NOFO - GamesFX.pdf

U.S. EMBASSY RIYADH

Notice of Funding Opportunity

Funding Opportunity Title: GamesFX – The Future of Videogaming Exchange Program Funding Opportunity Number: DOS-SAU-2405-PD Deadline for Applications: July 22, 2024 Assistance Listing Number: 19.040 - Public Diplomacy Programs Total Amount Available: $500,000 - $750,000

A. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

U.S. Embassy Riyadh announces an open competition for organizations to submit applications to carry out a program that provides exchange opportunities for emerging Saudi leaders in video game development and fosters linkages between them and experienced U.S.

practitioners, professionals, educators and peers. Please read this document carefully and follow all instructions. This notice is subject to availability of funding.

Program Objectives:

The U.S. Embassy in Riyadh’s Public Affairs Section (PAS), in consultation with the Department of State (DOS), Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs, Office of Press and Public Diplomacy (NEA/PPD), announces an open competition for a cooperative agreement on the development and implementation of a new exchange program: GamesFX – The Future of Videogaming Exchange Program (GamesFX). The purpose of the activity is to support fostering the establishment of professional and educational exchanges and sustained creative engagement in the sector as well as sustained relationships among emerging video game developers in Saudi Arabia (programmers, coders, animators, creative directors, technical directors, storytellers, scriptwriters, marketing professionals, and designers) with experienced U.S. professional counterparts, peers and/or sector leaders. An in-person exchange focused on video game development is intended to create durable linkages with U.S. counterparts and instill in Saudi young leader audiences the American values of business development, entrepreneurship, free expression, and women and youth empowerment, all within the video game development context. GamesFX will seek to advance American methods and standards of game development, American business values and practices, and American industry linkages to the region and vice versa, while promoting a pluralistic, values-based, high-quality future for the video game development sector in the MENA region as the market for continues to grow in multiple formats on multiple kinds of platforms.

Video game development is emerging as a key cultural driver in the Kingdom, drawing young Saudis, including women, from a variety of fields to launch new studios and take advantage of seed capital from the Saudi government set aside specifically for the video game sector. The challenge is strengthening the human capital among Saudi Arabia’s emerging game developers necessary for creating dynamic games that showcase Arab history and culture as well as the values of a large, increasingly open youth population. GamesFX thus aims to leverage U.S.

expertise in the sector to help strengthen local talent, providing opportunities to promote freer cultural expression via the gaming sector, and open doors to U.S. entrance into the market.

The primary objectives of the Games FX program are: (i) through exchanges with the U.S.

videogaming production and educational sector, promote the professional development of game developers (focused on programming, design, storytelling) from Saudi Arabia to create gaming worlds with developed characters and incorporating Saudi or region-specific culture while utilizing and promoting American values with regard to the creative, technical and commercial processes involved; (ii) establishing relationships between Saudi game developers and their U.S. gaming counterparts to sow the seeds of future partnerships; and (iii) developing a cohesive network of Saudi game developers to share best practices and maintain close contact among themselves and the U.S. Embassy.

The Embassy requires substantive services and assistance to support these goals and to provide collaborative services and shared professional and educational experience that benefit all participants, as described in this notice of funding opportunity. The necessary support will be achieved through a cooperative agreement with an institution, including possible sub-grantees that have a demonstrable track record working with the video game development industry and outstanding expertise and skills in supporting current and future developers and managing programs in cross-cultural settings. In a cooperative agreement, the Embassy is substantially involved in program activities above and beyond routine program monitoring.

Program Components: The award recipient will be required to incorporate the following events into the concepts of the award and satisfactorily deliver on them:

• Exchange Program: Design and deliver a series of professional development workshops, masterclasses, and webinars for participants that impart the fundamental skills needed to create compelling, character-driven games. These sessions could cover topics including advanced game design, user experience, and storytelling/character development for games. The program would also include a mentorship and pitch workshop component. The overall focus should be on using American methods and techniques to encourage the creation of values-based video game content. The activities should include at least six virtual sessions and one five-week, in-person intensive exchange program experience in the United States. The awardee would be expected to use grant funds to cover the costs of participant travel to any such in-person activities. (50%)

• Professional Development and Network Building: Support an extended mentoring program that will continue and build on workshop activity by pairing game development industry experts from the United States with emerging Saudi game development professionals and their projects. U.S. mentors may provide virtual and/or in-country mentorship sessions that would address participant needs at different stages of project development and creation. Explore professional internship opportunities or work-shadow opportunities in the U.S. or in Saudi Arabia to continue to expose participants to current, practical, professional, and technical skills in creating video games. Promote professional network and capacity-building activities by supporting professional gatherings in the region to connect GamesFX participants, including alumni, with industry decision makers and regional industry events. Gatherings should also promote transparent business models based on American industry methods, standards, and values, such as respect for intellectual property rights. (30%)

• Alumni Engagement: Working directly or with a partner maintain a robust program alumni community and expanding network of game development industry partners to facilitate a supportive creative environment for developers, promote the exchange of information (including with U.S. experts in the field) and support an ongoing culture of mentorship, professional tradecraft, and education to share skills and opportunities.

Alumni data will be shared with PAS. (10%)

• Social Media Platform(s): Create and maintain for the duration of the cooperative agreement a branded program website, Facebook account, and/or potentially other appropriate social media account or accounts (such as Instagram) as mutually agreed upon by PAS and the implementing partner for GamesFX to be used to promote the program, as well as program participants, partners, and alumni, and their work prior, during or after the program. Following the program, control of the social media sites shall be transferred to PAS unless otherwise disposed of by mutual agreement. (5%)

• Monitoring and Evaluation: Design and implement a monitoring and evaluation plan that measures the impact of GamesFX on participants’ skill levels, future professional plans, and linkages with U.S. counterparts and with the U.S. Embassy. (5%)

Participants and Audiences:

Emerging professionals in the video game design sphere from a variety of fields – programmers, coders, animators, creative directors, technical directors, storytellers, scriptwriters, marketing professionals, and designers. Participants should be residents of Saudi Arabia and citizens of Saudi Arabia or countries in the MENA region; at least half the cohort should be women.

B. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION

Estimated length of performance period: 12 to 18 months Number of awards anticipated: 1 award Award amounts: awards may range from a minimum of $500,000 to a maximum of $750,000 Type of funding: FY24 Public Diplomacy Funds Anticipated program start date: September 2024

This notice is subject to availability of funding.

Funding Instrument Type: Cooperative agreement. Cooperative agreements includes active involvement by Embassy staff in the grant implementation with substantial involvement, such as:

Active participation or collaboration with the recipient in the implementation of the award.

Review and approval of one stage of work before another can begin.

Joint preparation and/or presentation of results with the recipient.

Review and approval of substantive provisions of proposed subawards or contracts.

Involvement where the Department’s project office requires specific programmatic involvement in the award beyond monitoring.

Program Performance Period: Proposed programs should be completed in eighteen months or less. The Department of State will entertain applications for continuation grants funded under these awards beyond the initial budget period on a non-competitive basis subject to availability of funds, satisfactory progress of the program, and a determination that continued funding would be in the best interest of the U.S. Department of State.

C. ELIGILIBITY INFORMATION

1. Eligible Applicants

The following organizations are eligible to apply:

• Not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks and civil society/non-governmental organizations

• Public and private educational institutions

2. Cost Sharing or Matching

Cost sharing, including with companies Saudi private sector, is encouraged but not required.

3. Other Eligibility Requirements

In order to be eligible to receive an award, all organizations must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) number issued via www.SAM.gov as well as a valid registration on www.SAM.gov. Please see Section D.3 for more information. Individuals are not required to have a UEI or be registered in SAM.gov.

D. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

1. Address to Request Application Package

Application forms required below are available at grants.gov http://www.sam.gov/

2. Content and Form of Application Submission

Please follow all instructions below carefully. Proposals that do not meet the requirements of this announcement or fail to comply with the stated requirements will be ineligible.

Content of Application Please ensure:

• The proposal clearly addresses the goals, objectives, outcomes, beneficiaries, and proposed timeline of activities for this funding opportunity

• All documents are in English

• All budgets are in U.S. dollars

• All pages are numbered

The following documents are required:

1. Mandatory application forms

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

• SF-424A (Budget Information for Non-Construction programs)

• SF-424B (Assurances for Non-Construction programs) (note: the SF-424B is only required for organizations not registered in SAM.gov)

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

3. Proposal (20 pages maximum): The proposal should contain sufficient information that anyone not familiar with it would understand exactly what the applicant wants to do. You may use your own proposal format, but it must include all the items below.

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

• Introduction to the Organization or Individual applying: A description of past and present operations, showing ability to carry out the program, including information on previous grants from the U.S. Embassy and/or U.S. government agencies.

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

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

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

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

• Proposed Program Schedule and Timeline: The proposed timeline for the program activities. Include the dates, times, and locations of planned activities and events.

• Key Personnel: Names, titles, roles and experience/qualifications of key personnel involved in the program. What proportion of their time will be used in support of this program?

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

• Program Monitoring and Evaluation Plan: This is an important part of successful grants. Throughout the timeframe of the grant, how will the activities be monitored to ensure they are happening in a timely manner, and how will the program be evaluated to make sure it is meeting the goals of the grant?

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

5. Attachments:

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

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

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

Required Registrations:

All organizations, whether based in the United States or in another country, must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and an active registration with the SAM.gov. A 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.

Note: As of April 2022, a DUNS number is no longer required for federal assistance applications.

The 2 CFR 200 requires that sub-grantees obtain a UEI number. Please note the UEI for sub-grantees is not required at the time of application but will be required before an award is processed and/or directed to a sub-grantee.

Note: The process of obtaining or renewing a SAM.gov registration may take anywhere from 4-8 weeks. Please begin your registration as early as possible.

• Organizations based in the United States or that pay employees within the United States will need an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and a UEI number prior to registering in SAM.gov.

• 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 do need a UEI number prior to registering in SAM.gov.

• Please note that as of November 2022 and February 2022 respectively, 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 Commercial and Government Entity (NCAGE) code or CAGE code to apply for non- DoD foreign assistance funding opportunities. If an applicant organization is mid-registration and wishes to remove a CAGE or NCAGE code from their SAM.gov registration, the applicant should submit a help desk ticket (“incident”) with the Federal Service Desk (FSD) online at www.fsd.gov using the following language: “I do not intend to seek financial assistance from the Department of Defense. I do not wish to obtain a CAGE or NCAGE code. I understand that I will need to submit my registration after this incident is resolved in order to have my registration activated.”

Organizations based outside of the United States and that DO NOT plan to do business with the DoD should follow the below instructions:

Step 1: Proceed to SAM.gov to obtain a UEI and complete the SAM.gov registration process. SAM.gov registration must be renewed annually.

Organizations based outside of the United States and that DO plan to do business with the DoD in addition to Department of State should follow the below instructions:

Step 1: Apply for an NCAGE code by following the instructions on the NSPA NATO website linked below:

NCAGE Homepage:

https://eportal.nspa.nato.int/AC135Public/sc/CageList.aspx NCAGE Code Request Tool (NCRT):

Exemptions An exemption from the UEI and sam.gov registration requirements may be permitted on a case-by-case basis if:

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• An applicant’s identity must be protected due to potential endangerment of their mission, their organization’s status, their employees, or individuals being served by the applicant.

• For an applicant, if the Federal awarding agency makes a determination that there are exigent circumstances that prohibit the applicant from receiving a unique entity identifier and completing SAM registration prior to receiving a Federal award. In these instances, Federal awarding agencies must require the recipient to obtain a unique entity identifier and complete SAM registration within 30 days of the Federal award date.

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.

4. Submission Dates and Times

Applications are due no later than 12:00 pm EST July 22, 2024.

5. Funding Restrictions - N/A

6. Other Submission Requirements

All application materials must be submitted by email to RiyadhGrants@state.gov

E. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

1. Criteria

Each application will be evaluated and rated on the basis of the evaluation criteria outlined below.

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

Organizational Capacity and Record on Previous Grants – 20 points: The organization has expertise in its stated field and has the internal controls in place to manage federal funds. This includes a financial management system and a bank account.

Program Planning/Ability to Achieve Objectives – 20 points: Goals and objectives are clearly stated and program approach is likely to provide maximum impact in achieving the proposed results.

Budget – 20 points: The budget justification is detailed. Costs are reasonable in relation to the proposed activities and anticipated results. The budget is realistic, accounting for all necessary expenses to achieve proposed activities.

Monitoring and evaluation plan – 10 points: Applicant demonstrates it is able to measure program success against key indicators and provides milestones to indicate progress toward goals outlined in the proposal. The program includes output and outcome indicators and shows how and when those will be measured.

2. Review and Selection Process

A review committee will evaluate all eligible applications.

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

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

ii. An applicant, at its option, may review and comment on any information about itself that a Federal awarding agency previously entered. 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;

iii. The Federal awarding agency will consider any comments by the applicant, in addition to the other information in the designated integrity and performance system, in making a judgment about the applicant's integrity, business ethics, and record of performance under Federal awards when completing the review of risk posed by applicants as described in §200.206 Federal awarding agency review of risk posed by applicants.

F. FEDERAL AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION

1. Federal Award Notices

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

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

Issuance of this NOFO does not constitute an award commitment on the part of the U.S.

government, nor does it commit the U.S. government to pay for costs incurred in the preparation and submission of proposals. Further, the U.S. government reserves the right to reject any or all proposals received.

Payment Method: All requests for payment will be made via SF-270 to the Grants Officer and Grants Officer Representative.

2. 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

• 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

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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: NOTE:

• 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).

3. Reporting

Reporting Requirements: Recipients will be required to submit financial reports and program reports. The award document will specify how often these reports must be submitted.

Recipients will be required to submit financial reports via SF-425 as well as narrative program reports. The award document will specify how often these reports must be submitted. In addition, the grantee should collect data for use in reporting on the outcomes and effectiveness of the activity. The grantee will provide short summary reports on participation following each event and a fuller analysis report at the conclusion of the grant period. The grantee will also provide raw data collected to the U.S. Mission, including participant contact information

Foreign Assistance Data Review: As required by Congress, the Department of State must make progress in its efforts to improve tracking and reporting of foreign assistance data through the Foreign Assistance Data Review (FADR). The FADR requires tracking of foreign https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=81a5f41de81c46a9844617d93a9db081&mc=true&node=pt2.1.200&rgn=div5 assistance activity data from budgeting, planning, and allocation through obligation and disbursement. Successful applicants will be required to report and draw down federal funding based on the appropriate FADR Data Elements, indicated within their award documentation. In cases of more than one FADR Data Element, typically program or sector and/or regions or country, the successful applicant will be required to maintain separate accounting records.

G. FEDERAL AWARDING AGENCY CONTACTS

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

H. OTHER INFORMATION

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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