectives.

https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/

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

• Key Personnel: Names, titles, roles and experience/qualifications of key personnel involved in the program. Include the proportion of their time that will be used in support of this program.

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

• Support of Equity and Underserved Communities: A description of how the applicant plans on incorporating principles of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) and engaging underserved communities in their program’s administration, design, and implementation. For more information, please reference section F. Federal Award Administration Information.

• Monitoring & Evaluation: Proposals must include a draft Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Performance Monitoring Plan (PMP). The M&E PMP should show how applicants intend to measure and demonstrate progress towards the project’s objectives and goals. Attachment 3 of this funding opportunity contains a template that may be used to fulfill this requirement. While the grantee is free to create their own template, completing Attachment 3 will ensure a thorough PMP.

The key components to the PMP are as follows:

a. Monitoring and Evaluation Narrative: In narrative form, applicants should describe how they intend to monitor and evaluate the activities of their award and collect data that tracks award performance. In addition, the applicant should describe any M&E processes, including key personnel, management structure (where M&E fits into the overall program’s staff structure), technology, and as well provide a brief budget narrative explaining any line-item expenditures for M&E listed in the program’s budget. Submission should demonstrate an ability to adjust project activities based on new information. If the proposal is from a prior grantee, the proposal discusses how the grantee has adapted, improved or otherwise modified their approach based on learning from previous experience. This narrative is limited to two pages.

b. Theory of Change Diagram: Applicants will be expected to submit either a Theory of Change diagram or an If-Then Statement that illustrates how project activities will lead to intended outcomes. Attachment 3 includes a suggested format for these requirements.

c. Monitoring and Evaluation Datasheet: The applicant must include their proposed activities and their expected outputs and outcomes as well as the goals and objectives as written in the NOFO. The datasheet’s purpose is to explicitly illustrate how a project’s activities lead to tangible results (such as increased beneficiary skills, knowledge, or attitudes) that ultimately address a PDS objective. For more information, please see Attachment 3.1: Instructions.

The selected applicant’s M&E PMP is subject to review and approval before any award will be issued under this NOFO. The selected applicant will be required to work with PDS Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist to ensure the applicant’s M&E PMP achieves an expected level of expertise and meets PDS objectives.

Expenses directly associated with monitoring and evaluation are considered allowable. The suggested template includes a space to list the portion of the total budget amount directly associated with monitoring and evaluation activities.

Section 3. — Detailed Budget and Budget Narrative:

• Detailed Budget - Applicants must submit a detailed line-item budget.

Applicants are encouraged to utilize the template provided with the funding opportunity but are not required to do so (Attachment 1). Line-item expenditures should be listed in the greatest possible detail. The budget must identify the total amount of funding requested, with a breakdown of amounts to be spent in the following budget categories:

personnel; fringe benefits; travel; equipment; supplies;

consultants/contracts; other direct costs; and indirect costs. See Annex Section I for a description of the types of costs that should be included in each category. Personnel salaries should include the level of effort and the rate of pay, which should cover the percentage of time each staff member will dedicate to grant-based activities. If an organization is charging an indirect cost rate without a NICRA, it must apply it to the modified total budget costs (MTDC), refer to 2CFR§200.68. Budgets shall be submitted in U.S. dollars and final grant agreements will be conducted in U.S. dollars.

• Budget Justification Narrative – Applicants must submit a budget justification narrative to accompany the detailed line-item budget. The purpose of the budget justification narrative is to supplement the information provided in the detailed budget spreadsheet by justifying how the budget cost elements are necessary to implement project objectives and accomplish the project goals. The budget justification narrative is a tool to help PDS staff fully understand the budgetary needs of the applicant and is an opportunity to provide descriptive information about the requested costs beyond the constraints of the budget template. Together, the detailed budget spreadsheet, the budget justification narrative, and the SF- 424A should provide a complete financial and qualitative description that supports the proposed project plan and should be directly relatable to the specific project components described in the applicant’s proposal.

Additional Budget Notes:

• Audit Requirements: Please note the audit requirements for Department of State awards in the Standard Terms and Conditions https://www.state.gov/m/a/ope/index.htm and 2CFR200, Subpart F

– Audit Requirements. The cost of the required audits may be charged either as an allowable direct cost to the award OR included in the organization’s established indirect costs in the award’s detailed budget.

• Visa Fees: Include all visa application and related fees in your budget as applicable. Please note DS-2019s for post-funded programs must be submitted directly by the award recipient. If you anticipate your program will include the DS-2019 visa processing, your organization must be a registered Designated Sponsoring Organization. For more information go to: https://j1visa.state.gov/sponsors/become-a-sponsor/ https://www.state.gov/m/a/ope/index.htm%20and%202CFR200 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx

Section 4. - Required Attachments:

a. Key Personnel Resumes: A résumé, not to exceed one page in length, must be included for the proposed key staff persons, such as the Program coordinator, Finance Officer, Access teachers as well as any speakers or trainers (if applicable). If an individual for this type of position has not been identified, the applicant may submit a 1-page position description, identifying the qualifications and skills required for that position, in lieu of a résumé.

b. Letters of support from program partners: Letters of support should be included for sub-recipients or other partners. The letters must identify the type of relationship to be entered into (formal or informal), the roles and responsibilities of each partner in relation to the proposed project activities, and the expected result of the partnership. The individual letters cannot exceed 1 page in length.

c. Indirect Costs: If your organization has a Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate

Agreement (NICRA) and includes NICRA charges in the budget, your latest NICRA should be included in the application submission.

d. Proof of Registration: A copy of the organization’s registration should be provided with the proposal application. U.S.-based organizations should submit a copy of their IRS determination letter. Tajikistan -based organizations should submit a copy of their certificate of registration from the appropriate government organization.

Other items NOT required/requested with the application submission, but which may be requested if your application is approved to move forward in the review process include:

a. Copies of an organization or program audit within the last two (2) years

b. Copies of relevant human resources, financial, or procurement policies

c. Copies of other relevant organizational policies or documentation that would help the Department determine your organization’s capacity to manage a federal grant award overseas.

d. Information to determine what financial controls and standard operating procedures an organization uses to procure goods and services, hire staff and track time and attendance, pay for grant-related travel, and identify other financial transactions that may be necessary to undertake the project activities.

e. The Embassy reserves the right to request any additional programmatic and/or financial information regarding the proposal.

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

Required Registration: All organizations applying for grants (except individuals) must obtain a SAM.gov registration as well as a Unique Entity Identifier Number (UEI). Registration through www.SAM.gov is free of charge.

The Unique Entity Identifier (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. SAM.gov is the Federal government's primary database for complying with FFATA reporting requirements. OMB designated SAM.gov as the central repository to facilitate applicant and recipient use of a single public website that consolidates data on all federal financial assistance. Under the law, it is mandatory to register in SAM.gov.

Starting April 2022, the UEI will be assigned when an organization registers or renews its registration in SAM.gov at www.SAM.gov. To access SAM.gov an organization is required to have a Login.gov account. Organization can create an account at https://login.gov/. As a reminder, organizations need to renew its sam.gov registration annually.

www.sam.gov requires all entities to renew their registration once a year in order to maintain an active registration status in SAM.gov. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure it has an active registration in SAM.gov.

https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/retrieveECFR?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sam.gov%2F&data=04%7C01%7Cfjeldkk%40state.gov%7C8a179f425ec644553b0a08da0c446ace%7C66cf50745afe48d1a691a12b2121f44b%7C0%7C0%7C637835785239027166%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000&sdata=1O%2BquRWkk5TWZ9R%2FzeWA%2BjVqSPwgts5FKs5lUXBCVGU%3D&reserved=0 https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/alertswarnings.html?url=https%3A%2F%2Flogin.gov%2F&data=04%7C01%7Cfjeldkk%40state.gov%7C8a179f425ec644553b0a08da0c446ace%7C66cf50745afe48d1a691a12b2121f44b%7C0%7C0%7C637835785239027166%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000&sdata=tZgLWndOJE4QfgsenOHTZxlAyGwD1%2FcsHk9zT0XqO9g%3D&reserved=0 http://www.sam.gov/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sam.gov%2F&data=04%7C01%7Cfjeldkk%40state.gov%7C8a179f425ec644553b0a08da0c446ace%7C66cf50745afe48d1a691a12b2121f44b%7C0%7C0%7C637835785239027166%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000&sdata=1O%2BquRWkk5TWZ9R%2FzeWA%2BjVqSPwgts5FKs5lUXBCVGU%3D&reserved=0#_blank

If an organization plans to issue a sub-contract or sub-award, those sub-awardees must also have a unique entity identifier (UEI number). Those entities can register for a UEI only at SAM.gov.

If an organization does not have an active registration in SAM.gov prior to submitting an application, the application could be deemed ineligible. All organizations applying for grants (except individuals) must obtain these registrations, the latter are free of charge.

Please note: Any applicant with an exclusion in the System for Award Management (SAM) is not eligible to apply for an assistance award in accordance with the OMB guidelines at 2 CFR 180 that implement Executive Orders 12549 (3 CFR, 1986 Comp., p. 189) and 12689 (3 CFR, 1989 Comp., p. 235), “Debarment and Suspension.”

5. Submission Dates and Times

All application materials must be submitted by email to EnglishProgramsDushanbe@state.gov or: Applications may be submitted electronically through www.Grants.gov

OR

Application Submission Process: There are two application submissions methods available to applicants. Applicants may submit their application using Submission Method A or Submission Method B outlined below.

• Submission Method A: Submitting all application materials directly to the following email address: EnglishProgramsDushanbe@state.gov Applicants opting to submit applications via email to EnglishProgramsDushanbe@state.gov must include the Funding Opportunity Title and Funding Opportunity Number in the subject line of the email.

• Submission Method B: Submitting all application materials through Grants.gov. For those opting to apply through Grants.gov, thorough instructions on the application process are available at http://www.grants.gov. For questions relating to Grants.gov, please call the Grants.gov Contact Center at 1-800-518-4726 or go to https://www.grants.gov/support.html. Please note that mailto:EnglishProgramsDushanbe@state.gov mailto:EnglishProgramsDushanbe@state.gov mailto:EnglishProgramsDushanbe@state.gov https://www.grants.gov/support.html

EnglishProgramsDushanbe@state.gov is unable to assist with technical questions or problems applicants experience with Grants.gov.

Submission Deadline: All applications must be received by June 30, 2024 (11:59 p.m. U.S. Eastern time). For the purposes of determining if an award is submitted on time, PDS will utilize the timestamp provided by Grants.gov. This deadline is firm and is not a rolling deadline. If organizations fail to meet the deadline noted above their application will be considered ineligible and will not be considered for funding.

6. Funding Restrictions:

Pre-award costs are not an allowable expense for this funding opportunity.

7. Other Submission Requirements

Applicants must acquire all required registrations and rights in the United States and Tajikistan. All intellectual property considerations and rights must be fully met in the United States and Tajikistan.

Any sub-recipient organization must also meet all the U.S. and Tajikistan requirements described above.

E. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

1. Criteria: Each application submitted under this announcement will be evaluated and rated on the basis of the criteria enumerated below. The criteria are designed to assess the quality of the proposed project, and to determine the likelihood of its success.

• Quality and Feasibility of the Program Idea – 25 points: The program idea should be innovative and well developed, with sufficient detail about how project activities will be carried out. The proposals should demonstrate originality and outline clear, achievable objectives. The proposal includes a reasonable implementation timeline. The project mailto:EnglishProgramsDushanbe@state.gov scope is appropriate and clearly defined. Proposals should also demonstrate how the program will support diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility (DEIA) principles and engage underserved communities in their program’s administration, design, and implementation.

• Organizational Capacity and Record on Previous Grants – 25 points:

o The project proposal demonstrates that the organization has sufficient expertise, skills, and human resources to implement the project.

o The organization demonstrates that it has a clear understanding of the underlying issue that the project will address.

o The organization demonstrates capacity for successful planning and responsible fiscal management. This includes a financial management system and a bank account.

o Applicants who have received grant funds previously have been compliant with applicable rules and regulations.

o Where partners are described, the applicant details each partner’s respective role and provides curriculum vitae (CVs) for persons responsible for the project and financial administration. Proposed personnel, institutional resources, and partners are adequate and appropriate.

• Project Planning/Ability to Achieve Objectives – 20 points: The project plan is well developed, with sufficient detail about how activities will be carried out. The proposal specifies target audiences, participant recruitment, and geographic areas of implementation. The proposal outlines clear, achievable objectives. The proposal includes a reasonable implementation timeline. The project scope is appropriate and clearly defined.

• Budget – 10 points: The budget and narrative justification are sufficiently detailed. The budget demonstrates that the organization has devoted time to accurately determine expenses associated with the project instead of providing rough estimates. Costs are reasonable in relation to the proposed activities and anticipated results. The results and proposed outcomes justify the total cost of the project. Budget items are reasonable, allowable, and allocable.

• Monitoring and Evaluation - 20 points: There is a complete and thorough draft submission of a M&E Performance Monitoring Plan (PMP). This will include a list of proposed project activities, corresponding milestone, output, and outcome indicators, a description of data collection methods, and a timeline for collecting such information. The proposal presents a clear theory of change on how the program will address that problem. Further, if the project requires selecting participants, or beneficiaries, the proposal should articulate how the selection will be done in an equitable way. Use of the suggested template (Attachments 3 & 3.1) will satisfy these requirements. Funded projects will have their plans finalized during the negotiation phase, and monitoring plans may be subject to periodic updates throughout the life of the project.

2. Review and Selection Process

a. Acknowledgement of receipt. Applicants will receive acknowledgment of receipt of their proposal.

b. Review. All submissions are screened for technical eligibility. If a submission is missing any required forms/documents listed above in Section D, it will be considered ineligible and will not be reviewed by the grants review committee. A technical review panel will review eligible proposals based upon the criteria noted in this NOFO.

c. Follow up notification. Applicants will generally be notified within 120 days after the NOFO deadline regarding the results of the review panel.

F. FEDERAL AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION

The grant award or cooperative agreement will be written, signed, awarded, and administered by the Grants Officer. The assistance award agreement is the authorizing document, and it will be provided to the recipient for review and signature by email. The recipient may only start incurring project expenses beginning on the start date shown on the grant 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.

The Federal government is not obligated to make any Federal award as a result of the announcement. 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. The U.S. government also reserves the right to make an award in excess of the award ceiling.

Administrative and National Policy Requirements

Terms and Conditions:

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:

• 2 CFR 25 - UNIVERSAL IDENTIFIER AND SYSTEM FOR AWARD MANAGEMENT

• 2 CFR 170 - REPORTING SUBAWARD AND EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

INFORMATION

• 2 CFR 175 - AWARD TERM FOR TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS

• 2 CFR 182 - GOVERNMENTWIDE REQUIREMENTS FOR DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE

(FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE)

• 2 CFR 183 - NEVER CONTRACT WITH THE ENEMY

• 2 CFR 600 – DEPARTMENT OF STATE REQUIREMENTS

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

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: NOTE:

https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=81a5f41de81c46a9844617d93a9db081&mc=true&node=pt2.1.25&rgn=div5 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=81a5f41de81c46a9844617d93a9db081&mc=true&node=pt2.1.170&rgn=div5 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=81a5f41de81c46a9844617d93a9db081&mc=true&node=pt2.1.170&rgn=div5 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=81a5f41de81c46a9844617d93a9db081&mc=true&node=pt2.1.175&rgn=div5 http://www.grants.gov/?SID=81a5f41de81c46a9844617d93a9db081&mc=true&node=pt2.1.182&rgn=div5 http://www.grants.gov/?SID=81a5f41de81c46a9844617d93a9db081&mc=true&node=pt2.1.182&rgn=div5 https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/alertswarnings/worldwide-caution.html?SID=81a5f41de81c46a9844617d93a9db081&mc=true&node=pt2.1.183&rgn=div5 mailto:PAS-Proposals@state.gov?SID=81a5f41de81c46a9844617d93a9db081&mc=true&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title02/2chapterVI.tpl https://www.state.gov/about-us-office-of-the-procurement-executive/

• Guidance for Grants and Agreements in Title 2 of the Code of Federal Regulations (2 CFR), as updated in the Federal Register’s 85 FR 49506 on August 13, 2020, particularly on:

o Selecting recipients most likely to be successful in delivering results based on the program objectives through an objective process of evaluating Federal award applications (2 CFR part 200.205), o Prohibiting the purchase of certain telecommunication and video surveillance services or equipment in alignment with section 889 of the National Defense Authorization Act of 2019 (Pub. L. No. 115—232) (2 CFR part 200.216), o Promoting the freedom of speech and religious liberty in alignment with Promoting Free Speech and Religious Liberty (E.O. 13798) and Improving Free Inquiry, Transparency, and Accountability at Colleges and Universities (E.O. 13864) (§§ 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 in whole or in part to the greatest extent authorized by law, if an award no longer effectuates the program goals or agency priorities (2 CFR part 200.340).

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility The Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs (SCA) prioritizes inclusive and integrated programs that address barriers to access for individuals and groups based on their religion, gender, disabilities, ethnicity, or sexual orientation and gender identity. In accordance with the Executive Order on Advancing Racial Equity and Underserved Communities, proposals should demonstrate how the program will advance principles of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) related to race, ethnicity, religion, income, geography, gender identity, sexual orientation, and/or disability.

Proposals should demonstrate how addressing racial equity and/or the status of underserved communities will enhance the program’s goals and objectives, as well as the experience of participants.

The support of underserved communities will be part of the review criteria for this opportunity. Therefore, proposals should clearly demonstrate how the https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=81a5f41de81c46a9844617d93a9db081&mc=true&node=pt2.1.200&rgn=div5 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=81a5f41de81c46a9844617d93a9db081&mc=true&node=pt2.1.200&rgn=div5 https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2021/01/20/executive-order-advancing-racial-equity-and-support-for-underserved-communities-through-the-federal-government/ https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2021/01/20/executive-order-advancing-racial-equity-and-support-for-underserved-communities-through-the-federal-government/ program will support and advance equity and engage underserved communities in the program’s administration, design, and implementation phases.

Definitions:

Diversity:

The term “diversity” means the practice of including the many communities, identities, races, ethnicities, backgrounds, abilities, cultures, and beliefs of a community.

Equity:

The term “equity” means the consistent and systematic fair, just, and impartial treatment of all individuals, including individuals who belong to underserved communities that have been denied such treatment, such as ethnic minorities, and indigenous persons, members of religious minorities; lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) persons; persons with disabilities; persons who live in rural areas; and persons otherwise adversely affected by persistent poverty or inequality.

Inclusion:

The term “inclusion” means the recognition, appreciation, and use of the talents and skills of persons of all backgrounds.

Accessibility:

The term “accessibility” means the design, construction, development, and maintenance of facilities, information and communication technology, programs, and services so that all people, including people with disabilities, can fully and independently use them.

Underserved communities:

The term “underserved communities” refers to populations sharing a particular characteristic, as well as geographic communities, that have been systematically denied a full opportunity to participate in aspects of economic, social, and civic life, as exemplified by the list in the preceding definition of “equity.”

Reporting Recipients are required to submit quarterly program progress and financial reports throughout the project period. The quarterly progress report should include an up-to-date copy of the PMP datasheet. Progress and financial reports are due 30 days after the reporting period. Final certified programmatic and financial reports are due 120 days after the close of the project period.

All reports are to be submitted electronically.

Awardees that are deemed to be high risk may be required to submit more extensive and frequent reports until their high-risk designation has been removed.

The Awardee must also provide the Embassy on an annual basis an inventory of all the U.S. government provided equipment using the SF428 form.

G. FEDERAL AWARDING AGENCY CONTACTS

If you have any questions about this funding opportunity or the grant application process, please contact: EnglishProgramsDushanbe@state.gov.

H. 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 $5,000 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 $5,000 per unit, then put it in the budget under Equipment.

mailto:EnglishProgramsDushanbe@state.gov

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 10% of the modified total direct costs as defined in 2 CFR 200.68.

“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.

Branding Requirements As a condition of receipt of a grant award, all materials produced pursuant to the award, including training materials, materials for recipients or materials to communicate or promote with foreign audiences a program, event, project, or some other activity under an agreement, including but not limited to invitations to events, press materials, and backdrops, podium signs, etc. must be marked appropriately with the standard, rectangular U.S. flag in a size and prominence equal to (or greater than) any other logo or identity. Note: Exceptions to the branding requirement are allowable under certain conditions. If an applicant is notified that their award has been chosen for funding, the Grants Officer will determine, in consultation with the applicant, if an exception is applicable.

Copyrights and Proprietary Information

If any of the information contained in your application is proprietary, please note in the footer of the appropriate pages that the information is Confidential – Proprietary. Applicants should also note what parts of the application, program, concept, etc. are covered by copyright(s), trademark(s), or any other intellectual property rights and provide copies of the relevant documentation to support these copyrights.

STEP Enrollment U.S. citizens who travel to Tajikistan are encouraged to enroll in the Department of State's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) available at:

https://step.state.gov/step/. Enrollment enables citizens to receive security-related messages from the Embassy and makes it easier for us to locate you in an emergency. The Embassy also recommends that all travelers review the State Department's travel website at travel.state.gov for the Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and Tajikistan Specific Information.

mailto:HunterDS@state.gov http://travel.state.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms.html https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/alertswarnings.html https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/alertswarnings.html…