NOFO-English-Teaching-Program-in-Sikasso-tb2.pdf

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

U.S. EMBASSY BAMAKO

Notice of Funding Opportunity

This notice is subject to the availability of funding.

Funding Opportunity Title: American Center’s English Teaching Program

Funding Opportunity Number: 07052023/PDS/ASSF02

Deadline for Applications: August 5th, 2023

Total Amount Available: $25,000

1. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The U.S. Embassy Bamako announces an open competition for individuals and organizations to submit applications to carry out an English teaching program in Sikasso and Tombouctou regions of Mali.

The selected recipient for this award will be responsible for coordinating all logistics and operational aspects of this English teaching program, including recruitment of target audiences, curricula development, development of teaching materials, room reservations for classes, recruitment of English teachers, English placement tests, implementation of English classes, reporting, etc.

This English teaching program will last ten to twelve full months and will provide free English classes to the target audience of community leaders and/or youth aged 17-30 (male and female), are residents of either Timbuktu or Sikasso with a minimum of baccalaureate education level and who already speak some English (pre-intermediate and intermediate level) but need to raise their competency to a fluency that would allow them to participate in a fully English exchange program.

The program goals:

This award aims to promote the English language as an opportunity for economic growth for Malians and promote cultural exchanges between Malians and the United States.

Specific goals will include:

- Provide high quality English classes to at least a hundred qualified youth in the two regions of

Mali;

- Teach participants basic leadership skills.

- Provide participants with more English practice opportunities, including English conversations, movie screening and discussion, debates, etc.

- Include instruction about U.S. culture and values during classes to reinforce friendship, partnership, and mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of Mali.

- Facilitate program monitoring and evaluation activities.

Note: Since this is a Cooperative Agreement, meaning that the U.S. Embassy in Bamako will have substantial involvement in project’s implementation, arrangement will be made with recipient to facilitate sessions led by embassy personnel on available U.S. exchange programs and scholarships and how to apply for them.

Participants and Audiences:

The English teaching program will plan to target:

- Youth aged 17-30, with baccalaureate as their minimum education level, living either in

Sikasso or Tombouctou who already speak some English;

- Influential representatives of civil society organizations, who already speak some English, wishing to reach fluency level, from indicated Malian regions.

2. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION

Length of performance period: 12 months

Number of awards anticipated: 01

Award amounts: $25,000

Total available funding: $25,000

Type of Funding: FY2023 American Spaces Support Fund (ASSF)

Anticipated programs start date: Flexible, but no later than November 2023

This notice is subject to availability of funding.

Funding Instrument Type: Cooperative agreement. As this will be a cooperative agreement, U.S.

Embassy Bamako will have substantial involvement in this effort including approval of the participant selection process, program structure and content, and monitoring and evaluation plan.

Program Performance Period: All work under this cooperative agreement should be completed in

12 months or less. Applicants should allow enough time monitoring the English program activities to conduct meaningful follow-up and evaluation with the participants.

The Department of State will entertain applications for continuation grants funded under these awards beyond the initial budget period on a non-competitive basis subject to availability of funds, satisfactory progress of the program, and a determination that continued funding would be in the best interest of the U.S. Department of State.

3. ELIGILIBITY INFORMATION

3A. Eligible Applicants

For-profit or commercial entities are not eligible to apply. The Public Diplomacy Section encourages applications from:

• Individuals with significant experience in English teaching.

• U.S Higher Institution alumni and alumni from U.S. government exchange programs.

• Malian non-profit/nongovernmental organizations with significant experience in English teaching.

• Accredited public and private non-profit educational institutions.

3B. Cost Sharing and Matching:

No cost share is required for this award. Preference will be given to applicants that limit funding requests for organizations details and for technology equipment.

3C. Other Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible to receive an award, all organizations must have a Unique Entity Identification number

(UEI) as well as a valid registration on www.SAM.gov. Certain organizations can apply without these registrations and wait to be selected to register for them.

NOTE: Individuals are not required to have a Unique Entity Identification number or be registered in

SAM.gov.

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.

4. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

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.

4A. Content of Application: All applications must meet the below requirements to be eligible.

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

• All documents are in English, and budgets are in U.S. dollars.

• All proposals are submitted in Word Document or PDF format.

The following documents are required:

1. Mandatory application forms

• SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance – organizations) or SF-424-I (Application for Federal

Assistance --individuals)

• 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 application forms are available at https://www.grants.gov/forms/sf-424-family.html

2. Summary Page: Cover sheet stating the applicant’s name and organization, program title, program period proposed start and end date, and brief purpose of the program.

3. 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.

https://www.grants.gov/forms/sf-424-family.html

Proposal Summary: Short narrative that outlines the proposed program, including program objectives and anticipated impact.

Introduction to the Organization or Individual 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 timeframe 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?

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

4. 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. Applicants should budget for participants’ travel, food, room rental, logistics and telephone data costs, if applicable. Applicants should limit the amount of the budget allocated to equipment such as iPads and computers. See section H. Other

Information: Guidelines for Budget Submissions below for further information.

5. 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.

4B. Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM.gov)

Organizations selected for funding must already have or be able to get the below registrations.

All are free of charge.

NOTE: Individual persons do not need to register in these systems, only organizations must do this.

• Unique Entity Identification Number (UEI)

• NCAGE/CAGE Code

• SAM.gov Registration

Step 1: Apply for a UEI number and an NCAGE number (these can be completed simultaneously)

UEI 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 at SAM.gov |

Entity Registrations.

NCAGE application: Complete the application at https://eportal.nspa.nato.int/AC135Public/CageTool/request-new-cage

For NCAGE help from within the United States, call 1-888-227-2423

For NCAGE help from outside the United States, 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.

SAM.gov registration: Complete the registration at https://www.sam.gov. SAM registration must be renewed annually.

4C. Submission Instructions

Applications are due no later than August 5, 2023 to PASBamako@state.gov. Only electronic submissions will be accepted.

4D. Funding Restrictions

Award funds may not be used for construction projects, vehicle purchases, or the purchase of alcohol. Other restrictions may apply.

5. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

https://sam.gov/content/entity-registration https://sam.gov/content/entity-registration https://eportal.nspa.nato.int/AC135Public/CageTool/request-new-cage

5A. Criteria

Each application will be evaluated and rated based on the evaluation criteria outlined below. The criteria listed are considered collectively in judging the overall quality of an application.

• Quality and Feasibility of the Program Idea: 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: 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: Goals and objectives are clearly stated, and program approach is likely to provide maximum impact in achieving the proposed results.

• Budget: 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: Applicant demonstrates it can 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.

• Sustainability: Program activities will continue to have positive impact after the end of the program.

5B. Review and Selection Process

A review committee will evaluate all eligible applications in mid-August 2023.

5C. Anticipated Announcement and Federal Award Date: end of August 2023.

6. FEDERAL AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION

6A. Federal Award Notices

The grant award or cooperative agreement will be written, signed, awarded, and administered by the

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

Payments will be made in at least two installments, as needed to carry out the program activities.

Organizations whose applications will not be funded will also be notified via email.

6B. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

Before applying, 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.

Terms and Conditions: Before applying, applicants should review all the terms.

and conditions and required certifications that 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.state.gov/about-us-office-of-the-procurement-executive/

• Note the U.S flag branding and marking requirements in the Standard Terms and Conditions.

6C. 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.

6D. Foreign Assistance Data Review: As required by Congress, the Department of State must make progress in its efforts to improve tracking and reporting of foreign assistance data through the Foreign

Assistance Data Review (FADR). The FADR requires tracking of foreign assistance activity data from budgeting, planning, and allocation through obligation and disbursement. Successful applicants will be required to report and draw down federal funding based on the appropriate FADR Data Elements, indicated within their award documentation. In cases of more than one FADR Data Element, typically program or sector and/or regions or country, the successful applicant will be required to maintain separate accounting records.

7. FEDERAL AWARDING AGENCY CONTACTS

If you have any questions about the grant application process, please contact PASBamako@state.gov.

Please note that we will also provide a virtual information session on Zoom on July 25, 2023, at

10h00 for all organizations and individuals wishing to apply for this award. Click on the below

Zoom link to join the meeting on July 25, 2023.

Topic: Info-session on American Center's English Teaching Program

Time: Jul 25, 2023 09:30 AM Greenwich Mean Time

Join ZoomGov Meeting:

https://statedept.zoomgov.com/j/1616247804?pwd=bUZPQy9FYWpPTVJyaTVDOW1kd09wUT09

Meeting ID: 161 624 7804

Passcode: 798752

8. OTHER INFORMATION

Guidelines for Budget Justification https://www.state.gov/about-us-office-of-the-procurement-executive/ https://www.state.gov/about-us-office-of-the-procurement-executive/ https://statedept.zoomgov.com/j/1616247804?pwd=bUZPQy9FYWpPTVJyaTVDOW1kd09wUT09

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.

The Public Diplomacy Office will confirm receipt of your application via the email address provided on your submission package within 10 business days. If you have not heard from us within that timeframe, please feel free to ask for confirmation of receipt via PASBamako@state.gov. Due to the large number of proposals, we receive, we are unable to provide individualized feedback on proposals.