NOFO Alumni Outreach and Engagement Program 2024.pdf

Department of State

Embassy of the United States in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)

Program Office: Public Diplomacy Section, U.S. Embassy Ashgabat Funding Opportunity Title: Alumni Outreach and Engagement Program Announcement Type: Cooperative Agreement Funding Opportunity Number: PDS-ASHGABAT-CA-FY24-007 Deadline for Applications: June 17, 2024 (11:59 p.m. Ashgabat Time).

Assistance Listing Number: 19.900 – Assistance for Europe, Eurasia and Central Asia Total Amount Available: $100,000

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 pdsashgabatgrants@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.

NOTE FOR TURKMENISTAN-BASED NGOS, ECONOMIC SOCIETIES AND INDIVIDUALS: Upon completion of the award procedures, grantees (including individuals) are responsible for the registration of grants/cooperative agreements with the relevant national authorities. The U.S.

Embassy does not bear responsibility for registering or covering the costs of the registration expenses.

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

A. FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

Executive Summary:

The U.S. Embassy in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan announces an open competition for organizations to implement the Alumni Support Program in Turkmenistan (ASP). The purpose of this program is to strengthen the role of U.S. Government (USG) program alumni in supporting their communities and growing in their professional careers, while also deepening ties between alumni and across programs, regions and generations. This cooperative agreement will support one organization to oversee administration of small grants, organize events and facilitate better networking among alumni.

Audience: past participants of USG programs, including:

- Exchange programs: Artist Exchange, BFTF, Community Solutions, CAMEX, FLEX, Fulbright TEA, Fulbright Students, Fulbright Scholars, Humphrey Fellowship, Muskie

Fellowship, Open World, IVLP, SUSI for Educators, Scholars, and Students, UGRAD, TechWomen, TechGirls, Alumni Ties.

- Embassy-funded non-exchange programs: Prep4Success (P4S), Undergraduate Cohort

Advising (UCA), American English Program (AEP), C5+ONE, OPEN.

Project Goal: Expand engagement of U.S. government exchange alumni throughout Turkmenistan on key issues through increased networking and professional development opportunities

Project Objectives:

1. Increase communication and collaboration between U.S. government exchange program alumni through networking opportunities.

2. Increase the number of alumni-led initiatives leveraging skills and knowledge acquired during exchange programs to address community needs and challenges.

3. Strengthen career and leadership skills of alumni through targeted professional development initiatives, including mentorship and coaching programs.

Expected Themes & Project Activities to be managed by the implementing partner:

1. Small Grants - Expanding the impact of USG programs in communities across Turkmenistan.

The awardee will administer a small grants program for USG alumni and support alumni in developing and implementing projects that share American values, address community needs and/or educate public audiences. Priority will be given to projects that reach underserved communities, enhance the profile of alumni as community leaders and/or target thematic areas (to be agreed during the implementation period). Projects should have measurable outcomes and leverage other community resources when possible, including in-kind donations, public-private partnerships, alumni expertise, and cooperation with public sector institutions.

Activities may include but not limited to:

• Develop a Grants Manual and award criteria. This document is expected to be a comprehensive guide or handbook (internal document for the grantee not for grant applicants) that outlines the process, procedures and best practices related to applying for, managing, and reporting on small grants. It may include but not limited to introduction (overview of purpose), detailed application process (when, how, where announced), eligibility, prioritization, reporting and compliance, budget instructions, monitoring and evaluation, and Q&A section.

• Engage with the alumni community in finalizing annual priority themes for the small grants.

• Publicize the grants program and conduct outreach in all regions of Turkmenistan.

• Conduct capacity-building seminars on topics such as project management and development, community engagement and monitoring and evaluation, reaching all regions of Turkmenistan.

• Award at least 20 grants through a competitive and transparent process.

• Track grant implementation, ensure visibility of grants, publicize success stories within the alumni community and engage grantees in sharing lessons learned.

2. Networking - Supporting a vibrant alumni community and increasing alumni ownership of activities:

The awardee will conduct activities to support a vibrant alumni community and increase alumni ownership of all activities by planning events across the country and strengthening the capacity of the U.S.-Turkmenistan Alumni Association (USTAA).

Activities:

• Conduct an alumni needs assessment and update the alumni contacts database.

• Recruit one Regional Alumni Representative (RAR) in each region, including Balkan, Dashoguz, Lebap and Mary.

• Attend USTAA meetings as needed and assist in administering USTAA activities and identifying resources for strengthening USTAA administration and pursuing legal registration.

• Promote opportunities for alumni and share alumni success stories through a quarterly Alumni Newsletter and engage alumni in content creation.

• Plan and conduct the Annual Alumni Gala for at least 130 alumni from across the country, in partnership with the USTAA.

• In collaboration with the U.S. Embassy, ensure alumni participation in Pre-Departure Orientations (PDOs) and Re-Entry Seminars for USG exchange programs.

• Organize at least one networking event in each region per calendar quarter.

3. Professional Development - Improving the leadership capacity of USG alumni.

The awardee will support the professional development of USG alumni by providing travel and professional development grants, organizing professional networking events and/or providing other professional development opportunities for alumni.

Activities:

• Develop criteria for issuing individual grants for professional development, such as conferences or short-term training, and publicize these opportunities widely within the alumni community.

• Hold regular professional development events, such as presentations, networking events, mentorship programs, soft skills workshops, peer-to-peer coaching, discussion clubs, etc., based on need.

B. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION

Length of performance period: 12 months Number of awards anticipated: 1 award Total available funding: $100,000 (pending availability of funds) Type of Funding: 19.900 – Assistance for Europe, Eurasia, and Central Asia under the Foreign Assistance Act) Anticipated program start date: October, 2024.

This notice is subject to availability of funding.

Funding Instrument Type: Cooperative Agreement. Substantial involvement from Embassy Ashgabat will include approval of the following: Annual Workplan, Grant Manual, Criteria for Professional Development Grants, as well as supporting strategic planning of the USTAA.

Program Performance Period: Proposed programs 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.

Support for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA): All 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, and age to implementation of the program.

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.

C. ELIGIBILTY INFORMATION

1. The following organizations are eligible to apply:

• Not-for-profit organizations

• For-profit organizations

• Civil society/non-governmental organizations

2. 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.

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

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

5. This award does not support:

• Projects relating to partisan political activity;

• Charitable or development activities; including direct social services;

• Construction projects;

• Projects that support specific religious activities;

• Fund-raising campaigns;

• Lobbying for specific legislation or programs;

• Medical, scientific research or surveys;

• Commercial projects; or

• Projects that duplicate existing projects

D. STATEMENT OF INTEREST SUBMISSION IFNORMATION: FIRST

ROUND

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

Application Submission Process:

First round: Applicants must submit Statement of Interest directly to the following email address: pdsashgabatgrants@state.gov and must include the Funding Opportunity Title and Funding Opportunity Number in the subject line of the email. All Statements of Interests must be received by June 17, 2024 (11:59 p.m. Ashgabat Time). This deadline is firm and is not a http://www.sam.gov/ mailto:pdsashgabatgrants@state.gov rolling deadline. If organizations fail to meet the deadline noted above, their application will be considered ineligible and will not be considered for funding.

Second Round: Embassy in Ashgabat will review all Statements of Interests and invite shortlisted projects to submit full grant applications. All the required attachments will be provided by the Embassy to shortlisted candidates.

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

Each Statement of Interest must:

1. Clearly delineate how elements of the program will have a multiplier effect and be sustainable beyond the life of the grant.

2. Provide a description of the program

3. Identify specific outcomes to be achieved by the end of the grant period

4. Provide a plan for program outcomes, including social media outreach and monitoring, where applicable; and

5. Provide an approximate funding amount along with a short budget proposal.

Content and Form of Statement of Interest Submission

Please ensure:

1. The Statement of Interest (Attachment 1) clearly addresses the goals, audiences, and objectives of this notice.

2. All documents are in English.

3. All budgets are in U.S. dollars. Applicants are encouraged to use the Budget Proposal template in Attachment 1 to submit the short budget proposal.

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

5. Statements of Interest, including the short budget proposal, cannot exceed five pages.

Proposals which exceed the five-page limit will be disqualified from consideration.

All Statements of Interest should address the following areas:

1. Give a short summary that outlines your proposed project.

2. List your project goal and objectives. The “goal” describes what the project is intended to achieve. The “objectives” refer to the intermediate accomplishments on the way to the goals. These should be achievable and measurable.

3. Describe your proposed project activities and how they will help achieve the objectives.

4. Describe the expected results of the program.

5. Provide a short, but clear overview of expected costs/expenses associated with the project activities.

E. TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS FOR APPLICATION SUBMISSION:

SECOND ROUND

U.S. Embassy Ashgabat will review all Statements of Interest and invite shortlisted projects to submit full grant applications as below:

Technical Requirements for the Second Round (if the applicant is shortlisted):

When submitting a second-round proposal, applicants are required to include the following documents and information from Sections 1–6 below, as applicable:

Section 1— Required Registrations

Applicants selected to submit full applications for the second round must begin registration in SAM.gov. Please begin the registration process immediately to ensure that the process is completed well in advance of the deadline for applications. Until that process is complete, you will not be issued an award from the U.S. government.

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.”

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. Organizations can create an account at https://login.gov/. As a reminder, organizations need to renew its SAM.gov registration annually.

Applicants must acquire all required registrations and rights in the United States and the Kyrgyz Republic. All intellectual property considerations and rights must be fully met in the United States and the Kyrgyz Republic. Any sub-recipient organization must also meet all the U.S. and Kyrgyz Republic requirements described above.

Section 2 – Standard Form 424 Family

All submissions must include the SF-424 Application for Federal Assistance (Attachment) and the SF-424A Budget Information—Non-Construction (Attachment). 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 or recertified their registration in SAM.gov since February 2, 2019, and completed the online representations and certifications. An authorized signature by the applicant must be provided on this form.

Please note:

1. Other items NOT required/requested for submission, but which may be requested if your application is approved for funding 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, and/or

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.

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

Section 3— Organization Information

A. Applicant Organizational Information Sheet: Applicants may complete and submit the form provided (Attachment 3). This form is not required, but the information requested should be conveyed in a format chosen by the applicant. An authorized signature by the applicant should be provided on this form.

B. Proof of Registration: A copy of the organization’s registration should be provided with the proposal application. Kyrgyz-based organizations should submit a copy of their certificate of registration from the appropriate government organization.

Section 4—Technical Proposal

Applicants must submit a complete narrative proposal in a format of their choice, or they may use the attached proposal template (Attachment 4). The proposal shall not exceed twelve (12) pages. Refer to the evaluation criteria in Part G below for further detail about what makes a strong proposal. All proposals must address the following areas:

• Organizational Description and Capacity

• Project Justification, Sustainability, and Impact

• Project Goals, Audiences, Objectives, Activities, and Deliverables

• Implementation Timeline

• Monitoring and Evaluation (see note below)

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. Using the provided PMP template (Attachment), applicants should describe how they intend to monitor and evaluate the activities of their award and collect data that tracks award performance. The PMP should contain the following information:

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 provide a brief budget narrative explaining any line-item expenditures for M&E listed in the program’s budget. This narrative is limited to one page.

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.

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 6.1: Instructions. Where feasible, applicants are encouraged to assess at least one of the following:

a. Participant satisfaction with the program.

b. Participant learning, such as increased knowledge, aptitude, skills, and changed understanding and attitude.

c. Participant behavior, such as concrete actions to apply knowledge in work or community; greater participation and responsibility in civic organizations;

interpretation and explanation of experiences and new knowledge gained;

continued contacts between participants, community members, and others.

d. Institutional changes, such as increased collaboration and partnerships, policy reforms, new programming, and organizational improvements.

Section 5 — Budget

A. Budget and Budget Detail: Applicants must submit a detailed budget and budget narrative justification. Applicants are encouraged to utilize the template provided with the funding opportunity (Attachment). Line-item expenditures should be listed in the greatest possible detail. 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 your organization is charging an indirect cost rate, you must apply it to the modified total budget costs (MTDC), refer to 2CFR§200.68. Budgets that are not in the provided format will not be considered. Budgets shall be submitted in U.S. dollars and final grant agreements will be conducted in U.S. dollars.

Other budget guidelines:

1. Publishing short informational publications, manuals and public informational materials are allowable. All publishing should be clearly linked to the project activity, should describe the intended audience, provide a clear understanding of the material’s content, how materials will be distributed, and specify who is responsible for the distribution of the materials.

2. Salaries (including income tax and social deductions), equipment, and other administrative expenses are allowable only as they relate to specific project activities. Salary or honoraria should be listed according to rate of pay and percentage of time spent on program-related activities. While salary expenses are permissible for local personnel, payment of honoraria and other expenses for foreign experts will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. The Democracy Commission strongly urges applicants to consider utilizing local and regional experts.

3. Equipment bought with Democracy Commission grant money can only be procured locally. Any request for computer equipment must include the procurement of original, not pirated, software.

4. Any equipment which is procured grant funds is loaned to the NGO and remains the property of the U.S. Embassy for a minimum of three years. This is to ensure that equipment will not be used for personal matters and that equipment will be returned to the U.S. Embassy should the NGO cease its activities. At the end of project or three years, the Democracy Commission will review the work of the NGO to determine whether 1) the loan will be extended, 2) the equipment will be given permanently to the NGO, or 3) the equipment will be returned to the U.S. Embassy.

5. Coffee breaks and working lunches only will be considered on case by case basis and should be clearly justified and limited to a maximum of 10% of the total award amount. This includes expenses associated with individual per diems for grant-related activities.

6. Lodging costs should be indicated separately from meal costs related to the project activities.

7. This grant funds should not be used to pay for travel to the United States or for travel grants. Projects involving regional travel will be considered on a case-by-case basis and must have a clear justification outlining why the travel is integral to the project.

8. Alcohol and entertainment costs are not allowable expenses.

Section 6 – Key Personnel and Project Partners

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 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.

B. Project 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. Turkmenistan-based organizations should submit a copy of their certificate of registration from the appropriate government organization.

F. REVIEW AND SELECTION PROCESS

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

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

3. Follow up notification. Applicants will generally be notified within 60 days after the NOFO deadline regarding the results of the review panel.

G. APPLICATION EVALUATION CRITERIA

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 – 20 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 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 – 15 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.

o A media or amplification plan (if appropriate) that shows how the organization will use social or traditional media or otherwise increase the number of people who gain exposure to the issue and knowledge of the activities beyond the core participants.

• Budget – 25 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. 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.

• Sustainability – 10 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.

H. FEDERAL AWARD NOTICES

H. Federal Award Notices

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:

• 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:

• 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),

• 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),

• 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 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).

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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 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 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/ 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.

I. 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 project, and the percentage of their time that will be spent on the project.

Travel: Estimate the costs of travel and per diem for this project, for both program staff, consultants or speakers, and participants/beneficiaries. If the project 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 project, which has a useful life of more than one year (or a life longer than the duration of the project), 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 project. If an item costs more than $5,000 per unit, then put it in the budget under Equipment.

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 project activities.

Other Direct Costs: Describe other costs directly associated with the project, 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 project 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.

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.