NOFO FINAL 7.1.pdf

United States Department of State

Bureau of African Affairs

Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO): Capacity Building and Business Capital for the African Women’s Entrepreneurship Program

Funding Opportunity Number: DFOP0016734

Assistance Listing Number: 19.989

Solicitation Type: Open Competition

Award Type: Grant

Funding Floor (if applicable): $ $1,627,725

Funding Ceiling: $1,627,725

Funding Authority: Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended (FAA). Economic support funds.

Cost Sharing: Not Required

Number of Awards: 1 award

Period of Performance: 24 months

Application Deadline: 11:59 PM EST on August 6, 2024

Question Submission Deadline: 11:59 PM EST by July 24, 2024

Notification of Recommendation for Funding: 11:59 PM EST on August 26, 2024

Application Submission: Electronic

Eligible Applicants: U.S.-based non-profit/non-governmental organizations with

501(c) (3) status of the U.S. tax code and U.S.-based private, public, or state institutions of higher education.

Number of Applications: 1 per applicant organization.

Table of Contents

Section A: Funding Opportunity Description

A.1. Background

A.2. Problem Statement

A.3. Project Goal

A.4. Objectives

A.5. Expected Outcomes

A.6. Performance Indicators

A.7. Key Considerations

A.8. Substantial Involvement (if applicable) ............... Error! Bookmark not defined.

Section B: Federal Award Information

B.1. Available Funding

B.2. Award Management

Section C. Eligibility Information

C.1. Eligible Applicants: ............................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.

C.2. Cost-Sharing or Matching

C.3. Other Eligibility Criteria

Section D: Application and Submission Information

D.1. Address to request Application Package

D.2. Content and Form of Application Submission

D.3. Unique entity identifier (UEI) and System for Award Management (sam.gov)

D.3.1 Exemptions

D.4. Submission Dates and Times

D.5. Funding Limitations, Restrictions, and Other Considerations

Section E: Application Review Information

E1. Proposal Review Criteria

E.2. Review and Selection Process

E.3. Responsibility/Qualification Information in SAM.gov (formerly FAPIIS)

Section F: Federal Award Administration Information

F.1. Federal Award Notices

F.2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

F.3. Reporting

Section G: Federal Awarding Agency Contact

G.1. Contacts

G.2. Question Submission Deadline

Section H: Other information

H.1. Conflict of Interest

H.2. Freedom of Information Act

H.3. Marking Policy

H.5. Monitoring Site Visits

H.6. Privacy Disclosure

H.7. Mandatory disclosures (2 CFR 200.113)

H.8. Background Information on BUREAU

SECTION A: FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

A.1. Background

The U.S. Department of State, Bureau of African Affairs announces an open competition for organizations (see eligibility information in C.1) interested in submitting an application to implement a project aimed at providing capacity building, technical assistance, and business grants to African women entrepreneurs as part of the relaunch of the African Women’s Entrepreneurship

Program (AWEP). There are over 30 AWEP chapters on the African continent, and each chapter has a membership pool of women entrepreneurs that belong to the

AWEP initiative.

This funding opportunity aims to support the export capacity of African women owned businesses by offering capacity-building and technical assistance trainings to the AWEP membership pool, which can be done in person, such as through the hosting of regional workshops where AWEP women would travel to participate in the training in one of Africa’s four sub-Saharan regions (pictured below), or it can be delivered virtually to all AWEP members with access to a computer and the internet. Should the applicant opt to provide in-person services, then the applicant would select one country each of the following regions: West Africa, Central Africa, East Africa, Southern Africa to deliver services.

The funding opportunity also aims to support the growth of African women owned businesses through the provision of business grants to the AWEP membership pool via a competitive process. The project aligns with the following strategies and objectives:

• U.S. Department of State Commercial Diplomacy Strategy for Sub-Saharan Africa: Improve the Sourcing, Promotion and Facilitation of two-way trade;

Support the growth of African entrepreneurs and micro, small and medium sized businesses (MSMEs) with interagency partners; Promote U.S.

interests in and support for economic sectors that are critical to Africa’s economic growth.

• State-USAID Joint Regional Strategy for Africa: Increase mutually beneficial economic growth, trade, and investment; Build Africa’s resilience to meet post-pandemic challenges and promote inclusive development.

• U.S. Strategy on Global Women’s Economic Security: Promoting Economic Competitiveness through Well-paying, Quality Jobs; Promoting Entrepreneurship and Financial and Digital Inclusion, Including Through Trade and Investment; Dismantling Systemic Barriers to Women’s Participation in the Economy.

This funding opportunity seeks an implementing partner that could offer capacity building either online or in a central location and small grants to participating

AWEP members from the following countries:

Benin

Botswana

Cameroon

Cape Verde

Chad

Comoros

Cote d'Ivoire

Dem. Republic Congo

Ethiopia

Gabon

Ghana

Guinea

Kenya

Lesotho

Liberia

Madagascar

Malawi

Mauritania

Mali

Mauritius

Mozambique

Namibia

Niger

Nigeria

Rwanda

Senegal

Sierra Leone

South Africa

Sudan

Tanzania

The Gambia

Togo

Uganda

Zambia

Zimbabwe

A.2. Problem Statement

The Bureau of African Affairs seeks to address the underrepresentation of African women owned businesses in international trade, and specifically trade with the

United States under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).

Women make up more than 50 percent of Africa’s population, own over 60 percent of the Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) in Africa, but generate, on average, 34 percent less profit than their male counterparts according to a 2019 World Bank study. Women-owned businesses are also less likely to export than men, with an International Trade Centre survey finding only

20 percent of exporting companies world-wide are women-owned or women-led.

Women need access to capacity building and business capital to grow their businesses and to export. Increasing the growth, profitability and export readiness of African women-owned businesses is key to unlocking economic growth on the continent.

A.3. Project Goal

This project intends to directly address the underrepresentation and underfunding of African women owned businesses in trade by providing capacity-building and access to capital to the AWEP membership pool. The goal of the project is to enable more women to export to the United States and to export under AGOA specifically.

A.4. Objectives

Objective 1: Plan and execute interactive capacity building sessions/webinars/workshops for the AWEP membership pool on exporting to the

United States under AGOA to include the below topics in red, and preferably as many of the other topics as possible.

Sessions can take place either online or in person but are limited to 40-100 AWEP participants at a time when in person. Sessions should include relevant subject matter experts to guide the participants on how to overcome, meet, or navigate the specific challenges of the topic. Ideally, the sessions would include enough information and handout documents and/or websites so that the participants can follow up and access the information when needed.

• Accessing Financing

• AGOA standards

• AgriTech

• Attracting Investment

• Branding and Packaging

• Brokering Business-to- Business Linkages

• Business Competitiveness

• E-Commerce

• Financial Services

• Food Storage

• Franchising Fundamentals

• Intellectual Property

• International Certifications

• IT/Tech/ Digitalization Training (&websites)

• Leveraging Private Sector Resources

• Licensing and Permits

• Logistics

• Machinery Market Access

• Non-Agriculture Standards

• Payments Systems

• Profitability

• Rules of Origin

• Sanitary/Phytos anitary Standards

• Strategies & Data

• Supply Chain Management

Objective 2: Provide $15,000 - $50,000 grants through a competitive process, using a portion of the award funding (approximately $600,000), for participants who have successfully completed the capacity-building program. The time frame for the grants competition would span the duration of the performance period

(24 months). The grantees would be required to use the grant funding for a purpose related to exporting, such as the purchase of machinery to increase production of a product to meet minimum volumes for export requirement. The grantees and the use of the funding would be subject to approval by the Bureau of African Affairs.

A.5. Expected Outcomes

1. The capacity-building program should equip the participants with the tools, knowledge and resources to export to the United States under AGOA.

2. The business grants should equip AWEP members with enough capital to grow their business and increase their ability/capacity to export.

A.6. Performance Indicators

Indicator Source Target Outcome/Results

Number of AWEP participants in each capacity building session

Attendance Document

40-100 At least 75% of the chapter participation

Number of AWEP participants that self report as non export ready prior to capacity building and that report as export ready following capacity building

Surveys taken before the sessions

40-100 80% export readiness following the sessions

Number of Capacity- Building Topics Covered From List

Capacity Building Session Agenda

3-25 4-25

Number of Capacity Building Sessions (Virtual or In person)

Program Plan/ Application

4-20 (depending on format)

Depends on format

Number of Grants Awarded

Grants competition Results

25-50 25-50 grants are ideal

A.7. Key Considerations

The ability to provide language interpretation of the sessions in French and

Portuguese languages in addition to English is a special consideration.

SECTION B: FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION

B.1. Available Funding

This notice is subject to availability of funding.

Applicants can submit one (1) application in response to the NOFO. Organizations may form a consortium and submit a combined proposal. However, only one organization must be designated as the lead applicant, with the remaining organizations designated sub-awardees. The lead applicant must meet the eligibility criteria listed in the NOFO.

The Department of State reserves the right to (a) fund any or none of the applications received; (b) reserves the right to reduce, revise, or increase the budget in accordance with bureau proprieties and the availability of funds.

Therefore, each initial application should contain the applicant's best terms from a cost and technical standpoint.

B.2. Award Management

The successful applicant will need to routinely collaborate with the Bureau of

African Affairs through regular meetings and conference calls to discuss progress, challenges, emerging topics, etc. The successful applicant must ensure that all funds are used in a manner consistent with any applicable restrictions on funding. See D5 below for funding restrictions.

The project aims to partner with an organization that can offer capacity building and technical assistance in the areas listed in section A.4 as well as offer grants through a competitive process, using a portion of the award funding ($600,000), for participants who have successfully completed the capacity-building program.

The grantees would be required to use the grant funding for a purpose related to exporting, such as the purchase of machinery to increase production of a product to meet minimum volumes for export requirement.

SECTION C. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

C.1. Eligible Applicants:

See eligibility category on page 1 of this NOFO.

C.2. Cost-Sharing or Matching

The non-Federal share of costs, frequently called “cost share” or “matching costs”, refers to that portion of the project or program costs not borne by the

Federal Government. This may include cash and third-party in-kind contributions.

These costs must reflect the realistic capacity of the applicants and any third-party contributors.

Providing cost sharing, matching or cost participation is not an eligibility factor or requirement for this NOFO. Per 2 CFR §200.306. Items that are proposed for voluntary cost share must be allowable per 2 CFR §200, Subpart E—Cost

Principles.

C.3. Other Eligibility Criteria

If an applicant opts to conduct in-person services, the applicant must have existing, or the capacity to develop, active partnerships, local in-country partners, entities, and relevant stakeholders and have demonstrable experience in administering successful and preferably similar projects.

Any applicant listed on the Excluded Parties List System (EPLS) in the System for

Award Management (sam.gov) 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 https://sam.gov/ https://sam.gov/ participate in any activities under an award. All applicants are strongly encouraged to review the EPLS in sam.gov to ensure that no ineligible entity is included.

SECTION D: APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

D.1. Address to request Application Package

Applicants can find application forms, kits, or other materials needed to apply on grants.gov under the “announcement title” and Funding Opportunity

Number (see page 1 or cover page).

Please contact the Bureau of African Affairs 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

Proposals packages must adhere to the attached Proposal Submission

Instructions (PSI). Proposal submissions that do not meet all the requirements outlined in this NOFO and the PSI will be deemed technically ineligible. To ensure that all applications receive a balanced evaluation, the review panel will review from the first page of each section up to the page limit and no further.

Complete applications must include the following:

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

(OPTIONAL but strongly encourage for FPE/PIOs)

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 http://www.grants.gov/

4. Proposal Narrative

5. Budget Documents (2- component submission requirement, detailed budget and corresponding budget narrative)

6. Program Monitoring and Evaluation Narrative and Plan

7. Key Personnel

8. Timeline

9. Gender and Inclusion Analysis

10. Attachments, (if applicable):

• Official permission letters, if required for project activities

D.3. Unique entity identifier (UEI) and System for Award Management (sam.gov)

The Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) is one of the data elements mandated by Public

Law 109-282, the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act (FFATA), for all Federal awards. www.sam.gov is the Federal government's primary database for complying with FFATA reporting requirements. OMB designated www.sam.gov as the central repository to facilitate applicant and recipient use of a single public website that consolidates data on all federal financial assistance. Under the law, it is mandatory to obtain a UEI number and register in sam.gov before submitting an application. The Bureau of African Affairs may not review applications from applicants that have not completed all applicable

UEI and SAM.gov requirements.

The 2 CFR 200 requires that sub-recipient organizations (or implementing partners) obtain a UEI number. Please note the UEI for sub-recipients is not required at the time of application but will be required before the award is processed and/or directed to a sub-grantee. UEI is assigned by sam.gov assigned to organizations that must register/or renew their sam.gov registration.

Note: The process of obtaining a sam.gov registration may take anywhere from

4-8 weeks. Please begin your registration as early as possible. Numerous errors require correction, such as an address mismatch, and can delay final registration.

http://www.sam.gov/ http://www.sam.gov/ http://www.sam.gov/ http://www.sam.gov/

If the application is not corrected within 90 calendar days of original registration/or renewal submission, it will be automatically deleted and the organization will need to re-start the process.

• Organizations based outside of the United States and do not pay employees within the United States do not need an EIN from the IRS, but do need a UEI number prior to registering in sam.gov. Please note that as of November 2022, organizations based outside of the United States that do not intend to apply for U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) awards are

NO LONGER required to have a NATO CAGE (NCAGE).

Note: SAM.gov is not the same as MyGrants. It is free to register in both systems, but the registration processes are different.

Information is included on the SAM.gov website to help international registrations: Please note, guidance on SAM.gov and the guidance on GSA’s website about requirement for registering in SAM.gov is subject to change and currently being updated. Applicants should review the website frequently for the most up-to-date guidance.

Any content shown on SAM.gov is not owned by the Department of State. This guidance and instructions in this NOFO are to the best of our knowledge based at the time of posting this solicitation. Where guidance differs, SAM.gov prevails and the applicant is encouraged to seek and document clarity provided by the

SAM.gov helpdesk.

D.3.1 Exemptions

An exemption from these requirements may be permitted under the following circumstances:

• Recipient is a foreign organization receiving an award that will be performed outside the United States valued at less than $25,000, if the

Grants Officer deems it to be impractical for the entity to obtain a UEI or register in SAM.gov.

• The recipient is an overseas school and does not currently have a UEI number.

• The award relates to a classified or national security matter.

• The recipient’s identity must be protected due to possible endangerment of their mission, their organization’s status, their employees, or the beneficiary being served by the recipient.

• There are exigent circumstances that prohibit the recipient from receiving a

UEI and completing SAM registration prior to receiving the award. These circumstances are identified in the justification below and the recipient will be required to register within 30 days of the award date in accordance with

2 CFR 25.

Organizations requesting exemption from UEI or sam.gov requirements must email the point of contact listed in the NOFO at least two weeks prior to the deadline in the NOFO providing a justification of their request. Approval for a

SAM.gov exemption must come from the warranted Grants Officer before the application can be deemed eligible for review.

D.4. Submission Dates and Times

Applications are due no later than 11:59 PM Eastern Standard Time (EST), by deadline stated on page 1 of this NOFO and on grants.gov .

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

It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that it has an active registration in grants.gov and that an application has been received by the system in its entirety. Grants.gov automatically logs the date and time an application submission is made, and the Department of State will use this information to https://www.grants.gov/ determine whether an application has been submitted on time. Late applications are neither reviewed nor considered. Applicants should not expect a notification upon The Bureau of African Affairs receiving their application.

DOS bears no responsibility for disqualification that results from applicants not being registered before the due date, for registrations errors in either system, or other errors in the application process.

D.5. Funding Limitations, Restrictions, and Other Considerations

The Bureau of African Affairs 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/.

Consistent with Department guidance on State Funding and the Risks of Terrorist

Financing, for all State Department funded programs and requirements, Department bureaus must assess the likelihood that the funds or Department funded activities, goods, services, training, expert advice or assistance, or other benefits to be provided, could inadvertently or incidentally benefit terrorist organizations or their members or supporters, and put in place appropriate risk mitigation measures to mitigate such risk. In accordance with 14 FAM 247, and consistent with the 2 FAM 050, Counterterrorism (CT) name-check vetting may be performed in countries and programs designated by the Department.

Project activities whose direct beneficiaries are foreign militaries or paramilitary groups or individuals will not be considered for The Bureau of African Affairs funding given purpose limitations on funding.

The following activities and costs are not covered under this announcement (this list is NOT exhaustive):

• Construction or renovations is not an allowable activity under this award;

https://www.state.gov/foreign-terrorist-organizations/

• Projects intended primarily for the growth or institutional development of the applicant organization;

• Projects seeking funds for personal use;

• Administration of a project that will make a profit;

• Expenses incurred before or after the specified dates of award period of performance (unless prior written approval is received);

• Projects designed to advocate policy views or positions of foreign governments or views of a particular political faction;

• Alcoholic beverages;

• Costs of entertainment, including amusement, diversion, and social activities, and any associated costs, are unallowable, except where specific costs that might otherwise be considered entertainment have a programmatic purpose and are authorized either in the approved budget for the federal award or with prior written approval of the Grants Officer.

Representation by Organization Regarding a Delinquent Tax Liability or a Felony

Criminal Conviction: In accordance with section 7073 of Division K of the

Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2014 (Public Law 113-76) none of the funds made available by that Act may be used to enter into an assistance award with any organization that –

(1) Was “convicted of a felony criminal violation under any Federal law within the preceding 24 months, where the awarding agency has direct knowledge of the conviction, unless the agency has considered, in accordance with its procedures, that this further action is not necessary to protect the interests of the Government”; or

(2) Has any “unpaid Federal tax liability that has been assessed for which all judicial and administrative remedies have been exhausted or have lapsed, and that is not being paid in a timely manner pursuant to an agreement with the authority responsible for collecting the tax liability, unless the

Federal agency has considered, in accordance with its procedures, that this further action is not necessary to protect the interests of the

Government.”

For the purposes of Section 7073, it is the Department of State’s policy that no award may be made to any organization covered by (1) or (2) above, unless the

Procurement Executive has made a written determination that suspension or debarment is not necessary to protect the interests of the U.S. Government.

Organizations should be cognizant of these restrictions when developing project proposals. Funding restrictions will require appropriate due diligence of program beneficiaries and collaboration with The Bureau of African Affairs 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. Due diligence vetting will include a review of open-source materials.

SECTION E: APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

E1. Proposal Review Criteria

The Bureau of African Affairs 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.

Applications should contain the applicant’s best terms from both cost and technical standpoints. The implementing partners (sub-recipients) of the primary

Recipient will be subject to DoS approval.

Quality and Feasibility of Project Idea (30 points)

The program idea is well developed and responsive to the policy and program objective of the NOFO. The applicant describes the project’s potential contribution to solving the problem addressed in the problem statement. The application clearly defines the problem; it’s causes; stakeholders; and existing research/data; the approach taken to solve the problem; realistic milestones to indicate progress.

Organizational Capacity and Record of Performance (20 points):

The applicant demonstrates an institutional record of successful projects in the content area proposed. The applicant demonstrates experience (e.g., has previously worked and/or has established contacts/partners) in the proposed country/territory/region. The organization has expertise in its stated field and has adequate staffing to manage the proposed project. The applicant demonstrates capacity for responsible fiscal management of donor funding (e.g., successful management of a previous grant or sub-award).

Program Planning/Ability to Achieve Objectives (20 points)

Goals and objectives are clearly stated and project approach is likely to provide maximum impact in achieving the proposed results. The applicant proposes activities that are feasible, and are also practical, and/or experiential in nature to encourage innovation. The applicant addresses how the project will engage or obtain support from relevant stakeholders and/or identifies local partners.

Program logic is sound showing plausible pathways to achieve project outcomes.

Key assumptions and risks have been identified and their potential influences described. 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 or merely add to existing/recent activities.

Financial Capacity and Cost Effectiveness (15 points):

The budget justification is detailed, accounting for all necessary expenses to achieve proposed activities. Costs are reasonable in relation to the proposed activities and anticipated results and provide detail of calculations, including estimation methods, quantities, unit costs, labor in-put and responsibilities, procurement practice and policy information, and other similar quantitative detail. Applications that maximize direct activity costs and minimize administrative costs are encouraged. Final approval of the budget resides with the Grants Officer.

Monitoring & Evaluating and Sustainability (5 points):

Applicant demonstrates ability 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 and who will be responsible for them. The applicant clearly details how activities will result in benefits that will continue beyond the funding period.

Support of Equity and Underserved Communities (10 points):

Proposals should clearly demonstrate how the program will support and advance equity and engage underserved communities in program administration, design, and implementation.

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 on page 1 (Eligibility Category) and 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 move forward 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. The Bureau of African Affairs reserves the right to request the assistance of non-US government Subject Matter

Experts (SMEs), if appropriate to the solicitation. Panel Reviewers will determine scores based on the strengths and weaknesses of the afore-mentioned categories and for consistency with the program goals and objectives outlined in this

NOFO. Panel Reviewers’ ratings, and any resulting recommendations are advisory. To ensure effective use of US Government funds, conditions or recommendations may include requests to increase, decrease, clarify, and/or justify costs and project activities.

Therefore, applications should contain the applicants’ best terms from both cost and technical standpoints.

E.3. Responsibility/Qualification Information in SAM.gov (formerly FAPIIS)

The Department of State, 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 (formerly FAPIIS) (see

41 U.S.C. 2313).

The applicant, at its option, may review information about itself that a Federal awarding agency previously entered and is currently in the designated integrity and performance system accessible through www.sam.gov. Currently, federal agencies create integrity records in the integrity module of the Contractor

Performance Assessment and Reporting System (CPARS) and these records are visible as responsibility/qualification records in SAM.gov.

The Department of State 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.

Applicants are reminded that U.S. Executive Orders and U.S. law prohibits transactions with or support to individuals or organizations associated with terrorism.

• Proposals that reflect any type of support for any member, affiliate, or representative or a designate to terrorist organization or narcotics trafficker, including elected members of government, will NOT be considered. This provision must be included in any sub‐awards/sub-contracts issued under this award.

• U.S. Applicant organizations must demonstrate adherence to equal opportunity employment practices and commitment to non-discrimination with respect to beneficiaries. Non-discrimination includes equal treatment without regard to race, religion, ethnicity, gender, and political affiliation.

• Applicants under DOS-funded projects are responsible for complying with all applicable tax treaties and federal, state, and local laws on tax withholding and reporting for project participants.

SECTION F: FEDERAL AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION

F.1. Federal Award Notices

Successful applicant will receive a letter via email, requesting that the applicant respond to review panel 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 panel’s and awarding bureau’s conditions and recommendations, registration in required systems; and completing and providing any additional documentation requested by the Bureau of African Affairs or the Department’s warranted Grants Officer.

The Grants Officer is the U.S. Government official delegated the authority by the

U.S. Department of State, Procurement Executive to award and administer grants and cooperative agreements. The notice of Federal award signed by the Grants

Officers is the sole authorizing document. The organization may start incurring program expenses beginning on the start date sho the award document signed by the Grants Officer. If awarded, the Notice of Federal Award will be provided to the applicant’s designated Authorizing Official via MyGrants to be electronically counter-signed in the system.

Additional information that successful applicants may be required to submit after notification of intent to make a Federal award, but prior to issuance of a Federal award, may include:

• Written responses and any revised application documents addressing any conditions or recommendations from the Review Panel and awarding bureau;

• Completion of the Department’s Financial Management Survey, if receiving funding for the first time or requested by the Grants Officer;

• If applicable, submission of required documents to register in the Payment

Management System (PMS) managed by the Department of Health and

Human Services if receiving funding for the first time. PMS registration is bureau-specific;

• Other requested information or documents included in this funding opportunity or subsequent communications with the recommended applicant prior to issuance of a Federal award.

Pursuant to 2 CFR 200.400(g), it is U.S. Department of State policy not to award profit under assistance instruments.

Payments under this award will be made through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Payment Management System (PMS) or by completing form SF-270—Request for Advance or Reimbursement. Final determination will be made in conjunction with the Grants Officer. Unless otherwise stipulated, the

Recipient may request payments on a reimbursement or advance basis.

Instructions for requesting payments via PMS are available at:

https://pms.psc.gov/. Instructions for requesting payments via SF-270 are available at: https://www.grants.gov/forms/post-award-reporting-forms.html.

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.

2 CFR §200.501 requires domestic/US non-federal entities that expend $750,000, or more, in federal assistance during organization’s fiscal year to have a single or program-specific audit conducted for that year. In addition, the entity must report the collected audit data elements on the form SF-SAC and submit it to the

FAC. Any findings such as material weaknesses, significant deficiencies, or material noncompliance are reported on the SF-SAC.

F.2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

The Bureau of African Affairs 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-https://www.grants.gov/forms/post-award-reporting-forms.html 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

• U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE STANDARD TERMS AND CONDITIONS

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:

• The President’s September 2, 2020, memorandum, entitled Memorandum on Reviewing Funding to State and Local Government Recipients of Federal

Funds that Are Permitting Anarchy, Violence, and Destruction in American

Cities;

• Executive Order on Protecting American Monuments, Memorials, and

Statues and Combating Recent Criminal Violence (E.O. 13933); and https://www.state.gov/about-us-office-of-the-procurement-executive/ https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=81a5f41de81c46a9844617d93a9db081&mc=true&node=pt2.1.25&rgn=div5 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=81a5f41de81c46a9844617d93a9db081&mc=true&node=pt2.1.25&rgn=div5 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=81a5f41de81c46a9844617d93a9db081&mc=true&node=pt2.1.170&rgn=div5 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=81a5f41de81c46a9844617d93a9db081&mc=true&node=pt2.1.175&rgn=div5 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=81a5f41de81c46a9844617d93a9db081&mc=true&node=pt2.1.182&rgn=div5 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=81a5f41de81c46a9844617d93a9db081&mc=true&node=pt2.1.182&rgn=div5 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=81a5f41de81c46a9844617d93a9db081&mc=true&node=pt2.1.183&rgn=div5 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=81a5f41de81c46a9844617d93a9db081&mc=true&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title02/2chapterVI.tpl https://www.state.gov/about-us-office-of-the-procurement-executive/

• 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:

o 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), o 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), o 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), o 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 o 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).

Due to the determination made under the Trafficking Victims Protection Act

(TVPA) for FY 2022, assistance that benefits the governments of the following countries may be subject to a restriction under the TVPA. The Department of

State determines on a case-by-case basis what constitutes assistance to a government; the general principles listed below apply.

Assistance to the government includes:

• All branches of government (executive, legislative, judicial) at all levels

(national, regional, local);

• Public schools, universities, hospitals, and state-owned enterprises, as well as government employees;

https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=81a5f41de81c46a9844617d93a9db081&mc=true&node=pt2.1.200&rgn=div5 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=81a5f41de81c46a9844617d93a9db081&mc=true&node=pt2.1.200&rgn=div5

• Cash, training, equipment, services, or other assistance provided directly to the government, assistance provided to an NGO or other implementer for the benefit of the government, and assistance to government employees.

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

F.3. Reporting

Reporting is critical to effective program management and oversight. Reports are required as a means of evaluating the recipient’s progress and utilization of resources. They are divided between a performance progress report and a financial status report. Applicants should be aware that The Bureau of African

Affairs awards will require that all reports (financial and progress) are uploaded to the grant file in MyGrants on a quarterly basis.

Financial Reports

The Recipient will be required to submit quarterly financial reports (unless stipulated otherwise in the final Agreement) throughout the project period, using form SF-425, the Federal Financial Report form. If payment is made through the

Payment Management System, all financial reports must be submitted electronically through the Payment Management System. The Recipient will also be required to upload to MyGrants a pdf version of all financial reports (Federal

Financial report) they have submitted in the Payment Management System. Form

(SF-425) can be found here: https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/post-award-reporting-forms.html#sortby=1

Program Reporting

The Recipient will be required to submit quarterly narrative progress reports

(unless stipulated otherwise in the final Agreement) throughout the project https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/post-award-reporting-forms.html#sortby=1 https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/post-award-reporting-forms.html#sortby=1 period to the award file in MyGrants.

Narrative progress reports should reflect continued focus on measuring the project’s progress in achieving the overarching. Explain and evaluate how activities reflect progress toward expected outcome and outcomes towards achieving objectives. In addition, attach the M&E Tracker, comparing the target and actual numbers for the indicators. Reports should also include an update on expenditures during the quarter. Where relevant, progress reports should also include the following:

• Relevant contextual information (limited);

• 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 articles, meeting lists and agendas, participant surveys, photos, manuals, etc.) as separate attachments;

• Description of how the recipient is pursuing sustainability, including looking for sources of follow-on funding;

• Any problems/challenges in implementing the project and corrective action plan with an updated timeline of activities;

• Reasons why activities have not been conducted or deliverables were not met in accordance with the timeline;

• Proposed activities for the next quarter; and,

• Additional pertinent information, including analysis and explanation of cost overruns or high unit costs, if applicable.

The Bureau of African Affairs may also reach out periodically to request information on the program in order to address urgent information needs.

Final Reporting

A final summary financial and progress reports will be due no later than 120 calendar days after the end date of the award. The Final Progress Report shall include the following elements: executive summary, successes, outcomes, best practices, how the project addresses gender issues and marginalized communities, how the project will be sustained. Additional guidance may be provided prior to the award end date.

NOTE: Delays in reporting may result in delays of payment approvals and failure to provide required reports may jeopardize the recipients’ ability to receive future

U.S. government funds.

It is the Department of State policy that English is the official language of all award documents. If reports or any other supporting documents are provided in both English and a foreign language, it must be stated in each version that the

English language version is the controlling version. U.S. dollar is the controlling currency. Financial reports must be submitted in U.S. dollars.

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.

The Foreign Assistance Data Review (FADR)

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). FADR requires tracking of foreign assistance activity data from budgeting, planning, and allocation through obligation and disbursement. Geographical and program area information is now coded within the subaccount/award number. Recipients 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 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/retrieveECFR?gp=&SID=027fb85899500d580fc71df69d11573a&mc=true&n=pt2.1.200&r=PART&ty=HTML%20-%20ap2.1.200_1521.i#ap2.1.200_1521.xii https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/retrieveECFR?gp=&SID=027fb85899500d580fc71df69d11573a&mc=true&n=pt2.1.200&r=PART&ty=HTML%20-%20ap2.1.200_1521.i#ap2.1.200_1521.xii

Recipient will be required to maintain separate accounting records and request expenses to each account separately.

SECTION G: FEDERAL AWARDING AGENCY CONTACT

G.1. Contacts

For technical submission questions related to this NOFO, please contact (Shona

Carter, Entrepreneurship Officer, CarterSM2@state.gov and Ashley Bubna

BubnaAC@state.gov.

For assistance with MyGrants accounts and technical issues related to the system, please contact the ILMS help desk by phone at +1 (888) 313-4567 (toll charges apply for international callers) or through the Self Service online portal that can be accessed from https://afsitsm.service-now.com/ilms/home. Customer support is available 24/7.

For assistance with Grants.gov accounts and technical issues related to using the system, please call the Contact Center at +1 (800) 518-4726 or email support@grants.gov. The Contact Center is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, except federal holidays.

For a list of federal holidays visit:

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

Except for technical submission questions, during the NOFO period U.S.

Department of State staff in Washington and overseas shall not discuss this competition with applicants until the entire proposal review process has been completed and rejection and approval letters have been transmitted.

G.2. Question Submission Deadline

To maintain fairness and transparency in competition, the Bureau of African

Affairs will not answer questions related to proposal concept or design. All mailto:CarterSM2@state.gov mailto:BubnaAC@state.gov https://afsitsm.service-now.com/ilms/home mailto:support@grants.gov https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/federal-holidays/ questions must be submitted via email to contact listed in G.1. by the date outlined on page 1. The Bureau of African Affairs will create a document of submitted questions with answers and post it in grants.gov. Questions and answers will be posted within 1-2 business days from the date of receipt.

Prospective applicants are advised to regularly review the announcement page in grants.gov for any updates.

SECTION H: OTHER INFORMATION

The information in this NOFO is binding and may not be modified by any Bureau of African Affairs representative. Explanatory information provided by the Bureau of African Affairs that contradicts this language will not be binding. 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.

H.1. Conflict of Interest

In accordance with applicable Federal awarding agency policy, applicants must disclose in writing any potential conflict of interest to the Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity.

H.2. Freedom of Information Act

Applicants should be aware that Bureau of African Affairs understands that some information contained in applications may be considered sensitive or proprietary and will make appropriate efforts to protect such information.