NOFO- AEIF 2026.docx

Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)

Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund 2026 Call for Proposals U.S Mission to Dar-Es-Salaam, Department of State Opportunity number: AF-DARFY26-01 Application deadline: 11:59 p.m. EAT, May 30, 2026

Table of Contents

U.S Department of State Embassy Dar Es Salaam Notice of Funding Opportunity

A. BASIC INFORMATION

1. Overview

Funding Instrument Type: Grant

Project Performance Period: Proposed projects should be completed in 12 months or less.

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. The Public Diplomacy Section reserves the right to award less or more than the funds described under circumstances deemed to be in the best interest of the U.S. government, pending the availability of funds and approval of the designated grants officer.

2. Executive Summary The U.S. Mission to Tanzania announces an open competition for past participants (“alumni”) of U.S. government-funded/sponsored exchange programs to submit applications to the 2026 Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF 2026). The Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF) is an annual funding opportunity designed to invest in U.S. government-funded exchange participants and programs by helping alumni develop and implement projects that promote shared interests and policy objectives and benefit local communities. We invite you to submit proposals for projects that meet all program eligibility requirements below, from teams of at least two exchange alumni. Exchange alumni interested in participating in AEIF 2026 should submit proposals to drs_alumni@state.gov by May 30, 2026, at 11:59pm.

Please also note the following: This solicitation does not constitute an award commitment by the U.S. government. A final award cannot be made until the proposal has been reviewed and approved, and an award agreement is drawn up and signed by a grants officer. The U.S. Mission to Tanzania reserves the right not to issue an award after receipt of any proposal. The U.S. Mission to Tanzania also reserves the right to reduce, revise, and/or increase a proposal budget in accordance with the needs of the program and availability of funds. Please follow all instructions below.

-----------Please do not apply for this funding opportunity if you’re not an alumnus of a U.S. government-funded exchange program. -----------

B. ELIGIBILITY

1. Eligible Applicants The following are eligible to apply:

· Individuals (project teams must include at least two alumni)

2. Cost Sharing or Matching Cost sharing or matching is encouraged but not required for this funding opportunity.

3. Other Eligibility Requirements The grant shall be processed with an individual, not an organization. Individuals are not required to have a UEI or be registered in SAM.gov.

· Applicants must be alumni of a U.S. government-funded exchange program

· (https://alumni.state.gov/list-exchange-programs)

· Project teams must include at least two (2) alumni.

· Alumni who are U.S. citizens may not submit proposals but can participate as team members.

· Alumni teams may be comprised of members from different exchange programs and countries.

· Not-for-profit organizations, think tanks, civil society organizations, non-governmental organizations, and public or private educational institutions are not eligible to apply as the primary applicant. Such organizations may, however, serve as implementing or program partners supporting project activities.

· Applicants are only permitted to submit one proposal. Multiple submissions from the same alumni team will be deemed ineligible.

4. This opportunity will not support:

· Staff salaries & office space.

· Social travel/visits.

· Venture capital, for-profit endeavors, or charging a fee for participation in the project.

· Large items of durable equipment or construction programs.

· Gifts or prizes.

· Provision of direct social services to a population.

· Alcohol, excessive meals, refreshments not integral to the project, or entertainment.

· Individual scholarships.

· Projects relating to partisan political activity;

· Charitable or development activities; including direct social services such as medical, psychological, and/or humanitarian support

· Construction projects;

· Projects that support specific religious activities;

· Fund-raising campaigns;

· Lobbying for specific legislation or programs

· Academic or Scientific research or surveys;

· Commercial projects;

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

· Projects that duplicate existing projects;

· Illegal activities

· Travel for international alumni to the U.S.

· Activities that take place in the United States and its territories.

C. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

1. Project Background, Goals, and Objectives

1. Project Background The 2026 Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund is designed to increase the impact of the U.S. government’s investment in exchange participants and programs by helping alumni develop and implement projects that support U.S. policy objectives and promote shared interests. All AEIF projects must celebrate and promote the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States of America (Freedom 250) and align with administration policy goals to make the U.S. safer, stronger and more prosperous, and/or defend freedom of speech.

The 2026 AEIF is launched to address a critical challenge in U.S. public diplomacy: maximizing the long-term impact of U.S. government-funded exchange programs. Each year, thousands of international participants engage in U.S. exchange programs, gaining skills, building networks, and experiencing American values firsthand. However, after returning home, many alumni lack structured opportunities to continue collaborating with the U.S. government or with each other, and their potential to advance U.S. policy objectives in their communities is often underutilized.

This gap represents a missed opportunity for the United States to leverage its investment in exchange programs. Without sustained engagement, alumni networks can become fragmented, and the momentum built during exchanges may dissipate.

AEIF 2026 is designed to directly address this challenge by providing targeted funding and support for alumni-driven projects that advance U.S. foreign policy priorities.

Key mechanisms by which AEIF 2026 will solve the problem and drive change include:

1. Amplifying Return on Investment

2. Strengthening Alumni Networks

3. Deepening U.S.-Alumni Relationships

4. Building Leadership and Local Capacity

5. Aligning with Strategic Priorities Key objectives for 2026 AEIF include:

1. Strategic Alumni Engagement

2. Sustainable Impact

3. Alignment with Policy Priorities

4. Demonstrated Leadership and Local Ownership The U.S. Mission to Dar Es Salaam will accept public service projects proposed and managed by teams of at least two (2) alumni that support Freedom 250 priority themes, including:

· Community Development and Civic Engagement: Projects that strengthen local communities through volunteerism, community service, leadership training, and initiatives that encourage active civic participation.

· Nonprofit and Community-Based Initiatives: Programs led by civil society organizations or community groups that focus on strengthening social cohesion, cultural understanding, and collaborative problem-solving.

· Education and Skills Development: Programs that expand learning opportunities through workshops, mentorship, training, and educational exchanges that promote knowledge-sharing and lifelong learning.

· Youth Leadership and Innovation: Initiatives that support young leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators working to create positive social impact in their communities.

· Creative and Cultural Festivals or Exchanges: Activities that bring communities together through festivals, performances, exhibitions, or cultural showcases that highlight shared values and creativity.

· Sports and Youth Engagement: Programs that use sports and recreational activities to promote teamwork, leadership development, healthy lifestyles, and community engagement among young people.

· Arts, Culture, and Music: Initiatives that celebrate cultural expression through music, dance, visual arts, film, or creative storytelling, highlighting cultural exchange and collaboration between communities.

Activities that are not allowed include but are not limited to:

· Programs relating to partisan political activity

· Construction programs

· Programs that support specific religious activities

· Fundraising campaigns

· Scientific research

· Citizen exchange programs with foreign countries but without a U.S. angle

· Projects that include international travel

· Projects to create or develop web-based applications or any type of publication Project Goal: AEIF is designed to increase the impact of the U.S. government’s investment in exchange participants and programs by helping alumni develop and implement projects that support U.S. policy objectives and promote shared interests; therefore, benefitting both the United States and local communities. Additionally, all AEIF projects must include at least one of the following:

1. Convene alumni from different exchange programs to build or expand an alumni network capable of working together on common interests and increase regional and global collaboration of alumni. Every project proposal must include at least two exchange alumni or involvement of an alumni association.

2. Strengthen the relationship between alumni and the U.S. government to work together on activities that address shared goals and challenges.

3. Support alumni as they develop their leadership capacity and implement projects in their communities for maximum impact.

Project Objectives: In addition, a successful proposal may address the following U.S. government priorities:

· Objective 1: Convene alumni from different exchange programs to build or expand an alumni network capable of working together on common interests and increasing regional and global collaboration of alumni.

· Objective 2: Strengthen the relationship between alumni and the U.S. government to work together on activities that address U.S. strategic interests.

· Objective 3: Support alumni in developing their leadership and project management capacities.

The project objectives are the specific and measurable results the Public Diplomacy Section aims to achieve through this project; examples of initiatives that align with these objectives include:

Enhance English Language Capacity: Launch an English Language Initiative that provides targeted training for Tanzanian youth, teachers, and journalists. This could include workshops, online courses, and mentorship programs led by U.S. exchange alumni. The program would emphasize media literacy, fact-based reporting, and access to global information, supporting democratic values, and freedom of expression.

Freedom250 Component:

Integrate modules on U.S. history, civic values, and the significance of America’s 250th anniversary, using these themes to foster cross-cultural understanding and highlight the enduring partnership between the U.S. and Burundi.

Promote Entrepreneurship and Workforce Readiness: Projects that promote innovation and small business development by helping individuals build practical business and innovation skills, reflecting the strength and competitiveness of the U.S. economy. Develop an Entrepreneurship Challenge focusing on business skills, innovation, and digital literacy or develop innovative solutions addressing local challenges in education, health, environment, agriculture, or digital inclusion. Selected teams could present solutions during a final showcase event. Activities could include business plan competitions, mentorship from U.S. exchange alumni, and workshops on financial literacy.

Freedom250 Component:

Feature success stories of American entrepreneurs and the role of innovation in U.S. history, drawing parallels to Tanzania’s economic aspirations. Draw connections between American traditions of innovation and entrepreneurship and the role of citizens in shaping their societies.

Promote AI & Digital Innovation for Social Impact: Introduce youth, educators, and early-career professionals to practical applications of Artificial Intelligence, digital tools, and emerging technologies for social good. Topics could include AI ethics, digital problem-solving, data literacy, and innovation for community development. Establish a creative lab combining design thinking, digital creativity, and innovation tools where participants explore animation, graphic design, interactive storytelling, or digital product development. Offer training on digital productivity tools, online collaboration platforms, cybersecurity awareness, and responsible technology use, preparing youth for participation in the global digital economy.

Projects that strengthen job-relevant skills, productivity, and workforce readiness through responsible, applied use of artificial intelligence and digital technologies, while explicitly highlighting U.S. leadership and models in AI innovation, STEM education, ethical technology development, and private-sector-driven digital growth. Projects should emphasize practical applications of AI that enhance economic competitiveness, efficiency, and innovation, and reinforce the United States’ position as the global leader in advanced technologies.

Freedom250 Component:

Showcase American leadership in technological innovation and its contribution to global development, emphasizing the role of open societies in advancing innovation and showcase the connection between creativity and innovation in American technological advancement.

Enhance Media Arts & Digital Storytelling for Civic Engagement: Train youth in multimedia storytelling, podcasting, photography, and short video production to communicate community stories related to civic participation, innovation, and leadership. Participants can produce digital campaigns promoting civic awareness and community engagement.

Freedom250 Component:

Connect storytelling traditions to American democratic values such as freedom of speech, access to information, and public participation.

Promote cultural & creative industries: Develop an integrated program that uses music, film, fashion, visual arts, literature, and performing arts as platforms for cultural dialogue, creative expression, and economic opportunity. The program will combine workshops, masterclasses, exhibitions, performances, and dialogue sessions led by U.S. exchange alumni, artists, and cultural practitioners. Through collaborative artistic productions and intercultural exchange forums, participants will explore shared U.S.–Tanzania values, while highlighting the role of the creative economy in supporting innovation, entrepreneurship, and community engagement.

Activities may include panel discussions, storytelling events, collaborative performances, and exhibitions that promote mutual understanding and strengthen cultural ties between Tanzanian and American communities, while creating opportunities for youth and creatives to develop professional skills and expand market opportunities within the cultural and creative industries.

Freedom250 Component:

Highlight the role of arts and culture in shaping American identity and freedom of expression, emphasizing how creativity has contributed to social change and innovation throughout U.S. history. Emphasize the diversity of American society and the role of cultural exchange in strengthening international partnerships.

Additionally, projects must clearly articulate how activities and messaging:

· Promote positive perceptions of the United States and American excellence.

· Advance U.S. economic, security, or strategic interests.

· Contribute to long-term partnerships that benefit the United States.

Project Audience(s):

Primary beneficiaries of AEIF 2026 projects may include, but are not limited to:

· Tanzanian alumni of U.S. government-funded exchange programs.

· Emerging leaders across Tanzania seeking to expand professional collaboration and leadership impact;

· Youth and early-career professionals developing workforce, digital, entrepreneurial, or technical skills aligned with economic growth sectors;

· Educators, entrepreneurs, civil society professionals, or public and private sector practitioners engaged in innovation, applied education, or digital security initiatives.

· Target audiences may vary depending on project design but should clearly identify geographic reach, professional background, and demographic characteristics relevant to project objectives.

2. Substantial Involvement N/A

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 and proposals will not exceed 10 pages.

· All documents submitted in word-format or excel formats (PDFs will not be accepted)

· Proposals must be submitted using the official proposal and budget forms to be considered for funding, save the document in the following format:

· Proposal: AEIF26_Tanzania_Title.docx, for example; AEIF26_Tanzania_Countering Disinformation.docx

· Budget: AEIF26_Tanzania_Project Title.xlsx, for example, AEIF26_Tanzania_STEM Curricula.xlsx.

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

The following documents are required:

1. Mandatory application forms

· AEIF 2026 Proposal Form available at grants.gov or tz.usembassy.gov/funding-opportunities/.

· AEIF 2026 Budget Form available at grants.gov or tz.usembassy.gov/funding-opportunities/.

· Additional support materials like workshop agendas, curricula, or previous pilot projects connected to your submission (Optional but strongly recommended).

2. Proposal The proposal should contain sufficient information that anyone not familiar with it would understand exactly what the applicant wants to do. The Microsoft Word proposal form, AEIF 2026 Proposal Form.docx, must be used. Do not save as a PDF. Rename the document to AEIF26_Tanzania_Title.docx, for example; AEIF26_Tanzania_Countering Disinformation.docx. A partially completed form may result in your application being rejected on technical grounds.

· 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 State Department 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: Names, titles, roles and experience/qualifications of key personnel involved in the program. What proportion of their time will be used in support of this program?

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

· Project Monitoring and Evaluation Plan: A strong Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Plan is essential to successful grant implementation. Applicants should clearly describe how project activities will be monitored throughout the grant period to ensure timely execution, and how results will be evaluated to assess progress toward stated goals and objectives. Proposals must include a draft Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Performance Monitoring Plan (PMP) that outlines indicators, data collection methods, and approaches for measuring outcomes and impact. Attachment Monitoring and Evaluation 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 the Attachment Monitoring and Evaluation will ensure a thorough PMP.

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

The key components to the PMP are as follows:

· Monitoring and Evaluation Narrative: In narrative form, applicants should describe how they intend to monitor and evaluate the activities of their award. 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. 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.

· Theory of Change Diagram: Applicants are expected to submit either a Theory of Change diagram or an If-Then Statement that illustrates how project activities will lead to intended outcomes.

· 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.

· 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 the Public Diplomacy Section’s 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.

3. Budget Justification Narrative The attached Microsoft Excel budget form, AEIF 2026 Budget Form.xlsx must be used. Do not save as a PDF. Rename the document to AEIF26_Tanzania_Project Title.xlsx, for example, AEIF26_Tanzania_STEM Curricula.xlsx. Read the “Budget Guidelines” tab first. Budget amounts must be in U.S. dollars.

AEIF 2026 can support the following budget items:

· Travel essential for project implementation. In support of Freedom 250, travel for U.S. citizen alumni is allowed and will be closely evaluated for necessity

· The total travel expenses, that is: hotel per diem, lodging, travel costs, all of that in the transportation and travel category should not exceed 15% of the total budget.

· Rental of venues for project activities

· Meals/refreshments integral to the project (i.e., working lunch for a meeting)

· Trainer or speaker honoraria expenses (i.e., maximum $250/day fee, travel, lodging, per diem)

· Reasonable equipment and materials

· Communications and publicity materials, such as manuals or project advertisements

· Reasonable costs to support virtual programming (i.e., subscription to Zoom, WebEx, camera/microphones for virtual meetings, mailing services, etc.)

· Detailed Budget - Applicants must submit a detailed line-item budget. Applicants are encouraged to utilize the template provided with the funding opportunity. 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. Honorarium/consultancy fees should include the level of effort and the rate of pay, which should cover the percentage of time each project member/consultant/partner will dedicate to grant-based activities. 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 Embassy 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 proposal 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:

· Awards to Individuals: Please note the following budget guidelines for the Individual Award:

· Honoraria: Only the award recipient may receive honoraria from this funding mechanism. The Recipient must be the primary point of contact and manage all programmatic activities.

· Contractual Costs: Additional individuals working on the award are only permissible through contracted services, as long as the services are not related to the core programmatic activities. Expenses for services such as accounting, legal support, social media management, website designer, etc., are allowable.

· Other Direct Costs: Expenses related to securing venues, managing logistics, catering, etc. are allowable.

· 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.

4. Attachments

· Additional attachments are optional, for example, support materials like workshop agendas, curricula, or previous pilot projects connected to your submission.

· Key Personnel Resumes: A résumé, not to exceed one page in length, must be included for the proposed key staff persons, such as the Project Director and Finance Officer, 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.

· 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.

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. Documentation that demonstrates the recipients’ plan and/or policy to safeguard PII of participants and beneficiaries. It is the responsibility of the recipient to ensure protection of personally identifiable information (PII) and safeguard PII when collecting, maintaining, using and disseminating such information

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

E. SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS AND DEADLINES

1. Address to Request Application Package Application forms required above are available at tz.usembassy.gov/funding-opportunities/.

Department of State Contacts If you have any questions about the grant application process, please contact: drs_alumni@state.gov Question Deadline: For questions on this solicitation, please contact mailto:drs_alumni@state.gov

Questions must be received on or before May 10, 2026, at 11:59 p.m., EAT.

2. Submission Dates and Times Submission Deadline: All applications must be received by May 30th, 2026, at 11:59pm EAT. 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.

Submission Method: Submitting all application materials directly to the following email address: drs_alumni@state.gov.

Only applications emailed to drs_alumni@state.gov. will be considered. The subject of the email should be AEIF26_Tanzania_Project Title, for example, AEIF26_Tanzania_STEM Curricula. The required documentation must be attached to the email. Documents uploaded to the “cloud” will not be retrieved.

3. 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).

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:

a. 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;

b. 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:

a. 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.

b. Applicants seeking clarification on the reporting requirement are encouraged to review the Frequently Asked Questions resource developed by the U.S. Department of Education.

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:

a. 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).

b. 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).

c. 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.

i. 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 its 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 control the unmanned aircraft) that are required for the operator to operate safely and efficiently in the national airspace system.

(b) 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.

c) 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. Pre-Award Costs: Pre-award costs are not an allowable expense for this funding opportunity.

vii. Construction: Any award made as a result of this NOFO will not allow for construction activities or costs.

viii. Direct Social Services: Costs that cover and provide direct social services, such as welfare, charity, health or economic relief, are unallowable. Medical assistance, such as costs to include medical professionals, including but not limited to doctors, nurses, and psychiatrists to participate in the project activities are not allowed.

4. Other Submission Requirements: 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.

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

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

F. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

1. Review Criteria 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 – 30 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 that align directly with the priorities and requirements of the NOFO. The proposal includes a reasonable implementation timeline, and the project scope is appropriate and clearly defined. Finally, the proposal aligns with the following:

· The project clearly demonstrates a direct contribution to current U.S. foreign policy priorities.

· The project will positively impact America’s reputation among foreign government partners.

· The project will positively impact American’s reputation among foreign publics.

· The proposal does not include any activities contrary to the following Executive Orders:

· Executive Order 14173: "Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity

· Executive Order 14287: “Protecting American Communities from Criminal Aliens”

· Executive Order 14168: Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government

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

· The project proposal demonstrates that the organization has sufficient expertise, skills, and human resources to implement the project, including internal controls in place to manage federal funds.

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

· The organization demonstrates capacity for successful planning and responsible fiscal management. This includes a financial management system, a bank account, and if applicable, satisfactory audit findings.

· Applicants who have received grant funds previously have been compliant with applicable rules and regulations, including the Award Provisions and Standard Terms and Conditions.

· 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 - 10 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. Use of the suggested template (AEIF 2026 Proposal Form available at grants.gov or tz.usembassy.gov/funding-opportunities/) 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.

· Sustainability – 5 points: The project proposal describes clearly the approach that will be used to ensure maximum sustainability or advancement of project goals after the end of project activity.

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

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. Application Contents and Format, 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.

2. Risk Review

i. 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 project requirements

ii. High Risk Designation

Awardees that are deemed to be high risk based on the above risk factors will be held to special award conditions. At a minimum, the recipient and/or project designated as High Risk will be required to submit monthly narrative reports and/or quarterly detailed financial reports. Recipients may also be required, upon request of the Grants Officer or Grants Officer Representative, to provide electronic copies of receipts or other supporting documentation (e.g., timesheets, travel documents) for costs incurred. The Grants Officer may withhold 10% of the award amount until final reports have been reviewed and approved by the GO. The recipient may be required to pay all salaries supported by the grant via electronic funds transfer. Other special award conditions may also be included if deemed appropriate by the Grants Officer.

G. AWARD NOTICES

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

Payment Method:

Recipients will be required to request payments by completing form SF-270—Request for Advance or Reimbursement and submitting the form to the Grants Officer and Grants Officer Representative.

Recipients may not draw down funds without the affirmative authorization of the Department of State. In addition, recipients must submit, with each SF-270 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:

· 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),

· 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),

· 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

· 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

· 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: 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. Note: most recipients will be 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.

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.

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.

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/

I. OTHER INFORMATION

Guidelines for Budget Justification

Personnel and Fringe Benefits:…