NOFO_American Spaces_Tajikistan 2024_for release.pdf

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

Program Office: Public Diplomacy Section, U.S. Embassy Dushanbe Funding Opportunity Title: Operation and Programmatic Support of American Spaces in Tajikistan Announcement Type: Cooperative Agreement Funding Opportunity Number: STI400-24-CA-0005 Deadline for Applications: July 20, 2024 (11:59 p.m. U.S. Eastern time) Assistance Listing Number: 19.040 - Public Diplomacy Programs and 19.441 (ECA - American

Spaces) ASSF Total Amount Available: $18,550 - $540,000

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 dushanbeamericanspaces-dl@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.

https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/country/pakistan.html?awh=r&awssk=RDmq&dard=1 https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/country/pakistan.html?awh=r&awssk=RDmq&dard=1 mailto:dushanbeamericanspaces-dl@state.gov https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx http://www.sam.gov/

A. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Executive Summary:

The U.S. Embassy Dushanbe, Tajikistan announces two open competitions/funding opportunities to implement the American Spaces program in Tajikistan. The first funding opportunity (PD) is to maintain operations at six (6) American Spaces: Gharm, Isfara, Khorugh, Khujand, Kulob, and Panjakent. American Spaces Bokhtar and Dushanbe are already funded through September 2025, so no operational awards are currently being sought for these Spaces. The award recipient will be responsible for overseeing administrative and programmatic aspects of the American Spaces program, to include staffing of selected spaces, training logistics, equipment, facility maintenance, and programming.

The second funding opportunity (American Spaces Support Funds - ASSF) is to manage additional programming at all eight (8) American Spaces. The network of eight American Spaces in Tajikistan conducts youth-oriented cultural and experiential learning programs to improve skills in English, STEM, entrepreneurship, and environmental awareness. The primary audience for these programs is Tajik youth, including girls and women, school and university students, teachers, young professionals, especially from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, and USG alumni. Programming is largely managed at each Space, by that Space’s staff; however, there are sometimes nationwide Spaces programs available, and collaboration across all Spaces is welcome and sometimes required.

Competitive proposals will show the capacity to manage both the PD operational/programmatic and ASSF programmatic activities at the Spaces. Thus, the most competitive applicants will submit at least two proposals, as appropriate. Furthermore, applicants demonstrating the capacity to manage multiple Spaces will be highly competitive.

The recipient will receive significant Public Diplomacy Section input and assistance to ensure the programming under both awards meets U.S. Embassy Dushanbe goals and objectives.

The expected date range for implementation of all projects is October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025. Please follow the instructions below for the application.

Background

American Spaces are the premier public diplomacy platform of the U.S. Embassy in Tajikistan that has been strengthening mutual understanding and friendship between the people of Tajikistan and the United States of America for almost 21 years. The eight American Spaces in Tajikistan are located in Bokhtar, Dushanbe, Gharm, Isfara, Khorugh, Khujand, Kulob, and Panjakent and offer English resources and development opportunities to meet interests of diverse audiences, while also serving as gateways for Tajik citizens to learn about American society, culture and education. The American Spaces are well known in the community for their regular English-language activities, such as conversation groups with native speakers, workshops with visiting specialists, and regular presentations by Americans on U.S. life and culture.

American Spaces operate based on the global standards of the American Spaces program.

These standards mandate that every American Space offer programming in six core areas free of charge for all the participants:

1. English language teaching and learning: Increase English language proficiency and instructional skills of English language learners and English language teachers, particularly for underserved audiences by facilitating a wide range of programs (designed and delivered by American Space coordinators, USG grantees, and volunteer networks) that build the skills of English language teachers and promote English language learning. American Spaces provide access to English language speakers and professional development/teacher training resources provided by the State Department.

2. Information about the United States: Increase awareness and understanding of school and university students about American history, culture, and society through people-people diplomacy. American Spaces also offer collections of English books, videos, newspapers, magazines, photo galleries, and Internet access and ensure these collections remain accurate, up to date, and audience appropriate.

3. Educational advising: Increase the knowledge and skills of high-school students on higher education opportunities in the United States by providing accurate, comprehensive, and up-to-date guidance on applying to U.S. colleges and universities. In collaboration with Education USA, American Spaces conduct virtual sessions providing accurate, comprehensive, current information about opportunities to study in the

United States. American Spaces host students/ alumna of different exchange programs to talk about their study, life in the States, sharing tips from their personal experience.

They also conduct essay writing clubs and TOEFL sessions for the student who seek opportunity to study in the States.

4. Alumni engagement: Support continuing engagement with alumni of U.S. exchange programs and cultural enrichment programs, connecting them to local audiences by sharing their U.S. experience and expertise to benefit the local communities.

5. Skills Building: Develop skills and increase capacity of the Tajik population to meet global challenges, mitigate crises, increase trade, support inclusive and sustainable economic growth and opportunity and strengthen resilience to economic, technological, environmental and other global challenges. American Spaces continue offering programs to meet interests of diverse audiences in the regions especially by organizing projects that promote English language, innovation, entrepreneurship, environmental protection, and gender equality in STEM, as well as teach skills such as critical thinking and media literacy, resume writing and job promotion, how to launch entrepreneurial or social development projects, how to use makerspace equipment to conduct projects.

6. Strategic Cultural Programs: Foster people-to-people connections, increase understanding and build respect towards the United States with Tajikistan audiences through cultural programs and holiday celebrations, that can include visual and performing arts, film, literature, health, food culture/cuisine, sports, science and technology, volunteerism, makerspace activities, environment, civil society, and entrepreneurship.

The American Spaces in Tajikistan also actively partner with international and local organizations to conduct highly impactful programs.

Funding Opportunity 1: Operational/Programmatic (PD): Competitive proposals will show a cost-share for space/rent or staffing. Competitive proposals will seek to maintain current Spaces locations or justify proposals to relocate to a new facility.

Project Goal: Strengthen relationships, deepen trust, and expand people-to-people exchanges between the United States and Tajikistan.

Objectives:

Objective 1: Oversee and administer American Spaces operations within the allocated budget over a 12-month period, demonstrated by implementation of innovative solutions to technical and logistical challenges, maintenance of staff’s high professional standards, and cost-efficient maintenance of spaces, while maintaining the modern aesthetic and accessibility standards of

American Spaces. Provide skilled, innovative staff, comfortable with social media, to attract and work with public audiences.

Objective 2: Increase the reach and engagement outreach to target American Spaces audiences by creating and launching a unified social media strategy within the second months of the program’s implementation.

Objective 3: Improve program management, reporting, and other professional skills of

American Space Coordinators at six American Spaces through in-person and virtual professional development training and activities.

a. Training topics may include but are not limited to: project planning, report writing techniques, methods on tracking Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and metrics, budget management, data collection tools and techniques, data analysis, social media management, graphic design and content development, customer service, first aid, etc.

b. Offer free-of-charge skills building workshops and educational programs to showcase American culture, holidays, and traditions at six American Spaces of

Tajikistan: Gharm, Isfara, Khorugh, Khujand, Kulob, Panjakent.

Objective 4: Design and execute a range of diverse programming activities across six core areas of American Spaces (described above) at six American Spaces in Tajikistan: Gharm, Isfara, Khorugh, Khujand, Kulob, and Panjakent, demonstrated by sustained participation and increases in participant turnout.

Project Activities/Responsibilities:

1. Provide a comfortable, welcoming, modern space to hold innovative programs with public access for at least 20 people, including for people with disabilities. Spaces should maintain a minimum size of approximately 100 square meters, and a library containing a minimum of 500 English books selected and provided by the U.S. Mission.Pay rent (if needed)

2. Pay all staff-related costs for the American Space Coordinator, Assistant Coordinator, or Social Media Coordinator. Salaries must be competitive with the local market labor costs to attract and retain skilled, capable, and engaging staff.

3. Modernize and refurbish American Space venue as needed.

4. Provide ongoing administrative support, including the use of innovative solutions to technical and logistical challenges.

5. Maintain and ensure high professional excellence of staff and cost-efficient maintenance of physical space that adheres to the American Spaces modern aesthetic and accessibility standards.

6. Provide logistical support, such as procurement, purchasing equipment, managing the shipment/delivery of goods and services, and meeting technical needs, including Internet service, in order to meet the American Spaces’ programming needs.

7. Hold programming and activities at the Space to showcase American culture, holidays, and traditions, as well as other activities—to be proposed by the applicant—such as media literacy training, influencer-blogger skills building, mobile Spaces programs in neighboring areas outside the city, etc.

8. Travel/training: Proposals should include funding for Spaces staff to attend likely one training in Dushanbe.

The implementer will maintain the American Spaces’ physical space in safe, accessible, welcoming, and inspiring environment that is designed in accordance with modern American Spaces branding recommendations; constantly seek opportunities to reduce the cost of rent;

hire and retain top talent to work at American Spaces and to conduct programming; provide professional development to staff; and ensure the publicity of American Spaces offerings and programs via social/print media.

The Spaces should offer book collections, magazines, computer workstations, and an area for programs. Spaces with Maker Space equipment need to have a separate, locked area for all equipment. All materials at the American Spaces—to include internet access—must be free and open to the public.

Budgets:

• Gharm, Isfara, Panjakent ($20,000 ceiling)

• Khorugh, Khujand, Kulob ($50,000 ceiling)

Project Audiences

The primary audiences for American Spaces in Tajikistan are:

a. Ambitious urban youth

b. Underserved rural youth

c. School and university teachers

d. Early/mid – career professionals

e. Girls and women

f. Civil society representatives

g. USG program alumni

h. People with disabilities

i. Afghan refugees in Tajikistan

Funding Opportunity 2: Programmatic (ASSF)

Goal: Strengthen relationships, deepen trust and expand people-to-people exchanges between the United States and Tajikistan through the promotion of the English language, providing a supportive and tolerant community to combat violent extremism, increasing regional connectivity, and promoting economic opportunities.

Objective: Design and execute a range of diverse programmatic activities across six core areas of American Spaces (explained below) in alignment with Mission goals at eight American Spaces in Tajikistan, demonstrated by sustained participation and increases in participant turnout.

7. English language teaching and learning: Increase English language proficiency and instructional skills of English language learners and English language teachers, particularly for underserved audiences by facilitating a wide range of programs (designed and delivered by American Space coordinators, USG grantees, and volunteer networks) that build the skills of English language teachers and promote English language learning. American Spaces provide access to English language speakers and professional development/teacher training resources provided by the State Department.

8. Information about the United States: Increase awareness and understanding of school and university students about American history, culture, and society through people-people diplomacy. American Spaces also offer collections of English books, videos, newspapers, magazines, photo galleries, and Internet access and ensure these collections remain accurate, up to date, and audience appropriate.

9. Educational advising: Increase the knowledge and skills of high-school students on higher education opportunities in the United States by providing accurate, comprehensive, and up-to-date guidance on applying to U.S. colleges and universities. In collaboration with Education USA, American Spaces conduct virtual sessions providing accurate, comprehensive, current information about opportunities to study in the

United States. American Spaces host students/ alumna of different exchange programs to talk about their study, life in the States, sharing tips from their personal experience.

They also conduct essay writing clubs and TOEFL sessions for the student who seek opportunity to study in the States.

10. Alumni engagement: Support continuing engagement with alumni of U.S. exchange programs and cultural enrichment programs, connecting them to local audiences by sharing their U.S. experience and expertise to benefit the local communities.

11. Skills Building: Develop skills and increase capacity of the Tajik population to meet global challenges, mitigate crises, increase trade, support inclusive and sustainable economic growth and opportunity and strengthen resilience to economic, technological, environmental and other global challenges. American Spaces continue offering programs to meet interests of diverse audiences in the regions especially by organizing projects that promote English language, innovation, entrepreneurship, environmental protection, and gender equality in STEM, as well as teach skills such as critical thinking and media literacy, resume writing and job promotion, how to launch entrepreneurial or social development projects, how to use makerspace equipment to conduct projects.

12. Strategic Cultural Programs: Foster people-to-people connections, increase understanding and build respect towards the United States with Tajikistan audiences through cultural programs and holiday celebrations, that can include visual and performing arts, film, literature, health, food culture/cuisine, sports, science and technology, volunteerism, makerspace activities, environment, civil society, and entrepreneurship.

Expected Activities by Space—Activities and overall budget listed below, to include administrative oversight, per Space has been pre-approved by the State Department’s Office of American Spaces

• Bokhtar ($21,600) o Girls Empowerment through sports, including paralympic female athletes o Outreach activities to remote areas of Khatlon region (surrounding Bokhtar) o A training program for rural youth to develop their digital skills o Equipment/furniture- chairs, multimedia projector o Subscriptions (Internet and social media boosting)

• Dushanbe ($73,160) o Provide logistics support for the Dushanbe NASA Space Apps Challenge 2024 o Conduct the “National Debate League,” a nation-wide debate program across all eight American Spaces o Training program for young women in iOS development, UX/UI, Product

Management, and QA testing/iCode o Digital production skills development program for youth/Digital Media Lab o A training program on website development based on Python for women/Django

Girls o Annual Job Fair o A forum for youth to raise awareness on environmental issues o AS Dushanbe Makerspace Programming o Annual Subscriptions (Internet and different applications for program purposes) o Outreach and promotion activities

• Gharm ($19,150) o A training program for rural youth to develop their skills on app development and coding o Mentorship program for rural girls to develop skills in writing cover letter/resume, interview skills o Outreach activities (to reach underserved community from remote areas through American Space Gharm mobile programs) o Annual subscriptions (internet and social media boosting) o Equipment/furniture – chairs, security cameras

• Isfara ($18,379) o Digital production skills development program for youth/Digital Media Lab o Engineering and mechanics learning program through robotics for youth o A leadership skills development program for young women o Subscriptions (Internet and TV access) o Installation of security cameras o Promotional supplies

• Khorugh ($25,020) o Sustainable Development Hackathon on environment & ecology, entrepreneurship, and renewable energy.

o A training program for young women to develop skills in coding.

o A training program for youth on developing digital media skills.

o Equipment/furniture- chairs, iPads, security cameras, hard drive, data base for recording

• Khujand ($28,615) o Digital production skills development program for youth/Digital Media LabA

Training program for young women to develop their skills in coding and app development

• Khorugh ($25,020) o Sustainable Development Hackathon on environment & ecology, entrepreneurship, and renewable energy.

o A training program for young women to develop skills in coding.

o A training program for youth on developing digital media skills.

o Equipment/furniture- chairs, iPads, security cameras, hard drive, data base for recording

• Kulob ($18, 550) o A training program on leadership skills and critical thinking for rural youth o Outreach activities (to reach underserved community from Vose, Muminobod and other remote areas through American Space Kulob mobile programs) o Workshop on digital media skills for young journalists o Equipment/furniture/five laptops

• Panjakent ($29,700) o Program to teach youth engineering and mechanics learning through robotics o Debate skills development program for youth o Equipment purchase: PC accessories (six mouse pads, six headphones, two monitors) o Furniture purchase: 50 chairs, six tables, and one file cabinet o Subscriptions (Internet and Social media boosting)

Project Audiences

The primary audiences for American Spaces in Tajikistan are:

a. Ambitious urban youth

b. Underserved rural youth

c. School and university teachers

d. Early/mid – career professionals

e. Girls and women

f. Civil society representatives

g. USG program alumni

h. People with disabilities

i. Afghan refugees in Tajikistan

B. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION

Length of performance period: 12 months with possible extension Number of awards anticipated: At least 2 awards (programmatic and administrative awards from different funding sources), in total 2-14 expected awards.

Please note: Applicants demonstrating the capacity to manage multiple Spaces will be highly competitive.

Total available funding: $18,550 - $540,000 Award Ceiling: $540,000 Award Floor: $18,550

Type of Funding: FY24 Smith Mundt Public Diplomacy Funds (PD), and FY24 Fulbright-Hays under Diplomatic Programs (ASSF) Anticipated program start date: October 1, 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

As any award resulting from this NOFO will be a cooperative agreement, Public Diplomacy Section will have significant involvement in this effort. PDS responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

• Reviewing and approving all programs presented by the recipient to ensure programs support U.S. government objectives and are pertinent to Tajikistan audience. Will require daily reports on activities and give feedback when necessary.

• Providing PD-developed programs that the American Spaces must implement. Conduct monthly video call to discuss planned activities.

• Providing guidance to the recipient on selecting and purchasing information resources, including books, periodicals, DVDs about the United States. The recipient should budget for purchasing new collection materials.

• Providing appropriate public diplomacy materials to the American Spaces for free distribution.

• Approving the hiring of designated key personnel at the American Spaces.

• Review of any public-facing publications about the programs.

• Reviewing and approving any policies, procedures, program materials developed by the recipient for the American Spaces prior to use or distribution.

• Providing ongoing communication and feedback to the recipient regarding program operations and administration.

• Provide in-country and outside-the-country trainings and consultations to American Spaces staff, in coordination with the recipient.

• At its discretion, conduct oversight visits to the American Spaces.

• Will organize training once a year for all American Space coordinators to ensure they are complying with the National Strategy for the American Spaces of Tajikistan.

• Approve substantial changes to the approved budget.

• Serve as a liaison between the Recipient and the Office of American Spaces to ensure American Spaces follow programming, reporting, and budgeting guidelines of the Office of American Space.

Recipient Responsibilities:

• The Recipient will provide the Grants Officer and Grants Officer Representative weekly updates on AS (s) activities.

• The Recipient will consult with the Public Diplomacy Section on planned/upcoming activities.

• The Recipient will consult with the Public Diplomacy Section on any personnel action.

Program Performance Period: The projects generally must be completed within the specified duration.

The Public Diplomacy Section will consider applications for continuation grants funded under these awards on a noncompetitive 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. Eligible Applicants

The following organizations are eligible to apply:

• Not-for-profit organizations

• Civil society/non-governmental organizations

• Public and private educational institutions

For-profit entities, even those that may fall into the categories listed above, are not eligible to apply for this NOFO. Organizations may sub-contract with other entities, but only one, non-profit, non-governmental entity can be the prime recipient of the award.

When sub-contracting with other entities, the responsibilities of each entity must be clearly defined in the proposal.

2. Cost Sharing or Matching

Cost sharing or matching is not required for this funding opportunity but will be considered preferable.

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. Individuals are not required to have a UEI or be registered in SAM.gov.

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;

• 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: https://tj.usembassy.gov/education-culture/grants-program/ and 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.

mailto:PAS-Proposals@state.gov https://tj.usembassy.gov/education-culture/grants-program/ https://tj.usembassy.gov/education-culture/grants-program/

• All pages are numbered.

• All Microsoft Word documents are single-spaced, 12-point Calibri font, with a minimum of 1-inch margins.

• 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.

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 (12 pages maximum): 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 5).

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• 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.

• 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.

• Future Funding or Sustainability Applicant’s plan for continuing the program beyond the grant period, or the availability of other resources, 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 4). 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/

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 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. 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 Non-profit Status: Documentation to demonstrate the applicant’s non-profit status (e.g., U.S.-based organizations should submit a copy of their 501(c)(3) Internal Revenue Service determination letter, and non-U.S. organizations should provide evidence of non-profit status issued by a government entity). NOTE: This can be provided later.

https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx http://www.sam.gov/

e. 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.state.gov/about-us-office-of-the-procurement-executive/ 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://www.grants.gov/support.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

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: dushanbeamericanspaces-dl@state.gov Applicants opting to submit applications via email to dushanbeamericanspaces-dl@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 dushanbeamericanspaces-dl@state.gov is unable to assist with technical questions or problems applicants experience with Grants.gov.

Submission Deadline: All applications must be received by July 20, 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. 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.

mailto:dushanbeamericanspaces-dl@state.gov mailto:dushanbeamericanspaces-dl@state.gov https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx https://www.state.gov/m/a/ope/index.htm%20and%202CFR200 https://ramportal.state.gov/ https://ramportal.state.gov/

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 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 - 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 clearly describes the approach that will be used to ensure maximum sustainability or advancement of project goals after the end of project activity.

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.

3. Responsibility/Qualification Information in SAM.gov (formerly, Federal Awardee

Performance & Integrity Information System (FAPIIS)

For any Federal award under a notice of funding opportunity, if the Federal awarding agency anticipates that the total Federal share will be greater than the simplified…