NOFO BJL-FTIF-2022 - GAMBIA FTIF - FINALr.docx

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF STATE

UNITED STATES EMBASSY BANJUL

NOTICE OF FUNDING OPPORTUNITY (NOFO)

This is the announcement of notice of funding opportunity:

NOFO Title: Sustaining Fiscal Transparency in The Gambia

NOFO Number: BJL/FTIF-2022

Federal Assistance Listing/Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number: 19.662

Type of Award: Grant

Total Funding: $499,921.00 USD FY 2021 Economic Support Funds (ESF)

Anticipated Number of Awards: 1

Period of Performance: 12-18 months

Type of Solicitation: Open Competition

Eligibility Category: U.S.-based non-profit/non-governmental organizations (NGOs) subject to section 501(c) (3) of the U.S. tax code; foreign-based non-profit organizations/nongovernment organizations (NGO); Public International Organizations; Foreign Public Organizations; private educational institutions.

Questions Deadline: 11:59 PM GMT, Banjul on 20 JULY 2022

Application Deadline: 11:59 PM GMT, Banjul on 4 AUGUST 2022

Anticipated Award Signing: September 2022

This notice is subject to availability of funding.

A. Project Description The U.S. Department of State, U.S. Embassy Banjul announces an Open Competition for organizations interested in submitting applications for projects that support the government, parliamentary, and civil society organizations efforts to enhance budget transparency and improve oversight in public financial management (PFM) in The Gambia.

Subject to availability of funding, a grant for up to $499,921.00 U.S. Dollars (USD) in FY 2021 Economic Support Funds (ESF) will be awarded for work that will strengthen the capacity of the National Assembly and the Gambian Government to communicate with the public and other relevant stakeholders during budget formulation, assist the National Assembly in establishing a permanent advisory budget office to ensure legislative independence from the executive, and support civil society to track government spending. The period of performance is 12-18 months.

A.1 Background The U.S. Embassy-funded interventions aimed at strengthening fiscal transparency in the Gambia have been ongoing since October 2018. The U.S. Department of State 2021 Fiscal Transparency Report stated that The Gambia met the minimum fiscal transparency standards (2021 Fiscal Transparency Report - United States Department of State). The Gambian Government submitted timely budgets in 2019, 2020, and 2021.

While Embassy Banjul has noted progress since the inception of FTIF in the Gambia, significant gaps remain with The Gambia’s public financial management, including increasing public finance communication with the public and relevant stakeholders; creating a self-sustained budget office to enable legislature to engage in the budget scrutiny process in an objective, effective, and responsible manner, and monitor the implementation of the annual budget; supporting civil society actors to improve transparency, accountability, and oversight of government expenditure. The Gambian Government stated it remains committed to accountability and transparency and will remain engaged in addressing these challenges.

The grant recipient will engage the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs (MOFEA), including the Audit Office, to establish a direct link with the National Assembly (NA), Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), and the media of The Gambia to improve their capacity and promote inter-agency collaboration.

A.2 Goals Projects should strengthen Gambian stakeholders’ skills gained through previous funding and address persistent gaps in The Gambia’s fiscal transparency.

Projects should be designed to achieve the following:

· Objective 1: The Gambian government (MoFEA and NAO) increases communication with the public and relevant stakeholders about the national budget, audit reports, and government spending.

· Objective 2: The National Assembly (NA) stands up a Budget Office to enhance the formation and approval of the national budget.

· Objective 3: The Civil Society Organization (CSO) publishes a 2022 Citizens’ Budget and 2022 Citizens’ Audit in coordination with The Gambian government’s Audit Office and begins overseeing the budget’s execution.

A.3 Expected Results Specific results could include the following:

· Increased communication about Public Finance Management (PFM) with citizens by the Gambian government and increased forums for exchanging information among relevant stakeholders on PFM.

· Provide guidelines to set up an operational and functional Budget Office; ensure legislative independence from the executive and ensure National Assembly Members (NAMs) scrutinize the Executive Budget Proposal and supplementary budgets.

· Greater understanding among citizens of the annual audit; and production of social audits increase the transparency about infrastructure and other government development projects that the government commits to in the annual budget.

A.4 Main Activities To achieve the goals and expected results, the project should include the following in order of priority:

· Activity 1: Public communication and stakeholder consultations for the MoFEA to increase communication with the public throughout the budget cycle.

· Activity 2: Support the National Audit Office (NAO) to increase communication with the public through radio and television programs and press conferences at key stages in the budget cycle.

· Activity 3: Consult with MOFEA to establish a framework to support the newly created NA Budget Office that includes a 5-year strategic plan, an annual work plan, proposed staffing structure and functions, budget for the NA Budget Office, fundraising plan, and recommendations for reporting processes and templates that build on information currently produced by the MoFEA, and associated training.

· Activity 4: Conduct budget forums and workshops for the NA to scrutinize the 2023 executive budget proposal.

· Activity 5: Enhanced citizen engagement in budget and social audits; increase the capacity of citizens’ groups and civil society to advocate for fiscal transparency and monitor the execution of the budget and enhance a more simplified 2023 Citizens’ Budget.

· Activity 6: Citizens’ Audit; provide continued technical assistance to civil society to develop at least one Citizens’ Audit for the 2017 and 2018 reports and the 2019 and 2020 reports should they be published. The Citizens’ Audit will be complemented by activities to raise awareness about the contents of the audit and receive feedback from citizens.

A.5 Performance Indicators All projects should aim to have impact that leads to the following:

· The number of government officials receiving USG-supported technical assistance to improve fiscal transparency in The Gambia;

· The number of public outreach initiatives organized by the MoFEA and NAO on the budget and audit processes with USG support;

· Number of individuals receiving civic education through USG-assisted programs;

· Percentage of newly elected NA members that attend the budget workshop;

· Number of foundational documents developed to strengthen and support the NA Budget Office;

· Number of recommendations implemented in the needs assessment for the NA Budget Office;

· Number of enhanced citizen budgets developed and validated by the MoFEA;

· Number of citizen audits developed and validated by the Audit Office;

· Number of social audits developed and publicly distributed to monitor the execution of the national budget;

· Number of mechanisms for external oversight of public resources is supported by USG; and

· Number of civil society organizations (CSOs) receiving USG assistance engaged in advocacy interventions.

All applicants will be required to address A. Project Description in the Scope of Work attachment (see Section D.2.1.6).

B. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION

Organizations can submit one application in response to the NOFO. If more than one application is submitted by an organization, only the first application received will be reviewed for eligibility and funding.

The U.S. Government may: (a) reject any or all applications, (b) accept more than one application, and (c) waive irregularities in applications received.

The U.S. Government may make award(s) based on initial applications received, without discussions or negotiations. Therefore, each initial application should contain the applicant's best terms from a cost and technical standpoint. The U.S. Government reserves the right to enter discussions with one or more applicants in order to obtain clarifications, additional detail, or to suggest refinements in the project description, budget, or other aspects of an application.

U.S. Embassy Banjul anticipates awarding a grant.

The authority for this funding opportunity is found in the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended (FAA).

To maximize the impact and sustainability of the award(s) that result from this NOFO, U.S. Embassy Banjul retains the right to execute non-competitive continuation amendment(s). The total duration of any award, including potential non-competitive continuation amendments, shall not exceed 54 months, or four and a half years. Any non-competitive continuation is contingent on performance and pending availability of funds. A non-competitive continuation is not guaranteed, and the Department of State reserves the right to exercise or not to exercise this option.

C. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

C.1 Eligible Applicants

U.S. Embassy Banjul welcomes applications from U.S.-based non-profit/non-governmental organizations (NGOs) subject to section 501(c) (3) of the U.S. tax code; foreign-based non-profit organizations/nongovernment organizations (NGO); Public International Organizations; Foreign Public Organizations; private educational institutions.

C.2 Cost Sharing or Matching

Providing cost sharing, matching, or cost participation is not an eligibility requirement for this NOFO and providing cost share will not result in a more favorable competitive ranking.

C.3 Other Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must have existing, or the capacity to develop, active partnerships with local in-country partners, entities, and relevant stakeholders and have successfully administered similar projects.

Any applicant listed on the Excluded Parties List System in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov) and/or has a current debt to the U.S. government 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.” Additionally, no entity or person listed on the Excluded Parties List System in SAM.gov can participate in any activities under an award. All applicants are strongly encouraged to review the Excluded Parties List System in SAM.gov to ensure that no ineligible entity or person is included in their application.

To be eligible to receive an award, all organizations must have a unique entity identifier (UEI), as well as a valid registration on SAM.gov. Please see Section D.3 for information on how to obtain these registrations.

Applicants, including U.S. affiliates of international organizations must provide a valid Unique Entity Identification (UEI), and completed SAM.gov registration when submitting application to U.S. Embassy Banjul’s email PolEconBanjul@state.gov in response to this NOFO. Applicants that do not have a valid UEI and completed SAM.gov registration will NOT be eligible for consideration. Implementing partners/sub-recipient organizations are required to have a valid UEI number.

D. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

D.1 Address to Request Application Package

Applicants can find application forms and other materials needed to apply on the U.S. Embassy Banjul’s website https://gm.usembassy.gov/education/ under the announcement title “Sustaining Fiscal Transparency in The Gambia,” funding opportunity number “BJL/FTIF-2022.” Please contact the U.S. Embassy Banjul’s point of contact listed in Section G if requesting reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities or for security reasons. Please note that reasonable accommodations do not include deadline extensions.

D.2 Content and Form of Application Submission

For all application documents, please ensure:

· The proposal clearly addresses the goals and objectives of this funding opportunity

· All documents are in English and all costs are in U.S. Dollars. If an original document within the application is in another language, an English translation must be provided (please note the U.S. Department of State, as indicated in 2 CFR 200.111, requires that English is the official language of all award documents). If any document is provided in both English and a foreign language, the English language version is the controlling version;

· All pages are numbered, including attachments with the exception of Excel documents;

· All documents are formatted to 8 ½ x 11 paper; and,

· All documents are single-spaced, 12-point Times New Roman font, with 1-inch margins. Captions and footnotes may be 10-point Times New Roman font. Font sizes in charts and tables, can be reformatted to fit within 1 page width.

D.2.1. Application Requirements

Complete applications must include the following required documents:

1. Completed and signed SF-424, SF-424A, and SF-424B forms.

2. Organizations that engage in lobbying the U.S. Government, including Congress, or pay for another entity to lobby on their behalf, are also required to complete the SF-LLL “Disclosure of Lobbying Activities” form (only if applicable).

3. Cover Page/Executive Summary (not to exceed two (2) pages). Include the organization name, project title, target country/countries, and name and contact information for the application’s main point of contact and brief section that clearly outlines the (1) the problem statement addressed by the project, (2) research-based evidence justifying the applicant’s approach, and (3) quantifiable project outcomes and impacts.

4. Table of Contents that lists application contents and attachments.

5. Proposal Narrative* (not to exceed ten (10) pages). *Please note the ten-page limit does not include the following:

· SF-424

· SF-424A

· SF-424B

· SF-LLL (if applicable)

· Cover Page/Executive Summary

· Table of Contents (list application contents and attachments

· Scope of Work (required template provided as an attachment)

· Performance Monitoring & Evaluation Narrative and Plan (sample template provided as an attachment)

· Timeline

· Detailed Budget (sample template provided as an attachment)

· Budget Narrative (sample template provided as an attachment)

· If the Budget includes subawards, please include a separate Budget Narrative for each organization.

· NICRA

· Single Audit (or most recent independent financial audit)

· Key Personnel Summary

· CV or Resume of Key Personnel

· COVID Contingency Plan

· Additional Attachments (if applicable):

· Letters of support from program partners

· Official permission letters, if required for project activities

· Letter of Disclosure for proposed consultants/personnel (if applicable) of potential conflicts of interest, employment with a local/state/federal government.

· Letter(s) of Institutional Support (to indicate organization’s leadership is providing support of the application/proposal)

The Proposal Narrative must include the following:

· Introduction to the Organization: A description of past and present operations, showing ability to carry out the project, including information on all relevant or similar type projects from previous grants from the U.S. Embassy and/or U.S. Government agencies.

Using the Scope of Work (see Section D.2.1.6) provided as an attachment to this NOFO by Embassy Banjul, the Proposal Narrative should address the applicant’s unique approach to the following:

· Program Methods and Design: A description of how the program is expected to work to solve the stated problem and achieve the goal.

· Program Goal: The “goal(s)” describe the larger outcome intended

· Program Objectives: The intermediate accomplishments and measurable targets to achieve a goal. Objectives of the program should be SMART:

· Specific: Detailed and specifies what will be achieved

· Measurable: have associated metrics or measurements of success

· Attainable: appropriately challenging, objectives can be reasonably attained give the available resources

· Relevant: align with the policy/program goal and appropriate

· within the country or beneficiary audience

· Time-Bound: achievable within the timeframe of the program

· Program Activities: Describe specific actions taken under each Objective. All activities should be clearly developed and sufficiently explain the resource and time requirements (inputs) and things done or produced (outputs). Activities should detail: target areas, participant groups or selection criteria for participants; how relevant stakeholders will be engaged; and actions taken by local partners as appropriate/relevant.

· Program Management Plan: Describe the proposed management structure for this project. Include a description of the responsibilities of all principal organizations and staff involved, reporting relationships, authority, and lines of communication within and between each of these organizations.

· 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. Include ways program activities will ensure sustainability.

· Risk Analysis - identify the internal and external risks associated with the proposed project, rate the likelihood of the risks, rate the potential impact of the risks on the project, and identify actions that could help mitigate the risks.

6. Scope of Work (SOW) (Applicants should use the SOW template provided by Embassy Banjul and attached to this NOFO.) SOW should provide a summary of the applicant’s unique approach to the following as indicated in Section 5 Proposal Narrative:

· Program Goal

· Program Objectives

· Program Activities

· Program Indicators

Required Scope of Work (SOW) template is provided as an attachment to this NOFO.

7. Performance Monitoring & Evaluation Narrative and Plan (see provided sample template):

a. Program Monitoring & Evaluation Narrative details how a project’s performance monitoring and evaluation system will be carried out and by whom. It explains how the project’s performance toward its objectives will be tracked over time. It should provide a clear description of the approach and data collection strategies and tools to be employed (e.g., pre- and post-test surveys, interviews, focus groups). The description should also include how the applicant will track and document whether activities occurred (outputs) and the results or changes caused by these activities (outcomes). If the project includes work with local partners or sub-partners, explain how performance monitoring and evaluation efforts will be coordinated amongst these organizations. Explain if an external evaluation will be included. Evaluations, internal or external, should be systematic studies that use research methods to address specific questions about project performance. They should provide a valuable supplement to ongoing monitoring activities. Evaluation activities generally include baseline assessments, mid-term and final evaluations.

b. Performance Monitoring & Evaluation Plan should draw on the objectives, activities and expected changes from the Scope of Work, and link those areas to indicators. The Program Monitoring & Evaluation Plan is generally structured as a table with output-based and outcome-based indicators. It explains how data will be collected (data collection methods) to show that certain changes occurred. It outlines baselines (where your project is starting) and quarterly targets (what you would like to achieve) for each indicator.

The project should monitor and report on performance indicators that are specific, measurable, achievable, reasonable, and time-bound. Establish, where possible, performance baseline data and expected performance targets for each expected result and include details on what sources of data will be used to document performance, how the indicators will be measured, frequency of measurement, and units of measure. Where possible, indicators should also allow for sex disaggregation. Indicators should reflect key project outputs or outcomes that reflect the primary goals or objectives of the project and that the implementer can collect with high quality data.

A sample Performance Monitoring & Evaluation Narrative and Plan Template is provided as an attachment to this NOFO.

8. Timeline (not to exceed one (1) page, preferably as a Word Document or Excel Sheet). The timeline of the overall proposal should include activities and monitoring and evaluation efforts outlined in either in a monthly or quarterly format.

Q2 (Range of months)

Q3 (Range of months)

Activity Z

Etc.

9. Detailed Budget (must be an Excel workbook) that includes three (3) columns containing the request to U.S. Embassy Banjul for U.S. share of cost, any cost sharing contribution, and the total budget. A Summary Budget should also be included using the OMB-approved budget categories (see SF-424A as a sample) in a separate tab. Costs must be in U.S. Dollars. Detailed line-item budgets for sub-grantees should be included as additional tabs within the Excel workbook (if available at the time of submission).

For more information, Budget Guidance and Template for New Awards (FY2022) is provided as an attachment to this NOFO.

Use of the Detailed Budget template (Budget Guidance and Template for New Awards (FY2022)) is not required, however, the submitted budget must follow OMB budget categories. If an applicant’s budget does not follow OMB budget categories, the application will be deemed technically ineligible and will not be considered for funding.

10. Budget Narrative (preferably as a Word Document; (no maximum page limit). Justify each line-item in the budget and explain how the amounts were derived, consistent with the applicant’s documented policies, as well as the source and description of all proposed costs (and cost-share, if applicable). The Budget Narrative should complement the budget rather than repeat information provided in the budget. For example, the narrative should provide details on the purpose of costs, reasonability of costs, cost price analysis, explain allocations, explain any yearly variances, and tie expenses to program activities and/or objectives where appropriate. Sources of all cost-share offered in the application should be identified and explained in the budget narrative.

Personnel costs must include a clarification of the roles and responsibilities of all staff, base salary, and percentage of time devoted to the project (also known as level of effort). The Budget Narrative should support the activities described in the proposal and provide additional information that might not be readily apparent in the Detailed Budget, not simply repeat what is represented numerically in the budget, i.e., salaries are for salaries or travel is for travel.

If the Detailed Budget includes subawards, please include a separate Budget Narrative for each organization. Please note that subaward organizations must have a SAM.gov unique entity identifier (UEI) number (certain exceptions apply).

For ease of review, it is highly recommended that applicants order the Budget Narrative in the same order as the Detailed Budget.

See Tab 1 of Budget Guidance and Template for New Awards (FY2022), provided as an attachment, for more information.

A sample Budget Narrative Template is provided as an attachment to this NOFO.

11. NICRA Letter: If your organization has a Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA) and includes NICRA charges in the budget, your latest NICRA letter should be included as a PDF file. This document will not be reviewed by the Merit Review Panel but will be used by project and grant team if the submission is recommended for funding. Organizations that have previously established indirect cost rates must submit timely indirect cost proposals to their cognizant agency as required by Appendix III & IV of 2 CFR 200. If indirect cost proposals have not been submitted for re-negotiation, as required, out-of-date NICRAs may not be considered. If your proposal involves subawards to organizations charging indirect costs, please submit their NICRA, if applicable.

12. Single Audit: a PDF file copy of your organization’s most recent single audit is required, if your organization meets the threshold as defined in 2 CFR 200 Subpart F. If your organization has not had a recent single audit (within your organization’s previous 3 fiscal years), you must submit your organization’s most recent independent financial audit.

13. Key Personnel Summary: (not to exceed two (2) pages, preferably as a Word Document). Include short bios that highlight relevant professional experience. Provides names, titles, roles, and experience/qualifications of key personnel involved in the program. Note the location where key staff will be based and percentage of their time (level of effort) that will be used in support of this program.

14. CV or Resume of Key Personnel: (no maximum page limit per CV or Resume). Include name, work history and experience or qualifications of key personnel who are proposed for the program.

15. COVID Contingency Plan (attached as a separate document with no page limit).

Recognizing that COVID-19 can limit and affect project activities, applicants must include a Contingency Plan that addresses contingency measures should the local COVID situation change. Below are some suggested considerations.

· How will the project transition from virtual to in-person activities or from in-person to virtual activities?

· How will COVID contingency costs be built into the budget?

· How and when will the Grants Officer be notified of contingency costs?

· What COVID precautions will be required for in-person activities?

· What type and amount of COVID monitoring will be included in the proposal?

16. Additional Attachments:

· Letters of support from program partners describing the roles and responsibilities of each partner, if applicable/pre-identified

· Official permission letters, if required for project activities

Applications that do not include the elements listed above will be deemed technically ineligible. To ensure that all applications receive a balanced evaluation, the Merit Review Panel will review from the first page of each section up to the page limit and no further.

D.2.2 Additional Information Requested of Successful Applicants Receiving Notification of Intent

Successful applicants must submit, after notification of intent to make a Federal award, but prior to issuance of a Federal award:

· Written responses and revised application documents addressing conditions and recommendations from the Merit Review Panel;

· A copy of the applicant’s latest NICRA as a PDF file, if the applicant has a NICRA and includes NICRA charges in the budget;

· A completed copy of the U.S. Department of State’s Financial Management Survey, if receiving U.S. Government funding for the first time;

· Submission of required banking information to U.S. Embassy Banjul at request of Grants Officer Representative or Financial Management Officer for new vendor creation in U.S. Department of State financial management systems;

· Other requested information or documents included in the notification of intent to make a Federal award or subsequent communications prior to issuance of a Federal award.

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

All prime organizations, whether based in the United States or in another country, must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI), formerly referred to as DUNS, and an active registration with SAM.gov before submitting an application. U.S. Embassy Banjul may not review applications from or make awards to applicants that have not completed all applicable UEI and SAM.gov requirements. A 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.

The 2 CFR 200 requires that sub-grantees obtain a UEI number. Please note the UEI for sub-grantees is not required at the time of application but will be required before the award is processed and/or directed to a sub-grantee.

Note: The process of obtaining a SAM.gov registration may take anywhere from 4-8 weeks. Please begin your registration as early as possible.

· Organizations based in the United States or that pay employees within the United States will need an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), a Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) code, and a UEI number prior to registering in SAM.gov.

· Organizations based outside of the United States and that do not pay employees within the United States do not need an EIN from the IRS but do need a NATO CAGE (NCAGE) code and UEI number prior to registering in SAM.gov.

All organizations applying for grants (except individuals) must obtain these registrations. All are free of charge:

· NCAGE/CAGE Code

· Unique Entity Identifier from SAM.gov

· SAM.gov registration

Step 1: Apply for a NCAGE Code

NCAGE application: Application page here: https://eportal.nspa.nato.int/AC135Public/scage/CageList.aspx Instructions for the NCAGE application process:

https://eportal.nspa.nato.int/AC135Public/Docs/US%20Instructions%20for%20NSPA%20NCAGE.pdf

For NCAGE help from within the U.S., call 1-888-227-2423 For NCAGE help from outside the U.S., call 1-269-961-7766 Email NCAGE@dlis.dla.mil for any problems in getting an NCAGE code.

Step 2: After receiving the NCAGE Code, proceed to register in SAM.gov by logging onto: https://www.sam.gov.

All prime organizations must, at all times during which they have an active Federal award or application under consideration by any Federal awarding agency, maintain an active SAM.gov registration with current information. SAM.gov requires all entities to renew their registration once a year 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 and to maintain that active registration. If an applicant has not fully complied with the requirements at the time of application, the applicant may be deemed technically ineligible to receive an award and use that determination as a basis for making an award to another applicant.

D.3.1 Exemptions

An exemption from these requirements may be permitted on a case-by-case basis.

Organizations requesting exemption from UEI or SAM.gov requirements must email the point of contact listed in the NOFO in Section G at least two weeks prior to the deadline stated in the NOFO and provide a justification for their request. UEI/SAM.gov Exemption must be approved by a warranted Grants Officer before the application can be deemed eligible for review.

Note: Foreign organizations will be required to register with the NATO Support Agency (NSPA) to receive a NCAGE code in order to register in SAM.gov. NSPA will forward your registration request to the applicable National Codification Bureau (NCB) if your organization is located in a NATO or Tier 2 Sponsored Non-NATO Nation. As of September 2021, NATO nations included Albania, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Montenegro, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Turkey, United Kingdom, and the United States of America. As of September 2021, Tier 2 nations included Argentina, Australia, Austria, Brazil, Colombia, Finland, India, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Republic of Korea, Malaysia, Morocco, New Zealand, Serbia, Singapore, Sweden, Ukraine, and United Arab Emirates.

NSPA and/or the appropriate NCB forwards all NCAGE code information to all Allied Committee 135 (AC/135) nations, which as of September 2021 also included Algeria, Belarus, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Brunei Darussalam, Chile, Egypt, Georgia, Jordan, Oman, Pakistan, Peru, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, and Thailand. All organizations are strongly advised to take this into consideration when assessing whether registration may result in possible endangerment.

D.4 Submission Dates and Times

Applications are due no later than 11:59 PM GMT, Banjul on 4 AUGUST 2022 to the U.S. Embassy Banjul Political and Economic Sections’ email at PolEconBanjul@state.gov under the announcement title “Sustaining Fiscal Transparency in The Gambia,” funding opportunity number “BJL/FTIF-2022.”

Late applications are neither reviewed nor considered. Applicants should not expect a notification from U.S. Embassy Banjul confirming receipt of their application.

D.5 Funding Limitations, Restrictions, and other Considerations

The following activities and costs are not covered under this announcement:

· Construction is not an allowable activity under this award

· Activities that appear partisan or that support individual or party electoral campaigns

· Direct support or the appearance of direct support for any religious organization, to include repair or building of structures used for religious purposes

· Military assistance of any kind, including weapons buy-back or rewards programs

· Purchase of firearms, ammunition, or removal of unexploded ordnances

· Para-police (i.e., militias, neighborhood watch, security guards) and prison-related projects. This restriction includes no funding of any secondary need in a law-enforcement organization

· Payments for any partner government, military, or civilian government employee salary or pension

· Duplication of services immediately available through the national government

· Funds for market research, advertising (unless public service related to grant program), or other promotional expenses

· Expenses made prior to the approval of a proposal or unreasonable expenditures will not be reimbursed

· Charitable or development activities

· Fund-raising campaigns

· Lobbying for specific legislation or projects

· Scientific research

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

· Projects seeking funds for personal use

· Projects that require a participation fee

U.S. Embassy Banjul will not consider applications that reflect any type of support for any member, affiliate, or representative of a designated terrorist organization. Please refer the link for Foreign Terrorist Organizations: https://www.state.gov/foreign-terrorist-organizations/

The Leahy Law prohibits Department foreign assistance funds from supporting foreign security force units if the Secretary of State has credible information that the unit has committed a gross violation of human rights. Per 22 USC §2378d(a) (2017), “No assistance shall be furnished under this chapter [FOREIGN ASSISTANCE] or the Arms Export Control Act [22 USC 2751 et seq.] to any unit of the security forces of a foreign country if the Secretary of State has credible information that such unit has committed a gross violation of human rights.” Restrictions may apply to any proposed assistance to police or other law enforcement. Among these, pursuant to section 620M of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended (FAA), no assistance provided through this funding opportunity may be furnished to any unit of the security forces of a foreign country when there is credible information that such unit has committed a gross violation of human rights. In accordance with the requirements of section 620M of the FAA, also known as the Leahy law, project beneficiaries or participants from a foreign government’s security forces may need to be vetted by the Department before the provision of any assistance. If a proposed grant or cooperative agreement will provide assistance to foreign security forces or personnel, compliance with the Leahy Law is required.

In addition, funds cannot be made available to any individual or organization that has committed serious human rights abuse.

Organizations should be cognizant of these restrictions when developing project proposals as these restrictions will require appropriate due diligence of program beneficiaries and collaboration with U.S. Embassy Banjul to ensure compliance with these restrictions. Program beneficiaries subject to due diligence vetting will include any individuals or entities that are beneficiaries of foreign assistance funding or support.

D.6 Other Submission Requirements

Applications must be made electronically via email to the U.S. Embassy Banjul Political and Economic Sections PolEconBanjul@state.gov

Faxed or couriered documents will not be accepted. Reasonable accommodations may, in appropriate circumstances, be provided to applicants with disabilities or for security reasons.

Applicants must follow all formatting instructions in the applicable NOFO and these instructions.

U.S. Embassy Banjul encourages organizations to submit applications during normal business hours (Monday – Thursday, 9:00AM-5:00PM GMT.

If an applicant experiences technical difficulties, the applicant may contact the U.S. Embassy Banjul point of contact listed in the NOFO in Section G.

For a list of Federal holidays visit:

https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/Federal-holidays/

E. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

E.1 Proposal Review Criteria

The U.S. Embassy Banjul Merit Review Panel will evaluate each application individually against the following criteria, listed below in order of importance, and not against competing applications. Please use the below criteria as a reference, but do not structure your application according to the sub-sections.

Project Design - 30 points:

· The applicant presents innovative ideas that will maximize the program’s desired impact.

· The applicant describes how each proposed project activity will address the Program Objectives outlined in this announcement.

· The applicant acknowledges if activities similar to those proposed are already taking or have taken place previously and provides an explanation as to how proposed new activities will not duplicate existing/recent activities.

· The applicant clearly explains why the proposed project design is feasible and articulates how potential challenges or delays to project implementation will be mitigated.

Achieved Results - 25 points:

· The applicant describes how the expected results will be accomplished within the timeframe of the proposed award as well as anticipated long-term impacts:

· The applicant clearly explains how they will plan and complete the required activities.

· The applicant provides realistic milestones to indicate progress toward expected results and indicators as described in the program announcement.

· The applicant explains how monitoring and evaluation activities will be carried out and who will be responsible for them.

· Analysis of applicant’s selected indicators and how realistic/feasible are they to the project and what are the expected project results.

· The sustainability plan outlines how the proposed project will be sustained beyond the initial award period. Capacity development, new trainings, and any tools or methods must be sustainable and last beyond this initial investment.

Organizational Capacity and Record on Previous Grants - 15 points:

· The applicant demonstrates technical experience (e.g., has previously worked and/or has established contacts/partners) in the area of fiscal transparency.

· The applicant demonstrates access to local NGOs that could be mobilized to meet the unique needs of the project.

· The applicant includes letters of intent/commitment/agreement from proposed partners that detail concrete plans for partner involvement.

· The applicant demonstrates capacity for responsible fiscal management of donor funding (e.g., successful management of a previous grant or sub-award, single audit findings, exclusions, etc.).

Staff and Position Specifications -15 points:

· Pre-identified key staff members, including volunteers, demonstrate an understanding of the project and possess the technical skills appropriate for their role, including, where appropriate, experience and knowledge with fiscal transparency.

· The roles and qualifications of each key person, whether staff, partner, consultant, or volunteer, are described in a biographical sketch.

Budget Narrative - 15 points:

· The costs proposed are reasonable in relation to the proposed activities and anticipated results, which are clearly explained in the budget narrative.

· The budget provides details of calculations, including estimation methods, quantities, unit costs, and other similar quantitative detail sufficient for the calculation to be duplicated.

· The majority of the budget is spent on supporting the project participants/activities in country and includes costs dedicated to management, monitoring, and evaluation.

· Adequate travel costs are proposed using reasonable estimates of international and ground travel needs and costs.

· The budget demonstrates a reasonable cost per participant E.2 Review and Selection Process

The Department of State is committed to ensuring a competitive and standardized process for awarding funding. Applications will be screened initially in a Technical Eligibility Review stage to determine whether applicants meet the eligibility requirements outlined in section C and have submitted all required documents outlined in section D. Applications that do not meet these requirements will not advance beyond the Technical Eligibility Review stage and will be deemed ineligible for funding under this NOFO.

All applications that are deemed eligible will proceed to the Merit Review Panel consisting of U.S. Government subject matter and/or country-specific experts and will be rated on a 100-point scale. U.S. Embassy Banjul reserves the right to request the assistance of non-U.S. Government Subject Matter Experts (SMEs), if appropriate to the solicitation. Point values for individual elements of the application are presented Section E.1 Proposal Review Criteria. Merit Review Panel Reviewers’ ratings, and any resulting recommendations, are advisory. Merit Review Panel Reviewers may provide conditions and recommendations on applications to enhance the proposed project, which must be addressed by the applicant before further consideration of the award.

The Merit Review Panel’s recommendations may be subject to a final review and high-level approval at the discretion of the U.S. Embassy Banjul’s senior level official and will be influenced by whether the application meets the Department of State’s programmatic goals and objectives, how it supports the Department’s overarching foreign policy priorities, and the geographic distribution of the top-ranking applications. The decision for the final award determination rests with the Grants Officer.

F. FEDERAL AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION

F.1 Federal Award Notices

U.S. Embassy Banjul will provide a separate notification to applicants on the result of their applications. Successful applicants will receive a letter electronically via email requesting that the applicant respond to the Merit Review Panel’s conditions and recommendations. This notification is not an authorization to begin activities and does not constitute formal approval or a funding commitment.

Final approval is contingent on the applicant successfully responding to the review Merit Review Panel’s conditions and recommendations; being registered in required systems; and completing and providing any additional documentation requested by U.S. Embassy Banjul or the Grants Officer. Final approval is also contingent on Congressional Notification requirements being met and final review and approval by the U.S. Department of State’s warranted Grants Officer.

The notice of Federal award signed by the U.S. Department of State’s warranted Grants Officer is the sole authorizing document. The recipient may only start incurring program expenses beginning on the start date shown on the grant award document signed by the Grants Officer. If awarded, the notice of Federal award will be provided to the applicant’s Authorizing Designated Official via email to be electronically countersigned.

The Recipient must request payment under this award by completing form SF-270—Request for Advance or Reimbursement and submitting the form to the Grants Officer. Unless otherwise stipulated, the Recipient may request payments on a reimbursement or advance basis.

Advance payments must be limited to the minimum amounts needed and be timed to be in accordance with the actual, immediate cash requirements of the Recipient in carrying out the purpose of this award. The timing and amount of advance payments must be as close as is administratively feasible to the actual disbursements by the Recipient for direct program or project costs and the proportionate share of any allowable indirect costs.

F.2 Administrative and National Policy and Legal Requirements

U.S. Embassy Banjul requires all recipients of foreign assistance funding to comply with all applicable Department and Federal laws and regulations, including but not limited to the following:

The Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards set forth in 2 CFR Chapter 200 (Sub-Chapters A through F) shall apply to all non-Federal entities, except for assistance awards to Individuals and Foreign Public Entities. Sub-Chapters A through E shall apply to all foreign organizations, and Sub-Chapters A through D shall apply to all U.S. and foreign for-profit entities. The applicant/recipient of the award and any sub-recipient under the award must comply with all applicable terms and conditions, in addition to the assurance and certifications made part of the Notice of Award. The Department’s Standard Terms and Conditions can be viewed at https://www.state.gov/about-us-office-of-the-procurement-executive/.

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

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 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).

Additional requirements may be included depending on the content of the program.

F.3 Reporting Applicants should be aware that U.S. Embassy Banjul awards will require that all reports (financial and performance progress) be submitted via email to the Grants Officer and Grants Officer Representative on a quarterly basis. The Federal Financial Report (FFR or SF-425) is the required form for the financial reports. The performance progress reports must: include a narrative as described below; reflect the focus on measuring the project’s progress on the overarching objectives; and be compiled according to the objectives, outcomes, and outputs as outlined in the award’s Scope of Work (SOW) and in the Performance Monitoring & Evaluation Narrative and Plan (PMENP). An assessment of the overall project’s impact should be included in each performance progress report. Where relevant, performance progress reports should include the following sections:

· Relevant contextual information (limited);

· Explanation and evaluation of significant activities of the reporting period and how the activities reflect progress toward achieving objectives, including meeting benchmarks/targets as set in the SOW and PMENP;

· Any tangible impact or success stories from the project, when possible;

· Copy of mid-term and/or final evaluation report(s) conducted by an external evaluator; if applicable;

· Relevant supporting documentation or products related to the project activities (such as…