NOFO - Community Radio Expanding Awareness To Inhibit Violent Extremism (CREATIVE).docx

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

U.S. EMBASSY NAIROBI

Notice of Funding Opportunity

SAM.gov registration (www.sam.gov) is required in order to receive a federal assistance award. See the Proposal submission instructions (PSI) for more information.

All applicants must provide a Unique Entity Identifier, or Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS), when submitting an application (or show that application for a DUNS number has been completed). Applicants that do not have or obtain a valid DUNS number may be considered ineligible.

A. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi announces an open competition for organizations to submit applications to design and implement an innovative program to use community radio to build resilience, trust, and narratives to counter violent extremism on the Kenyan coast.

The project will be implemented in two phases. The first phase will train and build capacity for up to 15 community radio stations to include journalist training on investigating and reporting, media responsibilities, and providing unbiased, factual information. The second phase will focus on content creation for journalists and audiences fostering dialogue, engagement, and broadcast of these conversations, including as town halls. Applicants should describe how they will select the 15 community radio stations in their proposal.

The project supports the Embassy’s strategic goal of strengthening resilience in at-risk populations and supporting peace. To build ties to ongoing embassy initiatives and foster sustainability, program proposals should include U.S. exchange program alumni and the American Space libraries in Mombasa and Lamu. Ideal partners include organizations with experience countering violent extremism on the Kenyan coast. At least 5% of the full award amount should be allocated to third-party monitoring and evaluation, to include feedback from the community radio journalists and listeners.

Priority Region: Kenyan coast

Program Objectives:

The project implementers will identify radio stations on the Kenyan coast, empower their journalists through trainings, enhance effective radio programming and coverage of violent extremism-related issues, and equip them with modern equipment to support long-term viability.

The objectives of the program will include:

1. Through training, increase confidence, skills, and willingness among coastal community radio journalists and producers to cover stories on violent extremism and recruitment within their communities.

1. Support selected radio stations to produce regular news radio programs providing information from local government and other sources on individual’s legal rights and recourses.

1. Expand the reach of news radio programs generated through this program using the American Space libraries in Mombasa and Lamu, town halls, social media, and other creative means.

1. Equip up to 15 community radio stations with modern recording and broadcasting equipment to ensure their viability.

1. Create long-term partnerships between community leaders countering violent extremism and community radio stations, strengthening both groups.

Participants and Audiences:

The priority region for this project is the Kenyan coast, and the program should include up to 15 radio stations that reach audiences of at-risk communities and sub-regions.

B. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION

This notice is subject to availability of funding.

C. ELIGILIBITY INFORMATION

1. Eligible Applicants The following organizations are eligible to apply: U.S.-based non-profit/non-governmental organizations (NGOs) meeting the provisions described in Internal Revenue Code section 26 USC 501(c) (3); overseas (Kenyan) not-for-profit organizations and civil society/non-governmental organizations.

2. Cost Sharing or matching is not required.

3. Prior experience working on countering violent extremism in Kenya is an added advantage.

4. Prior experience working on radio programs is an added advantage.

5. Other Eligibility Requirements In order to be eligible to receive an award, all organizations must have a unique entity identifier (Data Universal Numbering System/DUNS number from Dun & Bradstreet), as well as a valid registration on www.SAM.gov. Please see Section D.3 for information on how to obtain these registrations.

Applicants are only allowed to submit one proposal per organization. If more than one proposal is submitted from an organization, all proposals from that institution will be considered ineligible for funding.

D. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

1. Address to Request Application Package Application forms required below are available at www.ke.usembassy.gov and www.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.

Please ensure:

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

· All documents are in English

· All budgets are in U.S. dollars

· All pages are numbered

· All documents are formatted to either 8 ½ x 11 or A4-sized paper, and

· All Microsoft Word documents are single-spaced, 12 point Times New Roman font, with a minimum of 1-inch margins

The following documents are required:

a) Mandatory application forms

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

· SF424A (Budget Information for Non-Construction programs)

· SF424B (Assurances for Non-Construction programs)

b) Summary Page: Cover sheet stating the applicant name and organization, proposal date, program title, program period proposed start and end date, and brief purpose of the program.

c) Proposal (10 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.

· Introduction to the Organization applying: 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.

· Problem Statement: Clear, concise, and well-supported statement of the problem to be addressed and why the proposed program is needed.

· Program Goals and Objectives: The “goals” describe what the program is intended to achieve. The “objectives” refer to the intermediate accomplishments on the way to the goals. These should be achievable and measurable.

· Program Activities: Describe the program activities and how they will help achieve the objectives.

· Program Methods and Design: A description of how the program is expected to work to solve the stated problem and achieve the goal. Include a logic model as appropriate.

· Proposed 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. What proportion of their time will be used in support of this program?

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

· Program Monitoring and Evaluation Plan: This is an important part of successful grants. Throughout the time-frame of the grant, how will the activities be monitored to ensure they are happening in a timely manner, and how will the program be evaluated to make sure it is meeting the goals of the grant? The project supports the Embassy’s strategic goal of strengthening resilience in at-risk populations and supporting peace. To build ties to ongoing embassy initiatives and foster sustainability, program proposals should include U.S. exchange program alumni and the American Space libraries in Mombasa and Lamu. Ideal partners include organizations with experience countering violent extremism on the Kenyan coast. At least 5% of the full award amount should be allocated to third-party monitoring and evaluation, to include feedback from the community radio journalists and listeners.

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

d) Budget Justification Narrative: After filling out the SF-424A Budget (above), use a separate sheet of paper to describe each of the budget expenses in detail. See section H. Other Information: Guidelines for Budget Submissions below for further information.

e) Attachments:

· 1-page CV or resume of key personnel who are proposed for the program

· Letters of support from program partners describing the roles and responsibilities of each partner

· If your organization has a Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA) and includes NICRA charges in the budget, your latest NICRA should be included as a PDF file

· Official permission letters, if required for program activities

f) Unique Entity Identifier/DUNS number and System for Award Management (SAM.gov) registration.

3. Required Registrations:

Any applicant listed on the Excluded Parties List System (EPLS) 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.” Additionally, no entity listed on the EPLS can participate in any activities under an award. All applicants are strongly encouraged to review the EPLS in SAM to ensure that no ineligible entity is included.

All organizations applying for grants must obtain these registrations. All are free of charge:

· Unique entity identifier from Dun & Bradstreet (DUNS number)

· NCAGE/CAGE code

· www.SAM.gov registration Step 1: Apply for a DUNS number and an NCAGE number (these can be completed simultaneously) DUNS application: Organizations must have a Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number from Dun & Bradstreet. If your organization does not have one already, you may obtain one by calling 1-866-705-5711 or visiting http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform 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. SAM registration must be renewed annually.

4. Submission Dates and Times Applications are due no later than July 26, 2019.

5. Funding Restrictions Funds must be used for activities based in Kenya.

6. Other Submission Requirements All application materials must be submitted by email to nairobipas@state.gov

E. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

1. Evaluation Criteria and Weighting Each application will be evaluated and rated on a 100-point scale on the basis of the evaluation criteria outlined below.

Quality and Feasibility of the Program Idea – 30 points: The program idea is well developed, with detail about how program activities will be carried out. The proposal includes a reasonable implementation timeline.

Organizational Capacity and Record on Previous Grants – 25 points: The organization has expertise in its stated field and has the internal controls in place to manage federal funds. This includes a financial management system and a bank account.

Program Planning/Ability to Achieve Objectives – 20 points: Goals and objectives are clearly stated and program approach is likely to provide maximum impact in achieving the proposed results. The impact is sustainable and likely to continue in the long term after the grant period and funding have ended.

Budget – 10 points: The budget justification is detailed. Costs are reasonable in relation to the proposed activities and anticipated results. The budget is realistic, accounting for all necessary expenses to achieve proposed activities.

Monitoring and evaluation plan – 15 points: Applicant demonstrates it is able to measure program success against key indicators and provides milestones to indicate progress toward goals outlined in the proposal. The program includes output and outcome indicators, and shows how and when those will be measured.

2. Review and Selection Process A Grants Review Committee will evaluate all eligible applications.

3. 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 acquisition threshold on any Federal award under a notice of funding opportunity may include, over the period of performance (see §200.88 Simplified Acquisition Threshold), this section must also inform applicants:

i) That the Federal awarding agency, prior to making a Federal award with a total amount of Federal share greater than the simplified acquisition threshold, is required to review and consider any information about the applicant that is in the designated integrity and performance system accessible through SAM (currently FAPIIS) (see 41 U.S.C. 2313);

ii) That an applicant, at its option, may review information in the designated integrity and performance systems accessible through SAM and comment on any information about itself that a Federal awarding agency previously entered and is currently in the designated integrity and performance system accessible through SAM;

iii) That the Federal awarding agency will consider any comments by the applicant, in addition to the other information in the designated integrity and performance system, in making a judgment about the applicant's integrity, business ethics, and record of performance under Federal awards when completing the review of risk posed by applicants as described in §200.205 Federal awarding agency review of risk posed by applicants.

F. FEDERAL AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION

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

If a proposal is selected for funding, the Department of State has no obligation to provide any additional future funding. Renewal of an award to increase funding or extend the period of performance is at the discretion of the Department of State.

Issuance of this NOFO does not constitute an award commitment on the part of the U.S. government, nor does it commit the U.S. government to pay for costs incurred in the preparation and submission of proposals. Further, the U.S. government reserves the right to reject any or all proposals received.

2. Payment Method The Standard Form (SF) 270 Request for Advance or Reimbursement Payments may be requested in the amounts required by the recipient to carry out the purpose of this award. The SF-270 must be certified by the appropriate person, numbered consecutively and identified for the period which payment is claimed. Each payment must be the amount of expenditures anticipated or actually incurred during the requested period less any unexpended funds remaining from prior payments. Recipients should request funds based on immediate disbursement requirements and disburse funds as soon as possible to minimize the Federal cash on hand in accordance with the policies established by the U.S. Treasury Department and mandated by the OMB Circulars. This information must be reflected on the SF-270 submitted for payment.

Send payment requests to the Grants Officer and Grants Officer Representative as designated in the grant file. Requests for payments must be submitted in sufficient time to allow at least ten (10) working days for processing.

An initial advance of 50% will be made within 30 days of grant notification to the grantee. Subsequent payments will be issued following approval of activities by the Grants Officer to be outlined in the grant.

Approval of payment requests will be based on the Recipient’s progress towards achieving the award objectives, the amount of unexpended cash on-hand as reported in the SF-425 and SF-270, and the Recipient’s adherence to the terms and conditions of the award, particularly in terms of timely submission of required financial, program and other reports. Delinquency in submitting reports may result in payment delays.

2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements/Terms and Conditions Before submitting an application, applicants should review all the terms and conditions and required certifications which will apply to this award, to ensure that they will be able to comply. These include: 2 CFR 200, 2 CFR 600, Certifications and Assurances, and the Department of State Standard Terms and Conditions, all of which are available at: https://www.statebuy.state.gov/fa/pages/home.aspx Note the U.S Flag branding and marking requirements in the Standard Terms and Conditions.

3. Reporting Requirements Recipients will be required to submit financial reports and program reports. The award document will specify how often these reports must be submitted. Reports will include a comparison of actual accomplishments to the objectives of the grant established for the period, costs related to accomplishments (if/as appropriate), trend data analysis (if/as appropriate); an explanation for why established goals were not met, if appropriate; and any additional pertinent information, including, when appropriate, analysis and explanation of cost overruns or high unit costs.

Applicants should be aware of the post award reporting requirements reflected in 2 CFR 200 Appendix XII—Award Term and Condition for Recipient Integrity and Performance Matters.

G. FEDERAL AWARDING AGENCY CONTACTS

If you have any questions about this grant application process, please contact: nairobipas@state.gov.

H. GUIDELINES FOR BUDGET JUSTIFICATION

Personnel and Fringe Benefits: Describe the wages, salaries, and benefits of temporary or permanent staff who will be working directly for the applicant on the program, and the percentage of their time that will be spent on the program.

Travel: Estimate the costs of travel and per diem for this program, for program staff, consultants or speakers, and participants/beneficiaries. If the program involves international travel, include a brief statement of justification for that travel.

Equipment: Describe any machinery, furniture, or other personal property that is required for the program, which has a useful life of more than one year (or a life longer than the duration of the program), and costs at least $5,000 per unit.

Supplies: List and describe all the items and materials, including any computer devices, that are needed for the program. If an item costs more than $5,000 per unit, then put it in the budget under Equipment.

Contractual: Describe goods and services that the applicant plans to acquire through a contract with a vendor. Also describe any sub-awards to non-profit partners that will help carry out the program activities.

Other Direct Costs: Describe other costs directly associated with the program, which do not fit in the other categories. For example, shipping costs for materials and equipment or applicable taxes. All “Other” or “Miscellaneous” expenses must be itemized and explained.

Indirect Costs: These are costs that cannot be linked directly to the program activities, such as overhead costs needed to help keep the organization operating. If your organization has a Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate (NICRA) and includes NICRA charges in the budget, attach a copy of your latest NICRA. Organizations that have never had a NICRA may request indirect costs of 10% of the modified total direct costs as defined in 2 CFR 200.68.

Cost Sharing: Cost sharing refers to contributions from the organization or other entities other than the U.S. Embassy. It also includes in-kind contributions such as volunteers’ time and donated venues.

Alcoholic Beverages: Please note that award funds cannot be used for alcoholic beverages.