NOFO DFOP0017298 Q+A 2 revised 7.18.pdf

Funding Opportunity Title: Counter ISIS Ideologies in Returnee Populations from Northeast Syria

Funding Opportunity Number: DFOP0017298

Deadline for Applications: 4 August 2025, at 11:59pm EST

Assistance Listing Number: 19.701

Deadline for Receipt of Questions: 3 July 2025, 5:00pm EST

Submission to: Cheyenne Arbogast at ArbogastC@state.gov

Note: if anything in the Q+A conflicts with the NOFO, please abide by the

NOFO requirements.

- Ex: The first set of Q+A mistakenly said Times New Roman font, but the

NOFO states Calibri. You should use Calibri

Question 1:

PMP question: While we understand the requirement to include at least three CT indicators, and preferably to include one outcome-level indicator, we noticed that the majority of the indicators listed in the PMP How-To

Guide appear to be heavily focused on prosecutions, investigations, use of equipment, and border security support. These seem less directly applicable to the core objectives of the NOFO. Could you kindly confirm whether this indicator list is final and exhaustive, or if there is flexibility to adapt or propose additional outcome indicators that are more aligned with the objectives of this NOFO? Will additional indicator guidance be provided, or do you recommend supplementing this annex with appropriate custom indicators based on our proposed theory of change?

Answer 1:

mailto:ArbogastC@state.gov

The indicators provided in the “how to” guide are examples. You may use them if you wish, however if you feel they do not apply you should create your own. Section III of the “how to” guide is simply a sample to show you the kind of information we are looking for.

For Annex II, you should use at least 3 of the CT indicators listed there. These include things like course materials, participants trained, training events held, partnerships established, etc. You should adapt the disaggregate or equipment type to the intended program in the NOFO.

Question 2:

1. Audit: Pages 11-12 of the NOFO includes a section entitled “Audits”, which indicates that:

• Applicants should include a copy of their organization’s most recent audit (single or program audit if applicable), an annual external audit or audited financial statements when an audit has not been conducted, and

• The applicant’s proposal may include the cost of an audit that complies with the requirements of 2 CFR 200 Subpart F “Audit Requirements”.

It is our understanding that an applicant who is a for-profit holding a

Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA) does not need to submit a copy of its most recent audit with its application and does not need to include the cost of an audit in their application due to the requirements outlined in 2 CFR 200. Our understanding is based on the audit requirements of 2 CFR 200 Subpart F being applicable to non-Federal entities, which pursuant to 2 CFR 200.1 does not include for-profit organizations.

Accordingly, can the Department of State please confirm that for-profit applicants may disregard the requirements and instructions outlined on pages 11-12 of the NOFO under “Audits”?

Answer 2:

The audit requirement applies to all entities except for For Profit Entities

(FPEs). A FPE may submit an audit on a volunteer basis.

Question 3:

Can you clarify the evaluation criteria for the proposed “contingency plan” as noted under cost effectiveness? Does this mean that organizations that propose budgets under the award amount ceiling are viewed/evaluated more favorably?

Question 3:

No, you should provide a budget that matches the available funds. The contingency plan refers to what actions you will take if you encounter delays.

A few examples of what you would need contingency plans for are a global pandemic, supply chain issues, conflict in the region that prevents programming, etc.

Question 4:

Can you clarify that Key Personnel are evaluated as part of the organizational capacity criteria?

Answer 4:

Yes, Key personnel are evaluated under the organizational capacity criteria.

Question 5:

Regarding submission of an audit, will it be sufficient if we share the last audit covering the organization globally?

Answer 5:

Yes.

Question 6: What balance should there be between in-camp and out of camp activities?

Answer 6:

There is no set amount for in-camp versus out of camp activities. The program should focus on providing Al-Amal staff and service workers, Government of Iraq personnel, and community leaders with the tools and techniques needed to identify signs of radicalization within Iraqis returning from northeast Syria. The program should also focus on providing Al-Amal staff and service workers, GOI personnel, and community leaders with the tools and techniques needed to reintegrate returnees into local communities.

Question 7: Should the Key Personnel section within the proposal duplicate information included in the one-page CVs?

Answer 7: The Key Personnel section is designed to highlight the relevant experience and knowledge of those planning to be involved if your proposal is accepted. The CVs should provide more information and background of the individual. The experience of the key personnel factors into the assessment of proposals, however since you must include the key personnel section within your proposal, you are able to attach the CVs for supplemental information.

Question 8: What extent may the Proposal refer to the attachments?

Answer 8: You may refer to your proposals as much as required. However please note the NOFO lists out exactly what is required in the 12-page proposal versus as an attachment.

Question 9: The Outcomes refer to a December 2027 end-date. Should this be considered the impact reached following the 24-month period starting

October 1, 2025?

Answer 9: Yes - the outcomes are what should be completed by the end of the project.

Question 10: Should the Logical Framework be included in the 12 pages of the proposal or as an attachment as it has been in past NOFOs?

Answer 10: Please refer to Question/ Answer 6 in the first Q+A document.