NOFO Final 7.24.pdf

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

NOTICE OF FUNDING OPPORTUNITY

Table of Contents Executive Summary

Section A: Funding Opportunity Description

A1. Background

A2. Program Goals and Objectives

A3. Expected Results

A4. Main Activities

A5. Performance Indicators

6. Substantial Involvement

Section B: Federal Award Information

B 1. Available Funding

B2. Award Management

C1. Eligible Applicants:

C2. Cost-Sharing

C3. Other Eligibility Criteria

D1. Address to request Application Package

D2. Content and Form of Application Submission

D3. Unique entity identifier (UEI) and System for Award Management (www.sam.gov)

D4. Submission Dates and Times

D5. Funding Restrictions

D6. Other Submission Requirements

Section E: Application Review Information

E1. Criteria

E2. Review and Selection Process

E3. Responsibility/Qualification Information in SAM.gov (formerly FAPIIS)

Section F: Federal Award Administration Information

F1. Federal Award Notices

F2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

F3. Reporting

Section G: Federal Awarding Agency Contact

G1. Contacts

Section H: Other information

H1. Conflict of Interest

H2. Applicant Vetting

H3. Marking Policy

H4. Evaluation Policy

H5. Monitoring Site Visits

H6. Privacy Disclosure

NOTICE OF FUNDING OPPORTUNITY (NOFO)

Bureau of Economic and Business Affairs

Announcement Type: New Funding Title: Diversifying Semiconductor Supply

Chains Assistance Instrument Type: Cooperative Agreement Funding Opportunity Number: SFOP0009975 Funding Type: Discretionary Assistance Listings Number: 19.322 Funding Amount: $ 13,800,000 Funding Authority: Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 as amended

Source of Funding: Economic Support Funds

Funding Activity Category: Business and Commercial (34)

Cost Sharing Requirement: Not Required Number of Awards: One (1) award Project Duration: 24 months Key Dates: 1. Application must be submitted by 11:59

P.M. Eastern Standard Time (EST) on September 29, 2023.

2. Questions must be submitted by 5:00 P.M. Eastern Standard Time (EST) on August 25, 2023.

3. Notification of recommended for funding proposal expected by November 1, 2023.

Pending satisfactory performance and availability of funds, the period of performance may be extended, additional countries added, and the award amount may be increased upon a determination that continued funding would be in the best interest of the U.S. Department of State and U.S. Government.

Application Submission: Application must be submitted through www.grants.gov.

http://www.grants.gov/

Electronic Requirement: Yes.

Eligibility Category: -U.S. private institutions of higher education

(universities and colleges).

-U.S. public and state-controlled institutions of higher education (universities and colleges).

-U.S.- based non-profit/non-governmental organizations having a 501 (c)(3) status with the IRS.

Pursuant to 2 CFR 200.400, it is a U.S. Department of State policy not to award profit under federal assistance instruments. For-profit and commercial firms are not eligible to apply in response to this NOFO. No exceptions.

Type of Applicant: Organizations only. Individuals are not eligible to apply.

Number of Applications: One (1) per applicant organization.

Executive Summary

The Department of State’s Bureau of Economic and Business Affairs, Office of Multilateral Trade Affairs (EB/TPN/MTA) is pleased to announce a new funding opportunity through this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). Under this NOFO, EB/TPN/MTA seeks proposals to advance U.S. foreign policy and national security priorities outlined in the Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors (CHIPS) Act of 2022 (Div. A, P.L. 117-167). The Act established a new International Technology Security and Innovation Fund (ITSI Fund) to “to support the development and adoption of secure semiconductors, [and] semiconductor supply chains” with the goal to make the global semiconductor supply chain more resilient, diversified, and secure.

Applicants can find additional information on the ITSI Fund here: The U.S.

Department of State International Technology Security and Innovation Fund - United States Department of State

Section A: Funding Opportunity Description

A1. Background

EB/TPN/MTA administers a portion of the ITSI funds to help expand international semiconductor assembly, testing, and packaging capacity that will in turn diversify the global semiconductor supply chain. The CHIPS Act legislated that ITSI must build diverse and resilient semiconductor supply chains for U.S.-based industry needs. The goal of this project is to bring that capacity online in ways that will be beneficial to the new U.S. semiconductor manufacturing facilities as well as our allies and partners. EB/TPN/MTA has identified the key regulatory and policy levers to attract semiconductor supply chain investments, identified workforce development needs, and on regulatory and infrastructure impediments.

Programming to be funded with FY 2023 Economic Support Funds (ESF) will diversify and expand the semiconductor chip assembly, testing, and packaging https://www.state.gov/the-u-s-department-of-state-international-technology-security-and-innovation-fund/ https://www.state.gov/the-u-s-department-of-state-international-technology-security-and-innovation-fund/ https://www.state.gov/the-u-s-department-of-state-international-technology-security-and-innovation-fund/

(“ATP” or “downstream”) operations in key partner countries in the Americas and the Indo-Pacific region.

A2. Program Goals and Objectives

The semiconductor supply chain is global but there are certain countries that are currently active in various areas/components of the supply chain. After reviewing the supply chain, EB/TPN/MTA has identified existing or potential bottlenecks in infrastructure, regulatory environment, or workforce in key economies. This NOFO invites proposals that target the existing supply chain with a goal to expand and diversify the current composition – to “rewire” the supply chain.

The Program goals are to engage host governments, industry, and stakeholders to address supply chain gaps/bottlenecks, increase private investment, build technical capacity, improve global integration, and develop the workforce in order to facilitate new investments that will complement and support the growth of new U.S. chip production.

The objectives are to: 1) improve the business environments so as to facilitate private sector efforts that generate additional capabilities in ATP facilities; 2) expand and diversify the required workforce to ensure growth is possible; and 3) improve regulatory environments that will encourage diversification and expansion of the ATP global supply chain.

EB/TPN/MTA seeks to fund recipients to deliver tangible, measurable capacity development and technical assistance programming that helps address these regulatory and institutional weaknesses and facilitates expansion of workforce capacity needs. Proposals should reflect a clear understanding of the problem set.

As denoted further within each project description below, efforts may include research, training, workshops and seminars, targeted industry outreach, technical consultations, and mentorship. As appropriate, EB/TPN/MTA may supplement recipient’s subject matter expertise with USG experts from the Departments of State, Commerce, Treasury, and others. Their participation and travel will be covered separately.

A3. Expected Results

Within each partner county there will be a unique deployment of interventions that are tailored to that country and its current economic situation.

Based on the goals and objectives of the program, expected results include but are not limited to the following:

1. Increased diversification and expansion of ATP facilities needed by U.S.-based industry needs.

2. Reduction or elimination of regulations that hinder growth or slow expansion of ATP expansion.

3. Increased numbers of critical technical/engineering workforce to support expansion in ATP production.

4. Increased willingness of industry to make new investments to expand ATP facilities that support the needed expansion of U.S.-based industry needs.

5. Improvements are made by industry and/or host governments to improve infrastructure and/or reduce bottlenecks within the semiconductor supply chain.

6. Increased cooperation, the development of a common understanding of how to best diversify the semiconductor supply chain and enhance communication among partners.

A4. Main Activities

ITSI Funds may benefit countries in the Americas, initially in Costa Rica, and Panama, and countries in the Indo-Pacific region, initially in Indonesia, the Philippines, and Vietnam. The Program goals are to engage host governments, industry, and stakeholders to address gaps, increase investment, build technical capacity, improve regional integration, and develop the workforce. The programs goals will be addressed through two main components.

Component One: Provide capacity building technical assistance to address workforce deficiencies Recipient will develop capacity building projects and implement technical assistance to address workforce deficiencies using technical training and exchanges, workshops, creation of supplemental training programs to possibly include developing or adapting existing curriculum, partnering with technical institutions or universities to expand throughput of students, and advising on the creation of partnerships with private sector and academia.

To ensure the recipient has the benefit of all existing knowledge when developing capacity building technical assistance programs, EB/TPN/MTA will provide data analysis reports on specific countries’ semiconductor ecosystems along with a prioritized list of required program design and implementation per partner country. The provided reports will include detailed assessments of the skills and workforce composition, with inclusion of industry and workforce capabilities, a comparison of available and required workforce and skills, related information on university/technical schools’ programs and educational gaps.

EB/TPN/MTA will also provide a prioritization for the development of capacity building technical assistance. The schedule will foresee the creation of capacity building programs simultaneously.

Each program will need to be tailored to the partner country’s economic environment, the current semiconductor ecosystem and limitations. Recipient will need to secure EB/TPN/MTA approval for each capacity building design to ensure all goals are met prior to the recipient commencing development. As programs come online, EBTPN/MTA could foresee new additional projects that build on previous work.

Specific activities supported by this cooperative agreement include but are not limited to:

1. Based on EB/TPN/MTA provided reports, information, and prioritization of program development needs, recipient will develop a clear implementation roadmap or “timeline” for programming, in consultation with the EB/TPN/MTA program specialists, with defined milestones and deliverables harmonized.

2. Once the timeline is approved by EB/TPN/MTA, the recipient must develop and implement capacity development programs to mitigate impediments to workforce capabilities identified by the EB/TPN/MTA reports as critical to the diversification of the semiconductor supply chain. To this end, the recipient will engage subject matter experts (SME) with demonstrated recent experience advising on workforce development, including experience with addressing workforce shortages. These SMEs should have significant experience working with the foreign partners, both host government officials and industry.

3. Recipient will need to organize a kick-off event in each partner country. The event will include senior government officials, U.S. Embassy personnel, and EB/TPN/MTA representatives.

4. Implement capacity building programs, monitoring for effectiveness, and offer changes should milestone not be met to ensure successful implementation.

Ensure all monitoring and evaluation metrics are captured and reported.

5. As part of the implementation within the specified countries, recipient will be requested to conduct workshops, Recipient is expected to provide preliminary schedules, proposed subject matter experts, key attendees, comprehensive logistical support, including booking the workshop venue and lodging, arranging foreign participant travel, making onsite logistical arrangements, communicating with participants and speakers in support of the workshop attendance, arranging for interpretation and translation, and any additional on-sight conference support to the EB/TPN/MTA team, participants, and presenters.

Component Two: Reform policy and mitigate regulatory obstacles for governments to grow and diversify their semiconductor industry To diversify identified countries participation in the global supply chain for semiconductors, relevant to U.S. industry, recipient will develop and implement technical assistance projects to reform regulations that hinder or slow expansion of the semiconductor industry in each partner country. These regulatory bottlenecks will be identified and prioritized by EB/TPN/MTA to account for magnitude of impact as well.

Recipient will assist and mentor host government officials to reform policy and regulatory obstacles to public and private investment in their semiconductor supply chain and provide best practices for governments to deploy to grow and diversify their semiconductor industry and international linkages with U.S.

industry.

Recipient will need to take into account per country the differences in the legal and regulatory framework of the host country. Particular attention will be devoted to financial support to businesses, investment framework, FDI regulation, competition, taxation, intellectual property, and entrepreneurship policies.

Specific activities supported by this award include but are not limited to:

1. Based on EB/TPN/MTA provided reports, information, and prioritization of program development needs, recipient will develop a clear implementation roadmap or “timeline” the creation and timing for programming, in consultation with the EB/TPN/MTA program specialists, with defined milestones and deliverables harmonized.

2. The recipient will develop and assist/mentor host country to implement reforms to government policies and regulations that support an environment conducive to industry expansion - critical to the diversification of the semiconductor supply chain. To this end, the recipient will engage subject matter experts (SME) with demonstrated recent experience advising on regulatory best practices, including experience with addressing bottlenecks, and detrimental policies/procedures. This SME will have significant experience working with the foreign partners, both host country government officials and industry.

3. Organize a kick-off event in each host country. The event will include senior government officials, U.S. Embassy personnel, and EB/TPN/MTA representatives. Support could include translation of materials, interpretation, and organization of such venues for up to 25 people.

4. As part of the implementation within the specified countries, recipient may be requested to conduct workshops, of maximum duration three days each, focused on the implementation of regulatory improvements. Each event is expected to be attended by approximately 75 participants (60 of which would be foreign attendees). Recipients are expected to provide preliminary schedules, proposed subject matter experts, key attendees, comprehensive logistical support, including booking the workshop venue and lodging, arranging foreign participant travel, making onsite logistical arrangements, communicating with participants and speakers in support of the workshop attendance, arranging for interpretation and translation, and any additional on-sight conference support to the EB/TPN/MTA team, participants, and presenters.

A5. Performance Indicators

The Department of State requires the recipient to submit Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) plans as part of the proposal process. The project-level plan should:

1. Describe the logic model for the proposed project (i.e. how the project activities proposed are expected to support achievement of the CHIPS program goals, objectives, and results summarized above in sections A2 and A3)

2. Document the performance indicators that will be used to measure the output- and outcome-level results in the logic model. Indicators should align with standard DOS performance indicators, when possible.

3. Outline a plan for collecting and analyzing data on these indicators to assess whether targeted results were achieved. The recipient should monitor and report on performance indicators relevant to the scope, objectives, and expected results of the program as articulated in this NOFO.

Details should be included on what sources of data will be used to document performance.

If/when an award is made, the USG will work with the final selected recipient to develop a holistic set of indicators that includes some provided by the USG and some suggested by the recipient. Indicators should be well-designed such that they can be used to monitor project progress and measure actual results to assist EB/TPN/MTA assess the success and impact of activities and project outcomes.

Final indicators will be outlined in the award Agreement. Illustrative indicators include the following but are not limited to:

• Number of laws, policies, regulations, or standards modified with USG assistance to encourage growth in the semiconductor sector.

• Number of individuals with improved skills following completion of USG-assisted workforce development programs. Disaggregated by program, educational institution, and final employment location in the economy.

• Value of investments made by U.S.-based industry that expands the semiconductor supply chain due to USG technical assistance or capacity building activities.

• Value of investments made by partner country governments in the semiconductor supply chain due to USG cooperation.

• Value of investments of public-private programs that are built due to USG mentoring and partnerships.

• Number of female and members from marginalized groups involved in USG-assisted programs, mainly workforce development programs.

6. Substantial Involvement

This potential award will be a cooperative agreement, requiring substantial involvement on the part of the Department of State (DOS), awarding bureau, including close collaboration and approval of each phase of the project before moving to the next. Examples of substantial involvement will include but are not limited to:

1. Reviewing and approving the timeline of program development and the sequencing of implementation, based on EB/TPN/MTA’s prioritization.

2. Reviewing and approving the program designs specific to each partner country and the thematic areas for capacity building and regulatory reform.

3. Reviewing and approving the engagement outline, draft agenda, and a list of supplemental materials.

Areas of substantial involvement will be specified and outlined in the final Agreement.

Government-Furnished Information (GFI):

Upon final award, EB/TPN/MTA shall provide GFI as part of the project, such as country-specific semiconductor ecosystem reviews that will assess the entire ecosystem for the semiconductor industry in each partner country, acknowledging the different levels of industry development, access to the supply chain, regional options, and other considerations. Focus areas will include infrastructure impediments/limitations, regulatory environment, investment climate, workforce development opportunities and limitations, and the expansion and promotion of investment for semiconductor supplier operations.

Section B: Federal Award Information

B 1. Available Funding

This notice is subject to availability of funding. Overall grant making authority for this program is contained in the Section 531 and Section 635 Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 as amended, (Economic Support Funds) and several funding restrictions apply, to include country-applicant restrictions.

The Department of State reserves the right to fund any or none of the proposals submitted and reserves the right to reduce, revise, or increase the budget in accordance with the needs of the project and the availability of funds.

The Department of State may consider continuing the program funded under this award beyond the initial period of performance 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 and USG.

B2. Award Management

The successful applicant will need to routinely collaborate with EB/TPN/MTA 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.

Section C. Eligibility Information

C1. Eligible Applicants:

See page 3, Eligibility Category.

The recipient must demonstrate ability to operate consecutively within the Americas and Indo-Pacific region.

Recipient must have demonstrated capability to provide both in-person and distance learning engagements, with in-person engagements preferred. Virtual engagement can take various forms, e.g., one-on-one meetings, small group consultations, webinars, and video conferences, among others.

The recipient must share international and regional best practices, techniques, protocols, and processes in these areas; draw upon national, regional, and international case studies, as well as their own implementation experience; draw from resources provided by multilateral regimes; and provide illustrative models of relevant investments that partners can emulate in developing their own.

Recognizing that the project requires in-depth knowledge of global supply chains and semiconductor industry, the recipient must have demonstrated experience with both aspects. Recipient must have demonstrated ability to understand, aggregate and utilize semiconductor supply chain data. Recipient needs to demonstrate a sufficient amount of subject matter expertise and understanding of how the U.S. government might review the supply chain for shortages, blockages and for misuse by malign actors. Recipient must provide evidence of prior successful project delivery by a U.S. Federal Agency, preferably in a related industry/supply chain.

The Department of State will issue an award to the recipient whose application represents the best value to the U.S. Government based on technical merit, efficient use of U.S. Government funds, and satisfactory organizational capacity. The Department of State reserves the right to make an award based on the initial application received with or without discussion or negotiations.

C2. Cost-Sharing

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.

Cost-sharing is not required. Providing cost-sharing, matching, or cost participation is not an eligibility requirement for this funding opportunity and will not be factored in during the merit review of proposals.

Note: If cost-share is included in the budget, the applicant must maintain written records to support all allowable costs that are claimed as its contribution to cost-share, as well as costs to be paid by the Federal government. Such records are subject to audit. In the event the applicant does not meet the minimum amount of cost-sharing as stipulated in the applicant’s budget, DOS contribution may be reduced in proportion to the Applicant’s contribution.

C3. Other Eligibility Criteria

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

Applicants, including U.S. affiliates of international organizations must provide a valid Unique Entity Identification (UEI), and completed www.sam.gov registration when submitting application on www.grants.gov in response to this NOFO.

Applicants that do not have a valid UEI and completed www.sam.gov registration will NOT be eligible for consideration. Implementing partners/sub-recipient organizations are required to have a valid UEI number.

Applicants listed on the Excluded Parties List System (EPLS) in the System for Award Management (SAM) are not eligible to apply for an assistance award in accordance with the OMB guidelines at 2 CFR 180 that implement Executive http://www.sam.gov/ http://www.sam.gov/

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.

Organizations must have a commitment to equal opportunity employment practices and to non-discrimination practices regarding beneficiaries, without regard to race, religion, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, or political affiliation.

Organizations may only submit one application per organization. If more than one application is submitted by an organization, only the first application received will be reviewed for eligibility and funding.

Section D: Application and Submission Information

D1. Address to request Application Package

Applicants can find application forms on www.grants.gov under the announcement title and funding opportunity number provided above.

Once the NOFO deadline has passed, DOS may not discuss this competition with any applicant until the proposal review process has been completed.

D2. Content and Form of Application Submission

Please follow both, the PSI and the NOFO, to ensure that the proposal package submission is in full compliance with the requirements. Please follow the guidelines in the attached Proposal Submission Instructions (PSI) for additional application submission instructions, including information on required documents and format. Proposal submissions that do not meet all the requirements outlined in this NOFO and the associated PSI will not be considered.

Any prospective applicant who has questions concerning the contents of this NOFO should submit them by email to the contacts listed in Section G. Please refer to the funding opportunity number and title.

Questions and Answers will be posted on www.grants.gov.

D3. Unique entity identifier (UEI) and System for Award

Management (www.sam.gov)

Required Registrations:

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 www.sam.gov.

UEI is assigned by www.sam.gov assigned to organizations that have to register/or renew their www.sam.gov registration.

Any applicant listed on

Organizations based outside of the United States and that do not pay employees within the United States do not need an EIN from the IRS, but they do need a UEI number prior to registering in SAM.gov. This guidance and instructions are to the best of our knowledge available at the time of posting this solicitation. Where guidance in this NOFO differs from the www.sam.gov website, SAM.gov prevails, and the applicant is encouraged to seek and document clarity provided by the SAM.gov helpdesk.

http://www.grants.gov.

https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sam.gov%2F&data=04%7C01%7CChagnonRX%40state.gov%7Ccff17d24a6904724ce4008d9e0fce293%7C66cf50745afe48d1a691a12b2121f44b%7C0%7C0%7C637788198997747268%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000&sdata=93dwoZMkI1HwCxusuuIorVeeVcngkEaPBl0DcloQkVc%3D&reserved=0 www.sam.gov requires all entities to renew their registration once a year in order to maintain an active registration status. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure it has an active registration in www.sam.gov.

If an organization plans to sub-contract or sub-award any of the funds under an award, those sub-recipient organizations must also have a unique entity identifier

(UEI number). www.sam.gov registration is not required.

If an organization does not have an active registration in www.sam.gov prior to submitting an application in response to this NOFO, the application will be deemed ineligible. All organizations applying for USG federal assistance awards

(except individuals) must obtain these registrations. Please note that registration is free of charge.

Note: The process of obtaining a www.sam.gov registration may take from 2-8 weeks or longer. Please begin your registration as early as possible. Numerous errors require correction, such as an address mismatch, and can delay final registration. 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.

An exemption from this requirement may be permitted on a case-by-case basis if the applicant’s identity must be protected due to possible endangerment of their mission. Organizations requesting an exemption should email the point of contact listed in Section G of this NOFO.

D4. Submission Dates and Times

Applicants are urged to begin the application process well before the submission deadline as stated on page 3. No exceptions will be made for organizations that have not completed the necessary steps. Grants.gov automatically log the date and time an application submission is made, and the Department of State will use this information to determine whether an application has been submitted on time. Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

D5. Funding Restrictions

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;

• 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.

D6. Other Submission Requirements

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. DOS bears no responsibility for disqualification that results from applicants not being registered before the due date or for data errors resulting from transmission or conversion processes.

One page Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) Plan:

DEIA Plans should address the following categories, the pursuit of which should not take precedence over a proposal’s core goals.

• SME DEIA: To the extent possible, consider a diverse population of subject matter experts to deliver training, lead discussions, and present technical information. This may include engaging local and regional experts as trainers.

(Note: applicants should not discuss proposals directly with local partners without the explicit approval of EB.)

• Audience DEIA: Consider how to engage a diverse, representative cross-section of the target-audience population while taking into account the objectives of the engagement. This might include considering local representation disparities that are not immediately apparent to those from another culture.

• Accessibility: Consider how to actively reduce or eliminate obstacles that would impede participation by people with disabilities.

Plan contents and submission:

Applicants may use DEIA Plans to describe how proposals will achieve one or more of the DEIA objectives identified above. Plans need not include specific performance targets, but they should outline any concrete steps or key partners the implementer would leverage to achieve the objectives. Plans may also include information about the applicant’s past performance on DEIA-related metrics, both as an employer and as an implementer, and any partner country specific gender analysis to be conducted. Plans may consist of two separate elements as noted below; implementers can submit one or both elements as part of their proposal.

The first element is the project-specific DEIA statement, and the second element is the standalone DEIA summary document.

The first element is project specific language to be integrated into their project proposal consistent with the objectives above. This could consist of actions to be completed as part of the project, demographic targets for participants, key partners that will assist with delivery/implementation, and outside any organization to be engaged if the project is funded. Integrated DEIA Plans should be no more 250 words per project.

The other element is a standalone document (one per proposal). The standalone DEIA Plan should identify proposal-wide actions, highlight past performance, highlight staffing information that will impact the performance of the projects, or articulate examples of previous steps taken consistent with the objectives above.

Standalone document should be no longer than one page on standard letter paper with one-inch margins and 12-point Calibri font.

In accordance with the Executive Order on Advancing Racial Equity and Underserved Communities, proposals should demonstrate how the program advances equity with respect to race, ethnicity, religion, income, geography, gender identity, sexual orientation, and disability. The proposal should also demonstrate how the program will further engagement in underserved communities and with individuals from underserved communities.

Due to the determination made under the Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA) for FY 2021, 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;

• 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.

Section E: Application Review Information

E1. Criteria

The Department of State will issue an award to the applicant whose proposal represents the best value to the U.S. Government based on technical merit, efficient use of U.S. Government funds, and satisfactory organizational capacity. In addition, the organization must demonstrate adequate financial management capability to be measured by a responsibility determination.

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 Department of State approval.

Eligible applications will be evaluated by an independent review panel consisting of subject matter experts from other DOS bureaus/or offices, U.S. Embassies, and/or other U.S. Government agencies. Final approval resides with the DOS Grants Officer. The decision for the final eligibility and award determination rests with the Grants Officer.

The following criteria will serve as a standard, which all eligible applications will be evaluated against. Each eligible application will be evaluated and scored on the review criteria using a 100-point scale.

The review panel will apply the following criteria when rating proposals:

1. Quality and Feasibility of Project Idea (30 points)

• Proposal demonstrates an understanding of the semiconductor supply chain, specifically in the ATP portions.

• The program implementation idea is well developed, with detail about how program activities will be carried out, including a clear articulation of how these activities will contribute to the overall project’s goals and objectives.

• Proposal demonstrates a plan to accommodate working with a minimum of seven countries up to a maximum of ten countries.

2. Organizational Capacity and Record of Performance 30 points):

• Recipients must demonstrate how their resources, capabilities, and experience will enable them to achieve the stated goals and objectives in an international technical context.

• Demonstration of successful implementation in multiple countries simultaneously.

• Proposal demonstrates ability to recruit, engage, and retain a diverse array of policy experts, industry leaders, and foreign government officials in each target country.

3. Financial Capacity and Cost Effectiveness (15 points):

• Proposed costs will be evaluated for feasibility, fiscal control practices, and efficiency.

• The proposed costs must directly relate to meeting the specified objectives and applicants should include specific information on how they will systematically meet the goals.

• The organization has the internal controls in place to manage federal funds.

4. Performance Monitoring, Evaluating, and Learning (10 points):

• Proposal should describe the end-state the project aims to achieve, along with specific, measurable, and realistic benchmarks by which to gauge progress toward that end-state.

• Proposal discuss will explain how progress towards the expected results will be measured.

• Proposal includes an explanation of how data and information will be collected, analyzed and used, and how baseline measurements will be established.

5. Sustainability of Impact/Multiplier Effect (15 points):

• Extent to which the impact of the project will continue beyond the conclusion of the period of performance.

Cost Review: Costs will be reviewed for reasonableness, allowability, allocability, and cost-effectiveness of the use of USG funds. The review of cost-effectiveness will include an examination of the application’s budget detail to ensure it is a realistic financial expression of the proposed project and does not contain estimated costs that are not allocable, reasonable, or allowable.

Applications that maximize direct activity costs and minimize administrative costs are encouraged. Other considerations are the completeness of the application, adequacy of budget detail, and consistency with elements of the technical application. In addition, the organization must demonstrate adequate financial management capability to be measured by a responsibility determination. Final approval of the budget resides with the Grants Officer.

E2. Review and Selection Process

Applications will first be reviewed to determine technical eligibility.

All technically eligible applications will move forward to the merit review panel. Applications will be reviewed against the same criteria as listed above. Applications will be scored based on the strengths and weaknesses of the afore-mentioned categories and for consistency with the program goals and objectives outlined in this NOFO.

The Merit Review Panel may provide conditions and recommendations to enhance the recommended proposal, which must be addressed by the applicant before further consideration of the award. 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.

E3. 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.

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 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

F1. Federal Award Notices

Successful applicant will be notified via email. This email may include a request for the applicant respond to panel conditions and recommendations. This notification is not an authorization to begin activities and does not constitute formal approval or a funding commitment.

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;

• 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.

Final approval is also contingent on Congressional Notification requirements being met and final review and approval by the Department’s Grants Officer.

The Grants Officer is the U.S. Government official delegated the authority by the U.S. Department of State, Procurement Executive to write, award, and administer grants and cooperative agreements. The Award Agreement is the sole authorizing document and will be provided to winning organization electronically through DOS SAMS Domestic. Organizations whose applications will not be funded will be notified in writing.

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

Award cannot be issued until funds have been fully appropriated, allocated, and committed through internal DOS procedures. While it is anticipated that these procedures will be successfully completed, potential applicants are hereby notified of these requirements. All preparation and submission costs are at the Applicant’s expense.

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

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.

F2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

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

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

• 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:

o 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;

o Executive Order on Protecting American Monuments, Memorials, and Statues and Combating Recent Criminal Violence (E.O. 13933); and o 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.